Full Moon's attempt at a World War II flick on a low budget is ambitious. Yeah, the acting is a little wooden (what do you expect from puppets? heh), but Lynch, Wolfe, Abercrombie, and Gottell all do okay. Setting up Lynch's character as a puppet is a cute touch since Blade does look like him. This gives some background to the puppets, and sets them up as the potential good guys for subsequent sequels and to take advantage of their popularity. Overall, entertaining.
65 Reviews
A very pleasant surprise
ctomvelu12 September 2009
The most imaginative and best-acted title in the long-running PUPPETMASTER series, Part 3 is actually a prequel that details how Andrte Toulon came to create his puppets during the dark days of World War II. The Nazis wants to use Toulon's secrets to create an army of the undead, and that's when the fun begins. Toulon sics his killer puppets on the Nazis, to spectacularly bloody effect. The puppets are the good guys in this one. What also makes a huge difference here is the introduction of Guy "Mr. Sardonicus" Rolfe as Toulon, a role he would essay in two more sequels. Rolfe is a great Toulon, a charismatic and even sympathetic character who loves his deadly puppets as only a papa creator could. Rolfe lent an air of integrity and distinction to the series. Part 3 is a great little B-horror addition to the series that was shot on the Universal back lot instead of Europe to surprisingly solid effect. A must-see.
Six Shooter Is Firing On All Barrels...
P3n-E-W1s312 August 2019
So in this third segment of the Puppet Master Epic, we are transported back to World War II and the Nazi's. Forever looking for the upper hand the German military command has come across rumours of Andre Toulon. It's said his marionette show has puppets without strings. If the Riech could mobilise such a force then they would be unstoppable. After Toulon refuses to help Major Kraus his wife Elsa is murdered. Upon his escape, helped by his trustworthy puppets, Toulon sets out for revenge.
Even though this is primarily a revenge story the writers, Charles Band and C Courtney Joiner, give the audience so much more. There's intrigue, adventure, action, and human interest. This tome is one of the better and stronger stories in the collection. This makes this film a rarity... it's better than the original. Like that movie, this straddles a few genres. This isn't just a horror flick. You have dark fantasy and chiller elements in the tale too. The best thing about this film is the fact the puppets are not evil. Killers yes, evil no. For example, when Jester has to attack to save Toulon he looks positively worried as he dashes across the floor. The brilliant thing with Jester is his ability to change the emotions on his face. So, yes he looks worried but he still attacks. It's still this dichotomy, for me, that lifts the story above the average and away from the horror genre.
Add to this the nice direction of David DeCoteau, who has no trouble getting down to the marionettes level, and the film gets stronger. It's also wonderful he had a bigger budget. Whereas the two previous films had limited sets, here we have over five different locations and some outdoor shots. DeCoteau is good at using subtle lighting to create atmosphere along with a sense of unease, and the soundtrack helps with this creation.
The special effects are beautiful and gruesome - the end Major Kraus puppet especially. Done in low light so he's silhouetted just makes it eerier to see. Add the blood jettisoning from his wrist and I admit I, "Oooh"'ed. The puppets themselves were handled brilliantly and the numerous techniques should keep the viewer asking, "how did they do that?" It was expressly nice to see the creation of Leech Woman.
Then we have the acting. Once again, this is stronger than the previous films. On the whole, Guy Rolfe is good as Toulon, though when his wife is murdered the acting is a little apathetic. I expected more anger and outrage. The star of this show is Richard Lynch as Major Kraus. He has the perfect tone to the character and makes the film with his easy nastiness. Now I love Walter Gotell, he's such a superb actor, and he is here as General Mueller... though I have to ask myself did he take the part because most his role was set in a brothel and he was surrounded by semi-clad beautiful girls... Hhmmm!
This is the second film in the series that I would gladly recommend. For me though, the first movie still has something, which is elusive for me to name, that makes it a film to rewatch time after time. If you're a multi-genre fan, based primarily in horror and dark fantasy, you should enjoy this film. It is very enjoyable and an ideal way to spend a creepy dark night in with your beloved...
Feel free to check out my Absolute Horror, Obsidian Dreams (Fantasy), and Killer Thriller Chillers lists to see where this movie ranks - or to check for an interesting movie to watch.
Even though this is primarily a revenge story the writers, Charles Band and C Courtney Joiner, give the audience so much more. There's intrigue, adventure, action, and human interest. This tome is one of the better and stronger stories in the collection. This makes this film a rarity... it's better than the original. Like that movie, this straddles a few genres. This isn't just a horror flick. You have dark fantasy and chiller elements in the tale too. The best thing about this film is the fact the puppets are not evil. Killers yes, evil no. For example, when Jester has to attack to save Toulon he looks positively worried as he dashes across the floor. The brilliant thing with Jester is his ability to change the emotions on his face. So, yes he looks worried but he still attacks. It's still this dichotomy, for me, that lifts the story above the average and away from the horror genre.
Add to this the nice direction of David DeCoteau, who has no trouble getting down to the marionettes level, and the film gets stronger. It's also wonderful he had a bigger budget. Whereas the two previous films had limited sets, here we have over five different locations and some outdoor shots. DeCoteau is good at using subtle lighting to create atmosphere along with a sense of unease, and the soundtrack helps with this creation.
