Puppet Master

The best part of Puppet Master isn't in the film itself, but in the short "No Strings Attached: A Behind the Scenes Look at Puppet Master" which follows. Actor Paul Le Mat, looking like he just woke up, mumbles an explanation of why he thought the film was an important one for him to be in. First off, the human characters, including Alex Whittaker (Paul Le Mat) are totally forgettable. Whittaker and four other psychics are invited to an old resort by a dead friend (I know that doesn't make sense, but believe me, Stephen Hawking's explanation of the origin of the universe is a piece of cake compared to this). After the psychics, who, with the exception of Whittaker, are all scumbags, sit around the dinner table and tell the grieving widow what a dork her husband was, the movie finally gets down to business. The dead (but not really) friend's puppets--Tunneler, Pin Head, Ms. Leech, Blade, and Jester--set about murdering the guests. The puppets make only brief appearances until the end of the film, and then they're not given a whole lot to do. The previous Charles Band productions from director Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator and Dolls) served up the whole bloody enchilada in strikingly stylish fashion for horror fans, but this entry from David Schmoeller with its emphasis on sleaze, is all sizzle and no steak. Not recommended. (R. Pitman)