Puppet Master(1989)
R
10/12/1989 (US)Horror, Fantasy, Science Fiction1h 23m5.8
"Evil comes in all sizes."
Overview
After being contacted by their mysterious former colleague, four psychics arrive at a secluded hotel where they are stalked by a group of murderous puppets.
David Schmoeller
Director
David Schmoeller
Screenplay
Charles Band
Story
Kenneth J. Hall
Story
J.S. Cardone
Story
Top Billed Cast
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![Puppetmaster (1989) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/KK3NYrORvdk/hqdefault.jpg)
Puppetmaster (1989) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
Trailer
Puppet Master Trailer
Trailer
Puppet Master (1989) with Robin Frates | TCM Slumberground
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A review by Wuchak
5.0
Written on May 5, 2018
Inert first act, but decent start to the ongoing puppet-slasher series
RELEASED TO VIDEO IN 1989 and directed by David Schmoeller, "Puppet Master" (or “Puppetmaster”) takes place at a striking old hotel on the California coast where four psychics gather to meet a former colleague and his wife, the heir of the grand inn. However, their colleague has committed suicide and puppets animated by Egyptian sorcery are intent on killing them off one-by-one.
This was the first of a franchise that includes a dozen sequels (as of this writing), which is one more than the Friday the 13th franchise. While decidedly Grade B in quality, I liked the grand ol’ hotel setting, the cast, and the Ten Little Indians-like plot. Unfortunately, the first half hour feels lethargic and dull.
From there, the film’s decent enough with quality puppet effects. Irene Miracle is stunning as a psychic biyatch and Kathryn O'Reilly & Robin Frates ain’t no slouches on the feminine front, but the filmmakers fumble the ball as far as taking advantage of these resources. Paul Le Mat is genial as the main male protagonist with frightful hair while Jimmie F. Skaggs is formidable as the colleague gone mad.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 30 minutes and was shot in California (Riverside, Pasadena, etc.). WRITERS: Charles Band, Kenneth J. Hall, Schmoeller and J.S. Cardone.
GRADE: C+
RELEASED TO VIDEO IN 1989 and directed by David Schmoeller, "Puppet Master" (or “Puppetmaster”) takes place at a striking old hotel on the California coast where four psychics gather to meet a former colleague and his wife, the heir of the grand inn. However, their colleague has committed suicide and puppets animated by Egyptian sorcery are intent on killing them off one-by-one.
This was the first of a franchise that includes a dozen sequels (as of this writing), which is one more than the Friday the 13th franchise. While decidedly Grade B in quality, I liked the grand ol’ hotel setting, the cast, and the Ten Little Indians-like plot. Unfortunately, the first half hour feels lethargic and dull.
From there, the film’s decent enough with quality puppet effects. Irene Miracle is stunning as a psychic biyatch and Kathryn O'Reilly & Robin Frates ain’t no slouches on the feminine front, but the filmmakers fumble the ball as far as taking advantage of these resources. Paul Le Mat is genial as the main male protagonist with frightful hair while Jimmie F. Skaggs is formidable as the colleague gone mad.
THE MOVIE RUNS 1 hour, 30 minutes and was shot in California (Riverside, Pasadena, etc.). WRITERS: Charles Band, Kenneth J. Hall, Schmoeller and J.S. Cardone.
GRADE: C+
