Usually I don’t like reviewing a sequel without reviewing the other parts of the movie series. But this time I make an exception just because this isn’t an actual sequel. House is a horror/comedy franchise from the 1980’s. I like House a lot but I didn’t like House 2 that much. That’s because the tone was so different, the film feels more like a comedy than a horror/comedy. But anyway, House 3 actually isn’t the third movie in the House franchise. The original title of this movie is The Horror Show. But due to the big success of the first two House movies in Europe, this movie was released in Europe as House 3. This of course to cash-in on the success of House 1 & 2. So House 4 is actually House 3. As far as I know House 4 is even called House 4 in the U.S.. So that makes it even more confusing over there. But in the 80’s and 90’s this was very common. A lot of movies got different titles in Europe than they did in the U.S.. But still I think it is kind of strange that the DVD release of The Horror Show is still called House 3. On the front cover it actually says The Horror Show as a tag line. So I think they must of known this isn’t actually House 3, haha.
The only thing I knew about this movie before watching it was that it wasn’t the third House movie. But still I wasn’t keen on watching it just because I didn’t like House 2 to much. But I decided to watch it anyway and to my surprise I found out that Lance Henriksen plays the main character. I will be attending Amsterdam Comic Con in a couple of weeks and Lance Henriksen will be one of the guests there. So it’s quite nice to see another movie of him that I haven’t seen before. But now on to the movie itself.
The movie is about detective Lucas McCarthy (Lance Henriksen) who keeps being haunted by nightmares about a serial killer named Max Jenke (Brion James). But Jenke gets captured and sentenced to death. Detective Lucas gladly goes to watch Jenke get fried in the electric chair. But Jenke doesn’t die as fast as he should in the electric chair. And during the execution Jenke swears vengeance on detective Lucas from beyond the grave. After this Lucas keeps having these weird and horrifying day dreams which involve Jenke. Also people are getting killed. Jenke is back from the dead and now it is up to Lucas to stop him once and for all.
I don’t know how this movie could be called House 3 anyway. The tone of this movie is way more serious than House 1 & 2 and is also way more violent. I know I shouldn’t compare this film to House 1 & 2 (I haven’t seen House 4 yet). I actually think this was a very awesome movie. I was actually surprised how much I liked it, somehow I didn’t expect much of it. My judgment actually got a bit clouded by House 2 I guess. Kind of stupid actually what a title can do to your opinion when you don’t know nothing about the film. But like I was saying this movie is quite gory. This DVD is the uncut version which runs 95 minutes. I read that there actually were more gore scenes filmed. But they unfortunately have never been released. I hope that someday a full uncut version will be released.
The special effects are very well done, and it seems the movie had quite a budget (for a horror movie). Also the performance of Lance Henriksen and Brion James are excellent. I also love Brion James he is this typical bad guy. You just hate his guts, and that makes it just all the better.
The DVD I have is a Dutch version released by Afilm. The picture and sound quality are just great. My only complained about this DVD is that it doesn’t have any extras. Not even a trailer or just some stills. But I do recommend this DVD, So if you haven’t seen House 1 or 2 you can still pick this up. If you have seen House 1 & 2 and you want to watch the next sequel, watch House 4.
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kylie cre8tone (Friday, 12 August 2016 09:23)
First time heard of this movie.. Sounds like it's a great movie... Glad you enjoy the whole session..
ROBERT LEE (Friday, 12 August 2016 19:42)
Greed. :) Cashing in on the success of House 1 and 2. Not that I will be watching because I do not like horror movies. Well, I did watch a few when I was a kid, remember EVIL DEAD? I think that was the last horror film I watched.
Zwitsy (Saturday, 13 August 2016 01:22)
I am not sure if this film or the story if familiar but the title is. But I guess the movie seems interesting the fact that it is a horror/comedy film.
Johna (Saturday, 13 August 2016 01:52)
Ooo looks interesting! I've actually never heard of this movie before, i thought you were talking about the series House haha. Although I'm really no fan of horror movies i might check this out haha. Well see if I'm brave enough lol!
nuel (Saturday, 13 August 2016 20:16)
Wow, you just made my day ... been looking for some interesting horror movie to watch and voila i have one thanks to you .
Virag Horvath (Saturday, 13 August 2016 20:44)
Ahh it sounds soo creepy I can't wait to see this movie! Brion James and Lance Henriksen are my favorites, they are such a great actors, especially Henriksen!
RUSS (Saturday, 13 August 2016 21:13)
Oddly, this is the first time that I am hearing about this movie. Horror isn't my favorite genre but there are a few horror films that I enjoyed watching. When it comes to sequels- series- I always feel the need to watch the rest of the movies.
Sriparna (Sunday, 14 August 2016 04:33)
Is have definitely watched this if I was still into horror stuff. But after Emily Rosè and Conjuring, I'm a big No to this genre :(
However, what you say is The Horror Show, in search for name and money used the hype of the The House series; real cheap move! But great for you to have watched it right before your comic con:)
Dominic (Sunday, 14 August 2016 04:56)
You really love the 80's don't you? :) I'm an 80's baby too but I haven't really seen this movie before. I'm curious why it's called House and there's a cut-off hand in the cover photo. But since you said, it's a comedy horror, I think it'd be fun to watch. hehe
Klaudia Scheffler (Sunday, 14 August 2016 23:05)
I am so not into horror movies ,it just gives me night mares. And to be honest , most of them are really sh** , sometimes I am just wondering , what was wrong with the author and the director of some scripts when they created that movie , but I do like your website , that for I keep regularly checking on your new posts / reviews. Keep the good job up ! Oh , I think you are the right one to ask ... do you know the movie " Cake " ? Something about living with chronic pain , with Jennifer Aniston. I would like to find that one to watch somehow. Have you seen it ?
jaear paguio (Monday, 15 August 2016 06:57)
I love horror story and films! The poster looks like one of those horror novels i used to read when i was a kid. Thanks for the review!
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla (Monday, 15 August 2016 08:53)
As a fan of horror movies (not as an avid watcher though), I regret to say that I haven't seen any of the House movies. Well, this review's just perfect, glad that even starting with the sequel won't necessarily make me look for part 1. It looks like Psycho mixed with any horror-cabin movie. A bit shame that the rereleased version isn't really a "full" version but it still gets me hooked up with interest.
Cheryle (Tuesday, 16 August 2016 09:40)
It was my first time to hear about House 3. Not fan of horror movies though. But this looks like a "friendly" or "light" horror movie so... let's see! ;)
Freelancers Rene (Sunday, 21 August 2016 07:38)
I love horror movies.. This looks like a good one.. and to think it's has become a trilogy... the problem with is most often times, I laugh at horror movies.. especially when I see unrealistic effects.. it's usually those old, low budget horror films..oh well may just a minor disorder in me..
Neon Emmanuel (Thursday, 15 September 2016 05:44)
i love 80's movie, especially because of the black and white effect it has, and most expecially if its a comedy , would love to watch this movie someday.
Chioma ume (Monday, 17 April 2017 17:21)
My kind of thing... Horrow comedy movies