The last time we saw our old buddy Jack in the Box, at the end of Part 2, he was scampering around a secluded country estate with an old zombie woman. I guess that didn’t turn out too well because now the estate has been converted into an exclusive girls’ school and Jack is locked away (yet again) in his box. Boring shit happens and eventually Jack is released to perform the same ol’ boring routine of having his head drooped down, then slowly rise as he impersonates a drowning velociraptor before killing the frozen-in-fear victim in different boring ways. So, in other words: it’s the same ol’ shit as the last two films. I like the Jack in the Box story and despite all three of the films in this series being lame, I really do think there is a lot of potential for the Jack in the Box character. I just wish he would break out of his shell and do something cool for once. Come on, Jack! We all got faith in you!
Dim lighting, uninspired kills, the same (underused) location as the last film, overly complicated story, zero nudity, zero gore, low amount of violence, barely passable acting, average pace, weak direction, muted colours, poor casting, disappointing ending, below average camerawork, zero cheerleaders.
Honestly, THE JACK IN THE BOX RISES is a 4/10 at best, but yet, I still like this series. I can see the potential of the idea…that hasn’t yet made it to the screen. Maybe one day. Hell, I'd be happy with a hateful and sick The Jack in the Box novel.
Part 1 – The Jack in the Box (2019)
Part 2 – The Jack in the Box: Awakening (2022)
