Puppet Master

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Puppet Master

R

1989

1h 30m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

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6 Reviews

40%

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10,000+ Ratings

Assailed by nightmarish visions, Alex Whitaker (Paul Le Mat) and his fellow psychics descend on the Bodega Bay Inn. There, they discover that their compatriot Neil (Jimmie F. Scaggs) has apparently committed suicide. But, as the gruesome visions continue, they sense that there's still something sinister afoot. When they find themselves hunted by a band of homicidal marionettes created by twisted puppeteer Andre Toulon (William Hickey), they discover they're right.

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C.H. Newell

Father Son Holy Gore

With some weird, awesome puppets, a nice finale, and an interesting theme hovering over it all, Puppetmaster's a unique piece of the late '80s.

Rated: 3/5

May 1, 2019

Full Review

Heather Wixson

Dread Central

While the movie has terrific atmosphere and set designs, it's the iconic posse of killer puppets that have cemented Puppet Master in horror history as a campy cult classic.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 4, 2012

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Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

The performances are strong and visuals quite eloquent...

Jul 15, 2011

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Sep 25, 2005

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Jules Brenner

Cinema Signals

Rated: 1/5

Feb 25, 2005

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Walter Chaw

Film Freak Central

Rated: 2/5

Jul 20, 2003

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JUAN D

NOSSA o filme é muito divertido os bonecos tem uns efeitos bem legais esse é o meu favorito

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/06/24

Full Review

Audience Member

The first installment in a line of many sequels from Full Moon Pictures Director David Schmoeller helms the first installment focusing on a group of living marionettes thanks to creator Charles Band Taking place at the Bodega Inn Hotel in 1939 a puppet maker played by the late William Hickey has created puppets that move on their own Flash to present day some new guests have checked in One of them Alex starts having psychic visions along with other psychics about one of their compatriots committing suicide But they soon discover more carnage as the tiny puppets make their way around; they include Blade, Ms. Leech, Jester, Pinhead, Tunneler, Shredder, and Gengi There’s terrific puppeteer work from the mini monsters themselves although it takes a while for them to show up It’s not particularly scary and the bigger stuff doesn’t happen until the very end A bit rough around the edges and the execution has a lot to be desired Yet this did lead to many sequels and spin-offs being a cult classic

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

Full Review

Audience Member

As my first horror movie I liked how it made such an impact for my love of horror but the puppet cast in the first film was good enough.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/09/24

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SuperSmashBros U

Watched because of Dead Meat, do not regret it. CULT. CLASSIC.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/24

Full Review

Dev F

I only watched it because Dead Meat James is covering it on the Kill Count tomorrow. It is suitable for passing the time--and I enjoy cheesy 80s slashers--but this stale film is slow with characters whose names I cannot remember besides the French dollmaker at the beginning. The following five films are streaming on Peacock, and I heard the fifth installment is good.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

02/02/24

Full Review

Darth G

Cheap boring film that should be avoided at all costs.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

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David Schmoeller

Director

Paul Le Mat

Alex Whitaker

Irene Miracle

Dana Hadley

Matt Roe

Frank Forrester

Kathryn O'Reilly

Carlissa Stamford

Robin Frates

Megan Gallagher

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Synopsis

Assailed by nightmarish visions, Alex Whitaker (Paul Le Mat) and his fellow psychics descend on the Bodega Bay Inn. There, they discover that their compatriot Neil (Jimmie F. Scaggs) has apparently committed suicide. But, as the gruesome visions continue, they sense that there's still something sinister afoot. When they find themselves hunted by a band of homicidal marionettes created by twisted puppeteer Andre Toulon (William Hickey), they discover they're right.

Director: David Schmoeller
Producer: Hope Perello
Screenwriter: David Schmoeller
Production Co: Empire Pictures, Full Moon Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 30m
Sound Mix: Ultra-Stereo, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Academy (1.33:1)

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