Pumpkinhead III: Ashes to Ashes (2006) Review:

While upon its release Ray Winston's directorial debut with Pumpkinhead (1988) didn't gather the praise it may have wanted, it has managed to maintain its cult status. Despite that, studios are always looking to make a quick buck and manage to further nothing that made the original so memorable. Jeff Burr's Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1994) was by no means a good film but there were things about it that made it funny to watch. There were all kinds of wrong with how the studio messed around with the final product. From a creative standpoint though, the story tried to do something different with the vengeance demon, which deserves kudos. Unfortunately, it was its continuity that was hard to figure out. Here though, this sequel is the opposite.

Ioana Ginghina

Taking place in a small community (presumably from the first film), a bunch of town locals discover that their mortician, Doc Fraser (Doug Bradley) has been doing malpractice on fellow family members. The person to first realize this is Molly Sue (Tess Panzer) and finds Haggis (Lynne Verrall) the witch who has the power to summon Pumpkinhead for vengeance. Meanwhile her partner Oliver (Emanuel Parvu) begins his own investigation and meets Bunt Wallace (Douglas Roberts) who continues to have hallucinations of Ed Harley (Lance Henriksen). Written by John & Barbara Werner, the plot behind this feature is truly a dud. Viewers will be very much familiar with this setup as it is a direct copy from the original film.

Unlike Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings (1994), which tried a different narrative, nothing's changed here. The only interesting aspect to this sequel is that viewers will be given the clear indication that this indeed takes place after Pumpkinhead (1988). The fact that the writers included Haggis, Bunt and Ed Harley again was appreciative, but that's where it ends. The use of these characters is far and few between as to how they should've been addressed. Instead, fans see goofy acting among many thespians who just truly show that this is a TV film. Actors like Lisa McAllister, Tess Panzer and Ioana Ginghina are just boring. The only unknown actor who stands out more is Emanuel Parvu, although his voice doesn't match his look.

Jake West’s skill as a director wasn't that impressive either. His filmography has been more relegated to documentaries. He's only directed a few films like Razor Blade Smile (1998), Evil Aliens (2005) and most recently Doghouse (2009). As for the recognizable stars, not even they're truly safe. Doug Bradley and Lance Henriksen are both credible actors, but here they feel awfully unenthusiastic. If anything, Lynne Verrall and Douglas Roberts try harder. The violence and special effects for this feature were barely passable as well. The prosthetic Pumpkinhead is okay in some places but other times not as much. At least the first sequel had the decency to stick to practical effects. When you see a CGI Pumpkinhead, that's when you know it's bad.

"Ummm,....I thought you were taller?"

Gore is pretty much in the same bag. Not a lot of it is shown and when it is, it's not the best. Cinematography wasn't excusable either. Erik Wilson as the cinematographer was average with what he was given. Much of the shots are dimly lit and from an interior standpoint, the scenes look even cheaper. Only do the outer sets actually look okay. Wilson also worked on a film called The 13th Sign (2000) and would surprisingly go on to Paddington (2014). Lastly, one of the few redeeming qualities to this entry was the music composed by Rob Lord. While not having a ton of recognizable credits to his name, Lord at least managed to make the music sound sort of like the original although not exactly. A movie he worked on before was Slipstream (2005).

Trying for a second time, this second sequel matches the first but for other reasons. While the screenwriters resurrect old characters from the first film, it isn't much because the plot is all too familiar. The music is the only additional plus. Everything else from effects, acting and camerawork is iffy at best.

Points Earned --> 4:10