The Third Saturday in October is the story of serial killer Jack Harding and how his grisly tradition began. Harding is scheduled to be executed eleven years after committing a series of murders. When the electrocution goes off without a hitch, the townspeople are elated, with the exception of Ricky Dean Logan (Darius Williams), whose worst fears turn out to be true.
As is often the case with the first part of any installment, this one has a more serious atmosphere than its sequel. There's so much gore, but none of the deaths have a ridiculous feel to them. Essentially, no one has been burned on the premise or the characters yet. There's no need to be over the top and there's no opportunity for self-parody. The third day of October is very much a what you see is what you get situation, which is the vibe you should be looking for.
Director: Jay Burleson
Writer: Jay Burleson
Stars: Darius Willis, K.J. Baker, Allison Shrum
It was a wise decision for writer-director Jay Burleson to make this more of a homage than a comedy. Third Saturday in October feels like a love letter to slashers instead of making fun of them. This makes it more enjoyable. Also, some of the comedy flops. Most evident is a running gag involving characters meowing that is barely funny the first time around and becomes more and more irritating as it goes on.
Like Part V, there is little of note in the body of the film. There's an attempt to get to know the characters, but there's nothing engaging. The subplot sees Ricky Dean Logan and Vicki Newton (K.J. Baker) racing across the state to take on Harding. Again, it seems like the idea is to give depth, but it feels more like filler than anything else.
Third Saturday in October strives to match the tone of early '80s slashers. There are a few bright spots, the setting is perfect, but it also does little to stand on its own two legs. None of the characters are offensively bad, but they don't leave an impression either. Viewed as a double bill with Part V, it works well; by itself is forgettable.
Watch The Third Saturday in October 2022 Movie Trailer
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