Terrifier 3

This Terrifier series is fascinating. The first movie kind of sucks, having nothing memorable narratively or cinematically, really, beyond introducing a memorable villain and having impressively grisly violence. It's a slasher movie not broken down to its bare essentials, but driven down further somehow. It's a bit of a nothing movie, without a plot and seemingly not caring.

Then the second came along, made the villain even more memorable, and had scenes of bloodshed that proved more shocking. It also had a pretty good story and character development (don't think that's a popular opinion, but I liked it), and introduced more of an intriguing series mythology, for lack of a better word.

Terrifier 3 takes all that stuff the second movie did well and I think does it even better. Terrifier 2 felt a bit overlong, at 138 minutes, with Terrifier 3's slightly shorter runtime helping the pacing immensely. I still feel surprisingly invested in this series, which is becoming something genuinely fantastical. They could eventually overdo that side of things, and they almost do here, but I really dig what these films have evolved into.

The violence is disgusting. It's at least as sadistic as the second, maybe more. Art the Clown is hilarious when he's not killing people but I hate him deeply. I love to hate him. Unironically one of the best villains of the last 10 years. He's Harpo Marx if Harpo was also a serial killer.

The final act elevated this film immensely. Chainsaws have never sounded louder. I was worried I'd have a panic attack and I felt queasy. I feel a bit shaken after the whole thing, now that it's over. The sadistic violence played a part, but I think I also cared. These characters have all suffered so much, and I was so invested in them winning. The final scenes had me squirming in my seat more so because I was invested, rather than the violence. I think that's impressive, or maybe I'm just easily entertained.

There are some scenes here that look too cheap, and the pacing isn't perfect. Occasional rough line deliveries and inconsistent acting here and there, too. It sort of ties the first movie and the second together in a way that felt a bit rough early on. But much of the second half had me feeling so jittery, and I have to celebrate a movie that gets to me like that. The last month or so has had some high-profile disappointments new release-wise, so I'm really happy Terrifier 3 was a film that exceeded my expectations. This is the best of the series so far.

Too long, too disjointed, and more like a collection of random ideas strung together with duct tape. Sure, the practical gore effects are o.k. But beyond that? It's a hot mess. The plot is nonexistent, the messianic arc for Sienna Shaw feels forced, and continuity has taken a backseat to shock value. It's as if Leone's trying to ride the wave of the franchise's success by throwing every half-baked idea at the screen, hoping something sticks. Unfortunately, the only thing that sticks is the blood. Art delivers another night to dismember, but as far as coherent storytelling goes? Don't bother looking for it here. It's not horror, it's a lazy bloodbath that thinks shock value is a substitute for storytelling.

I've seen parts 1 and 2 and applauded this take on a new horror character to stand up with Freddy Kruger. The dark humor and crazy creative kills continue in part 3, but at times I felt that Art was mimicking himself and was too self aware and appreciative, rather than organically funny. (Like in the sun glasses scene in part 2).

The female companion to Art was interesting but I grew tired of her and she seemed to interfere with Art at times.

The special effects gore is off the chart and surprisingly realistic. I see part 3 as a worthy effort to explore some other avenues, but risks sending the overall concept on a detour that could easily end the series. I enjoyed parts 1 and 2 more. The last scene which lays some foundation for #4 looks like a good start. The producers have a goose that has laid some golden eggs, they need to be careful not to kill it.

If scary movies aren't your thing, chances are that you are likely going to hate this thin, blood-soaked piece of independed cinema. But if you are a fan of traditional slasher flicks with creative kills and satisfying performances, this might just become your favourite one so far.

There isn't too much going on in the film plot-wise. In fact, a description of Terrifier 3's plot wouldn't be much longer than a summary of one Friends episode. Instead of answering the questions from the previous installment, the movie just brings up even more questions for the now-confirmed sequel, which may unsatisfy some fans, but at the same time already creates hype for Terrifier 4.

Production values are miles ahead of the previous films and it is pleasing to se Damien Leone improve so much in his craft.

As for the period before the release of the film, I personally think some of the marketing choices were a bit over-the-top, such as the release of an official hot-line, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the movie itself.

Overall, the movie is an improvement over the previous installments and it will definetely satisfy you if you are a Terrifier/slasher fan.

Now that we've set the stage, Terrifier 3 makes history-not just for its exaggerated, gory kills or shocking gimmicks, but because it's actually enjoyable for me. Usually, bigger budgets don't mean better, but when passionate, talented filmmakers get involved and hire an editor who knows their craft, it makes all the difference. Good pacing can elevate even the goriest horror. Art the Clown is just as hilarious and terrifying as ever, but Victoria's wild performance stole the show-she's more terrifying than Art. Lauren LaVera, as Sienna, gives it her all, portraying raw PTSD. She might just be the most traumatized final girl ever. Shockingly, I'm now hyped for Terrifier 4.