House 3: The Horror Show (1989)

Directors: James Isaac, David Blyth

Starring: Lance Henriksen, Brion James, Rita Taggart

Detective McCarthy finally catches “Meat Cleaver Max”, a serial killer, who promises revenge during his execution. Nonetheless, a parapsychologist tells the detective that the only hope of stopping Max for good is to destroy his spirit.

Although the film is called ‘House 3’ and it is part of the ‘House’ franchise, it shouldn’t really be compared to the previous two films, as this was meant to be the start of a new trilogy. If compared to the previous films anyway, this would be my favourite in the series.

Yes, ‘House 3: The Horror Show’ is laden with clichés of the genre. (I mean, how many times in horror movies did a cat account for a fake jump scare!!). Even so, the presence of Lance Henriksen and Brion James makes this film stand out. I absolutely loved Lance in the role of Detective Lucas McCarthy, the film’s protagonist. His performance here reminded me so much of his performance of Ed Harley in ‘Pumpkinhead’, which happens to be my favourite performance by the actor. I must also mention Lance is looking mighty fine and in great shape!

Lucas is the man who captured brutal serial killer Max Jenke (Brion James), and he is still haunted by nightmares. Max is sentenced to death by electrocution, but the execution doesn’t go smoothly, and before Max dies, he vows to tear Lucas’ world apart.

Professor Peter Campbell (Thom Bray) is convinced Max will return, and intends destroying his spirit. Max is indeed a creepy villain, and the film has a ‘Nightmare on Elm Street/Prison/Poltergeist’ feel to it. This was by all means the Lance Henriksen and Brion James Show, and I enjoyed it!

Would I watch it again? Yes.