Terrifier 3 Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Five years after Sienna killed Art the Clown on Halloween, he returns to torment Sienna and her family at Christmas.

Review: Upfront, "Terrifier 3" is ballsier, gorier, and funnier than part 2 which should make any fan of this franchise happy. Art goes on a huge rampage, racking up a considerable body count, all the while the film delivers the goods and then some. However, does this serve as the alluded "Empire Strikes Back" for this series? The answer is: kinda. All hope does seem lost for our dear Sienna, but I think audiences can see where the story is probably heading. Now, with that said, I do still think part 2 is the superior entry...only by a hair. Finally, this should count as a Christmas horror movie, but I'd bet money part 4 will be back to Halloween since parts 1, 2, and "All Hallows' Eve" were all Halloween-centric.

Let's be honest, what does everyone want from this film? CARNAGE CANDY! The kills are nuts, frequent, and creative--the gore-hounds will be happily fed needless to say. From the opening sequence to the final fight, you will see one set piece after another in relentless fashion that makes the longer run time worth it compared to part 2. Speaking of the final fight...this was extremely satisfying with a sword vs. chainsaw clash and Sienna kicking some major ass after the severe abuse she takes this time around. As with part 2, I hope your favorite color is red, because you will be seeing a whole lot of it by the time the credits roll.

Where I start to have mixed feelings for part 3 is with the story and how some ideas were handled. Story beats are still at breadcrumb levels, with only hints as to what is the main goal of Art and the demon. We do know the demon has switched from taking the form of one of Art's victims to possessing Victoria. We also learn the demon does want to possess Sienna, for unknown reasons, which does explain what was happening in part 2 with the water tank she imagined drowning in. Furthermore, the shorts from "All Hallows' Eve" are going to be integrated into the ongoing story judging from the ending.

What doesn't work for me is the time jump of 5 years. It would have worked if Art was regenerating from just a head with the help of the demon. Instead, Art and the demon hibernate for no discernible reason after Art easily plops his head right back on his body. Not only does this take away from the awesome defeat of part 2, it makes the birthing of the head scene nonsensical. And having Art and the demon only wake up after being disturbed makes their schemes seem stupid, because what if no one ever woke them?! I'm okay with the time skip as a concept to bring the actors closer to their real ages, but it felt gimmicky to use Christmas as a setting. As such, no one is questioning why a clown-Santa is running around? Don't get me wrong, it is humorous to see, yet it works better in the Halloween setting where Art can blend in seamlessly. There are other nitpicks I have, but the final big complaint that I hear from others--and I will explain my stance later--is the off-screen death of Jonathan. This is an unacceptable slap in the face if it's not a ruse by the writer/director, Damien Leone. Guess we'll see.

Overall, "Terrfier 3" is a fun, outlandishly goofy slasher that gives the audience exactly what they're asking for with memorable kills and plenty of 'oh shit' moments. David Howard Thornton is fantastically evil as Art, and you know I love the luscious Lauren LaVera as Sienna--fusing the final girl/chosen one archetypes into one. Of course, this isn't the kind of movie for everyone--not even all horror fans--but you have to give credit where credit is due in successfully establishing this generation's Jason or Freddy. That ain't no easy feat. So check this out now or wait for Christmas and truly get into the spirit!

Notable Moment: When Art overhears the Mia character talking about him. His jokey reactions to her are hilarious especially when he smells himself and gets pissed when she says she wouldn't fuck him. Priceless.

Final Rating: 6/10

Bonus: Here is my speculation at where part 4 will go: the drawing of Sienna as the battle angel holding a head from part 2 will come true. I think most of us assumed that was meant to be Art's head in a symbolic sense, but, instead, I think it will be literal. That devil-looking head is probably the true form of the demon which connects to "The Ninth Circle" segment from "All Hallows' Eve" and is a book the chick is reading at the end of part 3. Sienna will gain actual armor to become the battle angel instead of the cosplay thing she made. This armor will be made from the same magic material of the sword--being forged possibly in hell as we see that blacksmith demon on a chain held by...an angel(?). And, yes, I believe this will all take place on a different Halloween night...maybe back at the Terrifier in that amusement park.

Jonathan will be revealed to still be alive since the only proof he was dead was Victoria-demon having his glasses. Well, the last time we saw Jonathan he had his glasses off. Art and the demon probably tried to kill him and he ran away without the glasses. Gabbie will be possessed by the demon and have Sienna's sword. Sienna will be stuck trying to figure out a way to save Gabbie without killing her. We will probably finally learn what really happened with the dad, why they want to possess Sienna, and how Art connects to everything.

Let me know what you think will happen or if you think I'm on the right track.