After “Back to the Future Part II” came out in 1989, a third entry was immediately in the works with the cast and crew coming back one last time. Taking place immediately after Part II, Marty must travel to 1885 to find Doc and return to 1985. Once they reunite, they encounter Biff Tannen’s ancestor Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen. An outlaw who wants to kill Doc. Meanwhile, Doc falls in love with a woman named, Clara Clayton.
Released in 1990, (same year Darkman came out) “Back to the Future Part III” earned positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. It was also a commercial success. The closest thing to a fourth movie is a video game developed by Telltale Games. I have one good reason why I rewatched and posted each film in the Back to the Future Trilogy. The cast including Michael J. Fox & Christopher Lloyd will attend Fan Expo Dallas 2025 celebrating the 40th anniversary of the first movie signing autographs and taking pictures. They’ll only be there on May 30-June 1. I got plans to take my pic with Marty McFly himself. Plus, I’m taking pics with Walton Goggins & Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Once I get my photos taken, I’ll write an editorial about my three-day experience just as I did last year.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. We’ve all seen the Back to the Future Trilogy countless times.
Fast & Slow Qualities
Fast: Michael J. Fox & Christopher Lloyd reprise their roles as the duo. They both did a splendid job for their respective performances.
Mary Steenburgen did a solid job for her performance as Doc’s love interest, Clara Clayton.
Thomas F. Wilson plays Biff Tannen’s great-grandfather, Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen. Lea Thompson plays Marty’s ancestor, Maggie McFly. They later reprise their roles as Biff & Lorraine towards the end.
Robert Zemeckis did a terrific job directing. He also wrote the script with Bob Gale containing memorable dialogue.
- Your future is whatever you make it. So, make it a good one.
- Eastwood, Clint Eastwood.
- Nobody calls me yellow!
- He’s an asshole! (my favorite line)
- I’ve wanted to do that all my life!
Fun Fact: Mr. Lloyd reprised his role as Doc Brown in a promo for Back to the Future’s 30th anniversary on DVD/Blu-Ray. He said the same line to Marty at the end of Part III. “Your future is whatever you make it.” So, make it a good one.” Your future depends on the choice you make. Just like people graduating high school and college. Whatever career you wanna take will affect your everyday life. Use your knowledge and abilities to provide income for your loved ones and your children’s future.
Alan Silvestri (Predator, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Avengers) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Steven Spielberg served as an executive producer.
Special Effects at the time are solid. They still hold up.
Cinematography was shot carefully lacking technical problems throughout.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab.
Remember that bulletproof vest Marty used during his stand-off with Mad Dog? It’s a callback to Biff watching “A Fistful of Dollars.” V also used Clint Eastwood’s approach in “V for Vendetta.”
ZZ Top wrote and performed “Double Back.” They also make a cameo performing a western themed instrumental version. The song itself was played during the end credits.
Slow: Upon witnessing his own tombstone, Doc turns to Marty saying, “Looks like you’ve seen a ghost.” I hate that line. How about something new like, “Looks like you’ve seen Patrick Swayze.”
An early romance with Doc & Clara happened. If this were real life, it would take a pair a few weeks or months to get to know one another until a relationship is fully established.
Part I: A-
Part II: A-
Part III: B, FOR BRIGHTFUL DAY!
Trilogy Overall: BRILLANT!
Back to the Future’s third installment ended the trilogy on the positive side. It may not be a perfect trilogy, but it still holds up thanks to its characters, performances, memorable quotes, stakes, special effects, high concept etc. I think Part II is my personal favorite out of all of ’em. If you wanna introduce your kids to the Back to the Future Trilogy, it’s a must-watch. If you’re planning to attend Fan Expo Dallas 2025, please leave a comment. I cannot wait to take my pic with Michael J. Fox. It’s gonna be one heck of a blast.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 