Review: Hatchet 3 (2013)

Review by Disgruntled Monkey

Director: BJ McDonnell

Starring: Danielle Harris, Kane Hodder, Zach Galligan

Writer: Adam Green

At the end of Hatchet 3 it occurred to me that there was no real story that I could mention. It’s all basic set up to get the characters in the swamp and then starting the FX reel. Suggesting that this third installment has even less plot than the first two is an understatement, no, actually more of an amazing feat of illogic; as the first two movies have the thinnest of plots to begin with.

This is the real gatekeeper when it comes to the enjoyment of this film. If you need characterisation or anything story based to enjoy a film then I suggest just moving on. It is kind of a shame though as the special effects are quite gory and impressive. Framing them with a more robust plot might have drawn some more people in, then again this is the third in a series and it’s just keeping pace with what the previous films have set up.

Victor Crowley is still a monstrous force and is memorable enough to at least claw his way close to the pantheon of horror icons, however, his lack of personality never truly gets him over the line. Like-wise his nemesis Marybeth, played by Danielle Harris, is actually quite an enjoyable character while never seeming to reach her full potential. In particular number 3 kind of has her split from the main action and it does hurt her inevitable confrontation with Crowley. Other than these two everyone is pretty much fresh meat with the occasional funny one liner thrown in for garnish.

Gee Victor! Compensating for something?

The highlight of all Hatchet films is the gore effects and like its previous entries this movie delivers. Right from the get go we have a man cut in half with a chainsaw and it doesn’t really let up from there. Everything is practical and it does give it a very old school type feel. Most importantly the violence never really delves into the cruelness of the so called ‘torture genre’. Hatchet has its tongue planted firmly in cheek and it asks its audience to enjoy the chaotic ride.

Overall the Hatchet films were never meant to impress people with their story; it’s an old school chaotic violent ride. Victor Crowley is still an impressive monster and with these three films goes out in such a way that this could be the end of the series - and a good one at that. I really do wish there was more Marybeth and maybe just a shade more story but hell I’ll go for fun over bad anytime of the week.