by Kyle Morris, MoreHorror.com
Being a fan of comedic slasher films, the Hatchet series is something I am very fond of. Regardless of which one "is the better one". Frankly, it is irrelevant to me due simply to the fact that it's never taking itself too seriously in any of them.
With the title Hatchet, 1, 2, or 3 you simply know what you're in for when you press play. Hatchet 3 however, is the most serious one of them all. Its a gore pizza with a dash of cheese.
Following Marybeth back into the swamp, starting directly after the second film, it has the same formula as its predecessor. The trilogy actually seems more like one big film, as each one of them follows exactly where the last left off. With a new Director, Cameraman BJ McDonnell from the first two grabs the helming reigns for the third and final installment. It's clear that the director wanted an approach different from Adam Green's, but with the same feel and vibe while staying true to the vision of Victor Crowley and the story. While adding his own signature on the series.
In likeness of the past two films, it still has gruesome jokes of such caliber like testicles hanging from trees to name one, thanks to Crowley. But it's shot visually awesome, in a far more cinematic and intense way than the other two. Action scenes, dismemberments, hail of gunfire, and even a bit of wirework. Not kung fu style, but more victims being thrown around like ragdolls by Crowley. Derek Mears as a mercenary type role being the only one seemingly somewhat capable to tackling the Victor-Beast. Sort of like RA Mailhoff in the 2nd.
Green also Executive Produced and was on set as much as humanly possibly to make sure his Hatchet baby ended on a good note, giving full trust to its new Director -- with a horror cameo from Green himself. Well acted supporting roles from Caroline Williams of TCM2, Zach Galligan of Gremlins, Sean Whalen of People Under the Stairs, Rileah Vanderbilt of Team Unicorn, and of course the survivor girl Danielle Harris make for a stellar slasher film.
Hatchet 3 might have less comedy, but just as much, if not more gore, blood and guts to keep the audience happy. And barely gets boring with curiosity gleaming as to what will finally kill Victor Crowley once and for all. But is it the end of the swamp killer? Only Ariescope Pictures and Dark Sky Films know.