Scanners 3: The Takeover (1992)
- written August 2000
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Alex is a scanner with a conscience. While messing around at a Christmas Party, he accidentally kills his best friend. Completely anguished over this he goes to Thailand to meditate. 2 years later his sister Helena has found out that their adopted dad, Dr. Monet, has discovered a drug that may finally erase all effects of the scanning syndrome. Helena is traumatized by the voices, the headaches and everything that companies the telepathy. It gets so bad that she sneaks into her dad’s collection of experimental drugs. It is Eph-3 that is the miracle drug. Helena turns into a ruthless bitch with no pain and no conscience. She wants to rule the world and while wearing the Eph-3 patches, she goes off killing everyone in her way. That includes wanting her nomad brother dead too. But after a few psychotic scanners go to kill him and fail, Alex decides to come home and find out what is happening. It becomes very obvious what has been happening and this family battle could destroy the world.
Overall: The film barely resembles the first 2 films, in fact making no mention of either. Only initials for the drug make reference to part 1. But obviously since there is a 3rd film, the drugs aren’t working. Plus, these scanners are more powerful than ever – they aren’t satisfied just altering people’s thoughts. These action sequences have people flying all over the place. In fact there a few high drops involving bad guys and those really aren’t too bad. It is interesting how in parts 1 & 3 the dads make the drugs and part 2 has the dad be a scanner too! But with Alex going to visit Buddha it just reminds me of “Ace Ventura 2” & “Bloodsport.” And what the hell is with that blue light thing? That isn’t adequately explained nor is the fact all these scanners can’t stand being in daylight. That too is explained. Overall, I’d say don’t bother renting this, unless you are an addict to the series. Comparison: Bloodsport meets Lawnmower Man |
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