90 reviews
The basic premise of "Three" is unimaginative but potentially interesting: for reasons that are initially unclear, a theology student is targeted by a psychopath (the "Riddle Killer") who forces him to confront the dark corners of his past. As those close to him start to die, the only people who stand by our hero are his longtime female friend and a police psychologist whose brother was one of said murderer's victims.
This film drags the viewer through a series of pedestrian chases, shootouts, and assorted close calls for our heroic trio before reaching a fairly predictable climax. Other, better, films ("Saw", "Flatliners", "Never Talk to Strangers", "Fear", the list is truly endless) have covered this ground before and done so with far more originality, imagination, and style. The direction is by-the-numbers, and the cast are competent but lack charisma. It is no surprise that this dud vanished from theaters. It is puzzling that anyone thought it a good idea (tax write-off?) to make this film in the first place.
This film drags the viewer through a series of pedestrian chases, shootouts, and assorted close calls for our heroic trio before reaching a fairly predictable climax. Other, better, films ("Saw", "Flatliners", "Never Talk to Strangers", "Fear", the list is truly endless) have covered this ground before and done so with far more originality, imagination, and style. The direction is by-the-numbers, and the cast are competent but lack charisma. It is no surprise that this dud vanished from theaters. It is puzzling that anyone thought it a good idea (tax write-off?) to make this film in the first place.
- cpbadgeman
- Feb 17, 2008
- Permalink
Cops and an insurance investigator try to stop a serial bomber who torments with riddles and has now set his sight on a college student.
Odd story with style that lacks and real characters you can care about. Its not a bad movie, far from it but this could have and should have been a great film, all that would have been required would be to give us real people to hang out with instead we get cyphers and cut outs. It keeps you watching but it never fully engages you. I highly doubt that you'll remember ever seeing it after the end credits roll.
Worth a shot on cable.
6 out of 10
Odd story with style that lacks and real characters you can care about. Its not a bad movie, far from it but this could have and should have been a great film, all that would have been required would be to give us real people to hang out with instead we get cyphers and cut outs. It keeps you watching but it never fully engages you. I highly doubt that you'll remember ever seeing it after the end credits roll.
Worth a shot on cable.
6 out of 10
- dbborroughs
- Jan 12, 2008
- Permalink
- WanderingGaurdian
- Jan 9, 2007
- Permalink
Honestsly, I felt as though this movie was a let down. After reading some reviews I was under the impression it was a seat gripping thriller, while after seeing television reviews I believed it was a horror story. In all I expected some jumping, possible shock induced gasping/screaming, not too much gore (if any), etc. Yet none of that fell into place. I realize there wasn't much room for character development because that could ruin certain aspects of the film, but neglecting plot? Completely uncalled for. More often than not I found myself trying to predict in order to fill in gaps. It was like a high school production of a "horror" film; I could have laughed in more places than been intrigued or anxious. It seemed dated, low budget and had many ridiculous scenarios that go along with classic predictablity. It was a let down, a definite non-must see, and nothing you'd miss out on. Save you're $10.25 for lunch tomorrow.
- jo__fraser
- Jan 5, 2007
- Permalink
Possible spoilers...as if that could happen with this gobbler. Right off the bat, I had three problems: 1) the tough lady cop looks like a fashion model; 2) the hero lives in a converted warehouse, complete with a cage-type elevator; 3) the dog dies. All about as hackneyed as it gets. Added along the way: another tough, gun-toting fashion-model, a girlfriend this time; some pretty unlikely plot elements; a trio of REALLY overacting crazy people; and a "shocking ending" which bounces around so much that any surprise ends up falling flat--particularly with the whacky Mel Brooks' "don't nobody move" flourish. Mix it all up with a heavy dose of third-rate Christian pop-psychology (I know, I know, that's redundant), and you got "Thr3e". And you can have it.
Okay, that's a little harsh. There was some tension, some action, some effective atmosphere. So I give it 2 stars. I mean, it wasn't as bad as Paretti, but then Paretti's pretty BAD.
Speaking of which, how about we get a new Rating Category: CT, for "Christian Themed"? So that those of us who don't buy into that particular brand of hocus-pocus can make better informed choices about what and what not to watch.
Okay, that's a little harsh. There was some tension, some action, some effective atmosphere. So I give it 2 stars. I mean, it wasn't as bad as Paretti, but then Paretti's pretty BAD.
Speaking of which, how about we get a new Rating Category: CT, for "Christian Themed"? So that those of us who don't buy into that particular brand of hocus-pocus can make better informed choices about what and what not to watch.
