Tedfoldol everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Marva It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Geraldine The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

bowmanblue I have to confess absolutely loving the first 'House' film. Yes, the (now iconic) marketing poster of a decomposing severed hand ringing a doorbell may have been a tad misleading. You may think you were in for one scary experience when, in fact, you received one hell of a tongue-in-cheek black horror-comedy. The (inevitable) sequel was so-so, but by this third instalment, it had well and truly lost its way.Where as the first two 'House' films were both heavily linked to - surprise, surprise - a house, this film seems to forget why it's called what it is. In fact I believe in some territories when the film was released the 'House' part of the title was completely dropped in favour of a more ambiguous 'The Horror Show' title. I guess this tells you pretty much everything you need to know about the project, i.e. it's not really a sequel but more of a horror script that was sort of crow-barred in under the familiar (and therefore profitable) 'House' brand in order to increase sales. But is it any good?Unfortunately, not really. Even by a stand-alone horror film it's a bit lame. However, that's not for the efforts of leading man Lance Henriksen, who does everything in his extensively-cool acting range to bring some drama to the proceedings. It's starts okay enough - Henriksen is a cop tortured by his previous experiences with a serial killer, only for said nasty to come back from the grave to haunt his family (in the house, in case you were wondering). Then it all kind of falls apart as the scares become fewer and further between and the plot descends into predictability. The serial killer is portrayed by (Bladerunner's) Brion James and he too does his best to add some terror with the limited script available to him. However, in the end, both main actors end up just chewing up the scenery in an attempt to try and elevate what is a particularly forgettable B-movie into something vaguely memorable.There's some nice practical effects here and there and it's always nice to be reminded of a time before CGI gore ruled the horror scene. But, at the end of the day, it's not enough to save this film. I'm a big fan of Lance Henriksen and watch most of his output, but even I would struggle to sit through this film again (I've watched it twice - the first time over twenty years ago and completely forgotten it. Therefore I've just seen it again and felt I better review it before everything about it escapes me again). The first 'House' film is a classic. Just stick to that.

jacobjohntaylor1 House II the second story had nothing to do with House (1985) And this has nothing to do with House (1985) or House II the second story. But this this better then House II the second story. This is very scary. I can think of one movie scarier then this House (1985). This scarier then House II the second story. And that is not easy to do. It is scary then The Exorcist and that is not easy to do. I am glad to see it got a good ratting. 4.9 is a good ratting. But still this such a great movie that 4.9 is underrating it. This movie has a great story line. It also has great acting. It also has great special effects. It is a great horror movie. See it. It a 10. Not a 4.9.

Phil Hubbs Originally this wasn't anything to do with the 'House' horror franchise so I've read. It seems the same crew made this film but it was an independent horror flick, I'm not really sure why they gave it the title 'House III', confusing and odd state of affairs.Anyway this film doesn't revolve around a haunted house but mainly a serial killer in the form of Brion James. Horror/sci-fi legend Lance Henriksen is the cop who captures Jenke but when he gets electrocuted in the chair it seems to zap him into another dimension or reality where he can continue his killing ways much like Freddy Krueger.This film did in fact come out in the same year as Craven thriller 'Shocker' and the results are suspiciously the same I must say. It seems director Isaac may have borrowed a few elements from Craven's world for this film.The first 'House' film was a horror thriller with slight comedy, the second film was a horror comedy adventure, now this third film is a straight horror thriller. Its not terrifying or particularly original (as I have mentioned) but its not for the younger audience and does include some gore. The sequence where Jenke is executed is easily the most horrific moment with some vain popping effects that remind you of 'Scanners' and make you wince at the same time. There are some good body part moments also that are kind hokey but add to the atmosphere.The film is totally saved by James as the killer Jenke and Henriksen as the cop, if it wasn't for these two top actors the film would be pants. James hams it up hugely but does come across as menacing despite his annoying laugh, while Henriksen's lean greyhound like physic and face always seems to fit any role.This still feels like a TV movie of sorts for some reason, doesn't have that true film like quality if that makes any sense. Its not a bad film either, not scary despite more blood and gore than the previous films, but more towards plain silly with enjoyable moments. I guess one of the funniest things is seeing Henriksen giving his all (as he always does) despite being cast in such an average forgettable film. Its still solid stuff if your a horror fan.6/10

FilmFatale Detective Lucas McCarthy finally catches crazy killer Max Jenke, putting an end to his bloody reign of terror. Lucas goes to watch Jenke's execution and is shocked to see Jenke withstand multiple electrocutions. Finally, he does die but swears revenge on Lucas before he goes. Jenke's spirit takes flight and apparently ends up in the furnace in the basement of McCarthy's home. A few murders are committed and McCarthy is blamed for one, McCarthy's family is threatened, and it all leads to an electrifying final showdown between McCarthy and Jenke.I don't hate The Horror Show, but it never seems to really come together. Brion James is clearly having a ball, and it's always nice to see Lance Henriksen as a good guy. There's also some decent gore and I like the idea that the McCarthy family both genuinely seems to love AND like one another. Also, considering the history of this film and Wes Craven's Shocker (from October of 1989, about 6 months after this one), I was surprised to find The Horror Show felt more like a Craven flick with its weird lighting and animated turkey and dreamy quality. I need to revisit Shocker to compare and contrast.All in all, The Horror Show (known as House III in some markets, but having nothing plot-wise to do with the House franchise) isn't a movie I'd go out of my way to watch again, but I wouldn't dash for the remote should I stumble across it in the future.