Ghoulies III: los Ghoulies van al colegio

In this sequel, the title creatures run amok at a college where the frats are very busy competing with each other to see who can pull the best pranks. Professor Ragnar (Kevin McCarthy) has had more than enough of them, but has discovered a means of dealing with them. Into his possession has come a comic book (with some pretty hilarious incantations) that allows him to control the Ghoulies, which have resurfaced. It's up to prank master Skip (Evan MacKenzie) to combat the professor, who progresses from infuriated to downright evil pretty quickly. Give writer Brent Olson and director John Carl Buechler credit: they don't really go for the horror here, as just about everything is played for laughs, including the Ghoulies. In fact, the Ghoulies - only three of them in number here (Rat, Cat, and Fish are their names) - definitely have a real Three Stooges thing going on. Hell, the damn things even *talk* now. And McCarthy, well, he's just wonderful. He doesn't act like this is beneath him, but just plays his demented role for all that it's worth. The supporting cast is pretty entertaining, and it's interesting to note the familiar faces popping up. Griffin O'Neal is kind of wasted as one of the frat dudes, but MacKenzie does have an amiable goofy charm going for him, John Johnston is appropriately odious as his nemesis Heilman (not exactly a subtle name), and Eva La Rue is very sexy and appealing as the leading lady. Stephen Lee of "Dolls" and "RoboCop 2" is amusing as the put upon campus security guard Barcus, Marcia Wallace is a member of the faculty, Jason Scott Lee is another frat dude, luscious Playboy Playmate Hope Marie Carlton is a hoot as a stuck up sorority babe, and a young Matthew Lillard, billed as Matthew Lynn, makes his film debut in a small role. Depending on ones' tastes, this film can come off as tiresome at times (it's pretty obnoxious throughout), but it does deliver some laughs and does have a certain manic energy, which can only be a good thing. Genre fans who appreciate horror comedies with an accent on the comedy may find this quite entertaining, others approach with caution. Six out of 10.

I was a "principle extra" in this silly film ... It's more entertaining than that guy from Cleveland says... Worth a look... Was fun making it...

There's something for everyone here. I love this movie, which is hilarious! A college teacher brings the little creatures back to his campus, where they proceed to terrorize the faculty and students. I thought this film was fantastic in some ways and terrible in others. Some of the dialog is a bit lost on US audiences, but still some hilarious lines. From an artistic standpoint, there were some plot elements and character developments I didn't think were totally needed. They do however drive the story, which seemed to be their purpose, so I can accept them. This film is worthy of all the hopes you have. I hope to see this one again really soon, and for that reason I give it 7 out of 10.

A group of little demons are summoned at a college campus and the creatures wreak havoc.

Despite being made in 1991 John Carl Buechler's Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College reeks of the 1980s, when actors are cast younger than their roles, T & A, slapstick and frat shenanigans were in en vogue.

Played particularly for comedy, this instalment benefits from Ghoulies actually speaking and it's dark setting adds some much needed atmosphere to the campus.

Acting veteran Kevin McCarthy knows what he's making as Professor Ragnar. Hope Marie Carlton is notable. The rest of the cast are rang of familiar faces that handle the subject with Police Academy gusto, including lead Evan MacKenzie, Eva LaRue and Patrick Labyorteaux to name a few. It also features a few actors who went onto bigger films, Matthew Lillard, Jason Scott Lee and the late Stephen Lee.

The writers borrow from better similar prank films and a range of creature movies. It's low brow horror entertainment. The flawed practical special effects and production values are part of the fun, going unnoticed with sleight of hand with focus placed on the Ghoulies' jibber jabber and set ups. And yes, for fans Fish Ghoulie does indeed pop out of a toilet.

Overall, it zips along quickly enough not to overstay it's welcome. Watch with friends.

Ghoulies III tries really hard to be funny, but for the most part is a lame attempt at a horror comedy. The series shifts from the carnival in Ghoulies II to a university during it's annual prank week. A strict professor unknowingly summons and resurrects the Ghoulies out of a toilet by reading (out loud) a comic book called "Ghoulish Tales". So instead of the satanic book of evil from the first two, it's a comic book that brings the creatures back to life. It's only appropriate that the Ghoulies this time around are more "comical". Instead of terrorizing and killing people, their main objective is to drink beer and stare at naked girls on campus. There are two main characters who are forgettable in the film after the first 30 minutes. It's up to them to send the ghoulish monsters back down the toilet where they belong!

I cannot begin to tell you how annoying the human characters are in this film. If you've watched it, you'll understand. Their pranks are lame and pathetic, and the whole time you're hoping that a Ghoulie will get one if not all of them ASAP. The Ghoulies themselves can now talk of all things. Unable to speak in the first two, they have miraculously learnt the English language. Maybe they studied a bit at the university in between scenes, who knows? Ghoulies III basically says discard the first two movies and the rules that accompany them, and just go along with the idea that they love beer and will kill for a good time.

There are some OK moments. The first time a Ghoulie opens up a beer is laughable, and the parts where they were driving around some sort of golf cart was good for a giggle or two. But this movie is not a funny movie. The student characters bring it down with their annoying stereotypical behaviour. Ghoulies III is a major letdown after the well done Ghoulies II.

4/10