The special effects are beautiful and gruesome - the end Major Kraus puppet especially. Done in low light so he's silhouetted just makes it eerier to see. Add the blood jettisoning from his wrist and I admit I, "Oooh"'ed. The puppets themselves were handled brilliantly and the numerous techniques should keep the viewer asking, "how did they do that?" It was expressly nice to see the creation of Leech Woman.
Then we have the acting. Once again, this is stronger than the previous films. On the whole, Guy Rolfe is good as Toulon, though when his wife is murdered the acting is a little apathetic. I expected more anger and outrage. The star of this show is Richard Lynch as Major Kraus. He has the perfect tone to the character and makes the film with his easy nastiness. Now I love Walter Gotell, he's such a superb actor, and he is here as General Mueller... though I have to ask myself did he take the part because most his role was set in a brothel and he was surrounded by semi-clad beautiful girls... Hhmmm!
This is the second film in the series that I would gladly recommend. For me though, the first movie still has something, which is elusive for me to name, that makes it a film to rewatch time after time. If you're a multi-genre fan, based primarily in horror and dark fantasy, you should enjoy this film. It is very enjoyable and an ideal way to spend a creepy dark night in with your beloved...
Feel free to check out my Absolute Horror, Obsidian Dreams (Fantasy), and Killer Thriller Chillers lists to see where this movie ranks - or to check for an interesting movie to watch.
The best in the series
sickosaint4 April 2002
Toulon's Revenge is the best in the whole Puppet Master series (With the exception of part 1 of course. This one goes back to World War II where the Nazi's are p****d off because of Aundre Toulon's
puppet shows giving negative buzz about the Gustopo. And soon they discover that his puppets are actully alive and decide to use Toulon's technology to revive soldiers that were dead to replenish their army. Needless to say everything goes south and puppets spring into action to protect their master.
What makes this movie great is it tells who the puppets are and shows the making and birth of leech woman I give it a 10
puppet shows giving negative buzz about the Gustopo. And soon they discover that his puppets are actully alive and decide to use Toulon's technology to revive soldiers that were dead to replenish their army. Needless to say everything goes south and puppets spring into action to protect their master.
What makes this movie great is it tells who the puppets are and shows the making and birth of leech woman I give it a 10
Cream of the crap ..........
merklekranz28 February 2020
Generally regarded as the best of the "Puppet Master" series, "Puppet Master 3" has one thing that elevates it above #1 and #2, and that is Richard Lynch as the head Nazi who hunts puppets. Whenever Lynch is cast as the top villain, which is almost always, he does not disappoint. The story itself could best be described as a long game of hide and seek, with Guy Rolfe and his puppets constantly on the move trying to evade Lynch and his SS Troopers. Of course such a simplistic plot eventually wears thin, but the brief flashes of puppet violence help somewhat. Even though "Full Moon" offers a full line of toy puppets, the film is clearly not aimed at children due to the violence and nudity. Despite this questionable marketing, apparently there is an audience for this type of entertainment. - MERK
Bad Nazis meet their (Puppet) Master
kosmasp1 August 2018
I reckon this is the first one where we really establish the Puppets as "good". If you fight one of the "ultimate" evils (bear with me on this one or play along), than you have to be good, no matter how evil you are yourself. Or at least how mean and vicious, not to mention entirely violent and murderous. But that's the tale of the Puppets.
And their master of course. The one in the movie and the ones behind the scenes of the movie, doing a really good job controlling them - pun intended. Effects are nice and the story may take us back, but I guess you have to stick with the story - or not. You know just watch it for the deaths and carnage. Whatever works for you. I reckon movie wise this is the best I've seen yet (up to movie 7 at this point).
And their master of course. The one in the movie and the ones behind the scenes of the movie, doing a really good job controlling them - pun intended. Effects are nice and the story may take us back, but I guess you have to stick with the story - or not. You know just watch it for the deaths and carnage. Whatever works for you. I reckon movie wise this is the best I've seen yet (up to movie 7 at this point).
Best in Puppet Master Series
ryan-1007524 August 2019
This the third in series is a prequel and shares really a great backstory to the puppet master Andre Toulon (Guy Rolfe). Set in 1941 (so I suppose forget about the fact that he killed himself in 1939 in the original) Germany where the Nazis are after Toulon after he jokes toward Hitler during his puppet shows and also the knowledge that the puppets move on their own. For the Nazis want Toulon's secret for their own devious plans.
The one thing that really does set this film apart from the previous two and likely all that follow (I have only seen until part 6) is the acting. Guy Rolfe plays Toulon and really gives a great performance. The best portrayal of Toulon and extremely different than the Toulon in part 2. Richard Lynch as usual plays the bad guy, but here plays Major Kraus. He doesn't just look mean for there is more to his evil character than just that. Finally, Ian Abercrombie plays Dr. Hess who is heading Nazi research to bring the dead back to life. He as well does a fine job in portraying his character. Another thing is I feel this entry is well written by C. Courtney Joyner.
Now there are some things that were not around in 1941, for example nudie mags I don't think were around until the '50s, but I forgive this film for reasons I mentioned above, having characters I care about and it being by far the best I have seen in the series to date.
