The 3rd Channel

The 3rd Channel, directed by first time filmmaker Michelle Blasky, creates a good atmospheric sci-fi thriller which resembles Carpenter's vision of the unpopular cult classic "Halloween III". It's a good attempt but the sound and acting were the main issues of the whole thing. The soundtrack was excellent! Really enjoyed that in general but there were a lot of points where the soundtrack takes over people's dialogue quite a bit. The ending was a let down as it seemed anticlimactic and rather unjustified. Glad however that Blasky tried with this one as Halloween 3 needs to be discussed more through culture.

The 3rd Channel is a fan movie based on the controversial Halloween III: Season of the Witch. I honestly enjoyed John Carpenter's original more than the other movies in the Halloween franchise so I thought this fan film was worth checking out.

The movie started out very strong. I loved that many of the same filming locations were used from the original movie which really helped to quickly pull fans into this new story. The initial character development worked well and the eerie off kilter shots sold the horror very well and the "big brother is watching you" aspect. The soundtrack and background ambience were amazing in setting the tone although, at times, the volume level was set too high and made some of the dialogue very hard to hear.

Until about 5 minutes before the end of the movie, tension was successfully built and we became invested in the protagonist Jessica Kelly, who inherited the somewhat sinister Shamrock factory, and the mysterious advisor who guides her in her new role. Little snippets are revealed and we wonder if she is going to overcome the creeping horror or become a willing part of it.

However, we never get to have those questions answered as the last five minutes is very non sequitur. We never hear any more of Jessica's story and are instead presented with an ending intended to be a shocking twist but was not earned in any way, seeming only tangentially related to the original plot. It's almost as if there is about 20 minutes of missing plot to get from point A to point B. And this is truly sad. What was an 8 or 9 star movie throughout was decimated by it's far too sudden and unsatisfying ending. The film quality went down and, instead of the great practical robotics shown earlier, we get some very out of place cgi that doesn't match. Likewise the great camera angles ,editing and sound track from the lead up to that point is suddenly abandoned. I get the impression that perhaps the budget ran out so they had to stitch together what they had and perhaps intended more story to tie it all together.

Ignoring the unjustified ending, Michelle Blasky, who wrote and directed this fan film, is clearly an extremely talented individual and cinematographer. This is her first movie outing and, given that, she is definitely a rising star to watch out for in the future. In spite of it's flawed ending, take a look at this movie so, when you see what impressive stuff comes from her in the future, you can say that you saw her career develop and bloom right from the beginning...

"The 3rd Channel" is a delightful surprise for fans of the classic Halloween III Season of the Witch. This low-budget fan film, which serves as a sequel to the cult classic, manages to capture the essence and intrigue of its predecessor while adding a fresh and compelling twist to the storyline.

The movie follows the journey of Jessica Kelly, a young mechanical engineering graduate stuck in a mundane job, until a charismatic businessman presents her with an unusual inheritance. As Jessica delves into the mysteries surrounding her family's history, her life takes a captivating turn.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "The 3rd Channel" is the use of the original film's locations, providing a sense of nostalgia for die-hard fans. This connection to the original sets the stage for an exciting and eerie journey back to the world of Halloween III.

Writer and director Michelle Blasky deserves praise for her exceptional work in crafting a storyline that seamlessly fits within the Halloween universe. Her passion for the source material is evident, and her ability to create a narrative that both respects the original and introduces new elements is truly commendable.

The film's practical effects, coupled with some really fun CGI, make for a compelling viewing experience. The blend of old-school practical effects with modern technology adds to the movie's charm. The use of practical effects reminds us of the magic that can be created on a limited budget, making this fan film a testament to creativity.

The performances by the indie actors are solid and convincing, and they breathe life into their respective characters. While the budget may not be blockbuster-sized, the cast's dedication and talent shine through, drawing the audience deeper into the unfolding mystery.

One of the most impressive elements of the film is its score. The music complements the atmosphere perfectly, heightening tension and enhancing the overall cinematic experience. It's a testament to the thought and care put into every aspect of this fan film.

"The 3rd Channel" is a labor of love that showcases the dedication and creativity of passionate filmmakers. For those eager to see the next chapter in the Halloween III universe, "The 3rd Channel" is a must-watch. The film caters to the nostalgia of the original while also delivering a fresh and exciting storyline. With its passion, well-crafted plot, clever use of practical effects, and talented cast, this fan film offers an entertaining and satisfying continuation of the Halloween III saga. If you're a fan of the original or just appreciate the effort that goes into indie fan films, be sure to check out "The 3rd Channel" on YouTube - it's a treat for Halloween enthusiasts of all kinds.

I'm not going to really knock the movie itself because it's a fan film, so there wasn't any lighting, or sound, or actors, or anything else. Just people who found some Halloween III filming locations, busted out a phone to record themselves goofing around, and were having fun. Good for them. Rather, I see it as a testament to the love people have for the original movie. Not just the fact that they made this, but that people like me will force themselves to watch things like this just to be able to say that they saw it. It could have been 3 hours long and I would have forced myself to watch every unbearable second. I'm not sure what other people were talking about reviewing it like it was an actual film with actors and a coherent plot, but it was kind of cool to see the guy who played little buddy again. Outside of that, task completed, badge earned, and I am never going to watch it again.