Why do I watch movies like “Morgan: Killer Doll”? It’s obvious from the outset that it’s low-budget schlock.
And yet these films continually draw me in. Is it some kind of sickness on my part? A personality defect?
But, surprise—”Morgan: Killer Doll” wasn’t actually that bad.
The title of the movie makes clear that the film is really an attempt to trick people who’d heard about the Megan films (about an AI robot) doll into renting this film.
(“Morgan,” however, has no robots or AI of any kind.)
In the films, teenage Astrid, who walks with a cane because of the car accident that killed her mother, reconnects with Darcy, her childhood friend with very bad teeth. The reunion is short-lived; emotions flare, and Darcy ends up dead.
But before Darcy dies, she gifts Astrid with a life-sized doll version of herself (Darcy, that is).
Does this doll come to life and start killing people?
No, it bakes delicious pies, hand-folds the laundry, and vacuums the study.
OF COURSE IT COMES ALIVE AND STARTS KILLING PEOPLE!
The pain of teen hierarchies is on full display in this film, and it’s always a delicious and effective source of tension. I actually got a bit of a “Carrie” vibe from this one.
There is a plot twist I sort of predicted, but it was clever enough if you suspend disbelief.
The acting from both of the main girls was quite good. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have lengthy careers (and will do everything in their power to suppress the knowledge that they were in this film.
And get this—Michael Paré, yes, Eddie from the “Eddie and the Cruisers” films has a meaty role as Astrid’s dad. I haven’t seen him in years.
If you know what you’re getting into, this one is tolerable