But what about the puppets, man? Yep, they are still creating havoc, but in this entry we see the creation of both Leech Woman and Blade. The new puppet here is Six-Shooter and I think he is my favourite puppet of the bunch.
Also starring Walter Gotell as General Mueller, Sarah Douglas as Toulon's wife Elsa and former adult movie star Michelle Bauer as Lili.
The one thing that really does set this film apart from the previous two and likely all that follow (I have only seen until part 6) is the acting. Guy Rolfe plays Toulon and really gives a great performance. The best portrayal of Toulon and extremely different than the Toulon in part 2. Richard Lynch as usual plays the bad guy, but here plays Major Kraus. He doesn't just look mean for there is more to his evil character than just that. Finally, Ian Abercrombie plays Dr. Hess who is heading Nazi research to bring the dead back to life. He as well does a fine job in portraying his character. Another thing is I feel this entry is well written by C. Courtney Joyner.
Now there are some things that were not around in 1941, for example nudie mags I don't think were around until the '50s, but I forgive this film for reasons I mentioned above, having characters I care about and it being by far the best I have seen in the series to date.
But what about the puppets, man? Yep, they are still creating havoc, but in this entry we see the creation of both Leech Woman and Blade. The new puppet here is Six-Shooter and I think he is my favourite puppet of the bunch.
Also starring Walter Gotell as General Mueller, Sarah Douglas as Toulon's wife Elsa and former adult movie star Michelle Bauer as Lili.
Intriguing prequel
Leofwine_draca3 September 2015
After an average opener and one needless sequel in PUPPET MASTER II, PUPPET MASTER III: TOULON'S REVENGE is something of a surprise. The producers are still trying to find out a way to continue the franchise after the actor who played Toulon in the original died, so they opt here for a prequel format set in Nazi Germany, no less.
The biggest twist this time around is that Toulon and his puppets are presented as the good guys - I guess those Nazis trump everybody in terms of 'evilness', even homicidal mass murderers. Yeah, it's best to forget about the first two films when watching this. In TOULON'S REVENGE, the puppet master has his wife murdered by the corrupt regime, so he sends his dolls on a rampage of revenge against the Nazis.
Most of the film consists of various Nazis being murdered by the dolls in creative ways. The special effects are shoddy but mildly charming, and there seems to be a little more originality here than in other B-movies; this is a huge step up from the previous movie, for example. The cast is studded with the expected likes of Richard Lynch and Michelle Bauer, although the most surprising scene comes when Bond's Walter Gotell shares a bath with a bevy of topless beauties. There's something else you weren't expecting...
The biggest twist this time around is that Toulon and his puppets are presented as the good guys - I guess those Nazis trump everybody in terms of 'evilness', even homicidal mass murderers. Yeah, it's best to forget about the first two films when watching this. In TOULON'S REVENGE, the puppet master has his wife murdered by the corrupt regime, so he sends his dolls on a rampage of revenge against the Nazis.
Most of the film consists of various Nazis being murdered by the dolls in creative ways. The special effects are shoddy but mildly charming, and there seems to be a little more originality here than in other B-movies; this is a huge step up from the previous movie, for example. The cast is studded with the expected likes of Richard Lynch and Michelle Bauer, although the most surprising scene comes when Bond's Walter Gotell shares a bath with a bevy of topless beauties. There's something else you weren't expecting...
Simple, Effective & Fun
ccthemovieman-15 August 2006
This horror flick doesn't pretend to be anything but a simple revenge story, and I like that. There are no pretensions. "Toulon" (Guy Rolfe, replacing William Hickey who played the role the first two films) is the puppeteer-extraordinaire whose creations are literally lifelike.
Rolfe and his deadly puppets go after the Nazis after they seek him out for his scientific genius of reanimating puppets. They want that information to use for their evil purposes so "Toulon" and his puppets fight back. It's sort of a do-it-to-them- before-they-do-it-to-us mentality. The head Nazi is played by Richard Lynch and the man reminded me facially of Rutger Hauer.
We see the Mr. Clean-type puppet with the little head and massive body; the puppet who "screws" everyone; the femme fatale and the cowboy "Six Shooter." There is probably someone I forgot, too. All are fun to watch.
The plot is secondary to the puppets doing their thing, eliminating all the bad guys one-by-one and it's all entertaining and done with in less than an hour- and-a-half. I have found the first three in this series all to be good but this is my only "keeper." I sure wish this was available on DVD.
Note: It's rated "R" not just for the violence. There are a couple of quick sex scenes showing bare breasts. Although the film in general might not be considered grade-A quality, it's not as dumb as you might think, either.
Rolfe and his deadly puppets go after the Nazis after they seek him out for his scientific genius of reanimating puppets. They want that information to use for their evil purposes so "Toulon" and his puppets fight back. It's sort of a do-it-to-them- before-they-do-it-to-us mentality. The head Nazi is played by Richard Lynch and the man reminded me facially of Rutger Hauer.
We see the Mr. Clean-type puppet with the little head and massive body; the puppet who "screws" everyone; the femme fatale and the cowboy "Six Shooter." There is probably someone I forgot, too. All are fun to watch.
