Well as advertised by many of your comments last week, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) is a massive improvement over the second entry into the series and not too far off matching the first. The return of key creative figures such as Wes Craven and Heather Langenkamp, in addition to a sense of continuity with the first film, go a long way to achieving what is a cracking sequel.
The film opens with the Edgar Allan Poe quote “Sleep. Those little slices of death. How I loathe them.” It is a fantastically dark note to open on and permeates the opening act of the film. Perhaps the only thing that prevents A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 from joining the first film as a true classic of the genre is that the film does descend into silliness for about half an hour through the middle. There are definite joys to this silliness, but it does detract from the overall film. The early parts of the film show that Freddy is back once again and this time he is making kids commit suicide during their dreams, targeting descendents of the people who burned him alive. This leads the return of the main character from the first film Nancy Thompson, played by Langenkamp, as a young psychologist. This is a great ‘in’ into the main narrative for the audience and will also excite fans of the first film. The casting is all pretty good with Robert Englund sufficiently menacing and the younger kids all solid, led by a young Patricia Arquette who gives a really good performance. A young Laurence Fishburne (credited as Larry) also pops up in a small supporting role.
The opening half hour is really atmospheric, perhaps the most successful at creating a sense of dread out of any of the films so far. This is a film that for me took itself a lot more seriously than the second and it pays off. As the killings escalate, the action does go into some silly and absurdist territory. But just when the film feels like it is losing its way, a seemingly random subplot really brings that attitude back as a mysterious nun gives a lot of insight into the genesis of Freddy. One thing this film does is show off a lot of strong imagery, often gothic, often Freddy showing his increasing power, and these stark pieces of photography definitely stick in the mind. It is not hard to create chilling, iconic images with the character of Freddy and his distinctive look and thankfully this film does not waste that potential and we are treated to Freddy as a TV, a puppet master, a huge head/slug/vacuum cleaner thing and plenty more.
It is exceptionally difficult for any sequel to both invoke aspects of an earlier film in the series and to also feel fresh. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 manages this invocation through the use of imagery, soundtrack and the recurring character of Nancy, whilst the quite chilling (at times) content lends the film a freshness. Whilst the tone lightens at various points, any time a film is focused on the suicide of teenagers, that is some dark stuff right there. The mysterious nun subplot nicely recalls the combination of genres that the first film excelled at. I was genuinely intrigued with where that was all going and the payoff ends up being the creepiest moment of the entire film as the audience gains more of an insight into Freddy’s mortal past. There is an interesting reinforcement as well of a Christian worldview in the latter stages of the film, with holy water and the cross exhibiting great power. I am not sure what the film is saying with that, I definitely do not think it is intended to be evangelical. But the references do stand out in comparison to the rest of the series so far. It is interesting to see the imagery and references in the films evolve in such a way, something I would love to see continue (though I have my concerns it won’t) in the fourth film.
Erm… best behind the scenes photo ever?
Given that this film wisely ignores that the first sequel ever really happened, if you are going to start exploring these films, I would advise you to just go straight from the first to this one. Dark, dripping in imagery, atmosphere and adult themes, this is a cracker of a horror film, even if you are not a particular fan of the series. Highly recommended.
Verdict: Pint of Kilkenny
Next week I will be checking out the fourth entry in the series. Check out my reviews of the classic first film and A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge.
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While I love this film, (its my second fave after the original) it is also the beginning of Freddy Kruger’s comedy career which I thought brought down the series in the subsequent sequels. Kruger is no longer a dark unknown scary, but a dangerous prankster of dark comedy. Because of this people begin to relate with Kruger more than the victims which changes the whole series. It isn’t until ‘Wes Craven’s New Nightmare’ that it returns to the more serious horror of the original Freddy.
After watching the fourth film yesterday, I can definitely see what you are saying. I think this third one got the balance pretty much right. But yep, downhill from there (well I haven’t seen past the fourth yet).
Everyone keeps recommending New Nightmare. Can’t wait to get to that one.
BTW. love the Patricia Arquette behind-the-scenes photo!
It is amazing isn’t it. Love those kind of behind the scenes pics.
I’m still scared of Freddy today. I can’t shut the lights off before bed without running and jumping into the bed so his scary blade fingers can’t scratch my feet off. That being said, I do realize that my bed is not a safe haven and Freddy would still be able to murder the shit out of me, especially if he was hiding under it. Why waste his time getting under there for one small chance at swiping my foot off? Hmm. Still just as scared as ever.
Haha. I think that is the good thing about seeing these kind of films for the first time as an adult. Less baggage that way.
“Welcome to prime time bitch!” One of cinema’s greatest lines.
Haha. That moment with the TV was pretty bloody cool.
Ah! And you continue! Glad to hear that this one was better. I really enjoyed it when Freddy marionette walked that kid out of his room, it was insane! This really was a massive improvement over the last one. Looking forward to hearing what you think about the next one next week!
Cheers for commenting Zoe. Thoughts on #4 are up now.
Was a really big fan of #3. Thought it was original enough without betraying the legacy of the first. And moments like the Freddy marionette you mention provided some awesome imagery.
Ooooh, heading on over to check it out now!
It was so cool! It definitely was a massive step up from 2!
LOLOLOL! I once had this on VHS. It is pretty (unintentionally) funny. The vein puppet master scene is the best Freddy kill for sure! Are how can you forget Kincaid as he busts through an obvious cardboard wall with his Hulk-like strength? DOMINANT!
Haha. Yeah Kincaid and his uber strength were pretty lame. Can’t believe they bothered bringing him back for #4.
[…] Another Nightmare on Elm Street review will be coming your way next week. If you have missed any of my earlier reviews, be sure to check them out: The classic first film, A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. […]
Yes! Glad you liked this one so much. I agree – go straight from the first film to this one! I’ve seen this one the most as I had this “recorded off TV” as a teenager & played the videotape over & over again. I’m so old school. : )
I recall we had about 5 episodes of the Simpsons that we constantly re-watched that way.
I am beginning to suspect it is the odd numbered films in this series that are worth bothering with.
Great Review! Love this entry. My fave after the first and then New Nightmare. Nice work!
Yeah this one is my second favourite as well. Really great stuff, especially nice after the poor second film.