I can't remember which film is which, but in one Puppetmaster film, the dolls seem evil (like when that weird doll-woman is driving an ice cream van)
... but in another movie they save a guy from gremlins.
Is there a reason why they change?
Personally, I think the Puppets are really good guys. They become evil when they fall into the wrong hands.
shareTheir attitude depends on who is keeping them alive. That said they tend to be good guys when ever they can.
sharePart 2 when they steal brain matter
shareThe series doesn't really stay clear on their motivations. In the original the puppets are loyal to their master, unless the master tries to screw them over. Even if the master is pure evil. In 2 they kill to stay alive, regardless of being ordered to kill or not. In 3 they suddenly have the souls of good people, and one could say they're technically good, but you can't overlook the fact they've done terrible things to innocent people. Or will do, seeing is 3 is a prequel.
I think the magic can corrupt their minds, and cause them to take on the personality of the puppet they are. They are loyal to their master, but also have limits. They'll resist if the master does something they can't agree to, or if the master harms or kills one of their own.
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The franchise's canon get really confusing, especially at part 3, but even in part 2. In the first movie, it just seems that Andre Toulon is some kind of magician that does a little spell and that's it, his puppet comes alive. And in part 2, suddenly you need that elixir thingy to keep them online. That said, I prefer the canon of part 1, where he's just a mysterious magician kind of guy. The second movie is fun to watch though!
shareThe franchise's canon get really confusing, especially at part 3, but even in part 2. In the first movie, it just seems that Andre Toulon is some kind of magician that does a little spell and that's it, his puppet comes alive. And in part 2, suddenly you need that elixir thingy to keep them online. That said, I prefer the canon of part 1, where he's just a mysterious magician kind of guy. The second movie is fun to watch though!