- capncrusty
- Jan 1, 2008
- Permalink
There is no way this film can be confused with other thrillers. It's the movie version of the book Thr3e by Ted Dekker. The book is excellent and this film is an attempt to tell the complex story of the book simply. Being a movie, there is less time for the detail which made the book especially clever, but the film does tell the story reasonably well. If you have read the book you will want to see this movie. I really enjoyed seeing the story I'd read play out on screen. In fact the look of the cast was so close to the way I'd imagined that it took me back to my experience reading. If you haven't read the book or you aren't a big reader you may want to get the book on tape or see the movie twice. It's hard to get all the details in one viewing. I took my husband who hasn't read the book and he was a bit confused at first. The book is certainly a must read if you like thrillers and for me this film was a must see.
- rockerrchick
- Jan 6, 2007
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- vanalosswen
- Jun 5, 2007
- Permalink
We had the chance to catch a sneak preview of this movie last night. My wife is a huge Ted Dekker fan so we decided to take up the invite. I tried not to have my hopes too high after seeing some other book to movie translation but they got raised when there was a preview for this movie on the television the night before.
With those raised expectations I can say I was a bit disappointed with the movie yet I enjoyed the movie thoroughly.
The story was based on the book Thr3e by Ted Dekker. A man, Kevin, is being tormented and hunted by someone who wants him to confess his sin. Kevin grew up in a very dysfunctional house, found a sweet girl to run away to, and eventually wound up in a seminary trying to further his education. The movie was filled with explosions, suspense, and a who-done-it mystery.
The main thing that was disappointing was the filming and special effects. Some parts were just really choppy and seemed to not flow together. Then the special effects while good were not great. One scene in particular sticks out in my was when the building blew up. You saw flames and then all of a sudden you seen a bunch of rubble "materialize" in the flames.
I'd recommend seeing the movie. Enjoy the story for what it is but not expect great filming. It was an enjoyable film for the wife and I but I can't say how you'll enjoy it.
With those raised expectations I can say I was a bit disappointed with the movie yet I enjoyed the movie thoroughly.
The story was based on the book Thr3e by Ted Dekker. A man, Kevin, is being tormented and hunted by someone who wants him to confess his sin. Kevin grew up in a very dysfunctional house, found a sweet girl to run away to, and eventually wound up in a seminary trying to further his education. The movie was filled with explosions, suspense, and a who-done-it mystery.
The main thing that was disappointing was the filming and special effects. Some parts were just really choppy and seemed to not flow together. Then the special effects while good were not great. One scene in particular sticks out in my was when the building blew up. You saw flames and then all of a sudden you seen a bunch of rubble "materialize" in the flames.
I'd recommend seeing the movie. Enjoy the story for what it is but not expect great filming. It was an enjoyable film for the wife and I but I can't say how you'll enjoy it.
- slumbersix
- Jan 4, 2007
- Permalink
This movie was a complete waste of time! Maybe the book was good but unless you read it don't see this. Was badly acted and directed. Anyone who left positive comments must have another agenda to leave these comments. Anybody who liked this has ZeRO taste. When it comes to movies. Awful! Awful! Awful! It turned into a joke by the end and I sat there laughing at the bad bad acting and directing. I really don't understand some of the comments that people actually enjoyed any of it even if you have read the book. Almost as if they just threw some stuff in the movie to make it a certain length. I read some Christian comments so maybe there is a following that.
- sherako-inc
- Jan 8, 2007
- Permalink
The reviews will lead to believe that this is a bad movie. Maybe you will dislike it. But if you take their opinion alone, you are seriously missing out.
To sum it up quickly, the movie revolves around a guy who is being stalked by a killer. The killer leaves him vague riddles and short time limits to solve them.
The story is a lot more detailed than I can really explain, but it is not confusing to follow. I would like to point out now that this is not a horror movie. If you are looking for blood and gore and nothing else, then move on. But this is definitely a suspense "hold-your-breath" thriller. Because I accidentally read some spoilers before watching the movie, I already knew what was going to happen. But I still sat at the edge of my seat, wide-eyed and excited. This is a psychological thriller to the max.
Yes, this is a movie with Christian undertones, but for those of you who are turned off by that, don't be. Most of the religious blah blah dissipates in the first 10 or 15 minutes. Overall in the movie, I didn't think there was a lot of overdone religion in it - though just a hair less of it would have made the movie better.
As a horror fan and a thriller fan, I think you should really check this movie out. Don't expect gore and blood and you'll love it.
Despite the negative reviews on here, give the movie a chance. You'll thank me.
