Watch Devil Dolls
- NR
- 2012
- 1 hr 34 min
-
3.6 (99)
Devil Dolls is a 2012 horror movie that follows a group of teenagers who are lured into a strange and eerie doll shop by its owner, Gabriel (Phil Fondacaro). The shop is filled with all kinds of dolls, from vintage porcelain dolls to creepy clown dolls, and the group of friends are immediately drawn in by their twisted and spooky charm.
As they explore the shop, Gabriel tells them the story of how each of the dolls was crafted by a group of skilled craftsmen who imbued each one with its own unique personality and identity. However, the story takes a dark turn when the teens start to realize that each of the dolls may actually be possessed by something evil.
The central character of the movie is Jude (Jared Kusnitz), a troubled teen who is dealing with the tragic loss of his father. As he explores the shop, he starts to see visions of his father's ghost and he becomes increasingly convinced that the dolls are connected to him in some way. Meanwhile, his friends are being picked off one by one by the sinister dolls, leading the group towards a final showdown with Gabriel and his malevolent creations.
The movie is directed by Charles Band, who is known for his work on a variety of horror and sci-fi movies in the 80s and 90s. He brings his signature low-budget, B-movie style to Devil Dolls, which features a mix of practical effects and cheesy CGI to bring the dolls to life.
The performances in Devil Dolls are a mixed bag. Phil Fondacaro, who has appeared in a number of horror and fantasy movies over the years, is suitably creepy as the doll maker Gabriel, and manages to bring a sense of menace to his scenes. Jennia Fredrique and Kristyn Green, who play two of the teens, are less convincing, with somewhat awkward line delivery and stiff performances.
The real stars of the movie, of course, are the dolls themselves. From a scarred and menacing clown to a wide-eyed and innocent-looking baby doll, each of the dolls in Gabriel's shop has its own distinctive look and personality. The practical effects used to bring them to life are generally well done, with a few standout scenes of doll-on-human violence that are sure to delight horror fans.
One of the film's biggest strengths is its pacing. Despite a somewhat convoluted and meandering plot, Devil Dolls manages to keep the action moving at a brisk pace, with plenty of suspenseful moments and jump scares. The movie also manages to balance its more serious moments with a healthy dose of campy humor, making it an entertaining and fun ride.
However, the movie does have its flaws. The dialogue is often clunky and forced, with characters spouting off awkward one-liners and exposition-heavy speeches that feel more like plot exposition than actual conversations. Additionally, the movie's attempts at social commentary feel heavy-handed and unsubtle, detracting from the overall horror experience.
Overall, Devil Dolls is a fun and enjoyable horror movie that delivers on its promise of sinister dolls and chilling scares. While its performances and dialogue may leave something to be desired, its inventive use of practical doll effects and suspenseful pacing make it a worthwhile watch for horror fans looking for a creepy and campy night in.