Art’s making a list. He’s checking it twice. He’s gonna stab, maim, dismember and slice. Terrifier 3 has come to town early, with a festive bloodbath that’s arguably the best instalment yet.
It was tough for me to assign a number grade to this movie, because my inner critic and my inner horror enthusiast are clashing. On one hand, this was easily one of the best theatrical experiences of the year, and I’m so glad I caught it opening weekend with a packed auditorium. I know what to expect from the franchise, and it gave me exactly that. On the other hand, it’s got a lot of the same issues that plagued the first two movies, albeit to a lesser extent.
This franchise didn’t become a massive cult success because of its plot or writing. This is a significant step up in terms of narrative structure, but it’s still thin, serving more as a vehicle to take us from one gory encounter to the next. That said, the pacing is greatly improved from the bloated Terrifier 2, and the plot has just enough intrigue to remain engaging between the kills. The warm and cozy Christmas setting offers a welcome change of aesthetic, contrasting perfectly against all the cold, sadistic violence.
And sweet baby Jesus, does this movie ever deliver on that front. The kills are gleefully over-the-top, ultra violent and absolutely not for the faint of heart. Director Damien Leone did impressive things with the first Terrifier’s $35,000 micro budget, and Terrifier 2’s crowd funded $250,000. Now that he’s been given some real money to play with, though, he’s operating on a whole new level. This movie contains some of the gnarliest and most impressive practical gore effects I’ve seen in a slasher at any budget. They’re appropriately old-fashioned looking, but realistic enough to have viewers squirming in their seats.
David Howard Thornton returns with another killer performance as everyone’s favourite pantomime psychopath. His animated expressions and exaggerated movements give off such a playful energy, but as we know, Art’s version of playful is a little bit rougher than our own. Also returning is Lauren Lavera as Sienna, who again makes for an awesome final girl. The good and evil dynamics between Art and Sienna offer an interesting balance, even if the lore behind their feud is a little sloppy.
Terrifier 3 isn’t going to win over those who couldn’t stomach the first two movies, but for fans of Art the Clown’s maniacal hijinks, it delivers. Yeah, it’s got a lot of the same flaws as before, but it’s hard to see them through all the blood and guts.
3.5/5
Review by: Benjamin Garrett