‘World War III begins on your toy shelf’
Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich is a 2018 American horror film directed by Sonny Laguna (Haunted Evil Dead; Animalistic; Wither; Blood Runs Cold) and Tommy Wiklund. It is a reboot of executive producer Charles Band’s Full Moon Puppet Master franchise.
The Fangoria backed movie was penned by Bone Tomahawk writer-director S. Craig Zahler for Di Bonaventura Pictures and Caliber Media. Thomas Lennon, Michael Paré and Udo Kier star.
Italian composer Fabio Frizzi (Manhattan Baby; The Beyond; Zombie Flesh Eaters) provided the soundtrack score.
Plot:
Recently divorced and reeling, Edgar (Thomas Lennon) returns to his childhood home to regroup his life. When Edgar finds a nefarious looking puppet in his deceased brother’s room, he decides to sell the doll for some quick cash at a small-town convention celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the infamous Toulon Murders. Girl-next-door Ashley (Jenny Pellicer) and his comic book shop boss, Markowitz (Nelson Franklin), join Edgar for the doomed road trip.
All hell breaks loose when a strange force animates the puppets at the convention, setting them on a bloody killing spree that’s motivated by an evil as old as time…
Reviews:
“As the casting of Thomas Lennon may have tipped off, this is the most overtly comedic Puppet Master film ever, aside from the Syfy-produced crossover Puppet Master vs. Demonic Toys. That said, it’s still a film that will offend a good number of viewers.” Arrow in the Head
“If The Littlest Reich makes you scream and laugh, it did its job. But if it offended or exasperated you, chances are Sonnier and Zahler are going to consider that a gold star, as well. This is tried and true shock cinema: wild, in your face, and meant to be experienced with the rowdiest crowd imaginable. The timid need not apply.” Birth. Movies. Death.
” …this is not a politically correct film by any measure, recalling the glory days of Troma or South Park with its “anything goes” approach. I have zero problem with this, because I am someone who understands context and, unlike some folks nowadays, don’t walk into a movie expecting it to conform to my worldview and soapboxing against it when it doesn’t.” Birth. Movies. Death.
” … brings puppet carnage and mayhem to insane new heights, unafraid to break every single taboo along their quest to fulfill their Fuhrer’s bidding. Even if you don’t like the original Full Moon franchise, I have a strong hunch this will convert you. Unless you’re easily offended, that is.” Bloody Disgusting
“The Littlest Reich is surprisingly cheap-looking, particularly with certain effects where phony dummies and floppy puppets are obvious, although I suppose it means to be crude in a way. Considering the variable value of the twelve Puppet Master movies preceding this one, this entry doesn’t have a high bar to hit anyway.” Culture Crypt
“It brings me no pleasure to be disappointed by a brand new Puppet Master movie that has some of my favorite actors, screenwriters, and composers attached, but here we are. It’s certainly nastier and more mean-spirited than any of the original Puppet Master films, but the desire to shock does not a movie make.” Daily Dead
“Crowds will be divided. Patrons may walk out. Wrong moment, wrong place for a story like this? It’s hard to make that call, but put in a lineup with multiple 70s or 80s “classics” we herald…is The Littlest Reich that much different? Either way, this is one of 2018’s most savagely fun pseudo-slasher watches.” Fandom
“ …really there’s no amount of forced levity that can make this movie seem all right. There’s plenty of nudity, plenty of (plenty of) gore, but once a line is crossed from fun to vile in this picture, and it’s crossed right around the time a pregnant black woman is killed in just the worst possible way, there’s no going back.” Film Freak Central
“There were definitely some creative and imaginative kills displayed in this installment. Without spoiling anything, one involving a man and his own urine was quite entertaining […] Unfortunately, those are the only positive points of the film. The storyline could’ve been developed in a little more explorative manner.” Horror-Movies.ca
What was most surprising (and what I feel could have been used to better advantage), was the honest-to-goodness intriguing and well thought out backstory of Edgar […] And then we get boobs, gore and wackiness, once the puppets start to really come out and play.” Horrorfreak News
“In an age where everyone is offended by everything, this relishes the chance to cut loose as the puppets slaughter kids, Jewish couples, fake-boobed blondes, lesbians and, in a show stopper, the unborn foetus of a heavily pregnant guest. It’s engagingly merciless, with terrific old school gore FX and a gleeful sense of PC-trashing fun.” Horror Screams Video Vault
“Some of the deaths are remarkably unpleasant and the film overall could do with a bit more charisma in the editing and music departments (and some of the acting it has to be said). Still, if you’re looking for something daft, outrageous, gory, and yet with a political subtext that’s not even sub, this one’s definitely worth a look.” House of Mortal Cinema
“While the film transitions are often jarring, it succeeds in contributing to the unease, pulling viewers in along with the victims trying to guess where the next attack will come from. When the end comes, it feels too soon — and damn it if we don’t want more. As a modern take on the cult classic, the feel of the film is akin to Adam Green’s Hatchet franchise in the best way.” Movie Crypt
“The entire movie is a delicate balancing act of humor and brutality that has come to be expected in the Puppet Master films. The Littlest Reich is a rowdy, crowd-pleasing bloodbath, perfect for old and new fans alike; a film that is wholly unapologetic for it’s depraved sense of humor and creative, merciless slaughter.” Nightmare on Film Street
“The Puppet Master franchise has been in dire need of change for years now and this remake surprisingly delivered what us fans have been mostly longing for — the return of practical effects and gory puppet mayhem. If you can get passed some of the stiff acting and uneven tone you’ll likely find yourself enjoying this solid addition to the long-running series.” Upcoming Horror Movies
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