Jeepers Creepers 3 – Film Review

Published October 3, 2023

Movie Details

Rating
D+
Director
Victor Salva
Writer
Victor Salva
Actors
Stan Shaw, Gabrielle Haugh, Jonathan Breck, Brandon Smith, Meg Foster
Runtime
1 h 40 min
Release Date
September 26, 2017
Genres
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Certification

Jeepers Creepers 3 promised a return to the eerie and suspenseful world of the Creeper, a monstrous creature that feeds on human flesh every twenty-three years. However, this third installment of the franchise falls short in almost every aspect, delivering a convoluted and poorly executed storyline, lackluster performances, and unimpressive special effects.

One of the most glaring issues with Jeepers Creepers 3 is its disjointed narrative. The film attempts to weave together multiple storylines that ultimately lead nowhere, leaving the audience confused and unsatisfied. Characters are introduced without proper development, making it challenging to empathize with their plight or even care about their fates. The lack of a coherent plot makes the movie feel like a haphazard collection of scenes rather than a well-structured story.

The film’s dialogue is equally problematic, often veering into the realm of cringe-worthy and clichéd lines. Characters frequently utter lines that feel forced and unnatural, failing to create any emotional impact. This weak dialogue further undermines the already fragile connection between the audience and the characters, making it difficult to become invested in their journey.

In terms of performances, the cast of Jeepers Creepers 3 struggles with the poorly written script. Even talented actors cannot salvage a film when the dialogue they are given is subpar. The lack of chemistry between the characters is palpable, making their interactions on screen feel awkward and unconvincing. Without a strong cast to anchor the story, the film loses a significant opportunity to engage its viewers on an emotional level.

Special effects, a crucial element in any horror film, also disappoint in Jeepers Creepers 3. The CGI used to bring the Creeper to life appears outdated and unimpressive, failing to evoke the fear and dread essential for a successful horror movie. The monster, which was once a terrifying and iconic presence, now comes across as cartoonish and uninspired. This lack of attention to detail in the special effects further diminishes the film’s ability to create a genuinely scary atmosphere.

Furthermore, the film’s pacing is erratic, lurching between slow, drawn-out scenes and sudden, chaotic action sequences. This inconsistent rhythm disrupts the flow of the story and prevents any tension from building up effectively. Instead of creating a sense of anticipation, the pacing issues result in a disjointed viewing experience that leaves the audience feeling disconnected from the film.

Even the cinematography, which could have been a saving grace, fails to make an impact. The visuals lack creativity and innovation, relying on tired horror tropes without adding any fresh perspective. The uninspired camera work further emphasizes the film’s overall lack of originality, making it difficult for viewers to find anything visually stimulating or memorable.

Jeepers Creepers 3 is a lackluster and disappointing addition to the franchise. Its poorly constructed plot, weak dialogue, uninspired performances, dated special effects, and inconsistent pacing all contribute to a subpar horror experience. Fans of the series are likely to be left disillusioned, as the film fails to capture the essence of what made the original Jeepers Creepers so intriguing. Instead of revitalizing the franchise, this installment serves as a reminder of the pitfalls that can occur when a promising concept is not handled with care and creativity. Viewers looking for a genuinely frightening and engaging horror film would be better off exploring other options, as Jeepers Creepers 3 sadly fails to deliver on its potential.