Back to the Future III (1990) Review

Back to the Future III was shot back to back with Part II on a $40 million budget; it went on to make $244.5 million at the box office and while receiving positive reviews at the time has grown to be hated by the fans of the first two films. Changing the tone drastically by mostly taking part in the old west the film alienated many lovers of the original, but what did I think?

I LOVE Back to the Future III, I can never see why so many people dislike it, every time I hear someone say this is the worst I feel really sad because now it’s known as the worst one when in my opinion, even though none of the films in this trilogy are bad, Part II is my least favourite. So why do I think this?

First off it’s a complete change of scenery; in the past two films 1955, 1985 and 2015 Hill Valley all looked very similar with only a few differences really differentiating them (excluding alternate 1985 which was VERY different). Meanwhile Part III takes us to Old West Hill Valley which is almost unrecognisable making for a very welcome change which kept it as fresh and unique as it is. The sets are great and fit into the period and the costumes are also great

The music by Alan Silvestri is again, wonderful, it captures the spirit of I and II while paying homage to the sounds of westerns making for a great score which works fantastically with the film while also being enjoyable to listen to on its own.

The performances are also excellent with Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd improving them in each film, the chemistry between them, which is the highlight of all the films, was great. They delivered the humour well, weather it was something they said or something they did, they never failed to get a laugh out of me, some jokes did fall a little flat here and there but that was more due to writing and they were few and far between. Fox kept the story moving and was very likable but Part III was where Lloyd really got a chance to shine, he was brilliant as always making for some very humorous and emotional scenes, even the romance was great and I hate romance in films that aren’t romance films so complimenting this one is really saying something.

The finale is riveting and intense with brilliant practical effects and stunt work, the computer generated effects also stood out and blended in well with the practical ones. It was a fantastic conclusion to the entire trilogy, as a lifelong fan it had me tearing up a little, especially since Back to the Future III was one of the first films I could remember watching.

Overall this isn’t the weakest film in the trilogy it may even be the best if it weren’t for Part I’s charm, it’s warming and emotional with great humour and performances, the visuals are great with the old west looking fantastic. It’s a marvellous film which, no matter what you may have been told, is more than worth watching. So sit down and watch the entire trilogy back to back because it’s a great experience which I will be doing a lot more often now.

8.5/10