Warlock III: The End of Innocence (1999)

This third film in the series sees a change of direction (like Candyman and Wishmaster ) with a new Warlock (horror fave Bruce Payne) and a different storyline, but does it work it's magic on us?

I haven't seen the first two films for some time so am unable to comment on differences fully, but from what I remember this film lacks the same amount of action as previous entries.

Obviously as this was made after 'Scream' it opens with art student Kris being stalked around her College campus by an unknown assailant. The action quickly shifts however as she learns along with the audience that she has inherited an old house but that it is to be demolished on Monday. As she recently discovered that she was adopted, she decides to spend the weekend clearing out the house (reluctantly accompanied by her friends) in the hopes of learning about her heritage. Once at the house however things begin to go bump in the night and it isn't just Kris's slutty friend Lisa.

Obviously unable to tempt Julian Sands back for another go the Producers were lucky enough to get Bruce Payne on board who is again wonderfully evil in this role. Also in it's favour are the female leads Ashley Laurence of 'Hellraiser' fame, 'Ted Bundy' star Boti Ann Bliss and Bruce Payne's Co-star in 'Hellborn' Angel Boris.

Besides the casting choices, the only other real merits lie in the mythological aspects of the film. The idea that the Warlock could only harm a person if they willingly gave him a gift was very novel, and gave the film-makers something to play with as the cast would essentially have to trust the villain in order for him to harm them.

Only one of the deaths was anything special, but the film does have some nicely executed little touches to it, such as the character introductions, where we see each character in their room doing their hobbies providing us with a knowledge of their passions, which are ultimately the death of them.

OVERALL SUMMARY
Some nice ideas and a good little story breathes new life into the series. Not bad for a low budget sequel.