Poltergeist III (1988) Movie Review
A Haunting Conclusion with Urban Supernatural Thrills
Poltergeist III, directed by Gary Sherman, is the third and final installment in the Poltergeist film series. Released in 1988, the movie attempts to continue the supernatural saga with a new setting and fresh challenges for its characters. Starring Tom Skerritt, Nancy Allen, Heather O’Rourke, and Zelda Rubinstein, Poltergeist III aims to deliver scares within the confines of a high-rise apartment building. Despite its intriguing premise, the film struggles to live up to the legacy of its predecessors.
Plot Overview
In this sequel, young Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke) is sent to live with her Aunt Pat (Nancy Allen) and Uncle Bruce (Tom Skerritt) in a Chicago skyscraper to escape the malevolent spirits that have haunted her family. However, the sinister force, led by the vengeful Reverend Kane (Nathan Davis), soon finds Carol Anne and begins to wreak havoc within the high-rise.
As the supernatural occurrences escalate, Carol Anne’s aunt and uncle, along with the building’s skeptical psychologist Dr. Seaton (Richard Fire), must confront their disbelief and work together to protect her. With the help of the clairvoyant Tangina (Zelda Rubinstein), they attempt to save Carol Anne and banish the spirits once and for all.
Characters and Performances
Heather O’Rourke, reprising her role as Carol Anne, delivers a heartfelt and brave performance despite the film’s weaknesses. Her ability to convey fear and resilience remains a highlight of the series. Nancy Allen and Tom Skerritt offer solid performances as the concerned relatives, though their characters often feel underdeveloped.
Zelda Rubinstein returns as Tangina, providing a sense of continuity and depth to the supernatural narrative. Richard Fire‘s portrayal of Dr. Seaton adds an element of skepticism, though his character’s role is limited and somewhat cliché.
Direction and Cinematography
Director Gary Sherman brings a different visual style to the series by setting the supernatural events in an urban high-rise. The claustrophobic corridors and reflective surfaces of the building create a unique and unsettling atmosphere. The use of practical effects, especially the mirror sequences, adds to the film’s eerie ambiance.
However, the film suffers from pacing issues and a lack of coherent narrative structure. The decision to focus on visual effects sometimes detracts from character development and story cohesion. The special effects, while ambitious, often feel repetitive and fail to deliver the same level of impact as the original film’s iconic scenes.
Themes and Horror Elements
Poltergeist III explores themes of isolation, fear of the unknown, and the struggle between belief and skepticism. The high-rise setting symbolizes urban isolation and the impersonal nature of city life, contrasting with the suburban setting of the first two films. The horror elements rely heavily on visual scares and supernatural phenomena, but the film lacks the emotional depth and terror that characterized the earlier installments.
Streaming and Rental Options in the US
For those interested in watching Poltergeist III, there are several streaming and rental options available in the United States:
- Streaming Services: The film is available on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Both platforms offer extensive libraries of movies and TV shows, making it convenient for subscribers to access the film.
- Rental/Purchase: You can rent or purchase the movie on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. These platforms provide the flexibility to rent the film for a limited period or purchase it for unlimited viewing.
Final Verdict
Poltergeist III attempts to bring a fresh perspective to the franchise with its urban setting and creative use of practical effects. While the film has moments of genuine suspense and a strong performance by Heather O’Rourke, it ultimately falls short due to its disjointed narrative and underdeveloped characters. The lack of emotional connection and overreliance on visual tricks make it a lesser entry in the Poltergeist series.
For fans of the franchise, Poltergeist III offers a sense of closure and some nostalgic value. However, those seeking the same level of fear and storytelling found in the original may find themselves disappointed. With multiple streaming and rental options available, audiences in the United States can easily access Poltergeist III and judge its merits for themselves.
