This book contains 101 ranked reviews of horror and horror-adjacent black and white movies. The ranking is established by the sum of 8 ratings: stars, gimmick, rewatchability, creepiness, story, creativity, acting & quality. Each article contains a rating, a synopsis, and a short review.
So Bad It's Good
United States1991
Feature Film
Realism:
Supernatural
Cultists:
Guru
Worshipper
Government:
Nazi
Writing:
Characters:
Uncredited:
Franchise Prequel
Puppets vs. the Nazi!
Ambiance
Pace
Effects
We knew these puppets had some connection to Nazi history. This sequel attempts to explain how and why and there are pleasant surprises along the way. It’s a period piece, a prequel and it contains clever twists you probably won’t see coming. The sensitive Holocaust material is well-handled. Furthermore, it’s a clever plot device that introduces the concept of research on eternal life.
Sumptuous Gothic sets are used as backdrop, but this time we’re in Berlin during World War II and threats are everywhere. The puppets are no longer answering to a villain but a hero, now. The Nazis are the antagonists and the puppets follow Andre Toulon's directives. We actually follow the old tortured man throughout the movie. It’s quite the mental gymnastics, indeed, but it works.
This is the most polished movie in this franchise at this point. The quality of the screenplay, the effects, the dialog and the cinematography are upped a notch. The actors do a good job, too. Puppet Master 3’s only drawback is that it isn't scary. It is starting to feel like a cartoon and is losing its evil signature, but it’s entertaining all the same.
