Psycho III
When Maureen Coyle, a suicidal nun who resembles Norman's former victim, Marion Crane, arrives at the motel, all bets are off and "Mother" is less than happy.
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- Cast:
- Anthony Perkins , Diana Scarwid , Jeff Fahey , Roberta Maxwell , Hugh Gillin , Lee Garlington , Robert Alan Browne
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Reviews
I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.
Save your money for something good and enjoyable
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
If you think that you have seen it all, you haven't seen anything yet. Anthony Perkins is back as Norman Bates in "Psycho III". He's back at the Bates Motel, running business as usual. He gets some help from a up and coming rocker(Jeff Fahey), and his first guest is a former nun(Diana Scarwid) ,who would end trying to kill herself after a nun who tried to stop her fell to her own death. Maureen(Scarwid) is saved by Bates and would later fall in love with him. But the other woman is "Mother", who would do as she can to keep Norman to stay away. In the second installment, head games was involved. But the woman in the house isn't "Mother", it's Mrs. Spool, Norman Bates aunt! Was she worse than Norma? Or just the same as her sister? I think both women belonged to the "loony bin". Norman went back to his psycho ways, again. But this time, he was way more unhinged. Necrophilia was seen. Kissing one of the stab victims. That was very messed up. The first one was classic, the second one was tamer, and this one gives the meaning very much. Enjoyed it very much. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The 1960 'Psycho' is one of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest films and while it is high up in my list of "scariest films of all time" it doesn't stop it from being a personal favourite. Mainly for the cinematography, Hitchcock's direction, the music score and Anthony Perkins.Before seeing either of the sequels, there was the feeling of "what was the point? The 1960 film was perfect as it was and didn't need a sequel let alone three as well as a television film and a remake". Actually found myself very pleasantly surprised by 'Psycho II', and despite reviews being very, very mixed (leaning towards the negative) 'Psycho III' was also better than anticipated. The previous two films are superior from personal opinion but there are sequels out there that disgrace their originals far more than this does.'Psycho III' could have been better certainly. The nudity was overused and not necessary, and while the gore is suitably shocking and handled more tastefully it also could have been used less. The religious elements added absolutely nothing and to me they actually confused and muddled the story.Some of the dialogue is laughably cheesy and rambles, Norman Bates' also fairly repetitive.However, 'Psycho III' has a huge amount to like. It once again boasts some very stylish and moody cinematography and the setting is still eerie even in colour. Carter Burwell's score is very haunting and in its best parts sends chills down the spine.The film, as mentioned, is directed by none other by Norman Bates himself Anthony Perkins. His direction is assured and more than capable without being mind-blowing. The story is paced neatly and intrigues throughout with some nods to the original 'Psycho', an opening reminiscent of 'Vertigo', some clever darkly wicked humour and some suitably creepy and suspenseful set-pieces, the phone booth scene coming very close to rivalling the original's iconic shower scene in terrifying horror. Personally didn't think it was that melodramatic or excessive, and that only the religious elements and nudity had an air of vulgarity.It's not just Perkins who gives an as expected wonderful performance in his most famous role, and he has not lost any of what made the performance so unforgettable before. Diana Scarwid is poignant with her chemistry with Perkins providing some heart, and Jeff Fahey plays a sleaze to perfection.On the whole, not a great film but could have been so much worse. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Maureen Coyle (Diana Scarwid)'s lack of faith causes the accidental death of another nun. She walks away from the convent and gets a ride from musician Duane Duke (Jeff Fahey). He starts grabbing and she escapes out into a rain storm. He stops at the desolate motel run by Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) and gets a job. Norman had killed Mrs. Emma Spool in the second movie but the locals have not discovered it. Reporter Tracy Venable (Roberta Maxwell) arrives from L.A. to do a story on Norman. Maureen arrives to town and has nowhere to go but Norman's motel. Maureen haunts Norman reminding him of Marion Crane. Norman goes in to kill Maureen only to find her half-conscious in a suicide attempt.It's great to see Perkins with his iconic role. He plays Norman's madness quite well but he's not the best director. The movie lacks the needed intensity. Perkins is unable to recreate the great Hitchcock's work and times have also moved on. This is a combination of the original psychological horror and the modern slasher movie. Perkins isn't able to pull it off completely.I do love the Maureen character and Norman's recall back to Marion Crane. She should command greater attention and should be the center of the climax. The order of the final kills are a little off. Duane and Tracy could be more compelling characters if they're not outsiders. I don't understand why the sheriff and the town are so protective of Norman. Duane and Tracy should be locals. It's too convenient to have three strangers come all at the same time.
Psycho III is another gruesome view into the life of Norman Bates. He is back up to his old tricks again trying to cover up his "mother's" tracks while growing more tired of doing so. Norman is becoming sicker with his mental illness with every passing year. More people will die at the hands of Norman's "mother" - it's time for Norman to finally face and stand up to his "mother".Psycho III does not loose any of the thrills, mystery or scare factor just because it's the third installment of the film series. Although the story is not quite as good as the first two films it is most definitely worth watching if you love horror, thrillers and mysteries. Fans of slasher films should also enjoy the first three Psycho movies because they fit well into that sub-genre.9/10