Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this final entry in the trilogy is better for kids than the sexier Part I and Part II. Absent are the more mature themes of its predecessors, though kids may need to have adults explain some of the plot complications.
Families who watch this film may want to discuss how Marty learns not to be goaded into doing stupid things by people who make him angry. How can you apply this lesson in your own life?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: M. Faust
Beginning where Back to the Future Part II left off, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) receives a telegram from Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) revealing that he has been stranded in 1885. Although he says he is happy there, Marty returns to rescue him because he has discovered that Doc will be murdered by a dastardly villain a few days after he wrote the letter.
In the past, Marty meets his ancestors (played by Fox himself, and Lea Thompson), Irish immigrants to America. He also meets the ancestor of perennial nemesis Biff, here a murderous bandit nicknamed "Mad Dog." Stranded when the time vehicle runs out of fuel, he and Doc have to find an alternative power source in the few days before Mad Dog will kill Doc. Doc falls victim to destiny when he saves the life of schoolteacher Clara Clayton (Mary Steenburgen).
At first glance, BACK TO THE FUTURE PART III looks like it won't be as good as its predecessors -- surely a conclusion set entirely in the Old West would be dull compared to the flashier and sexier one and two. But even kids who would never otherwise watch a Western will be transfixed by this thrilling adventure.
Although you don't have to have seen the earlier films, you'll enjoy Part III more if you have. The filmmakers have peppered the movie with references to incidents the first two that fans will enjoy spotting. Anyone who recalls the clip from a Clint Eastwood movie shown in part two will guess how Marty (who takes the name "Clint Eastwood" here) will survive the big shootout. And look for the members of ZZ Top as musicians at a square dance. Details like that are what makes it fun to keep the whole series on hand to watch over again.
Fans of the trilogy will also like Raiders of the Lost Arc and The Goonies.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentUnlike the first two movies, this features only wistful lovers gazing deeply into each other's eyes. |
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ViolenceBarroom brawls, a shoot out at dawn (well, 8 AM) and other old West violence, none of it particularly nasty. |
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LanguageVery mild profanity. |
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