Synopsis
A serial killer who sounds just like Jigsaw (only rather less interesting) and kills exclusively using explosives (!) blows up the brother of a criminal psychologist, then turns his unwanted attentions to seminary student Marc Blucas, taking his life apart one explosion at a time. Blucas is convinced that the killer is a dark figure from his past, and turns amateur sleuth even as he is consumed by guilt. Most of his time, however, he puts his energy into being one of the whiniest protagonist… ever.
As a title, “Thr3e” would suggest that it’s half as good as “Se7en.” The truth is, it’s much less than half as good. The plot moves through one ridiculous set piece after another (oh no! Doggie go boom!), before finally culminating in a massive cluster bomb of twists that represent the final, apocalyptic battle between predictability and risibility. This is, apparently, the first theatrical release of the Fox Faith releasing arm, and I’m not sure who it’s going to please. The religious aspects are restrained as these things go, and can even be glossed over, but as a serial killer thriller, it’s hopelessly tame as well as ridiculous, despite being slickly shot. Is either audience likely to be satisfied? I doubt it. The camp crowd, however, should find plenty to giggle over.
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Audio
A very solid, but not overwhelming, 5.1 exercise. The soundtrack is nice and big, as enveloping as it should be. Environmental effects occur, but not all the time – one doesn’t have a fully immersive experience in watching the film. The dialogue is clear, though, and there are no noticeable or aggravating flaws.
Video
The picture is very good. Though I might wish slightly less gray skin tones, generally the colours are very strong, the blacks and contrasts are superb, and the image is very sharp. Grain and edge enhancement don’t make any unwelcome appearances. This is a nice-looking transfer.
Special Features
None, barring a couple of trailers.
Closing Thoughts
There is plenty of evidence of all involved trying REALLY REALLY hard. Didn’t work, though.
Special Features List
- Trailers
