Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III - A Gritty Attempt at Franchise Revival
Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III was released 35 years ago, marking a departure from the over-the-top silliness of its predecessor. The film aimed to return to the gritty, harsh kills and unlikable characters of the original, with hopes of launching a successful franchise. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series had an unlikely start in 1986 with a tonally different sequel, and after a change in production companies, New Line Cinema took over the franchise with ambitions of creating a lucrative horror series. The film's production faced challenges, including changes in filming locations and injuries to cast members. Despite the chaotic production, Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III was completed and released to the public.
The cast of Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III included notable actors like Kate Hodge, William Butler, and Ken Foree, as well as an early role for Viggo Mortensen. The film's gore effects were handled by KNB, although they were toned down compared to the original script. The movie opens with a brutal Leatherface kill and follows the story of Michelle and Ryan as they encounter the Sawyer clan and a survivalist named Benny. Chaos ensues as the characters try to survive the deadly encounters with the family members.
The film features early horror appearances from future stars like Viggo Mortensen and showcases the talent of veteran horror actor Ken Foree. Directed by Jeff Burr, Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III fits into the era of '90s journeyman directors who worked on cult-favorite projects. The movie attempts to capture the nihilistic tone of '70s horror while existing in the early '90s, creating a unique blend of styles. Despite its efforts to course-correct after the second film's silliness, Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III falls short of expectations and fails to stand the test of time.
The film's characters lack depth and the story feels familiar, offering little in terms of originality. While the gore effects were initially cut to avoid an X rating, the restored version on Blu-ray provides a glimpse of the film's intended graphic nature. Leatherface's portrayal in the movie, while visually striking, lacks the brutality and intimidation expected of the character. Ultimately, Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III is a disappointing entry in the franchise, failing to live up to its potential and falling short of its predecessors.