January 31, 2005

January’s Triple Feature Picks by Rob G

They say third times a charm? And in this month’s triple feature picks, we’re going to prove that’s true with three underrated sequels.

If EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING accomplished anything, it was to remind me how good the previous entry in the franchise was. William Peter Blatty, writer of the original EXORCIST novel returns to both script and direct EXORCIST III: LEGION. With the stellar cast of George C. Scott, Brad Dourif and Jason Miller returning, this marks probably the one and only decent sequel worthy of the EXORCIST name. George C. Scott plays Lt. Kinderman who is investigating a serial killer in Georgetown; where the infamous exorcism of the first film took place. Could a killer who was executed 15 years early the same night as Regan’s exorcism be responsible for the current crop of slain priests and doctors? This movie has at least ONE scare that will make you crawl down under your couch. Start you evening out with this underrated Part 3.

Why not follow it up by one of the most troubled sequels in horror history. LEATHERFACE: TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE III. At the time of its release, the MPAA chopped this movie to bits and angered both fans and the studio. Now, years later we can finally enjoy a completely uncut and restored version of this cult classic on DVD. Two teens travel cross-country to deliver a car and stumble upon the hunting ground of a cannibalistic family. Excellent cast here again with Kate Hodge and William Butler in the leads. Good ‘ol Viggo Mortensen (of LORD OF THE RINGS fame) portrays one of the series most memorable psycho characters, Tex. R.A. Mihailoff does a great job as Leatherface this go round, and last but not least we’ve got DAWN OF THE DEAD’s Ken Foree to kick his ass as Benny! An overlooked sequel that deserves another look.

How can we wrap up our underrated third’s triple feature? Why not with A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS? Often thought of as one of the best entries in the NIGHTMARE series, it features some of the most innovative Freddy sequences ever seen. Let’s not forget Patricia Arquette, Laurence Fishburne in some of their earliest performances and returning favorites Robert Englund and Heather Langenkamp. Acting as a direct sequel to the first film, between part one and three, you’ve got a really solid complete story for Freddy Krueger. While Part 4 was one of the most successful entries theatrically, Part 3 stands out as one of the best. Enjoy!