As a stand alone story, House III: The Horror Show ticks all the 80s horror boxes, practical and optical effects, stunts, rock music and a fitting score by Harry Manfredini.
Just like House II: The Second Story its tame predecessor, producer Sean. S. Cunningham and director James Isaac's only failing with this instalment is that it's not really in the spirit of the original House. That's said, thankfully it's for the most part a serious offering with A Nightmare on Elm St (1984) tone, Freddy-like quips and a furnace to match. It's also reminiscent of the Prison (1987) and echoes Wes Craven's Shocker (1989).
Trying to keep his sanity Lance Henriksen gives one of his best straight performances as Detective Lucas McCarthy. Brion James gives his staple larger than life delivery but with genuine menace and weight as Meat Cleaver Max. Interestingly Day of the Dead's Terry Alexander briefly appears as Henriksen's partner Casey and Dedee Pfeiffer encapsulates that 80s brat pack persona as Bonnie McCarthy.
Overall, overlooked House III: The Horror Show has suspense, gore with surreal dreams and splatter effects. Everything a fan of 1980's horror could want.
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