Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writers: Robert Zemeckis (characters), Bob Gale (characters)
Stars: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Mary Steenburgen, Thomas F. Wilson, Lea Thompson

“I didn’t have the privilege of seeing Part II in the cinema, so my brother and I eagerly awaited the VHS release almost a year later. As it turns out, this wait had its silver linings, which I’ll discuss shortly. The sheer excitement and anticipation of discovering where Marty (Michael J. Fox) and Doc (Christopher Lloyd) would venture next after the success of the original film, which involved time travel to the future and then back to 1955, left us all on the edge of our seats. The shocking moment when Doc and the DeLorean were struck by lightning had us gasping for more. I had to wait five long years to see Part II, but the timing of the VHS release for the middle part of the trilogy coincided with the cinematic release of Part III. Our parents decided to treat us to a rare family cinema outing, a cherished experience back in the ’80s and ’90s. To give you a glimpse, we rented Part II on a Friday, rewatched it multiple times on Saturday, and then, to our delight, our parents announced that we’d be heading to the ABC Cinema in Glasgow to watch the third and final installment of the Back to the Future Trilogy on Sunday evening.

The film opens with the iconic Clock Tower Lightning scene, picking up right where Part II left us, with Doc collapsing after witnessing Marty’s return to 1955. I must say that Alan Silvestri’s opening score is nothing short of beautiful, and some have noted its similarities to his later ‘Forrest Gump’ theme, which I can definitely see. The wide shot of Doc’s mansion (known as The Proctor & Gamble Mansion) is breathtaking. As the Hill Valley storm subsides, we watch Marty, amidst the picturesque scene, carrying the unconscious Doc into the mansion to recover. It’s a mystery how someone of Marty’s stature managed this feat, but it’s these opening scenes that always captivated me. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the pictures on the wall and the fireplace to the organ and the toy car in the fire bucket used in an experiment. What impressed me even more was the clock hanging in the bathroom above the toilet, a callback to a humorous moment in the original film when Doc, while hanging the clock, slipped and had a vision of the Flux Capacitor. As they say, the rest is history.

Doc’s initial disbelief and reaction in these scenes are genuinely funny and reminiscent of his first encounters with ‘Future Boy.’ Fortunately, Marty has a letter from the 1885 Doc, handed to him by the Western Union guy at the end of Part II. Together, they uncover the location of the buried DeLorean and manage to salvage many of the components by finding 1955 equivalents. The most shocking revelation in the opening scenes is the tombstone near where the DeLorean was buried in a nearby cemetery, bearing the name of Emmett L. Brown (The Doc). This discovery propels Marty to hop back into the Time Machine and venture to 1885 to save his friend.

Upon arriving in the scenic Old West, the film takes on a stripped-down and organic feel compared to the high-tech complexity of Part II. We soon realize that, after rupturing the fuel line, Marty is out of gas, and there won’t be a gas station in sight until the early part of the twentieth century. This scenario closely mirrors the original film’s premise, revolving around the obstacles in their path, typically in the form of a Tannen villain. This time, it’s Buford ‘Mad Dog’ Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson). Additionally, we witness a love interest for Doc, Clara Clayton (Mary Steenburgen), adding emotional depth to the story and a sense of urgency in the final act.

While I adore Part III, it may be considered the weakest of the three. This perception may arise from the awareness that the story is coming to a close, and while the ending is satisfying, it inevitably leaves us wondering why stop at three films when the possibilities seem endless. Nevertheless, if you’ve watched these films numerous times, you might start noticing common themes that recur. Marty’s bewildered awakening, the presence of a Tannen antagonist, and the Tannen character meeting a less-than-pleasant fate are recurring elements that could become repetitive.

The exceptional ensemble cast lives up to expectations, and the introduction of Mary Steenburgen adds emotional weight and authenticity to the narrative. I should also mention that, as Crispin Glover was the central character in Part I and Tom Wilson took the spotlight in Part II, the third part truly belongs to Christopher Lloyd. Michael J. Fox’s Marty always serves as the audience’s point of view, while Tom Wilson’s ‘Mad Dog’ Tannen is brilliantly portrayed with the familiar Tannen comedic foolishness and dangerous edge.

I previously mentioned Alan Silvestri, whose score in this film is somewhat underwhelming until moments of drama. The film’s most memorable musical contribution is from ZZ Top, who provide the single ‘Double Back,’ which has an enjoyable 1880s version in the film. ZZ Top also makes an appearance during the dance scenes at the Clock Tower’s grand opening. Much like the first film is remembered for Huey Lewis’s contribution, Part III is recognized for ZZ Top’s musical offering.

Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale have consistently stated that they never intended to make sequels to the original 1985 film. However, I’m grateful that they did. I also admire their decision to conclude the story with three films, even though a part of me wished for more adventures with these characters. The filmmakers deserve commendation for stopping while they were ahead. The film’s breathtaking scenery, authentic locations, and the seamless blending of the DeLorean over the bridge at the climax all contribute to a visually stunning experience. Although the VistaGlide system is briefly employed, it remains effective. One unexpected aspect for me was the somewhat diminished presence of Lea Thompson as Maggie McFly. Thompson’s prominent role in the first two movies is somewhat reduced, presumably to introduce the character of Clara. Given the circumstances, this decision is understandable.

In conclusion, ‘Back to the Future Part III’ is a must-see film, but only if you’ve watched the previous two movies. It’s a worthy and satisfying conclusion to the franchise. I sincerely hope the rumors of a remake remain just that – rumors. The 30th-anniversary celebration of the franchise witnessed the cast and crew reuniting and reminiscing, a heartwarming sight for fans. It’s evident that the actors are embracing the attention and cherishing the memory of these films. Looking back, my brother and I walked out of the cinema at the ages of 14 and 9

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