Someone else claimed this movie, that is I guess considered a classic of some sorts, and kicked off a movie series that is quite long and will get another offspring in 2018, which has quite some buzz surrounding it, a slow Cultclassic. Some may also want to add dull I guess to it. Especially if you watch the R-rated cut of it.There are some differences to the unrated cut, which takes things a bit more to the extreme (nudity but also violence wise). Still the opening minutes feel like a very weird movie in itself with dreams and whatnot. Almost 10 minutes in some kind of normal movie starts, which is all nice and decent. But has the usual holes in plot and more importantly logic. Of course having Puppets being alive takes logic in general almost entirely out of the equation. But having someone not crying for help and letting it play out like a "joke" during the leech scene for example is kind of ridiculous - up to you if that's fine or good rather than just plain bad.One of the things that I think works very well in its favor is the Puppet work. Or the effects in general if you take into account that this is a low budget 80s movie. So if you have a heart for movies like that - knock yourself out

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+

PUPPETMASTER🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘 4.2This is a great B-movie. Great FX (and puppetry), great characters, great atmosphere. I'm always hearing people say PM2 or PM3 is the best in the series, but I'm leaning more to this one. It's very compelling, entertaining and has decent pacing for a B-horror film. My main complaint is a few really dumb horror movie decisions. That's really the biggest problem. Also, William hickey is good as puppeteer Andre Toulon. In all, the best puppet master film, and much better than some of the other full moon stuff back then (see Ghoulies 1&2). Recommended to any B-movie or fan. A very fun film.

Puppetmaster Andre Toulon (William Hickey) was hunted by Nazis and shot himself at the Bodega Bay Inn 50 years ago. Present day Neil Gallagher invites his psychic friends Alex Whitaker, Dana Hadley, Frank Forrester and Carissa Stamford to the Bodega Bay Inn but they find Neil had already killed himself.It's too bad that the great William Hickey is dead in the first 10 minutes. This movie badly needs great actors. The acting in this is stiff and uncompelling. The production value never rises above B-movie level. The best thing about the entire movie is the great campy puppets. They are amazzzing.