Cinema’s celebrated new “It” boy of the slasher scene has returned for the spooky season, but Art the Clown is looking to claim a new holiday, as filmmaker Damien Leone introduces horror fans to a new nightmare before Christmas with Terrifier 3. When we last saw Art — spoiler alert — he was suffering from a small case of death, with final girl Sienna (Lauren LaVera) removing his head and all, as final girls are wont to do. But being an unholy fiend from the depths of hell, a little beheading isn’t going to stop Art from enjoying the holiday spirit. So five years later and with the helping hand of his undead victim Vicky (Samantha Scaffidi), Art manages to pick himself up and get right back to what he does best: savagely slaying everything in his path.  ​​Also back are the Shaw siblings, Sienna and little brother Jonathan (Elliott Fullam), whose healing journey from the first film hasn’t been as smooth. Unable to move past her trauma, Sienna is still haunted by her last tangle with the cannibalistic clown. She and Art are still very much in each other’s orbit thanks to a psychic connection that keeps them linked.  Known for its practical effects and use of extreme gore, the Terrifier franchise prides itself on shocking moviegoers with its creative carnage and inventive butchery. If an audience member is spotted vomiting in the theaters or fleeing in terror, filmmakers wear it as a badge of honor. And as far as following in the footsteps of its predecessors, Terrifier 3 continues on that blood-soaked path. Though the narrative is a bit convoluted at times and the mythos a bit muddy, Art isn’t about the art of storytelling.  (Cineverse) Gruesome, grisly, and at moments, downright unpleasant, Art continues his cavorts of cruelty as he murders children in their beds and hacks away at bargain basement Santas. But such sights are the bread and butter for films like Terrifier 3 and its ilk as practical effects and gnarly set pieces are the true stars of the show. The real question is: can the third installment up the ante from previous chapters? Will Art outdo himself from the chainsaw bisection from the first film or Allie’s bedroom scene from the second pic? Don’t fret, horror hounds. This time around, Art comes equipped with more destructive gear in his toybox, including liquid nitrogen, hungry rats, and a Clint Howard cameo.  But butchery aside, part of what makes Art the Clown compelling is the outstanding performance of David Howard Thornton, whose mime work is superb when portraying the sadistic Pierrot clown. His penchant for silently reveling in the misery he creates, the creativity of his kills, and his unnerving look give Art an edge that has quickly made him a favorite among Bloody Disgusting readers and Spirit Halloween shoppers. He not only enjoys causing death and destruction upon his victims, but to those who care for them. He wants others to admire his handiwork, as this is a man who loves his job.  But that is not to neglect the rest of the cast, particularly LaVera, who understands the assignment and delivers as avenging angel Sienna.  Terrifier 3 is not what one would consider great cinema nor is it easy viewing for the average filmgoer. It is not the “elevated horror” modern crowds have grown accustomed to thanks to the recent efforts of A24 and Neon. At times, the new installment is a downright nasty piece of work and malevolent with its violence, and what the filmmakers can do with practical effects might send normies running for the door. But for extreme horror fans, Christmas has come early this year with Terrifier 3. That’s exactly who the film was made for: zealots of scary movies and followers of Freddy, Jason, Leatherface and Michael Myers who can appreciate all that Art has to offer.   The post Review: ‘Terrifier 3’ Spreads A Little Christmas Fear appeared first on LA Weekly.