Back to the Future Part III

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by M. Faust

Beginning where Back to the Future Part II left off, Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) gets a telegram from Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) revealing that he has been stranded in 1885. Marty discovers that Doc will soon be murdered by a dastardly villain, and sets out to save him. In the past, Marty meets his Irish immigrant ancestors (played by Fox himself, and Lea Thompson), and murderous bandit "Mad Dog," who is perennial nemesis Biff's kin. When the time vehicle runs out of fuel, he and Doc must find a fuel alternative before Mad Dog kills Doc. Doc falls victim to destiny when he saves schoolteacher Clara Clayton (Mary Steenburgen).

Is It Any Good?

At first glance, Back to the Future Part IIIlooks 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 -- this one is peppered with references to the first two films. 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.