Actors: Danielle Harris, Kane Hodder, Zach Galligan
Directors: BJ McDonnell
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Dark Sky Films
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Run Time: 81 minutes
Film: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
The horror genre is easily my favorite out of all types of movies. When I first saw Adam Green’s “Hatchet”, I was blown away. The film was so gory, in-your-face and did not apologize at all, I loved it. When I saw the sequel, the gore was there but the film itself was not as great. So I was hesitant going into this latest chapter of swamp monster Victor Crowley, but it was totally kick-ass. This was not directed by Adam Green, though he did write the screenplay. It marked the directorial debut of acclaimed cameraman BJ McDonnell, check out our interview with him here. If you weren’t a fan of “Hatchet II”, I recommend you still give this a chance. They really took the good and the bad of the last film and improved on it. You get a fast, fun and did I mention gory crazy ride here! Recommended for any true horrorhound! Just be warned it is not for the queasy!
The film packs an amazing genre cast including Danielle Harris and Kane Hodder returning to their roles. Kane Hodder actually gives his best performance Victor Crowley performance to date, he really put a lot into him this time. Also starring are favorites Zach Galligan (“Gremlins”), Caroline Williams (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”), and Derek Mears (“Friday the 13th”, “Predators”). That’s right, be sure to expect an epic Jason vs Jason stand-up with Mears and Hodder. It is a fanboys dream and it is very sweet. I think that why this film succeeded is that director BJ and his team are really just fans of classics 80’s horror and they made a film that they would want to watch. I hope that this doesn’t conclude the series of “Hatchet” because I would love to see more.
Official Premise: Concluding the saga begun in Adam Green’s hit 2006 thriller, HATCHET III follows the vengeful Marybeth (Halloween’s Danielle Harris) as she continues seeking out a way to destroy Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder, Friday the 13th), a hulking, seemingly-invincible sociopath rampaging through a sleepy Louisiana swamp. While a heavily-armed team of mercenaries takes to the bayou surrounding Crowley’s home, Marybeth finds herself begrudgingly teaming up with a local policeman (Gremlins star Zach Galligan) and his ex-wife (Caroline Williams, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2) – an expert on the maniac who may have uncovered the secret to ending his murderous rampage once and for all.
Dark Sky Films released this unrated director’s cut of “Hatchet III”. The Blu-ray presentation is very impressive for the low-budget horror title. The 1080p transfer is crisp and really work even in the extremely dark setting the film takes place in. The gore is well represented, in fact this film actually made me look away at point and that is a first in a while. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track works with the action scenes, including every chainsaw, bone breaking effects etc. The special features are impressive like the film itself. There are two commentary tracks, the first is with Writer/Producer Adam Green, Director BJ McDonnell, Cinematographer Will Barratta, and Make-Up Effects Artist Robert Pendergraft. It is a blast to listen to and definitely a must for fans of the film. There is also a cast commentary track again with Adam Green, BJ McDonnell and adding in Kane Hodder this time. Next up there are three featurettes covering everything in the production including, “Hatchet III: Behind The Scenes”, “Raising Kane” and “Swamp Fun”.