Well, the "Puppet Master" franchise haven't really ever managed to get back on its feet since after the third movie, which happened to be the best in the franchise. So I have to admit that I was a little bit hestitant about this 2017 movie. But I still opted to watch it, as I am doing a "Puppet Master" movie marathon.
Sure, it was nice to have Charles Band back at directing and writing, but I have to say that "Puppet Master: Axis Termination" just wasn't an outstanding addition to the franchise. The storyline in this 2017 movie felt very bland and generic. You could leave the movie running whilst you go to another room, then come back and still be up to speed with the storyline.
The acting performances in "Puppet Master: Axis Termination" were wooden and rigid, with some performers really carrying the torch for being able to deliver cringeworthy performances. Especially George Appleby's performance and his accent, it was just all over the place. The movie has a single familiar face on the cast list, and let's not dance around the bush here, because Paul Logan is not really top of the line.
Visually then "Puppet Master: Axis Termination" was okay. Not the best of special effects, but they did help make the movie all the more bearable to sit through.
"Puppet Master: Axis Termination" was a weak foray into the franchise, and it is a movie that I hadn't even heard about prior to sitting down in 2023 to watch it. And just as quietly as the movie snuck in under the radar, just as quietly will it dissolved into the mists of oblivion.
My rating of director Charles Band's 2017 movie "Puppet Master: Axis Termination" lands on a three out of ten stars.
