Thr3e

Starring: Marc Blucas, Justine Waddell, Laura Jordan, Max Ryan, and Priscilla Barnes

Produced by: Jerry Rose, Max Ryan, and Marek Sledziewski

Directed by: Robby Henson

20^th Century Fox

Rated PG-13

Sins of the past which may come back to haunt you in the future; this, in essence, is the plot behind the movie Thr3e. Meant as a thriller, Thr3e is the first release from Fox Faith a division of 20^th Century Fox studios which caters to a more Christian friendly audience. Though the film does shy away from the traditional gross outs and foul languages which generally have become the trend in this particular genre, Thr3e does offer a suspenseful movie experience.

The basic plot line of this movie is centered around a killer who the police refer to as "RK", the Riddle Killer. He likes to torment his victims by giving them riddles to solve in order to save loved ones. Does this sound familiar to anyone else? In my opinion the Riddle Killer and his methods are a direct rip off of Jig-Saw from the Saw movies.

Enter Kevin Parsons (Blucas), a professional student currently studying theology. He is a quiet nondescript person who suddenly finds himself caught up in what we are led to believe is the Riddle Killers newest terror filled scheme. We soon learn however, Kevin comes from a very disturbing home life, and all might not be as it seems.

Profiler Jennifer Peters (Waddell), whose own brother was murdered by the Riddle Killer gets involved in the case hoping to finally be able to bring "RK" to justice. Along with Kevin's childhood friend Samantha (Jordan) the three must solve the riddles in their allotted time if they are going to have any chance of saving Kevin and capturing a serial killer.

Fans of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer will recognize Marc Blucas. He is a decent actor and does a serviceable job with the lead role. His two co-stars Justine Waddell and Laura Jordan are both believable and really are the reason why this film works so well. Priscilla Barnes rounds out the cast as the mentally disturbed aunt who raised Marc Blucas' character. She is a bit over the top and I feel she ended up being more of a distraction.

Robby Benson is the director for Th3e. He is quietly making a name for himself directing middle budget horror films. He does a good a job building the suspense in this film. I also liked how he used shadows to emphasize the overall theme of this film which is along the lines of the battle of good and evil which exists in everyone. I would like to see what Robby Benson could do with a larger budget and better talent to work with. I hope he gets the chance in the near future.

Unfortunately the DVD offers nothing in the way of special features. There is no bonus material at all which is always a disappointment. There is not even the customary filmmakers' commentary. The movie itself is good enough, but without any extras it is going to be a hard sell.

Released by 20^th Century Fox studio's Fox Faith as an attempt to provide a more family orientated market, Thr3e is a thriller without the more adult themes. The acting is not superb but neither is it horrible. Director Robby Benson turns in what is for him a solid effort. Thr3e is not a perfect film, but it does offer enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. The DVD does not offer any special features which are a definite drawback, but overall this is a film worth watching.

Special Features:

5.1 Dolby Digital Surround

Subtitles available in Spanish and English

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