Review of A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) by Crazed F — 08 May 2010

Back in 1984, director Wes Craven came up with the idea of a child-murderer named Freddy Krueger who was burned to death by the parents of Elm Street. Freddy came back from the dead to kill the teenagers of the parents that killed him by killing them from within their own dreams.

Craven always intended the film to be a stand-alone movie. But because it was so successful at the box office, New Line Cinema saw an oportunity to build by making another 'Elm Street' movie. The sequel however was nowhere near as good as Craven's original.

Taking his idea and handing it over to hack director Jack Sholder and plain idiot screenwriter David Chaskin, whom did not understand why 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' was such a great concept, produced a sub-par sequel.

It was, however a success at the box office. So the studio wanted to make another 'Elm Street' movie. Craven decided to contribute to the story thinking it would put a lid on the series and make it the "true" sequel of his original.

The result was 'A Nightmare on Elm Street 3-Dream Warriors', and it is definitely a worthy sequel. Reason number 1: The story. Freddy returns to kill off "the last of the Elm Street children".

The revenge concept is back. Freddy is getting back at those who killed him by murdering their offspring. These teens, however have been commited to a mental asylum. This is an interesting setting and provides a lot of opportunities for the writers of the film.

Reason 2: The concept of Freddy killing within dreams is back. Something that was discarded in the previous film. Plus, the murders are more creative and awesome than in the previous films. The creative murders are a trademark in the 'Elm Street' movies because Freddy can bend the rules of reality when killing in dreams.

Here he becomes a giant snake-like figure and chews away at one teen. In another scene he walks a teen around like a marionette, using his veins as strings. Yes, the murders featured here are creative and scary.

The way it should be. Reason 3: Nancy is back. Heather Langenkamp returns as the series most interesting character (other than Freddy). She is Freddy's greatest foe, and also provides that link to the original film the first sequel lacked.

This movie probably has the best cast of the series. Patricia Arquette and Lawrence Fishburne are the big names, but I was quite impressed with Craig Wasson as the confused doctor who tries to understand the situation and help Nancy.

Also, Robert Englund really develops Freddy's character here. His now famous one-liners come into abundance, and the witty humour mixed with the horror plays a part. This is a worthy, entertaining, scary sequel with great special effects.