Contrary to many reviews, 3 is not a bad film. It is not a good film, but it is not bad. It should be classified as a very average independent horror, revenge & torture thriller with average production.
One item of note, when reading reviews, is that many are written by comparing the reviewed film to other titles. This is a faulty means by which to review a film unless there are direct connections in the story, characters, actors or other facet. Any film can be compared to another, allowing for faults or faulty issues to be noted. Taken purely at face value, not comparing "3" to any other film, it is a purely average independent film.
"3" is not a "cheesy horror B-flick," but a low(er) budget independent horror/thriller that is meant to be taken seriously. The cast is very limited (under 10 actors), and none are standouts compared to others. The acting is very average, but moderately convincing - meaning, while not A-level, the performances are not "over the top" or intentionally cheesy.
The film is shot on professional equipment and the sound & foley are decent. The scenery and locations are natural and do not look hastily or "cheesily" constructed. Cinematography is average as well. There are a couple of nice choices in angle and flow, but largely average from start to finish.
The story and writing are also average. "3" is in no way prophetic or anything new in the torture motif, but provides decent flow with the inclusion of small moments of psychologically impactful dialog and/or character explanation. On the whole, the movie would have been better with increased blood, gore, and violence, but that is a personal consideration. The finale, however, while nothing new, is enjoyable and provides for titular discovery.
The best aspects of the film, which are still largely average, are the direction and effects. Of the two, neither rise much above average, but are at least convincing. While not considered a "gorefest," there are a couple of scenes that could have been extremely cheesy had it not been for the effects. Average to slightly above average indie effects provide for, at minimum, convincing incidents.
In summation, "3" is just an average indie horror/thriller film. Watching it will not cause the viewer lifelong regret, but it also will not provide any lasting affect. There are, at once, plenty of better and worse films available to watch.
Recommended for fans of revenge films with torture motifs.
NOT recommended for viewers seeking ample blood and gore. While there are a couple examples of both blood and (light) gore, these are not the intent of the film.
NOT recommended for viewers seeking ample nudity of either sexual persuasion.
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