The third movie in the Tremors series of films is adequate entertainment for the fans. Michael Gross returns as Burt, who in turn returns to Perfection to find it a tourist haven of Graboid fans. Into the mix is a nefarious real estate deal that threatens the very existence of the townsfolk. But of course, the Graboids and their mutated offspring don't care about such things.

If not expecting too much then this serves up some good straight to video fun. The formula remains the same, with Burt the paranoid saviour of Perfection getting some good lines, while the return of characters from the first film is a splendid bonus for the fans. There's some snarky asides to the perils/cheats of tourist traps, and the real estate rape of the land angle is driven home without over kill. Safe if undemanding creature feature fare. 6/10

The law of diminishing returns is called into play yet again for this second sequel to monster classic TREMORS. Unsurprisingly, TREMORS 3 was a straight-to-video release and it's a far cry from the excellence of the first film. It's not even as good as the second movie in the series, and really the only thing that keeps it watchable is the fact that many cast members return from the original. Not the big names, but actors and actresses like Michael Gross, Charlotte Stewart, Tony Genaro, Robert Jayne, and a grown-up Ariana Richards, who has developed into an appealing young woman.

Sadly the plot is as dry and devoid of inspiration as the film's desert setting. The emphasis is, inevitably, on a new species of monster. The first film had underground worms, the second walking monsters, in this film there are flying beasts (nicknamed, somewhat inanely, "ass blasters"). The CGI effects used to animate the critters are absolutely appalling, some of the worst I've seen – really bottom of the barrel stuff, and I'm usually charitable when it comes to such shortcomings. The plot shifts uneasily from one lifeless action set piece to another, with only a few genuinely good moments in between.

Trooper Michael Gross is good value for money and much of the entertainment generated by the on screen antics derive from his character. The bit where he gets swallowed is well achieved, for instance. But the last half hour of the film seems to take place in some disused rubbish tip (an apt setting, considering the nature of the movie) and the lack of budget is extremely apparent. The film seems aimed more at kids than its predecessors, and indeed was produced to garner interest in a short-lived TREMORS television series. The new actors – Christian, Chuang – are terrible and there's no sense of fear or terror as in the first flick, just laboured humour. Give TREMORS 3: BACK TO PERFECTION a miss – it's barely worth your time.

The first Tremors was brilliant, and to me one of the sharpest and funniest monster movies out there. The second film while not as efficiently paced or directed was surprisingly entertaining with a smart script, good jumps and above average acting. This second sequel is fun enough, and it does do very well with what it set out to do.

While I did enjoy the movie, I did have some things that disappointed me here. The plot is not the best, instead it is rather predictable and feels too much like a retread. The pacing like in the second film isn't as efficient, while the direction is sometimes a little stodgy and there was the occasional moment where it felt slightly overplayed. And maybe I'm nitpicking, but part of me misses cool and charismatic Earl, though that's not a criticism as such as his absence is explained.

What I liked about Tremors 3:Back to Perfection was its beautiful scenery and cinematography, and once again the script is smartly written. The Graboids are well designed, and the attacks and jumps are believable, as are the quite authentic sound effects. The acting mostly is good enough, Michael Gross returns as Burt and he is especially a lot of fun, both sympathetic and hilarious. And I agree Ariana Richards still maintains her cuteness.

Overall, entertaining and fun sequel. 6/10 Bethany Cox