Puppet

Lori Myers has no idea of the terrifying danger she attracts after accepting a gift from her husband Rick to celebrate their marriage. For the beautifully hand-crafted Russian puppet he buys in suburban New York contains a fortune in smuggled jewels from the fabled collection of the last Czar. Unknown to Rick, the Brighton Beach antique store is really a front for the deadly activities of the Russian Mafia. And Uilanov, their sadistic mob leader, wants the priceless treasure back in his possession at all costs. As sinister henchmen track down all recent newlyweds in the area and embark on a bloody killing spree, the couple enter their own private hell when dark secrets erupt from the forgotten mists of Lori's childhood. But fighting her personal demons is just one of the many menacing hazards Lori faces on a perilous journey packed with seat-edged suspense and shocking surprise.

Directed by Felix Limardo, Puppet leans on a strong ensemble — Rebecca Gayheart, Artie Lange, Frederick Weller — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about action titles of 1999.