Written By: DMG
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: Stuart Gordon
Producer: Charles Band, Brian Yuzna
Screenwriter: Ed Naha
Date Released: March 6, 1987
Cast:
Carolyn Purdy Gordon as Rosemary Bower
Carrie Lorraine as Judy Bower
Ian Patrick Williams as David Bower
Stephen Lee as Ralph Morris
Guy Rolfe as Gabriel Hartwicke
Hilary Mason as Hilary Hartwicke
Bunty Bailey as Isabel
Cassie Stuart as Enid
Rating = 2.5/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
The story follows Judy Bower and her family (Carrie Lorraine, Ian Patrick Williams, and Carolyn Purdy Gordon), as they travel the countryside for vacation. During their travels, a thunderstorm causes the vehicle to swerve and crash on the side of the road. Eager to find a place to stay during the storm, the family comes across a nearby house to seek shelter. Upon arrival, the Bowers meet the owners, Gabriel (Guy Wolfe) and Hilary (Hilary Mason) who provide the Bowers with food and shelter. The family is quick to notice the antique dolls scattered throughout the home but what they do not realize is that their every move is being watched.
Gore Factor
Dolls (1987) incorporates mild to light gore. In fact, the gore is somewhat comical. For example, one of the dolls has a baby saw and is sawing one of the individual’s legs. In a strange way, seeing the doll with a baby saw was very cute. Since the dolls are small, the weapons they carry are of similar size. The “gory” scenes remind us of Gulliver’s Travels if it was a horror film. You almost hope the dolls will tie up their victims as a tribute to the film.
The Grave Review
Dolls (1987)present a very simplistic and straightforward plot that leaves very little left to the viewer’s imagination. With that said, the film is entertaining in its own way. The relationship that is formed between Ralph and the little girl, Judy, contributes tremendously in this way. Ralph and Judy’s performance helps to give Dolls some character. The remainder of the performances are not believable and somewhat forced.
If we are to think about the meaning behind Dolls, it is a story about parenthood and how it should not be taken for granted. The dolls are almost an afterthought to the true premise of the film. Judy who is accompanied by his uncaring father and nasty stepmother treat her like dirt. There is even a scene where Judy’s father is tempted to hit her but is stopped. As the film progresses, so does the relationship between Ralph and Judy. During the night, the dolls turn the bad people into dolls and leave the good people alone. The film has a happy ending that shows Ralph and Judy leaving the home after a long night full of “terror.” The presumption is that Ralph becomes Judy’s new father and treats her with the love and care that she deserves.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives Dolls (1987) two and one-half graves out of five graves.
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