The plot is secondary to the puppets doing their thing, eliminating all the bad guys one-by-one and it's all entertaining and done with in less than an hour- and-a-half. I have found the first three in this series all to be good but this is my only "keeper." I sure wish this was available on DVD.
Note: It's rated "R" not just for the violence. There are a couple of quick sex scenes showing bare breasts. Although the film in general might not be considered grade-A quality, it's not as dumb as you might think, either.
A bunch of Pinocchios killing Nazis! Sign me up! Puppet Master III was a lot of fun.
ironhorse_iv20 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The Puppet Masters film series is always been one of my guilty pleasures. It is by no means a series of puppet masterpieces, but it did entertains me, as a kid of the 1990s. Coming off, their success, off of their first two, direct to video, movies, 1989's 'Puppet Master' & 1990's 'Puppet Master II', 1991's 'Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge' is by far, the best film in the series. Directed by David DeCoteau, the entire plot has puppeteer, Andre Toulon (Guy Rolfe), somehow back in Europe, and somehow still alive, despite the fact, that he commit suicide in Bodega Bay, CA in 1939 in the opening of the first movie. While, this might look like, a continuous of the first movie's flashback, in reality, this 3rd movie is not. It's a prequel. It's just the Full Moon Entertainment Writers, goofing up with the chronology, and not caring, about explaining it. Whether by accident or design, in the end, they got their WWII movie with puppets. Anyways, when the members of the Nazi Party, notice that the anti-Nazi, Toulon has the ability to animate his puppets without strings. Dr. Hess (Ian Abercrombie) and Major Kraus (Richard Lynch) are ordered to bring him in by General Mueller (Walter Gotell), leading to Toulon going on the run, while, also seeking revenge for the death of his beloved, wife, Elsa (Sarah Douglas). Without spoiling the movie, too much, I have to say, despite the chronology timeline mistake, Puppet Master III is by far, the most developed movie within the Puppet Master franchise. Not only, does this film essentially, tells some of the origin of the puppets, but the film is full of depth and emotion. You really do feel something for the human characters, unlike the other films that was full of unrealistic psychics & parapsychologists. I have to say, I like this version of Andre Toulon. Guy Rolfe does a decent job, making the character more engaging and sympathetic character than William Hickey and Steve Welles's versions. In their defensive, Hickey's scenes in the first movie, were kinda short to develop anything, and Welles's character was written as the bad guy; however I found Hickey to be, a little too old for the part & for Welles, I just didn't like, his 'Invisible Man', style of acting. The supporting cast was just as good as Rolfe, with Richard Lynch commanding the scenes with his film presence. He really look the part. He always found a way to draw your full attention. Still, his character does do, a lot of stupid decisions throughout the film that will make you question, if his character is really a Major, and not a private. Another thing, I like, about this film, is how this film isn't a rethread of the first 2 movies, with the puppets, just randomly killing innocent people. In this, they had reasons to target the Nazis, as many of the puppet souls, were once people that were victims by them. I like the fact, that they made the Puppets into good guys, since after all, they are appealing. Once again, you got Blade, whom looks like a small version of the Fisherman hook killer from 1997's, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer', whom sadly, in this film, get little screen time. I was deeply surprised, by this movie, that Blade was in fact, a boy. I always thought of the puppet as a female. It also get weirder, when you find out that this puppet has the soul of Dr. Hess in it. Blade looks and acts, nothing like Dr. Hess, at all. The only thing, I can see, is that, both, like to cut people. Even with that, it's a bit of a stretch. One thing, I glad, this movie brought back, is Leech Woman. I always hate, the filmmakers of Puppet Master 2, for trying to kill her character. She's by far, one of the most memorable puppets, Toulon has around. It's also cool to see the Conehead lookalike, muscle man mixed with Addams Family Uncle Fester who punch and strangles people, Pinhead, and the Tunneler that has a drill on his head that drills into people. One puppet that I can care less about is Jester. He's pretty much, useless for most of the series. I honestly, don't know, why, he's there. The same, goes to Djinn whom appearance is a bit jarring. He somewhat disappears, after this film. Anyways, this brings up, another issue. This time, with the new puppet, the fun-looking, Six-Shooter cowboy puppet who was made, just for this film. I get that, he's technically in-story, one of the oldest puppets, that Toulon's owns, but what happen to him, since this film. He didn't appear in the first movie, nor the 2nd. Somehow, in the 4th movie, he reappearance. It's very odd. Anyways, the action scenes with them are quite enjoyable, but I never bought the struggle between man Vs puppets. I just can't see, how people in these film, can't overpower them. Anyways, most of their stop motion movement was always fantastic and creepy, however there are some scenes in this film, that the effects needed some work. Director David DeCoteau does a lot with the little amount of money, he got. Surprising, the set design is pretty good. He manage to recreate Nazi Germany quite convincingly on the Universal backlot for a rather modest budget. Still one thing, this movie really goes, over the top with, is the graphic nudity. Did we really need that much, rather, fan service breast shots? Anyways, I might be a bit biased on that, since big boobs are some of my favorite's things to see. Overall: Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge is a step-up from the other two films, however, it's also marks the highest of highs for this film franchise, as the next couple of films, will not get any better. In the end, this is as good as it gets.
