Let me just say that I haven't seen the original films as much as most other people have. I have seen the first one a few times and I remember it decently enough (I did just watch it again about a year ago, though). That being said, I prefer to go into reboots and remakes that way. I feel it allows me to have a more open mind and I can judge without being too critical.
I really wasn't interested in seeing this film until about a month or two before it's release. Finding out Mark Hamill would voice him was really what pushed me to give it a try. We all know he can do creepy. And I'll say, he didn't disappoint with that in this film. He did well with the material he was given. I never had a doubt of that. I do wish I had gotten a little more, though. More than anything, I was really hoping for a good sinister laugh. That's something I always think of when I think of Chucky. That's my only complaint with that. I understand that this version of him is AI and not a doll with human qualities. Naturally, his delivery would be different. I'm okay with that. I accept that. I just had high hopes, I guess.
His look was definitely creepy, but, it did feel strange to me. Something just felt odd about it. I can't really explain it. It's just a feeling I got. That wasn't enough to make me hate the film, though. The same with him now being a Buddi instead of a Good Guy doll. I saw much criticism for both of those things from other viewers. But, the change didn't bother me so much. All in all, I liked Chucky himself. He was enjoyable enough and I feel like as far as a rebooted version goes, it wasn't half bad!
Now onto the human characters. Andy was well acted. The kid really embodied the role. At least, I thought so. This is an older, modern day child. I think they'd totally act like he did. The mom was kind of "meh"to me. I neither liked or disliked her. I did, however find myself wondering if I'd actually care that much if she met her demise. I wasn't sure. And I'm still not. The other characters were very okay to me. I didn't feel like they were horrible or great. I didn't feel that interested in them when they were on screen, and I feel like most of them could have easily not been in the story and it wouldn't have mattered much. They were just... there. That is aside from the elderly neighbor and her cop son. I enjoyed their witty banter and I felt it added nice humor to the film.
The deaths were decent. Definitely earning the R rating. They were creative, gruesome, and quite humerus at times with how over the top they were.. We all love that aspect of the Chucky franchise. So if you're interested in that part, maybe you''ll like this film. And believe it or not, there are times in this film where you will actually feel bad for Chucky and side with him. Even if for a brief moment. They do well with giving you a different perspective on Chucky in this film. Instead of him just being a crazed serial killer killing just because he can, this Chucky starts out good. Learned behaviors and pure love for his kid turn him bad. He becomes so consumed with taking care of Andy and being his only friend. I can't spoil much for those that have yet to see it, so I won't go into more detail on that.
I did really like the modern take on the character. As much as we all love the supernatural aspect from before, this version felt more real. Like, this could really happen with the way technology is today. Already, smart devices have taken over our homes and can do so much for us. Who's to say that something like a Buddi won't exist in the future? Or that like technology often does, it will malfunction? It's far more plausible. And to me, that is a spooky thought. I do have a soft spot for Charles Lee Ray, though. His Chucky was a true maniac and there was never a dull moment with him. I find that even in those "crappy" sequels, you'll still find moments that entertain you. Even if you're laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. So for that reason, I'll always love the original more than this remake.
Overall, I give Child's Play (2019) 3 out of 5 stars. I felt it was very average. I neither hated it or loved it. It is re-watchable though.