First off, for those of you without the intimate knowledge of Italian film history, a bit of history. When Romero's Dawn of the Dead was released in Europe, it was called Zombi. So when Fulci made the iconic Zombie Flesh Eaters, it was retitled as Zombi 2. Why? Good question. Maybe it had something to do with famous Italian director Dario Argento producing (read: funding) Romero's film. This set continuity on its ear just in time for Fulci's follow-up film. That is how we got Zombi 3. Pencils down, class.
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Incidentally, this film is not really a sequel in any way. It is just another zombie film.*
The film proper begins at a government lab where scientists are making a bio-weapon. This never leads anywhere bad in film. A bunch of rebels attack...just because they feel like it and someone steals the canister of disease. He makes a run for it into the jungle, but is shot and killed. The object is pierced as well and the toxin floats into the air. Good thing the island is empty and free of people otherwise.
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As it turns out, the island is a tourist destination and is full of people. I'll spare you the character back-story- as minimal as it is- and just tell you that a bunch of random people end up together. They continually get attacked by zombies and their numbers slowly whittle down. There is some creativity in the zombie attacks, including zombie birds and zombies that attack in water. Considering that this claims to the third film in a series though, I expected more. Another problem comes up as well.
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As explained in the DVD's Special Features, Fulci had made what the studio called a 'good 45-minute zombie film,' before departing over creative issues. They called in a new director to help fill it all in. He did not have most of the original cast though, so he had to improvise. What he created is a subplot involving the government sending in a 'cleaning crew' to wipe up the mess. These men run around in white Hazmat suits and wield flame-throwers. Every once in a while, they pop in between zombie scenes or exposition. To say that they feel artificial is an under-statement. Would I rather watch a short film about zombies instead? I don't know.
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The most iconic part of the film is the other subplot involving the island's radio DJ. He decides to hole up in his tower and continue to report on the spreading plague. His role turns out to be entirely for exposition throughout the film up until the end. As the remaining heroes make their escape, his tone changes to that of embracing the zombie plague. A slow twisting shot reveals that he has transformed. That or he covered his face in pie. How he managed to keep doing his job while zombified is one science's wonders...or lazy screenwriting.
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This is a decently-entertaining movie, but lacks the imagery of Zombi 2 and the obvious social message of Zombi/Dawn. The intrusion of a second and third plot hurt the movie a little. I do applaud the creativity of how they filled in a movie without most of the cast though. Just don't do it again. I have seen both Monster A-Go-Go and They Saved Hitler's Brain, so, you can trust me when I say that it just does not work. If you like the genre, you may be forgiving. It will certainly not convert anyone though.
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A little more Fulci to go. The next film addresses a problem that, frankly, nobody ever thought about. Stay tuned...
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