I read the books as a kid before this third movie had come out. I remember when the movie had come out but just never got around to watching it even though I owned the first two on VHS as a kid.
I think Michael Moriarty's absence as Ray the father was a big reason why I didn't get around to this one for so long.
I just thought he was wonderful as the father in the first two films and played him as a strict authoritarian, but also a loving man full of integrity.
Knowing he was replaced left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
Fortunately Gerald McRaney who replaces him in this film does a good enough job. Moriarty's presence is missed but McRaney is serviceable enough.
Scott Wilson still shines as Judd Travers who was mean all throughout the first film until the end, became even more mean in the second film but in this one he seems to have a bit more of a balance.
He can be mean some times but usually regrets it but we find out that Judd is actually a good guy in this installment which makes it an even better movie than I expected it to be. Wilson was indeed a very underrated actor and as Judd he showed many sides of his talent.
Here we see that Judd shows his good side when people treat him with kindness. He is very believable as a man who has been hurt by years of abuse that wasn't his fault but can indeed change by the smallest acts of kindness.
It's nice this film respects Judd's character enough to turn him from a horribly mean person who still has flaws but has a heart of gold underneath them.
Bonnie Bartlett is back as Mrs. Wallace but Rod Steiger died a few years before this was made so obviously he isn't back as Doc Wallace and another actor didn't replace him.
Jason Dolley doesn't have the same charisma that Blake Heron or Zachary Browne did as Marty in the first two films but he does ok as Marty in his own right.
Taylor Momsen from 2000's The Grinch is good as Samantha Wallace granddaughter of Bartlett's character and friend of Marty's.
I would say this one is as good as the first Shiloh and actually better than the second one.
While part 2 has Moriarty and Steiger I just feel this one has a stronger story with more suspense and also turning the antagonist into a protagonist.
Almost sort of like how Arnold Schwarzenegger started off bad in Terminator 1 but became good in number 2 Wilson's Judd has a nice similar transition and is very believable.
This was a surprisingly good movie. I agree with Roger Ebert the Shiloh films are intelligent, thought provoking and can provide enough entertainment for adults and children alike.
Adults shouldn't dismiss any of these films as a stupid kids movie.
These movies can be enjoyed by young and old alike and even as a 32 year old man I found a lot to entertain and enjoy me here just as the other two films did as a 7-10 year old child.
These films are hidden treasures and deserved to be seen by all families.
I know there is a fourth Shiloh book Shiloh Christmas.
Not sure if they will adapt it to a film. If they don't this was a perfect place to leave off for the movie adaptations.
I think Michael Moriarty's absence as Ray the father was a big reason why I didn't get around to this one for so long.
I just thought he was wonderful as the father in the first two films and played him as a strict authoritarian, but also a loving man full of integrity.
Knowing he was replaced left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
Fortunately Gerald McRaney who replaces him in this film does a good enough job. Moriarty's presence is missed but McRaney is serviceable enough.
Scott Wilson still shines as Judd Travers who was mean all throughout the first film until the end, became even more mean in the second film but in this one he seems to have a bit more of a balance.
He can be mean some times but usually regrets it but we find out that Judd is actually a good guy in this installment which makes it an even better movie than I expected it to be. Wilson was indeed a very underrated actor and as Judd he showed many sides of his talent.
Here we see that Judd shows his good side when people treat him with kindness. He is very believable as a man who has been hurt by years of abuse that wasn't his fault but can indeed change by the smallest acts of kindness.
It's nice this film respects Judd's character enough to turn him from a horribly mean person who still has flaws but has a heart of gold underneath them.
Bonnie Bartlett is back as Mrs. Wallace but Rod Steiger died a few years before this was made so obviously he isn't back as Doc Wallace and another actor didn't replace him.
Jason Dolley doesn't have the same charisma that Blake Heron or Zachary Browne did as Marty in the first two films but he does ok as Marty in his own right.
Taylor Momsen from 2000's The Grinch is good as Samantha Wallace granddaughter of Bartlett's character and friend of Marty's.
I would say this one is as good as the first Shiloh and actually better than the second one.
While part 2 has Moriarty and Steiger I just feel this one has a stronger story with more suspense and also turning the antagonist into a protagonist.
Almost sort of like how Arnold Schwarzenegger started off bad in Terminator 1 but became good in number 2 Wilson's Judd has a nice similar transition and is very believable.
This was a surprisingly good movie. I agree with Roger Ebert the Shiloh films are intelligent, thought provoking and can provide enough entertainment for adults and children alike.
Adults shouldn't dismiss any of these films as a stupid kids movie.
These movies can be enjoyed by young and old alike and even as a 32 year old man I found a lot to entertain and enjoy me here just as the other two films did as a 7-10 year old child.
These films are hidden treasures and deserved to be seen by all families.
I know there is a fourth Shiloh book Shiloh Christmas.
Not sure if they will adapt it to a film. If they don't this was a perfect place to leave off for the movie adaptations.