PopHorror Let's Get Scared
The term “horror comedy” is thrown around a lot these days. Some are legitimately funny such as Tucker & Dale vs Evil and Shaun of The Dead, but if you want a true horror comedy, check out Leprechaun 3. Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith and written by David Dubos and Mark Jones, this movie said, “The hell with it!” The first two Leprechaun movies had humorous moments but were straight up horror flicks. This one threw all seriousness right out the window to make a scary, yet hilarious comedy that will have you laughing from the first scene.
After being dispatched in the second movie, the Leprechaun (Warwick Davis) is brought to a pawn shop where the owner (Marcelo Tubert) unknowingly unleashes him in Las Vegas. The Leprechaun guards his gold with ruthlessness and makes anyone who steals it pay very dearly. We are introduced to the college hopeful Scott who blows his college money at the roulette table run by the vile Loretta (Caroline Williams) and equally vile casino owner Mitch (Michael Callan). Scott goes to pawn for some money when he finds the only gold coin missing from Leprechaun’s pot.
He then wishes to go on a winning streak and ends up cleaning out the casino despite Loretta and Mitch’s best efforts. Leprechaun figures out that Scott took it and bites the poor guy, only for Scott to getaway. We’re introduced to the bumbling magician Fazio (John Demita) and his gorgeous assistant Tammy (Lee Armstrong) who becomes the love interest for Scott. At this point, the casino heels Fazio, Mitch, Loretta along with Art (Tom Dugan) and Tony (Roger Hewlett) all plot to steal the money back from Scott and the coin as well. That’s where the hilarity begins.
The acting is so corny and cheesy that it’s awesome. The characters come off as such unlikable douche bags that you can’t wait for Leprechaun to start killing them off. When he does, you are not disappointed. Every single character with the exception of the main two are killed off in either hilarious or ironic fashion. Leprechaun strikes while making several horrible puns that will have you rolling your eyes, yet it’s exactly the reaction the writers wanted. Without spoiling any of them, there is one scene that is my favorite. Loretta wishes to have her 20-year-old body back and when Leprechaun finds her, he exacts his revenge.
The bottom line is that this movie was meant for the viewer to have fun. It’s corny, it’s cheesy and it’s elements make it an outstanding horror comedy. If you’re looking to kick back for 90 minutes with some punny humor and ridiculous kills, then look no further than Leprechaun 3. It’s not meant to be taken seriously but that’s what gives it it’s charm. In my opinion, Leprechaun 3 is the second best of the entire series spanning the Space and Hood movies. Pick it up on DVD when you can – you won’t regret it.
