"Killjoy 3" and Running in Terror from Inner and Outer Demons: A Movie Review

Full disclosure: A DVD of this film was provided by Full Moon Features for review.

Director/writer: John Lechago.

"Killjoy 3" is the second sequel in the horrifying killing clown series, from Full Moon Features. The original came out in 2000, with "Killjoy 2" offering some more thrills in 2002. This latest, was shot entirely in China and the film will release December 14th on DVD. John Lechago ("Contagion") creates some great visuals from his special effects background and the film is adult oriented due to sexual elements and violence. This is an excellent and fun horror showing from a production company experienced in the genre (Full Moon Entertainment).

The film's plot involves an ancient cursed mirror drawing the vain to the bowels of hell. Here Killjoy plays a poor host by offering his own personal circus of displeasure. Killjoy (Trent Haaga) has many pseudonames, including Loki and Fury, and his general method of operation is taking vengeance upon the innocent, or mostly innocent. His powers are reduced when summed by a grieving father (Darrow Igus) who has lost his only son (Quentin Miles). Four college students, performed by Spiral Jackson, Michael Rupnow, Jessica Whitaker and Olivia Dawn York, are added into the mix, with the desperate father using magic against Killjoy to limited success. Killjoy proves that one does not want to mess with a demon, or his many evil friends - even if you just want to save your friends!

This is an excellent horror feature, which shows spectacular sets, interesting evil and good characters, and subtle, but effective special effects. Trent Haaga ("Someone's Knocking at the Door") also brings his wide experience in independent filmmaking and acting to the screen, to horrific delight. The film offers sex appeal primarily through Victoria De Mare's seductive interpretation of the succubus Batty Boop. There is also comedy to entertain viewers delivered with Killjoy's many one-liners and this battle between good and evil shows that one must embrace their darker side just to survive. The boxing match between Zilla (Jackson) and the somewhat mentally slow antagonist Punchy (Al Burke) is especially memorable, for bringing giant sized boxing gloves to a thrilling conclusion.

The only critiques of "Killjoy 3" would involve a limited number of sets used in the film, but the ones shown are redressed and recreated to a mostly spectacular fashion by special effects guru Tom Devlin. Also, choosing college students as victims seems a little repetitive in the horror genre. Thankfully, all the soon-to-be-dead nubiles are charismatic in form and acting, with lines like "we're trapped in this house," given some much needed emotion. The ending is a tragic one, as many of the once young and beautiful are reduced to fragmented forms of their previous selves. Yet, horror is rarely a genre that offers a happy ending.

Look for this one on DVD December 14th through Full Moon Features and prepare to have your socks knocked off with sporadic scares, gory delights and a few extra features. The release will host a "Vintage Behind the Scenes Featurette" of the original "Killjoy." Also on the disc is a "Behind the Scenes from China" featurette, which puts Trent Haaga's amusing notes on the track to the hilarious detriment of the cast and crew. Other Full Moon Films feature trailers are also hosted.

"Killjoy 3" is a film that will entertain with well written dialogue, amusing conflicts, and an imaginative ending, which shows the value of using a giant sized hammer to dispatch your enemies. Have a look at some more details on this project below at Full Moon Direct.

Overall: 7 out of 10 (very good for an independent or low budget feature).

The film's fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Killjoy-3/168655119821806

"Killjoy 3" is being offered as a Box Set, along with the other two films exclusively through Full Moon Direct:

http://www.fullmoondirect.com/Killjoy-Box-Set--3-DVDs-including-premiere-of-Killyjoy-3_p_444.html