Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3: Dream Warriors, A (1987)

Chuck Russell got behind this, my favourite film in the series, which sees Nancy Thompson return to help the kids of Elm Street under the guise of a psychiatrist who specializes in dream therapy.

From its creepy opening moments to that first nightmare sequence where Patricia Arquette's Kristen Parker gets her feet stuck in goo, I was shitting myself. (although bear in mind that I was probably six or seven when I first saw it).

What I liked most about this film was that it allowed an ensemble of cool characters we actually cared for, to do battle with Freddy in the dream dimension across a range of cool set pieces including a freaky hall of mirrors and of course the boiler room from hell. This film was the first to feature a number of memorable one liners, and ensured Freddy's place in the pop culture hall of famous boogeymen.

The deaths are novel and the puppet walk scene is still revolting to this day (I always hated sharing a name with that unfortunate soul) ensuring that the franchise headed in the direction fans hoped for.

OVERALL SUMMARY
The ending tugs at fans heart strings, but kept them asking for more and that's exactly what we got.

Chuck Russell horror sequel sees a teen mental patient (Patricia Arquette) having dreams of disfigured murderer Freddy Krueger, but this is no ordinary girl. It seems she can pull other people into her dreams, a useful tool as the wise-cracking mad slasher starts bumping of her fellow sonambulants.

Craig 'Can't Act His Way out of a Hat' Wasson is the doctor who wants to help the kids, whilst Heather Langenkamp returns as Freddy survivor Nancy. Also on hand are Nancy's now drunk father John Saxon, and a young Laurence 'That's OK, You Can Call Me Larry' Fishburne as a friendly orderly.

Easily the best in the Elm Street series, this inventive, scary and very funny (the bourbon line is especially memorable) sequel was executive produced by Wes Craven, and it shows.

Thematically, it has much to do with the first film, and thankfully ignored the second. Excellent FX, and the most likeable characters in the entire series (my favourite being tough hood Kincaid), even if Wasson and Langenkamp are underwhelming. Visually spectacular, with arresting sets and imagery. A fine music score, too. If only they eliminated that godawful metal song by German hair band Dokken.

OVERALL SUMMARY
A near-perfect blend of comedy and horror, something very hard to do. It also has a much more satisfying end than the first film.

It seems like a return to slick form after the slightly odious Part 2. Being a second sequel, the third in the Nightmare on Elm Street series could have fallen either way, but luckily for us A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors is actually a pretty decent movie. It definitely benefits from the return of Craven (and subsequently Nancy) to the series. Ultimately, Wes Craven seems to be the only one who can create a successful movie in this franchise, it makes me wonder just why New Line couldn't see that. I mean, was it really pure coincidence that the best in the series were undoubtedly Part 1, Part 3, and New Nightmare? I think not.

Anyway, back to the Part 3. Patricia Arquette gives in an admirable performance as the troubled Kristen and plays the character well. Craven also adds a little surprise by making a twist that is both ingenious and makes Kristen special in a way that none of the other Elm Street kids are - she can draw people into her dreams. And, of course, Heather Langenkamp is brilliant back in the shoes of Nancy Thompson, and the demise of her character was one of the most tragic events in the series. The only thing that dropped my rating of this movie down from 5/5 to 4/5 is the annoying kid who thought he was the Wizard Master or some crap. I mean, get a life kid! When he tried to fight Freddy I was just laughing so hard (does that make me sick?!), I mean, how could he think he could stand up to Freddy Krueger?

Craven and co. also throw in no end of surprises. The ways in which Freddy attacks his victims is both clever and original. A particularly surprising moment is when Kristen finds herself trapped in the Elm St. house and Freddy comes out of the floor at her. It's so simple, and yet so effective. Also, the effects gave been improved upon after the dreadful Part 2, which include a smart 'puppet-Freddy' effect.

OVERALL SUMMARY
It's nice to see Nancy back, and Patricia Arquette handles the role of 'new heroine' well. If you see any of the sequels in this series then this is undoubtedly the one to see, following almost straight on (give or take a year) from the first movie.