The sequel to the sequel falls short
kipper-225 December 1998
Full Moon's Puppet Master III is a disappointing sequel to the classic series concerning killer puppets. We are now taken back in time to Nazi Germany and have the general pleasure of watching the puppets beat the hell out of the Nazis. The film is directed actually quite well by David Decoteau, however, a lot of the acting falls short and is flat(probably because we are not gifted with the talents of Paul Lemat(Puppet Master) or Charlie Spradling(Puppet Master II). The movie was filmed on the backlots of Universal Studio, so you may recognize some of the scenery. The new addition to this flick is Six-Shooter, a puppet with 3 pairs of arms, each armed with a gun(how creative). The movie seems to run a little on the long side even though it is only 86 minutes. Only for die hard Puppet Master fans.
Fun "historic" war-time Puppet Master tale
DVD_Connoisseur6 January 2006
The third "Puppet Master" movie is a prequel to the original two movies, showing events occurring in war-time Germany involving Andre Toulon, his wife Elsa and his band of merry wooden men (the puppets not the actors). This time, we see what happens when "Good Puppets Go Bad" as the ensemble of 12" killer characters seek revenge against the Nazis.
"Puppet Master III - Toulon's Revenge" is another building block in the series' mythology, filling in some of the back-story of the main protagonists. There's a continuity error with the timeframe, however, as this film is set in 1941 and, in the original, Toulon committed suicide in 1939! As expected, this is a really fun movie - the film's cast includes the late Walter Gotell as the Nazi general who commands his men with an iron fist but who also has a soft-spot for the local brothel. Gotell's best known for playing the Russian equivalent of "M" in numerous Bond movies. Sarah Douglas who plays Elsa Toulon will be familiar to genre fans as the evil Ursa from "Superman" and "Superman II". Guy Rolfe (Toulon), Richard Lynch (Major Krauss) and Ian Abercrombie (Doctor Hess) also deliver strong performances.
I was surprised at how high budget this film looks. Due to the season in which the film was made, the director settled on filming the external shots over 3 days on the Universal backlot rather than shoot on location in Europe. The results are impressively convincing.
My only complaint was that on the DVD I watched, the Ultra-Stereo soundtrack mixing had a heavy bias to the left channel.
"Puppet Master 3" is something of a rarity thesedays but it's well worth tracking down if you're a fan of the series.
"Puppet Master III - Toulon's Revenge" is another building block in the series' mythology, filling in some of the back-story of the main protagonists. There's a continuity error with the timeframe, however, as this film is set in 1941 and, in the original, Toulon committed suicide in 1939! As expected, this is a really fun movie - the film's cast includes the late Walter Gotell as the Nazi general who commands his men with an iron fist but who also has a soft-spot for the local brothel. Gotell's best known for playing the Russian equivalent of "M" in numerous Bond movies. Sarah Douglas who plays Elsa Toulon will be familiar to genre fans as the evil Ursa from "Superman" and "Superman II". Guy Rolfe (Toulon), Richard Lynch (Major Krauss) and Ian Abercrombie (Doctor Hess) also deliver strong performances.
I was surprised at how high budget this film looks. Due to the season in which the film was made, the director settled on filming the external shots over 3 days on the Universal backlot rather than shoot on location in Europe. The results are impressively convincing.
My only complaint was that on the DVD I watched, the Ultra-Stereo soundtrack mixing had a heavy bias to the left channel.
"Puppet Master 3" is something of a rarity thesedays but it's well worth tracking down if you're a fan of the series.
"Muller will be well armed...but of course so are you"
hwg1957-102-2657044 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A revenge story with the addition of killer puppets. There is more to the narrative than that of course. It fills in more of the back story of the puppetmaster called Andre Toulon and it is set in wartime Germany where the Nazis are seeking the solution to creating super soldiers. I was gripped throughout the movie, mainly due the acting. Guy Rolfe is ideal as Toulon, passionate about his puppets. Richard Lynch often played villains but he was so good at it and as Major Kraus he is effectively evil. Kraus' gory demise was well deserved. Veteran Walter Gotell was fine too. Sarah Douglas plays Elsa Toulon but sadly isn't in much. As usual the puppets are very well realised. 'Six Shooter' was a nice newbie in the troupe. The film is a definite improvement on Puppetmaster II.
Puppet Master starts to get weird
thepearlpoint27 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge. Quite odd. Makes a confusing backstory a little more confusing to me. Now there's a puppet, Sixshooter, that isn't mentioned in I or II and a tiny backstory for Blade? In all honesty, I thought Blade was just a reincarnation of Toulon from his Faust puppet. But I suppose I was wrong. Some pretty wacky kills and tension that doesn't last long. But it's a fine prequel.
The plot is a bit much for a PUPPET MASTER movie...
