"Chucky" meets BET: low-budget slowmovin' but funny as hell!
01/18/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)
"If you want a "good movie"--"good" as in "well written and well acted"--then take reviewer #1's advice and press on. But if you're in the mood for a funny as hell low-budget remake of CHILD'S PLAY with blackfolk, then RAGDOLL is a treat. Set in contemporary New Orleans, I picked up this film because of the concept and its cast. The concept isn't original, but a horror film peopled almost entirely by blackfolk? That, at least, should get a screening. But, like the previous reviewer, I nearly ejected the joint with the quickness. No spoilers, but the opening scene was too laughable for words. Made to give the film some historical background, this scene is beyond belief. Think MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000. Problem is, MST is to be campy, while these folk look like they are really trying hard. Add this with the producers' obvious attempts to pass a wanna-be hip hop video as a movie, then there is no surprise why reviewer #1 fell out. Fortunately I watched this with good company, who had a great sense of humor. After the slow set up, the film picks up pace when THE RAGDOLL starts whoopin' folks' *! Here's a line from RAGDOLL that made the movie for me: "Girl, pass the paprika! Can't you see this man putting gris-gris on me?!" The delivery is priceless. I'm giving RAGDOLL two stars for that alone. Enjoy!"
A heart-pounding indie you'll want to own!!
Gayle Higginson | Portland, Oregon United States | 11/09/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ragdoll is one of the most chilling, exciting movies I've ever seen! The story is about a kid (Quama) who accidently "conjures up the magic of the killin' kind" when, with the help of Shadow Man, he brings a (rag)doll to life. He summons the ragdoll to kill an evil music company boss who wants his music group to sign a contract. But, something goes wrong when Quama tells Shadow Man he can have anything he wants. . . .what Quama doesn't know is that every person Ragdoll kills that Quama wants dead, it also kills one of his FRIENDS!! Watch and see what happens in this fun, amazing film. Well casted and well played, great peice of work!"
FREDA PAYNE, STICK TO SINGING!! :)
Emmett Miller | AUSTIN, TX USA | 02/05/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"C'mon, now, Full Moon Pictures...if you wanted to cast the role of a priestess of voodoo/black magic, Freda Payne didn't do the job here. She's such a great songstress to feature in this 2-bit role. In fact, at times I sensed she sang her lines, rather than spoke them! While the movie had it's high points, it was more comical than scary. More like a '90s version of Blacula! Hmmm...also who's the ruff-n-tuff guy who goes in-and-out of personalities ranging from Little Richard to Mike Tyson! What a riot!! The ragdoll puppet would have been more effective if special effects were geared to body movements, rather than motion-gliding through her slash scenes. The kids can stay up and watch this one...just tell them the blood is grape jelly!! Great soundtrack from some unknowns, too!!"