The Dummy

This film certainly has its ups and downs, but I wouldn't go to the extent of saying it's one of the worst films made, especially since it had some really great plot twists along with a good kill here and there. I personally liked it, especially the ending because damn I didn't see that coming, impressive for a direct to video film. Like I said I gave it a watch while st*ned so maybe that's why I got more enjoyment out of the film than I bargained for but who knows, it weren't no scream film but it sure as hell made a nice little indie slasher. I purchased the DVD a few months ago and only decided to properly watch the full feature now, was actually a good film, better than I expected, might cause some controversy me saying this but people's opinions aren't always gonna be the same.

The Dummy (2000) is horrible in every way possible, terrible acting, no gore, no special effects, no story, no excitement, NOTHING AT ALL!!!!

I remember buying this piece of trash a while back, thinking that it looked cool and could be some sort of "Dolls" or "Puppet master", boy was i mistaken, this is AWFUL, surely this effort was "made" by a couple of film students using a very cheap camcorder (which they couldn't even hold properly) in the space of about 2 hours!!!

All remaining copies should be used as toilet paper during your very next visit to the crapper, then banished forever!!! Come on IMDb wheres the 0 out of 10 when you need it??

Apparently the DVD transfer was zoomed in too far, cropping off actors heads and short-circuiting visual nuances and award-winning cinematography. In truth, one of the best photographed films of it's budget. Every shot except 2 or 3 are anchored with a tripod, though poor transfers make it appear a bit shaky in places.

The script does assume too much awareness of the subtle implications of the ongoing classic "jekyll-hyde" premise of the ventriloquist being taken over by his dummy, and editing needs to be tightened up. Good example of how script and final editing reflects on actor's talent, giving them too much of the credit or too much of the blame. It has to work on the page or it won't work on the stage.

The poster promises a horror show with blood and violent special effects. In actuality it's a subtle character study of the effects of schizophrenia, and not much violence. Gorehounds will be let down. Beware.

The female lead, Irina Bjorklund, recently won the Academy Award in Finland for Best Actress after many starring roles there in record-breaking major films. This was her first American film. Best seen on VHS, NTSC version available in America.

this made-for-video crap is an embarassment. the acting is atrocious. the quality of film is amateur. the effects are lamentable. everything about this film is trash. there are low-budget horror films out there that use their lack of finance to be more creative and ingenious. this film is just a cheap slasher flick undeserving of any attention.

STEER CLEAR!

It shouldn't take a genius to see that the DVD transfer in the U.K. was botched by being zoomed all the way in. All you can see is the exact center of the frame, making any review of the picture meaningless. The DVD transfer facility further maligned it with a constant jiggle. It's only fair to point this out, and unfair not to.

The U.S. release on VHS proves the movie has smooth cinematography. But don't expect any bloodbath or special effects. It's an eerie melodrama and not a horror movie by any means, which can antagonize those attracted to the box art.