Cowman31 July 2001
During the pre-war era of Berlin in 1941, the Nazi regime is working at creating a drug which will reanimate the dead. Their intent is to use the serum on fallen soldiers in order to render their army invincible. After many failed attempts, Dr. Hess soon learns that the local puppet master Andre Toulon holds the ancient secret of giving life to inanimate objects. Toulon and his legion of puppets must now defend themselves and flee from the pursuing Nazis as they try to capture him and use his powers for evil. This is an exciting and adequately-scripted entry in the still-continuing Puppet Master series, even though the story suffers from a gaping, inexcusable plot hole: the original movie has Toulon committing suicide in 1939, two years before the events in this film. All imperfections aside, however, this still is a decent little flick.
A Really Good Sequel
NotAnotherMovieCritic14 October 2012
The third part in the Puppet Master films is quite a surprise actually. It might even be better than the first in story telling! The acting is superb, the story is superb and the movie well...it's superb as well! This is actually a prequel to the original films, introducing the characters to us, including a new one named Six Shooter.
This film, without spoiling anything is about killing Nazi's who have destroyed the Puppet Master. It is a very interesting look at events from World War II.
A great installment in the series and well worth watching for the story alone!
This film, without spoiling anything is about killing Nazi's who have destroyed the Puppet Master. It is a very interesting look at events from World War II.
A great installment in the series and well worth watching for the story alone!
A bad sequel, part 1 and 2 were more suspenseful.
Beyondtherain19 March 2020
This one has better lead roles, but a lot takes place at daytime and shooting in a stuido backlot made it dull at times. Take out some blood and this could've easily been a PG 13 sequel...the puppets are starting to become good guys it looks like... I'll have to watch part 4.
Entertaining puppet horror.
Hey_Sweden18 October 2015
Above average entry in this series is a prequel, set in WWII Berlin as puppet master Andre Toulon (Guy Rolfe) is sought out by the Nazis. They're trying in vain to reanimate dead soldiers, and are intrigued by his ability to create puppets that move without strings. The sinister Major Kraus (Richard Lynch) murders Andres' wife Elsa (Sarah Douglas), and Andre escapes Nazi captivity to hide out and plan his revenge. Carrying out Andres' dirty work will be his family of puppets: Tunneller, Pinhead, and new creations such as Six Shooter (a six armed cowboy), Ms. Leech, and Blade.
"Toulon's Revenge" benefits from better than usual production values; it looks like a reasonable chunk of money was spent on this prequel. At the core is an entertaining, involving, if familiar story, with Andre the kind of guy for whom you do feel sorry. David DeCoteaus' direction actually isn't bad, and he gets good performances out of this well chosen cast. David Allens' effects are still very impressive, and the puppet characters are quite memorable, especially Six Shooter. (You don't see much of Blade in this entry.)
Lynch is at his villainous best - you can't WAIT for this guy to get what he deserves. Ian Abercrombie is fine as the basically well meaning Dr. Hess, as is Walter Gotell as a top Nazi official. Matthew Faison and Aron Eisenberg are a fugitive father and son, and Michelle Bauer has a small role. Rolfe of "Mr. Sardonicus" fame is wonderful as Andre.
A good, fun outing from the folks at Full Moon.
Seven out of 10.
"Toulon's Revenge" benefits from better than usual production values; it looks like a reasonable chunk of money was spent on this prequel. At the core is an entertaining, involving, if familiar story, with Andre the kind of guy for whom you do feel sorry. David DeCoteaus' direction actually isn't bad, and he gets good performances out of this well chosen cast. David Allens' effects are still very impressive, and the puppet characters are quite memorable, especially Six Shooter. (You don't see much of Blade in this entry.)
Lynch is at his villainous best - you can't WAIT for this guy to get what he deserves. Ian Abercrombie is fine as the basically well meaning Dr. Hess, as is Walter Gotell as a top Nazi official. Matthew Faison and Aron Eisenberg are a fugitive father and son, and Michelle Bauer has a small role. Rolfe of "Mr. Sardonicus" fame is wonderful as Andre.
A good, fun outing from the folks at Full Moon.
Seven out of 10.
Nazis vs. Puppets. Can't go wrong.
McGeckoWilson29 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
This is the very best movie in the whole series...and it's still a total pile. I love these movies for the puppets themselves (Blade, Six-Shooter, Torch, etc) and this movie in particular gives you the lovable team of misfits killing Nazis during WWII. Andre' Toulon's wife is murdered by a SS officer for some reason, so he uses his creations to get revenge...hence the title. This movie still sucks but is very fun. Again, cool puppets kill Nazis. As a bonus, this third entry in the series introduces the first appearance of the gunslinging puppet Six-Shooter, which doesn't make sense because this takes place during WWII and the previous, Six-Shooterless two movies take place in "present time." But whatever. What makes this movie stand out above the rest is that the cast, most of all Toulon himself and the main villain, seem to be actually trying to make their characters cool. The lead Nazi is an interesting enough villain for a cheap horror movie and he has a small bit of charisma to keep him going. Toulon himself...at least has an interesting look and voice. The story seems to have a much better construction than any of the other titles. (By the way, do NOT watch "Retro Puppet Master." You will hate yourself for it.) So, this is my favorite. Enjoy.
