Review of 'Back to the Future Part III'

back_to_the_future_part_3.jpg The final film in the “Back to the Future” trilogy and, by far, the weakest of the three but in some ways the lightest and most fun.

Picking up from where the previous film left off, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) sees the time-travelling Delorean containing his friend Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) hit by lightening and disappearing in thin air leaving Marty stranded. While standing in the rain in the middle of the road contemplating his fate Marty receives a letter delivered by Western Union from his friend dated 1885. Doc was sent back in time by the lightening but is safe and happy. Doc tells Marty where he has hidden the Delorean so Marty enlists 1950s Doc to help him repair the time machine for the trip home. While recovering the vehicle the two discover that in 1885 shortly after sending the letter to Marty, Doc is killed in a gun fight. Marty is determined to save Doc so when the Delorean is repaired he travels to 1885 to help his friend. Hill Valley in 1885 is a young, “wild west” town populated with familiar characters from the Back to the Future series. Will they be able to prevent Doc's untimely demise and will they be able to finally return home?

At least this story this time is not as convoluted as part 2 but it is a whole lot sillier. As with the previous films, the vision of the 1880s is romantic, a pastiche at best but, yes, it is fun. The story is absolutely preposterous (as if the other two weren't) and I still find the ending (flying train) extremely hokey. The main plot point here is around Marty's getting into trouble whenever someone calls him “chicken” so it is good to see it nicely resolved with a bit of help from a relative. The story is jammed with nods to elements of the previous movies which will keep fans amused and entertained. The end does tie up all of the plot points quite satisfactorily (though it is a bit on the silly side).

There is a good amount of action in part 3 particularly in the climax of the film but for the most part we are given time to enjoy our surroundings (again, unlike part 2) and the characters. The effects are somewhat disappointing, particularly the Science Fiction ones which look extraordinarily fake, even more so than, yes, part 2.

Do not attempt to watch if you have not seen the previous two parts as you will be lost – There is no attempt here to recap in any way so you need to be relatively familiar with the characters and story before seeing this one. Having said that, it is quite fun and amusing but no where near as good as the others in the franchise…

Rating: “It is OK but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2019-10-27


Directed by: Robert Zemeckis

Studio: Universal Pictures

Year: 1990

Length: 118 minutes

Genre: Science Fiction

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099088/


Other reviewed films by Robert Zemeckis: