Back to the Future: A Timeless Trilogy Continues in Part III

In an era where sequels are a dime-a-dunk and franchise fatigue has become almost expectedly commonplace among audiences, it's refreshing - nay, downright surprising - that some of our favorite beloved series still manage to deliver on their promises. Case in point? Robert Zemeckis' triumphant conclusion to the Back to the Future trilogy: Part III.

A worthy follow-up (literally) to its predecessor and a fitting capstone to one of cinema's most iconic trilogies, Back to the Future Part III expertly balances action-packed thrills with heartwarming nostalgia that will leave even the most hardened skeptics grinning from ear-to-ear. Shot back-to-back with Part II (which we won't spoil here), this third and final installment in Marty McFly's (played once again by a now-aged but still charmingly lovable) time-traveling adventures proves - much like its predecessors - that sometimes, the saying 'third time really *IS* a charm' holds more than just water.

While it may not quite match the seismic cultural impact of its groundbreaking predecessor in terms of sheer box office grosses or quotability ('Roads? Where we're going...'), Part III still manages to deliver plenty of humor and excitement on an individual basis, particularly thanks largely due in large part to a memorable turn from Christopher Lloyd as that lovable mad scientist extraordinaire Doc Brown. Whether he's waxing poetic about the finer points of temporal physics or simply hamming it up like crazy with his trusty sidekick Marty, there's no denying that this pair - along with supporting cast members like Thomas Fronschuk and Mary Ellen Trainor reprising their roles as Biff Tannen Sr. & Mrs. McFly respectively - still have the magic in them when called upon.

Of course, even allowing for some natural creative fatigue setting in following nearly two decades since Part II hit theaters worldwide (and over thirty years since the original laid down its now legendary foundation stone), Back to the Future Part III remains a solid enough conclusion to this beloved franchise's long and winding road. Sure, it may not entirely live up to our lofty expectations - nor indeed those of some hardcore fans who might've hoped for something slightly more ambitious or bold in terms of storytelling scope & ambition alone.

However, when viewed through the lens of '90s nostalgia goggles (which let’s face facts folks? We all wear these days at least occasionally...), Part III still manages to deliver plenty of fun and entertainment value on its own merits. From a series of increasingly wild time-travel shenanigans that see our hero hurtling back towards 1885 once more, through some genuinely laugh-out-loud funny moments courtesy of Lloyd & McFly's endearing buddy banter (who else could make eating an entire plateful of giant turkey sandwiches at breakfast look remotely cool?).

Back to the Future Part III may not be perfect - but then again, what is in this imperfect world we call reality anyway? Still and all though, it remains a satisfyingly enjoyable coda to one heck of an epic trilogy that still manages to thrill audiences today with its expert blend of action-packed adventure, genuine heartwarming emotion & pure old-fashioned entertainment value galore. So grab your flux capacitor, strap yourself in tight - because when the clock strikes 10 PM EST on August 25th (or thereabouts depending upon where you're reading this from), it's back to the future...once again!

Back to the future part iii reviews