Excellent
TEAQUIEMORO13 July 2006
This Puppet Master was one of the greatest Puppet Master series,this movie was very excellent. It had a great explanation of how the Puppet Master began, it showed how Leech Woman and Blade was born.b Leech woman was born by a Mr. Major Krauss killed Mrs. Toulon and Mr. Toulon put her soul into Leech Woman. And Blade was dressed and based on Major Krauss,and it showed an appearance of Six-Shooter. And this showed a great realistic fiction war on this movie. It was sad, it was scary, it was Revenge, this was kick ass movie that you have to see.A wonderful movie in the 90's, this surly needs 9 out of ten stars. And if your and Puppet Master fan this is perfect for you, your number one best P.M.
"No mercy my friends. No mercy."
lost-in-limbo4 April 2010
The third entry of the straight-to-video series in producer Charles Band's Full Moon's "Puppet Master" goes for a prequel set-up in outlining the origins of Andre Toulon and his animated puppets in the backdrop of a war-torn Berlin through the Nazis uprise in WW2.
During WW2 the Nazis led by Dr. Hess are conducting experiments on life and death, which involves reviving their dead to increase their manpower. However Hess is having trouble controlling his test subjects and the animation doesn't last for long. But Andre Toulon and his life-like puppets capture his eyes, but also that of the Gestapo's Major Krauss who sees Toulon and his puppet show negative propaganda against Nazi regime. They raid his theatre and in the process Toulon's wife is murdered by Krauss. Toulon manages to escape custody and then seeks revenge with the help of his puppets while on the run from the Gestapo.
"Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge" is a straightforward (puppeteer of revenge), but effective low-budget b-picture that's a tad more ambitious and constructively complete in its narrative's vision than its formulaic, but playful predecessors. I would tag it as the best of the lot, so far. There's excellent performances stemming from the likes of Guy Rolfe (who sympathetically fills the role as Toulon), Ian Abercrombie and a suitably nasty, cold hearted villain turn by Richard Lynch as Nazi Major Krauss. Rolfe and Lynch simply standout, giving it a little more professionalism and class. What also makes their acting noticeable is that they have a better than average script, which is suggestively tailored and tightly projected in letting the plot evolve and giving space to provide a back-story to the puppets (especially that of Leech woman and Blade). Director David DeCoteau's compact handling is quickly paced and uses the obvious back-lot sets quite well where he crafts lasting tension, seamless excitement and atmospheric imagery of the artistically etched puppets (which once again are expertly engineered and brought across) as they gleefully hand out violently nasty and bloody attacks on the Nazis. Richard Band's recycled score is still as racy, but consisting of an edgy kick within the darker moments.
During WW2 the Nazis led by Dr. Hess are conducting experiments on life and death, which involves reviving their dead to increase their manpower. However Hess is having trouble controlling his test subjects and the animation doesn't last for long. But Andre Toulon and his life-like puppets capture his eyes, but also that of the Gestapo's Major Krauss who sees Toulon and his puppet show negative propaganda against Nazi regime. They raid his theatre and in the process Toulon's wife is murdered by Krauss. Toulon manages to escape custody and then seeks revenge with the help of his puppets while on the run from the Gestapo.
"Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge" is a straightforward (puppeteer of revenge), but effective low-budget b-picture that's a tad more ambitious and constructively complete in its narrative's vision than its formulaic, but playful predecessors. I would tag it as the best of the lot, so far. There's excellent performances stemming from the likes of Guy Rolfe (who sympathetically fills the role as Toulon), Ian Abercrombie and a suitably nasty, cold hearted villain turn by Richard Lynch as Nazi Major Krauss. Rolfe and Lynch simply standout, giving it a little more professionalism and class. What also makes their acting noticeable is that they have a better than average script, which is suggestively tailored and tightly projected in letting the plot evolve and giving space to provide a back-story to the puppets (especially that of Leech woman and Blade). Director David DeCoteau's compact handling is quickly paced and uses the obvious back-lot sets quite well where he crafts lasting tension, seamless excitement and atmospheric imagery of the artistically etched puppets (which once again are expertly engineered and brought across) as they gleefully hand out violently nasty and bloody attacks on the Nazis. Richard Band's recycled score is still as racy, but consisting of an edgy kick within the darker moments.
Another bad sequel.
paulclaassen17 June 2018
This time around we go back in time to learn who Andre Toulon was, and how the puppets came to be. Interestingly enough, the film is set in 1941, but as we know from the first film, Toulon committed suicide in 1939. Laden with bad acting and dialogue and bad German accents, this is a real B-movie. Even the puppet effects are not that good and later in the film even annoying. There is no suspense to this very thin plot. In fact, there is nothing here to prevent it from falling apart.
Highly impressive and the best of the series
kannibalcorpsegrinder23 May 2016
Working on a project for the Nazis, a scientist's work with reviving the dead is complicated by a local puppet master's work on a group of dolls for a theater show being sent after them in revenge for the murder of his wife as they carry out his deadly plans.
