The third film relaunches the bloody formula of the first films, but is less disturbing
Since 2016, the franchise Terrible he has tested the audience’s appetite with his brutal and bloody scenes. For the third feature, which premieres this Thursday, 31st, the director and screenwriter Damien Leon he proposes a repetition of what was shown in the previous two chapters, using his charismatic Art (David Howard Thornton) to highlight the boring plot with Sienna (Lauren LaVera).
It’s not that there is a lack of creativity Terrible 3. Just as in the first two features, the countless deaths shown on screen are evidence of Leon’s sad, rich imagination. The point is that the film does not disturb as much as its predecessors, no matter how violent Arthur is towards his victims.
As in the last two films, Art is the only thing that really attracts Terrible 3. The villain laughs with his mimes and apparent childishness, and even his most violent moments are filled with a comic quality that takes us back to classic films. Charles Chaplin or Buster Keaton. Now sporting the iconic horn, the clown dominates every second he’s on screen, but his absence is felt and drags every moment without him between Sienna’s melancholic dialogue with her family.
The big problem with this third film is the tedious core of the victims. Loaded with exposition, the plot takes a while to progress and seems to only force the audience to expect certain characters to meet their ends in the most violent way possible. In this regard, at least, Terrible 3 It delivers exactly what it promises and it’s no surprise that certain deaths are celebrated when they finally happen.
Terrible 3 is not ashamed to be what it is: a violent film that has been distorted and, why wouldn’t it, unsuspecting viewers sick. Unfortunately, this third chapter has little ambition to surpass its predecessors, content to create laughs and nervous discomfort. Yes, it fulfills its role of entertaining gore horror fans, but without the same shine that it did in Terrible 2 success
More of the same, the film will certainly please those who liked the previous chapters, but it will hardly win over new audiences. Not that it matters much. Terrible 3 topped the North American box office, showing that even though it’s already a hit, Leon’s bloody recipe is still enough to bring enthusiasts and the curious to the movie theaters.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Horror Film Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special feature on the latest release in the horror genre! Today, we’re diving into the highly anticipated Terrifier 3. I’m thrilled to have with us Dr. Lisa Monroe, a film scholar and horror aficionado. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Monroe!
Dr. Lisa Monroe (DLM): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this new installment of the Terrifier franchise.
TNE: Let’s jump right in. The latest film has been described as relaunching the bloody formula of the first two films but being less disturbing. What are your thoughts on that?
DLM: That’s an interesting observation! The Terrifier series, particularly under the direction of Damien Leone, has pushed boundaries with its graphic violence. In Terrifier 3, while it certainly retains the gore that fans love, it seems that Leone has chosen to focus more on character dynamics and humor—particularly with Art the Clown as the central figure.
TNE: Art the Clown has certainly become an iconic character since his introduction. What do you think makes him so compelling in this series?
DLM: Art is a fascinating blend of horror and comedy. His exaggerated, almost cartoonish behavior juxtaposed with brutal violence creates a bizarre yet captivating experience for viewers. Even when he’s committing heinous acts, there is an element of childish playfulness that makes the character memorable. In Terrifier 3, it seems that Leone leans into that absurdity even more, likely to provide a contrast to the otherwise dark themes.
TNE: You mentioned that the film is not as disturbing. How do you think this shift in tone will affect the reception among fans of the franchise?
DLM: It could go either way. Some fans appreciate the relentless intensity of the first two films, where every scene is laced with tension and dread. However, others might welcome a break from the sheer brutality and find enjoyment in a more nuanced storyline. The balance between horror and humor is tricky, and while it can open up the franchise to new audiences, it risks alienating die-hard fans who crave that raw, disturbing experience.
TNE: With the inclusion of new characters, like Sienna, do you think they play a significant role in balancing Art’s chaotic energy?
DLM: Absolutely! Sienna’s introduction suggests a potential for contrasting themes of good versus evil, heroism against villainy. How she evolves in response to Art’s madness could bring depth to the narrative. By adding this complexity, it allows the film to explore not just the terror that Art brings but also the emotional stakes for characters facing him.
TNE: Speaking of emotional stakes, do you find that the emotional complexity adds to the horror experience in films like this one?
DLM: Definitely. When viewers are invested in the characters’ journeys, the horror becomes more impactful. If Sienna’s struggles resonate with the audience, the violence against her can evoke stronger reactions. It elevates the horror from mere shock value to a more profound engagement with fear, making it all the more thrilling to watch.
TNE: As we wrap up, what are your expectations for the future of the Terrifier franchise based on what we’ve seen in Terrifier 3?
DLM: If Terrifier 3 is successful in bringing new elements without losing the franchise’s core essence, we might see a continuance of Art’s misadventures with various storytelling approaches. The horror genre thrives on innovation, and if Leone can merge humor with horror compellingly, I think there are many more tales to tell featuring Art the Clown.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Monroe, for your insights today! It’s always a pleasure to explore the depths of horror films with someone who has such a passion for the genre.
DLM: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how audiences react to Terrifier 3 and what it means for the horror film landscape going forward.
TNE: And to our listeners, don’t forget to catch Terrifier 3 when it premieres this Thursday! We’ll be back with more insights into the latest in the film world.