Troll 3

Troll 3, also known as 'Contamination .7' or 'Creepers' in some regions, is not a direct sequel to Troll 2 but garnered its name due to marketing efforts. Released in 1990, this Italian-American horror film is directed by Fabrizio Laurenti and stars Mary Sellers, Jason Saucier, and Bubba Reeves. Notably, this movie is not about trolls but about root-bound monsters.

Mary Sellers plays Josie, a young woman who returns to her peaceful hometown after an extended absence. She's accompanied by her boyfriend, Matt, played by Jason Saucier. The tranquil town is a close-knit community where everyone knows each other and leads a quiet, laid-back lifestyle. However, this peace is disrupted as mysterious deaths occur, causing panic amongst the townsfolk.

The mystery deepens as the victims show similar unexplained phenomena—each body is found with strange, plant-like growths. Sellers' character, Josie, is an environmental biologist, and her interaction with this uncanny happening forms the crux of the story. As people continue to be affected and more questions are raised, Josie takes it upon herself to uncover the environmental anomaly that's causing these deaths.

Jason Saucier's character, Matt, supports Josie unwaveringly. Their relationship lends a personal element to the horror-driven plot, as Matt's love for Josie drives him to help her despite the increasing danger. Reeves, known as Bubba in the movie, adds to the suspense as a local who becomes increasingly suspicious of the events taking place in his town. The character dynamics successfully heighten the tension and contribute significantly to the overall plot structure.

Unlike traditional horror movies which focus on supernatural entities, Troll 3 revolves around biological horrors and the way nature becomes a source of terror when disturbed by human activities. It explores ecological disasters, hinting at mankind's interference as a potential cause for such catastrophic events. The fusion of the horror genre with underlying themes of environmental awareness makes Troll 3 stand out from its contemporaries.

While the movie is a suspense-filled tale, it has its spontaneous moments of levity which hinge largely upon the camaraderie of the townsfolk, their idiosyncrasies, and the range of varied personalities. It showcases the co-dependent relationships that exist within small communities and how they join forces when faced with an external threat.

Director Laurenti skillfully uses suspense elements to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The combination of a secluded setting, eerie music, and dim lighting creates an intense atmosphere that builds a sense of dread, making the horror experience all the more captivating. The onscreen chemistry between the lead characters coupled with the nail-biting storyline keeps the audience intrigued till the very end.

Moreover, the film excels in special effects showcasing the plant-like entities in a detailed and convincing manner. The practical effects in the movie provide a certain charm that was characteristic of horror films of the 90s. Despite its low-budget nature, the production quality of Troll 3 keeps the viewers engaged.

In short, Troll 3 is a departure from your typical horror fare—part creature-feature, part ecological cautionary tale. It's a gem for lovers of B-movie classics who are looking for more than just surface-level scares. Special mention goes to the performances of the lead actors—Mary Sellers, Jason Saucier, and Bubba Reeves—who carry the movie on their shoulders with compelling performances. Troll 3 remains a memorable entry in the genre of horror, one that is sure to entertain horror buffs with its unique twist on terror.