Damien Leone gave the Horror-Nation something they have been clamoring for, a new horror icon. Filmed in 2016, Terrifier was unleashed a few years later and word of mouth sprung an indie sensation that has become a mainstream franchise. A second film was delayed by Covid but eventually got a theatrical release which made Art The Clown a household name. The first film was praised for its gritty style and no holds barred kills. Though long winded, the second film saw Art in full gory glory. Expectations are high for this Cinderella franchise as the series releases a third film. Will Leone return to a simpler style which captured the dark hearts of horror fans, or will this third entry be another dragging terror tale that is a simple slash and hack?
Five years after the massacre, Sienna Shaw is ready to leave a mental health facility and attempt to live some semblance of a normal life with her aunt, uncle, and younger cousin. Her brother Jonathan is attending a nearby university as he is beginning to put the horrific past behind him. All is looking jolly during the festive season until Art, along with sinister sidekick Victoria, comes to town to slay. After spotting the killer clown during a shopping spree, Sienna attempts to convince her family that they are in danger before they can send her back to the institution for further help. Art stalks the one that got away as he spreads yuletide terror all over town. Once again, the two forces are primed for another showdown slaughter.
Terrifier 3 brings all the great stuff that made the first film a modern classic while troughing through another two-hour run time with just enough plot and pace to make the third entry better than the second film. David Howard Thorton once again kills his role with a performance that is both comical and horrific. Lauren Lavera tops her performance in the second film with a bold take on survivor’s pain, and cameos from Daniel Roebuck and Clint Howard are a welcomed treat to the series. Several more terrific kills, and a few that will certainly be controversial, are splattered all over the screen, giving the hard-core gore fans a holiday to dismember. Leone’s practical effects produce bone crunching kills that will make audiences spit out their popcorn. More details about Art’s origin are given but not enough answers nor sporadic lulls through the film to warrant yet another two-hour slasherpiece that just feels a half an hour too long. Perhaps fans will get more answers in the fourth film, which is already in pre-production. Terrifier 3 will have fans of the series drink up the blood with holiday cheer, while giving the franchise some, not enough, a much-needed boost across the plot.
Scream Score: 8.1/10