Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III

[D-Man]

This film is often regarded as the worst of the TCM movies, and I was once inclined to agree.  I rented the R rated version on VHS in College, and really didn't think much of it. 

Well, recently, I decided to rent a relatively new DVD release of this film, which included an unrated, uncut version.  Usually, I don't fall for these types of gimmicks when a horror film comes out on DVD, but out of morbid curiosity, I decided to try this one out. 

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.  The Uncut version of Leatherface: TCM III is a lot more brutal, and makes a lot more sense (other than the odd way they ended it).  It's still not the best film of the franchise, but it's definitely much more entertaining now that I got to see the version the damn MPAA wouldn't let moviegoers see. 

Bottom line: Give this film a chance, but be sure to pick up the unrated version.  And be sure to check out the deleted scenes as well. 

[akiratubo]

I found I was surprised by this, as well.  TCM III gets off to a rocky start but, once it gets going it's quite satisfactory.

[RCMerchant]

I may be in the minorty here...but I have ALWAYS enjoyed part 3 ! I thought it was quite creepy and well done!

[Torgo]

I can't stand part 3, but it's much more of a curio since Viggo Mortensen starred in it long before Lord of the Rings made him famous.

BTW, the original treatment of the movie had some really explicit sequences in it like a nude man being hung upside down and split in half with a chainsaw.  I remember there was a Fangoria issue talking about the productions diaries of the director and he said how the producers were yanking whole sections of the script out as it was really disgusting in it's original form.

So it could've been even much more brutal.

[VenominOhio]

i have the unrated/rated r version dvd and i love it,i saw the R version growing up but the unrated version more than makes up for it,still can`t explain the ending. but that`s life.

[Jim H]

I can't stand part 3, but it's much more of a curio since Viggo Mortensen starred in it long before Lord of the Rings made him famous.

BTW, the original treatment of the movie had some really explicit sequences in it like a nude man being hung upside down and split in half with a chainsaw.  I remember there was a Fangoria issue talking about the productions diaries of the director and he said how the producers were yanking whole sections of the script out as it was really disgusting in it's original form.

So it could've been even much more brutal.

You can spot Viggo in a lot of earlier movies..  He truly worked his way up.  Leatherface, American Yakuza, and lots of small roles before breaking it big.  I respect him for it, actually.

That said, while Leatherface is weak in some ways, I've always found it entertaining.  I like the concept too - a badass survivalist against a family of cannibal killers.  Ending is kind of blah (both of them) though.