This here was a rather fun and exciting effort with a lot to really like about it. What makes it so fun is the film's rather enjoyable and worthwhile backstory here by being the starting point for the franchise and filling in so many holes in the main running thread. Though it keeps the puppets off-screen for the most part, the fact that the first half sets up the impetus of his revenge makes for a really exciting time here with this one bringing about a notable and certainly justified revenge motif about their mistreatment of him which really sets this one in motion from that point onward. As that allows the film to descend into a series of encounters with the puppets wiping out the Nazis almost exclusively, that not only means the film is so fast- paced that it avoids the pacing issues of the previous film but also manages the same facet of the rest of the franchise in being able to give the different puppets the same elements as before where they get plenty of fine time to shine. There's a strong slew of encounters here that gives this one a rather frenetic pace that makes for each puppet getting plenty of chances to showcase their powers which is where this one scores more than the other efforts in this regard as the excess time not only gives them the chance for those attacks while also managing to give them a more tender and affectionate side with them now being the good guys throughout here instead of only at the end when their feelings are insulted after being the villains beforehand. It's a nice breath of fresh air in the series and gives it some additional life, along with the fun new addition to the franchise in a cool puppet brought into play. It does suffer slightly from a drawn-out plot line about the Nazi mastermind who's simply a prick for no reason other than he needs to be the villain of the of the piece yet comes off more as a disgraceful, condescending jerk more than anything else. This carries over into the events of the finale as there's a few too many plot-points by that time to really get the full effect of what's going on. This clichéd nature doesn't really give this a whole lot of originality at that point, which is about the only real problems this one has to lower it.
Rated R: Graphic Violence, Nudity, Language, mild sexual activities and children-in-jeopardy.
This here was a rather fun and exciting effort with a lot to really like about it. What makes it so fun is the film's rather enjoyable and worthwhile backstory here by being the starting point for the franchise and filling in so many holes in the main running thread. Though it keeps the puppets off-screen for the most part, the fact that the first half sets up the impetus of his revenge makes for a really exciting time here with this one bringing about a notable and certainly justified revenge motif about their mistreatment of him which really sets this one in motion from that point onward. As that allows the film to descend into a series of encounters with the puppets wiping out the Nazis almost exclusively, that not only means the film is so fast- paced that it avoids the pacing issues of the previous film but also manages the same facet of the rest of the franchise in being able to give the different puppets the same elements as before where they get plenty of fine time to shine. There's a strong slew of encounters here that gives this one a rather frenetic pace that makes for each puppet getting plenty of chances to showcase their powers which is where this one scores more than the other efforts in this regard as the excess time not only gives them the chance for those attacks while also managing to give them a more tender and affectionate side with them now being the good guys throughout here instead of only at the end when their feelings are insulted after being the villains beforehand. It's a nice breath of fresh air in the series and gives it some additional life, along with the fun new addition to the franchise in a cool puppet brought into play. It does suffer slightly from a drawn-out plot line about the Nazi mastermind who's simply a prick for no reason other than he needs to be the villain of the of the piece yet comes off more as a disgraceful, condescending jerk more than anything else. This carries over into the events of the finale as there's a few too many plot-points by that time to really get the full effect of what's going on. This clichéd nature doesn't really give this a whole lot of originality at that point, which is about the only real problems this one has to lower it.
Rated R: Graphic Violence, Nudity, Language, mild sexual activities and children-in-jeopardy.
Like a cartoon...
Pinouchipop19 August 2021
I had actually never seen any puppet master movie. It felt like some kind of a comic book adaptation, let's say like the first of the series of Batman movies, but in less sophisticated.
Not bad, but no genius material either. The puppet master being some kind of avenger. The idea of using Hitler and the Gestapo as Toulon's Nemesis was pretty ridiculous, but Richard Lynch being as good as usual and the puppets being funny in a silly way, it was'nt so bad in the end.
However, it is not my kind of horror movie. I watched it because of the viewers' good comments.
I give a 6 because if you llike the genre, I guess you will find it pretty good.
But for my taste... Boy! Was it silly! If the puppets were at least better looking, it might have a stronger impact.
But considering the year it was launched, it was OK.
Not bad, but no genius material either. The puppet master being some kind of avenger. The idea of using Hitler and the Gestapo as Toulon's Nemesis was pretty ridiculous, but Richard Lynch being as good as usual and the puppets being funny in a silly way, it was'nt so bad in the end.
However, it is not my kind of horror movie. I watched it because of the viewers' good comments.
I give a 6 because if you llike the genre, I guess you will find it pretty good.
But for my taste... Boy! Was it silly! If the puppets were at least better looking, it might have a stronger impact.
But considering the year it was launched, it was OK.
Not great but it more then watchable sequel
atinder30 December 2012
I was hoping this was going to be Sequel to the Second, which kind of make the end of part useless.
This movie now prequel and back in 40's or 50's when there a war going on.
I liked the fact we get see how some Puppets came to mind however this movie were I think they lose there Creepy factor.
The plot was decent, it flowed really well thought-out the movie, there were some bloody moment but nothing to gory.
The acting wasn't to be in this movie, it's can be wooden now and again, I thought it was decent
I give this movie 5 out of 10, Same and the first one, I don't think it was good as the second one.
This movie now prequel and back in 40's or 50's when there a war going on.
I liked the fact we get see how some Puppets came to mind however this movie were I think they lose there Creepy factor.
The plot was decent, it flowed really well thought-out the movie, there were some bloody moment but nothing to gory.
The acting wasn't to be in this movie, it's can be wooden now and again, I thought it was decent
I give this movie 5 out of 10, Same and the first one, I don't think it was good as the second one.
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