Mind-Blowing Twists: Decoding the Epic Ending of Jeepers Creepers 3
Unveiling the conclusion of Jeepers Creepers 3, this article provides a concise explanation of what occurs at the riveting climax of the film
The Jeepers Creepers franchise may be more humorous than frightening, but the third installment, Jeepers Creepers 3, is still worth a watch. Despite its limited release in 2017, the film delivers the same guilty pleasure experience as its predecessors, Jeepers Creepers (2001) and Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003).
Although Jeepers Creepers 3 only earned a modest box office revenue of just over $4 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo, it provides a satisfying resolution to what could have been a thoroughly entertaining trilogy. This is, of course, until the 2022 reboot Jeepers Creepers: Reborn, which falls short in comparison. The storyline of Jeepers Creepers 3 is equally enjoyable and campy, and its concluding moments will leave viewers content.
What Is Jeepers Creepers 3 About?
Instead of continuing from the conclusion of Jeepers Creepers 2, Jeepers Creepers 3's timeline commences after the original Jeepers Creepers movie. Sheriff Dan Tashtego (Stan Shaw) notices The Creeper's truck and discovers lifeless bodies inside. He immediately senses that something is seriously amiss. As The Creeper claims its first victim in the film, it becomes evident that Jeepers Creepers 3 will possess the same level of brutality as its predecessors. However, these movies manage to avoid venturing into gruesome or dark territory, allowing them to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere despite the menacing presence of a monster with a penchant for consuming humans.
Kenny Brandon, who has become a ghost after falling victim to The Creeper, appears before his mother Gaylen. He warns her that The Creeper intends to attack her and his niece, Addison. Addison becomes the central character in Jeepers Creepers 3, taking on the role of the classic horror movie "final girl."
Unlike other horror villains with complex backstories, The Creeper's tale is straightforward. He feeds every 23rd spring for a span of 23 days. Jeepers Creepers 3 doesn't add anything new to this narrative, but that is perfectly fine. Horror enthusiasts understand what to expect when sitting down to watch this film. The Jeepers Creepers franchise leans more towards silliness and goofiness rather than pure terror, and that is precisely why it succeeds. The genre allows for the inclusion of a campy horror flick, as exemplified by the 2022 Blumhouse film M3GAN, which has garnered praise for its campy atmosphere.
How Does Jeepers Creepers 3 End?
The ending of Jeepers Creepers 3 is a mix of sadness and fun, thanks to Trish Jenner (Gina Philipps), the lead character from the original movie, making a cameo appearance. The most enjoyable aspect is watching The Creeper's frustration and pain as he encounters a sign written by Gaylen that reads "We know what you are" on her property. This particular scene unintentionally adds some humor to the horror movie. While The Creeper may not be one of the most memorable horror villains and lack in personality, this moment manages to elicit laughter from the audience.
Earlier in the movie, The Creeper had kidnapped Addison, but she fights back strongly in an impressive scene. Armed with a metal pipe, Addison strikes him in the head. She successfully escapes and seeks refuge in a nearby field, where Gaylen and Buddy Hooks (Chester Rushing) find her and they try to remain quiet. Although Addison may not be a standout horror movie character, her cleverness in defeating The Creeper on his own terms deserves praise.
The ending of Jeepers Creepers 3 seamlessly transitions into Jeepers Creepers 2: Buddy, a member of the high school basketball team, boards a bus... which happens to be the same bus that The Creeper later attacks in the sequel. This adds an element of excitement and enjoyment to the story.
A standout moment in the Jeepers Creepers 3 ending occurs when Trish Jenner comes across a note she wrote, expressing her desire for vengeance for the murder of Darry Jenner (played by Justin Long). She urges people to unite against The Creeper and support her cause. This intellectual scene effectively reminds viewers that despite The Creeper sometimes being portrayed as a comically terrifying villain, he has inflicted genuine pain and suffering on numerous families. In this scene, fans might also find Trish to be a more captivating character than Addison, highlighting a valid point. However, besides this brief cameo appearance, there was no room for Trish in the subsequent films, Jeepers Creepers 2 and Jeepers Creepers 3.
Jeepers Creepers 3 surpasses the lackluster reboot Jeepers Creepers: Reborn, making it a more satisfactory addition to the horror franchise. By understanding the role of Jeepers Creepers 3 within the timeline, the franchise becomes whole and eliminates the necessity of enduring the awkward reboot.