To sum it up quickly, the movie revolves around a guy who is being stalked by a killer. The killer leaves him vague riddles and short time limits to solve them.
The story is a lot more detailed than I can really explain, but it is not confusing to follow. I would like to point out now that this is not a horror movie. If you are looking for blood and gore and nothing else, then move on. But this is definitely a suspense "hold-your-breath" thriller. Because I accidentally read some spoilers before watching the movie, I already knew what was going to happen. But I still sat at the edge of my seat, wide-eyed and excited. This is a psychological thriller to the max.
Yes, this is a movie with Christian undertones, but for those of you who are turned off by that, don't be. Most of the religious blah blah dissipates in the first 10 or 15 minutes. Overall in the movie, I didn't think there was a lot of overdone religion in it - though just a hair less of it would have made the movie better.
As a horror fan and a thriller fan, I think you should really check this movie out. Don't expect gore and blood and you'll love it.
Despite the negative reviews on here, give the movie a chance. You'll thank me.
- ladycleosombra
- Jun 14, 2008
- Permalink
- thomas_may_jr
- Jan 4, 2007
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- icflam3777
- Feb 15, 2009
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- Dark_Venom
- Jan 16, 2008
- Permalink
The direction is totally sub par , the acting is labored and the plot is as thin as a gossamer , DO NOT waste your time or money on this shallow movie . I shudder to think what prompted the "Actors" to agree to do this movie . I can see some talent , but the script and direction is total crap. The story could have been a winner but the screen play was abysmal , I actually feel sorry for the actors having to act out as directed. I will never again waste my time viewing anything directed by Robby Henson! If he could stoop so low as to make this movie in this form then he is on my black list ! My advice to fellow movie buffs is to stay away from this movie and to be very aware that any future movie directed by Robby Henson should be avoided like the plague
This movie does not steal from SAW since it is based on a book written before SAW came out. Yes the movies graphics are not the greatest but with budget and popularity of movie coming in Thr3e was made as well as it could be. If you are a Christian then you should support this movie because it will show the movie companies that we want more movies and with better budgets.
If you have read the book the movie the follows the plot very well. I enjoyed the movie and I am looking forward to House coming out. Again the graphics aren't the greatest and some cuts are a little rough but otherwise great movie. Go and see it is full of twists and turns.
If you have read the book the movie the follows the plot very well. I enjoyed the movie and I am looking forward to House coming out. Again the graphics aren't the greatest and some cuts are a little rough but otherwise great movie. Go and see it is full of twists and turns.
- clarkeyihope
- Jan 5, 2007
- Permalink
- steelblue71
- Jan 4, 2007
- Permalink
Knowing this was a movie based on a novel by a Christian I unfortunately expected low budget, B Movie quality (e.g. Left Behind, Fire Proof, etc.)however, I was pleasantly surprised. Though it wasn't stellar, the movie had what I would say is "normal" movie quality (with the small exception of some special effects like explosions...they looked like cheap CGI). I haven't read the book yet, but the plot seemed to keep me somewhat on the edge of my seat although it felt like something I've seen before. I agree with another writer's disdain for Christian writers trying to compete in a suspense genre and being sort of "hand cuffed" by trying to be family friendly. I'm a Christian and I say, Christian writers need to just go for it, so be it if you get an R rating. Within the the reality of spiritual warfare, Christians have the freakiest stories of all to tell and they're true! Yet they are so afraid of someone hearing a naughty word that the power of truly scary stories is watered down to almost boredom. That reminds me too, this was in the horror section and is not horror at all. It's a drama...suspense maybe, but not horror.
- JoshAndersonXLVIII
- Nov 26, 2012
- Permalink
If you have read the book, you will not be disappointed, they did a great job and I thought it was very tastefully done! I will definitely go see it again! Marc Blucas did an excellent job and even though I knew what was going to happen, I was still caught up in the present and not even thinking about the ending! I can't wait for Ted Dekkers next book to movie . . .HOUSE! The movie was very accurate to the book and I find that almost rare anymore. Even though it was similar to some other movies previously mentioned, I think they did a great job at putting a new spin on things. It was long enough without being too long and kept your interest the entire time. I wouldn't stereotype this movie as a 'christian' film, but there was religious content and I think believers and unbelievers alike will appreciate this film for what it is . . .the struggle between good and evil!
Its a bit strong on the religious element, nothing wrong with personal beliefs but a film should be entertainment first and foremost. Nonetheless if you can get past the rather forceful overture of the doctrinal stuff there is an entertaining movie in this.
- RhinoBarbarian
- Jan 5, 2007
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- Craig_McPherson
- Jun 3, 2007
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