Back to the Future – Pt 3
Following directly from #2, Marty – now stuck in 1955 after Doc was struck by lightening and sent back to 1885 discovers he was murdered not long after getting there.
He enlists “1955 Doc” to get him back to 1885 to save his Doc’s life! But once there, getting back to 1985 is going to present itself a challenge!
Direction
Robert Zemekis once again directs. This time around, he is not as reliant on computer imagery, focusing more on practical effects, especially in the later part of the movie during the train sequence.
The 1885 setting feels real and true, and is done mostly well (although I don’t believe ‘Mad Dog’s constant use of ‘dude’ is ‘generation’ correct.
Cast/Characters
All the key players are back; Fox, Lloyd, Wilson, Thompson, Shue, and Tolkan. Most play a 1955/1985 or 1885 version of their “character” Fox as Marty’s great grandfather Seamus McFly, Thompson as Maggie McFly, Tolkan as the Marshal and once again Wilson getting the MVP as Mad Dog Tannen.
New addition is Mary Steenburgen who plays Clara Clayton. She adds a level of sweetness and charm to a fairly dark story in other areas.
Elizabeth Shue only really gets a few moments of screen-time near the end of the film.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
The final in the trilogy has a far different feel to it than the previous films, with less comedic moments – and more maturity and heart. There are moments where Doc feels more of a father figure to Marty their friendship has grown exponentially.
Doc finally finding love in Clara almost takes center stage for parts of the films runtime. The pairing of Lloyd and Steenburgen is quite sweet – and they complement each other nicely.
Because of the western setting, we do get plenty of western action – and this comes quite violently at times – especially in regards to Mad Dog v Marty and Doc.
While the earlier films Biff variations have always been a quite violent character, Mad Dog feels different. He is actively seeking to kill Marty and Doc at times, almost succeeds when he first ‘meets’ Marty. This is the ‘darkest’ in tone in the trilogy.
Like both films before it, the climax is what makes this film. The train sequence – where Doc and Marty are trying to get the train to go 88mph, and Clara chasing after Doc/falling – is so well paced, written and executed. Despite this being the weakest of the trilogy – this sequence was top tier.
The mentioned ‘train sequence’ in which Doc and Marty plan to push the DeLorean with the train – getting it up to 88mph has been a lie that our entire generation believed.
This was all done with miniatures! I was gobsmacked when I found out, and just shows to prove just how brilliant Zemekis was at making us believe!
Score/Soundtrack
Alan Silvestri’s score is the most noticeable change here, with a more western feel to it – however the original theme remains, and is as epic as it always has been.
Overall
A fitting end to a stellar trilogy.
4/5
If you’re able to, please “buy me a coffee”