Review of Leprechaun 3 (1995) by Liam U — 29 Apr 2011

Another sequel, and another Leprechaun played wonderfully by Warwick Davis. Besides the title, and the fact that the monster is a Leprechaun (which, considering the title, makes sense) there is little else that links this sequel to the previous two films.

The action this time takes place in Vegas, with the little demon running around leaving a trail of mayhem in his wake. The mythology behind Leprechauns is expanded upon considerably, but also leads to some contradictions to the previous movies. For example, in 'Leprechaun 2 (1994)' possession of one of the Leprechaun's gold coins protects you from harm... here it will grant you one wish. The Leprechaun is introduced as a statue, with a medallion around its neck (unfortunately, nothing about this medallion is really developed. The Leprechaun seems to have a fear of it, but despite using it to ward him off a couple of times, it doesn't really play an integral part to the plot or climax like one would suspect) and is soon brought to life due to a greedy Indian shopkeeper. Vegas is a great setting to play with the theme of greed, and this is a theme that is referred to constantly.

It isn't long before we are introduced to Scott, played by John Gatins. He's your typical fresh-faced teen, who gets bitten by the Leprechaun. For reasons unexplained, he begins to turn into one himself, sort of like an Irish werewolf. 'Leprechaun 3 (1995)' is content to place itself firmly within the comedy genre here, the only scenes that remotely resemble a horror film are the death scenes, and, of course, the gruesome makeup Warwick Davis sports.

Despite the lack of scares, the laughs are consistent, including one particularly inspired scene that sees the Leprechaun interacting with an Elvis impersonator. Tortured relentlessly, the Leprechaun keeps bouncing back in search of his gold coin while slaying those greedy secondary characters who get in his way.

Whoever developed this script had an obvious penchant for rhyming couplets, as both Leprechaun and infected-teen-Leprechaun relish in speaking with dodgy Irish-themed rhymes. But it's all in good fun as potato-munching stereotypes are worked in to the movie. The laughs are steadily consistent, and it's always a joy watching the little fella do his little wiggly run. The luck of the Irish is still running strong as the third entry to a franchise that shouldn't really work proves to be a rather enjoyable experience.