Jeepers Creepers 3 is the third installment in the Jeepers Creepers horror franchise, directed by Victor Salva, and serves as a midquel, taking place between the events of the first and second films. Released in 2017, the film continues to follow the terror inflicted by the Creeper, a mysterious and ancient creature that awakens every 23 years to feed on human body parts for 23 days. While the film had high expectations due to the success of the original two movies, Jeepers Creepers 3 received mixed to negative reviews, with many criticizing its story, production quality, and lack of scares.

Plot Summary

Jeepers Creepers 3 is set immediately after the events of the first Jeepers Creepers movie and before the second. The plot centers around a group of hunters, led by Sheriff Dan Tashtego (Stan Shaw), who are determined to stop the Creeper (Jonathan Breck) before its 23-day feeding cycle ends. The Creeper is once again on the hunt, targeting unsuspecting victims and using its infamous, heavily modified truck filled with deadly booby traps to stalk its prey.

Alongside the sheriff’s efforts, the film follows a young woman named Addison (Gabrielle Haugh) and her grandmother, who may hold the key to defeating the Creeper, as they become entangled in the monster’s path of destruction. As the hunters attempt to stop the Creeper and unravel its ancient secrets, they quickly realize that the creature is more dangerous and intelligent than they ever imagined.

Themes

As with the previous Jeepers Creepers films, Jeepers Creepers 3 explores themes of fear, survival, and the mythos surrounding the Creeper. The film attempts to expand on the lore of the Creeper, introducing elements about its origins and its mysterious powers, although much of this lore remains underdeveloped.

The idea of vengeance is also present, as the sheriff and his team seek to avenge the deaths caused by the Creeper. However, the movie focuses more on the Creeper’s hunt and the fear it instills in its victims, rather than delving deeply into new thematic territory.

Performances

Jonathan Breck returns as the Creeper, continuing to deliver a menacing and physical performance as the monstrous villain. His portrayal of the Creeper remains one of the stronger aspects of the film, as he effectively captures the creature’s eerie, methodical approach to hunting its prey.

Stan Shaw gives a solid performance as Sheriff Tashtego, playing a determined character who is haunted by his past encounters with the Creeper. However, the supporting cast’s performances are generally forgettable, with Gabrielle Haugh’s portrayal of Addison lacking the emotional depth or charisma needed to carry the story forward.

Visuals and Effects

One of the film’s biggest weaknesses is its lackluster visual effects and production quality. While the first two Jeepers Creepers films were praised for their practical effects and the Creeper’s terrifying design, Jeepers Creepers 3 suffers from low-budget CGI and poorly executed action scenes. The Creeper’s iconic truck, which was a highlight in the previous films, is featured heavily but doesn’t provide the same level of tension or excitement as before.

The film’s cinematography also lacks the atmospheric and suspenseful tone that made the original Jeepers Creepers stand out. Many scenes feel underlit or awkwardly staged, detracting from the overall horror experience.

Story and Pacing

Jeepers Creepers 3 struggles with pacing and story development. The film attempts to bridge the gap between the first two movies, but its narrative is disjointed and lacks the tension and mystery that made the original so compelling. The film also fails to build on the Creeper’s backstory in any meaningful way, leaving many questions unanswered despite teasing the audience with hints of its origins.

The subplot involving Addison and her family doesn’t feel fully realized, and the hunters’ storyline, while promising, lacks the urgency and impact needed to create suspense. Additionally, the film doesn’t offer many memorable scares, with many of the horror sequences feeling repetitive or uninspired.

Verdict

Jeepers Creepers 3 falls short of the expectations set by its predecessors. Despite the return of Jonathan Breck as the Creeper and a few moments of tension, the film suffers from a weak story, poor production quality, and a lack of true horror elements. While it attempts to expand the franchise’s lore, it doesn’t offer enough depth or excitement to satisfy fans of the original movies.

For those who enjoyed the first two films, Jeepers Creepers 3 may be worth watching for continuity’s sake, but it doesn’t live up to the potential of the Jeepers Creepers franchise. Ultimately, it’s a disappointing addition to a once-promising horror series.