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Puppet Master

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5.8/10 • 343

1989-10-121h 23m

HorrorFantasyScience Fiction

Evil comes in all sizes.

Alex Whitaker and three other gifted psychics investigate rumors that the secret of life has been discovered by master puppeteer, Andre Toulon, in the form of five killer puppets uniquely qualified for murder and mayhem.

Directors
David Schmoeller
Editors
Thomas Meshelski

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Paul Le Mat

    Paul Le Mat

    Alex Whitaker

  2. William Hickey

    William Hickey

    Andre Toulon

  3. Irene Miracle

    Irene Miracle

    Dana Hadley

  4. Jimmie F. Skaggs

    Jimmie F. Skaggs

    Neil Gallagher

  5. Robin Frates

    Robin Frates

    Megan Gallagher

  6. Matt Roe

    Matt Roe

    Frank Forrester

  7. Kathryn O'Reilly

    Kathryn O'Reilly

    Carlissa Stamford

  8. Mews Small

    Mews Small

    Theresa

  9. Barbara Crampton

    Barbara Crampton

    Woman at Carnival

Reviews3

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Wuchak Avatar

Wuchak

May 5, 2018

5/10

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+

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
puppetmurderold dark housedark fairy talemysticism