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Three By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Despite the unusual spelling of its title, "Three" (Fox) -- written "Thr3e" -- is a conventional thriller, and not a very good one at that. Based on the spiritually accented novel by Christian author Ted Dekker, the psychological mystery centers on Kevin Parson (Marc Blucas), a seminary student being stalked by a serial killer who has targeted him as retribution for some dark secret buried in their shared past. Meanwhile, Jennifer Peters (Justine Waddell), a police psychologist whose own brother was one of the killer's previous victims, races to crack the case before the fiend strikes again. Despite a twist ending that deciphers the title, the movie's flat writing, competent but colorless performances and overall made-for-TV vibe generate only low-grade suspense. Distributed by FoxFaith, the studio's division geared toward Christian audiences as well as those "seeking quality inspirational and spiritual entertainment," the movie contains little that would appeal specifically to those types of viewers beyond its broad themes of good and evil and some faith-flavored dialogue. ("We need the power of God," Kevin's priest-professor tells Jennifer.) With nods to "Psycho," "Seven" and, most conspicuously, the "Saw" movies -- as in that franchise, the "Riddle" killer here uses his acts of sadism as teaching moments -- director Robby Henson's adaptation scores points for not indulging in the exploitative lurid excess common to movies of this ilk, but, let us hope, the folks at FoxFaith will realize next time that viewers' religious convictions don't blind them to mediocrity. The film contains some violence, including several explosions and a shooting, mildly disturbing images and a few mildly crude expressions. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. - - - DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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