They were really cracking out these independent low-budget films straight to video, but just like the last entry "Initiation" the filth instalment "The Toy Maker" (which had Brain Yunza involved again, but this time only producing) took on a different spin (while still being hysterically deranged) and would probably go down as my favourite of the four sequels. This enterprise actually had some similar shades to "Halloween III; Season of the Witch" and at times it strangely had me thinking of "Child's Play 2" namely that of its opening credits, nonetheless the gimmicky story is surprisingly inspired if ridiculously convoluted and mean-spirited. It's a jolly odd one, as the delightful Neith Hunter returns with her headstrong character Kim in nothing more than a minor role and also it has actor Mickey Rooney (who was heavily opposed to the original when it got a whirlwind of scathing attention) finding himself apart of the notorious franchise. It's funny how things do work out, but he's ideally great in the part. The rest of the performances are fairly delivered by Jane Higginson, William Thorne, Van Quattro and Brian Bremer is downright creepy as Pino. Clint Howard shows up again in a tiny, if thankless part. Cult make-up / special FX maestro Screaming Mad George provides the ample special effects and again he does a tremendous job crafting out the details, where he storms up some nasty pieces of work when the toys go berserk. Director / writer Martin Kitrosser (who would be best known by horror fans for penning "Friday the 13th Part 3, 4 and 5") piles on the outrageous jolts and unforeseeable story twists, but it can fall a bit on the stodgy side even with its polished look.
Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker
(1991 Video)
"How do you switch this thing off?"
5 July 2010