Movie Review: Damien Leones Terrifer 3

Slasher holiday-themed horror. The third film of the franchise, Terrifier 3 picks up five years after the second sequel with Art returning to kill Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera) and her little brother Jonathan. Sienna, still suffering from PTSD from her last encounter with Art, finds it hard to be merry and bright during the festive season after she got transformed into a pumpkin-carving inspired creature.  Art is on the scene to slash whatever good cheer and holiday spirit she has into pieces. Also, Victoria Heyes isn't dead, she's a decapitated, mute assistant for Art, helping this sequel render a gruesome take on a typically happy holiday. Expect blood and gore, kills, lots of kills, weapons of choice and weapons of creativity, comical asides (mostly from Art), and an ending that suggests sequels galore. 

 Terrifier 3 is a horror film that balances the ludicrousness of the genre and almost a small part of comedy due to a deeper,  backstory of the franchise and an escalation of blood, guts, and giggles that regular viewers have come to look for. A short exploration of Art's undiscovered supernatural origin. This is relative to the fact that Thornton's ridiculously over the top clown act both entertains and sickens. Art the Clown is a contemporary horror icon. There's a lot of creative killing going on, the liquid nitrogen gun is used a lot, some situations rely on shocking horror but Leone implements enough practical effects to solidify the killing moments that need to be there. But the pacing, like the editing, is jarring, as over two hours of film are stretched with predictable plot points and a few superfluous subplots. Sienna isn't always the focus of the film, dependent upon Art's focus, but LaVera infuses the character with enough emotion. The failure to make Sienna consistent with a grounded identity naturalizes her for the audience, and her trauma transfers sympathy from the audience to her. Therefore, where LaVera's Sienna is warm and hospitable, it only makes Art's sociopathy that much more impressive. Final impressions: Terrifier 3 provides the bloody good time expected for fans with new kills and a somewhat likable killer. While it teases Art's supernatural beginnings, the average viewer might be turned off by the runtime and jumbled plot points. But if you're a horror fan who understands the ridiculousness of excessive blood and gore, it's a film you need to see.

Cullan Sarmiento,  Class of 2027, is a staff writer for the Dedham Mirror. He enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, and competing as a Marauder on the football and track teams.