Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001)

Directed by Brent Maddock [Other horror films: N/A]

While not as strong a sequel as Aftershocks was, the third film in the Tremors series is okay. It definitely feels more average than either of the previous films, but there are some strong portions also, and is still worth seeing if you’re a Graboid fan.

Personally, I loved seeing Perfection again, with old faces (Charlotte Stewart, Ariana Richards, Tony Genaro, and Robert Jayne) and references (to Nestor, Rhonda, and of course the picture of Walter Chang). The setting of Mexico was fine in Aftershocks, but it’s great to be back to where it all started, and to bring back so many of the classic faces.

It’s certainly a cheaper movie, but I don’t think that really does much harm. The special effects are as decent and gooey as ever (that scene in which Burt is cut out of the graboid is just slimy af, as the kids say), and the design for the new creature in the cycle (appropriately labeled Ass Blasters) is decent, though it’s not too far removed from the Shriekers.

Of course, Michael Gross coming back as Burt is a big win. Honestly, he’s not as memorable here as he has been in previous films, and doesn’t have any quips that come to mind as the first and second movies provided, but he’s still that anti-government right-wing gun-nut you know and love, and Gross does beautifully with it.

I liked Susan Chuang, and I thought her Jodi made a good new character, but I have to say that Shawn Christian was more on the generic side. I guess that Christian is okay, but I sort of wish they used Grady (Chris Gartin) from the second movie instead of throwing another new character in. Still, he did okay, but I don’t think he’s near as memorable as Kevin Bacon or Chris Gartin.

Others who are worth mentioning have mostly been mentioned. Reprising their roles from the first film are Charlotte Stewart (Nancy) and Ariana Richards (Mindy), and you know what, I’m surprised they used the same actress for Mindy. It’s just really nice seeing as many returning faces as we got, especially since Tony Genaro (Migeul) got more screen time. What they did to Robert Jayne (Melvin) was an interesting choice, but not everything can be on the side of angels.

I also enjoyed the ending to this one. Being stuck in a junkyard and having to defend yourself with makeshift weapons, I always thought that was a fun situation. Much like the first two movies, I saw this one when I was a kid, and I always got such a kick out of the finale, not to mention seeing the unfortunate and ironic demise of Burt’s home.

For as cheap as Tremors 3 is, it’s still Tremors done largely right. I enjoyed the character additions for the most part, and though I don’t think it’s near as strong as the second movie (I would have loved a quick Fred Ward cameo), it’s still a lot of fun, and I personally dig it.

7.5/10