Retro Blood 165: Dolls (1987)

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood continues its Holiday Review Month, delving into 1980s horror movies with bad kids and even badder toys! This week, the boys step into the twisted world of Dolls (1987), where an eerie old couple with a penchant for sinister toys transforms wicked family members into even wickeder dolls.

The episode kicks off with James and Alison’s quick thoughts on Dolls, including why J.H. Alison put his Blu-ray copy of the film up for sale on eBay after his first watch. The boys then continue their Holiday Beer Review series, diving into their second round of seasonal stouts.

In the Weekly History Segment, they explore what was happening in pro wrestling and metal music on April 27, 1987, the film’s release date. For metal, they spotlight Motörhead’s final date of their Orgasmatron tour, which took place just one day after Dolls hit theaters. On the wrestling side, they cover the iconic Memphis wrestling feud between Jerry "The King" Lawler and Austin Idol, culminating in their legendary Hair vs. Hair Steel Cage Match.

Next, they go behind the scenes with production notes on Dolls. They discuss Stuart Gordon’s direction, how he brought his family to the set during filming, and how his childhood fear of dolls inspired the movie. They also dive into the painstaking stop-motion animation process that brought the creepy little figures to life, showcasing why it was such a challenging yet integral part of the film’s eerie charm.

Finally, it’s time for the full review! They break down the film’s characters, from Judith, the surprisingly clever protagonist, to David and Rosemary, the awful dad and stepmom you love to hate. They’ll also talk about the hot but hilariously clueless British goth chicks, and of course, those terrifying little dolls that attack with gleeful malice.

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Get ready for toy terror, gothic vibes, and holiday cheer with this Retro Blood breakdown of Dolls! 🎄🪆 #RetroBlood #HolidayHorror #Dolls1987 #80sHorror #StoutBeer #ProWrestlingHistory #MetalMusic