Back to the Future Part III
“Why do we have to cut these things so…close?” Film trilogies can experience three levels of success. In the case of “Star Wars”, the Christopher Nolan Batman films or “The Lord of the Rings” films, history is made with all three films. Then we have the scenario where, the first film is such a hit that the second film is good but can’t quite live up to the original. Then unfortunately, the third film blows it story-wise. Usually this happens because the mood, style or genre changes over the course of the films. The filmmakers can get carried away with the world they have established. This happened in “The Matrix” trilogy and also in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. In the final category, which examples include "The Mighty Ducks” and “Ocean’s” trilogy, the second film isn't as good as the first but the third film resolves things nicely. Such is the case with the "Back to the Future" trilogy. With no inherited story baggage to worry about from the last film, "Back to the Future Part III" has the ability to conclude the trilogy in a very entertaining manner and it is my favorite film from 1990. It is also the only film in the franchise that I have not seen on the big screen. The plotline of the 3rd installment is similar to that of the original film so that is good. You have an introduction, a crisis, rising action, a climax and a fun conclusion to the whole trilogy. Because of its theme, story and the attitude of those responsible for it, Part III is fun to watch and contains the same excitement that you had in the original film. Robert Zemeckis, with all three films, frightens you into thinking that your heroes may not win in the end. What I love most about "Part III" is that while the genre is different from its predecessors, you are able to accept this change. The franchise didn't end on a flop like the other aforementioned franchises.
Marty continues learning the lesson he is being taught starting in the second film in that you don’t need a time machine to create your destiny however this time it is on a personal level. Everyday, we all make decisions that affect the course of our lives. This theme can even be partially found in the original film. Marty has an inner struggle that when combined with his goal of getting back to the future creates the drama, action and suspense that the trilogy is known for. I like how in this film, Marty is able to associate with his family and not change their lives or endanger his existence. They even help him realize his lesson. The character of Shamus is well played by Michael J. Fox as the father figure that he his (make that great-great-grandfather). He sees that Marty needs help not only with his situation but also with his character. He becomes a grandfather figure to Marty without knowing that he really is Marty’s grandfather. It is a nice touch for the sake of the theme and so well acted/written that you forget that both characters are played by the same guy. Once again, the special effects are seemless as Zemeckis would come to be known for in this decade. There is one split screen shot with crowds in the background and if that is accomplished without blue screen then that is amazing. I also like how Shamus passes a plate to Marty.
I remember being in grade 3 or maybe younger and my parents watched Part III on television and taped it. I had seen the first film and as mentioned in that review, I was quite frightened by its story. The third film did the same but this movie frightened me in an exciting way that made me a fan of the whole trilogy. I had questions especially during the start of Part III because I had not seen the second film. This made watching Part II even more fun when I saw it for the first time. There is a minor story flaw with Part III in that saving Doc’s life would prevent Marty from even finding out about it in the first place in 1955. Having said that, the classic story frame used in this film is a major part of its success. Zemeckis once again has a countdown and has rising action lead up to it. I like the Clint Eastwood gags and other jokes such as 7/11, the Frisbee and the moonwalk. I also love the references to "Dirty Harry" and "Taxi Driver". This is how a naive kid from the 80's would behave in this time period and that creates some great entertainment. One cool thing to keep in mind is that by 1990, Clint Eastwood was a famous western actor but he had yet to make his Oscar-winning film "Unforgiven". The running gags throughout the trilogy may get redundant but I still laugh at the manure and the waking up scene among other things. Bob Gale even makes fun of all the films when he has Marty say that aforementioned line: “Why do we have to cut these things so…close?” Another great scene is when Marty enters the saloon. He has done this before in 1955 and 2015 but this time it is a saloon and the filmmakers take full advantage of that. I love how the swinging doors of the saloon resemble the cafe doors from the past movies.
“I always wanted to be a cowboy” is a secondary theme to this 3rd adventure. This is true in front of and behind the camera. Thomas F. Wilson plays the perfect cowboy version of Biff. This film is so well designed and made that I have seen this film classified in books and magazines as an actual western. The really cool part is that the western stereotypes are used in a sincere way and still providing comedy. We have a western shootout as part of the climax as well as a train robbery. You root for the main characters in these scenes while enjoying stereotypical western action. A shootout for example is cliche in a western but Marty’s life is at stake so it is intense but subconsciously fun at the same time. Everyone working on the film was excited to work on a western. Stuntmen all over Hollywood wanted to be in it, a John Ford admiration can be seen, the set designer wanted realism and the director of photography went for a real western style look. Everyone involved must have had fun because you feel it. As mentioned in the review for Part II, the western theme that Alan Silvestri wrote for this movie fits in with the rest of the trilogy’s score and is genuinely western at the same time. It is one of the best pieces of score in all three films. There continues to be great balance with the music and acting with "Part III". Some examples include when Marty makes up his mind to go back to 1885 and when Doc decides to stay with Clara. Usually when the genre changes in a film franchise, the credibility changes with it. Why is that not the case with "Back to the Future Part III". The answer is that storytelling is the focus of the film. The western motif supports the story and provides entertainment as opposed to just the latter. As a child by the way, I immediately recognized Pat Buttram's voice because he is in a lot of Disney animated films. Those three old-timers in the saloon were an amazing touch.
Part III is the only film in the trilogy that I have not seen on the big screen. I feel it is slightly better than the second movie though because Zemeckis was able to supervise the post production process. This film takes cliché scenes from a western and uses them again as stereotypes but they still come across as serious story moments. The theme speaks to all of us who dream of a better future for ourselves. The third film gave the filmmakers the chance to tell a story without any inherited story problems from the previous film and to visit a romantic and legendary time in Western American culture. My one wish for the "Back to the Future" trilogy would be that it never gets old. I want kids in the future to relate to Marty and enjoy his adventure. After experiencing Back to the Future Day on Oct. 21, 2015, I don't think this franchise will ever go out of style so my wish continues to come true. If I got an additional wish, it would be to own a flying time-travelling DeLorean.
4.5 Stars