Stranded in 1955, Marty McFly learns about the premature death of Doc Brown in 1885 and must travel back in time to save him. However, with no more fuel readily available for the DeLorean after his arrival, the two must figure out how to escape the Old West before Emmett is murdered. Part III is probably the most unique entry in this trilogy as it takes us on an escapade to the Wild West. It was an unusual choice but a genius one, that delivers the most fun adventure of all the outings. I always thoroughly enjoyed this movie as a kid but it has now grown far higher in my estimations in the trilogy (though I adore each tremendously). Filmed back to back with Part II allowed for far more cohesiveness between these later two instalments. It can best be seen through the plenty of foreshadowing details hinting at the Western setting in Part II that become more noticeable after a rewatch. Continuing directly from the events of Back to the Future Part II (1989), Marty is now stuck in the past, after both the Doc and DeLorean were accidentally sent to 1885. Naturally, the only person that can help him now is the Doc from 1955. I love that Marty catches him just moments after he sends back the other Marty during the events of Back to the Future (1985), which as you'd expect, shocks him. Using the letter left to Marty from 1885, the pair uncover the DeLorean in an abandoned mineshaft and repair it well enough so Marty can rescue his friend from his death at the hands of Buford "Mad Dog" Tannen. Unbeknownst to Marty, he would encounter plenty of trouble on his arrival, from jumping straight into the middle of a United States Cavalry pursuit of Indians, bumping into a bear to even mistakenly running afoul Buford and his gang. Thankfully Doc Brown is close at hand to save Marty from almost dying himself. I found this film delved further into the bond between Marty and Emmett, displaying more of that duty of care they share so strongly. They equally go through great character growth and development as they alter their futures throughout the adventure. It was pleasing to watch Marty have some heart-to-heart with his great-great-grandparents, learning more about his family he never knew. Although, I liked that this particular entry spends more time with Doc Brown, introducing him a love interest in the form of Clara Clayton, a lady whom he saves. When they each fall deeply for the other it causes Emmett to become torn with leaving, raising the stakes higher with the still impending shooting. I was delighted with the inclusion of newcomer Clara into the trio and relished in the relationship between her and Emmett. It was equally exciting seeing familiar faces of the previous films return as new characters as relatives of current-time people of Hill Valley. The most impressive was our villain of the story, Buford 'Mad Dog' Tannen, ancestor to Biff Tannen. He easily stole the show with his exceptional performance that was both hilarious and terrifying, like some of the other variants we've seen. Of course, being a Western there are plenty of references to other such films scattered throughout for fans of the genre to catch. I found this final piece to hold some of the best cinematography, with gorgeous landscape shots ever-present. My favourite, and the most visually iconic, is the shot of the horses towing the DeLorean across the desert. It is simply a phenomenal spectacle. Where this film truly shines is during the climax as the pair commandeer a train to use in their escape plan. The whole segment is pumped full of adrenaline and elevated with the heroic score of Alan Silvestri, which is so enthralling, you cannot sit still. Finally, the ending sure pulls at the heartstrings with some heartwarming moments to wrap up the stories in a neat bow. Overall, Part III is a fantastic conclusion to an outstanding trilogy. It manages to deliver an unparalleled adventure to its predecessors, filled with lighthearted comedy and bustling action. This trilogy is undeniably my all-time favourite comfort viewing, and I know many share in the sentiment. You won't find entertainment as imaginative and creative as this. For the closest thing to a fourth entry, check out Back to the Future: The Game (Video Game 2010-2015).
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