I wouldn't call this sequel a waste of time, but that's probably because I'm too invested in this franchise by now, so this felt like watching a filler episode of a TV series: you find it forgettable, but if you enjoy the series as a whole, it's no big deal. That's pretty much how I felt about this sequel: I'll probably never watch it again, but it was acceptable for a single watch. However, if you see "High Desert 3" as a standalone flick, without any knowledge of the previous films, chances are you're going to dislike it a lot and maybe rightfully so.

One of the things I praise about the "Horror in the High Desert" movies is that they don't rely on annoying jump scares and the fact that the horror imagery is subtle, but effective. However, upon reaching the third installment, I'd like to have some more action, maybe answers and a better look at the humanoid creatures that lurk around the forest. I understand building mystery and lore, but at this point, we sort of need to get more in contact with something slightly more explicit. Slightly! I'm not asking for gore and kills, but one can settle for off-screen horror only to a certain extent. "Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch" is somewhat of a taxing experience, as it is shockingly uneventful. At one point, we read a warning message that says: "Viewers descretion is advised". Why?? There's nothing to see, what discretion could be advised here? At this point, I feel that this is basically a rehash of the previous films, but done in a dull way. However, I can be patient and I'll wait for the two upcoming sequels. But seriously, at this point they need to reveal something a little bit less vague.

Leaving aside the uneventfulness of the movie, my real problem with this sequel is that if focuses way too much on the main character's personal drama. The main character, a Mexican vlogger named Oscar Mendoza, is incredibly annoying and even though I can understand character development, there is such a thing as overexposure and this is a clear example of that. Yes, we get it: Oscar is a former alcoholic and junkie, but do we really care enough about him to go on and on about this issue?

Oscar claims that he's going to the forest looking for answers about what happened to Gary Hingle, another outdoors enthusiast who went missing (wow, what a smart thing to do, Oscar). Throughout the film, Oscar appears talking to his camera and explaining that he's not doing what he does to get followers, but at the same time, it's clear that he does: he exploits his own personal drama, because he is attention-seeking. He's also very loud, overenthusiastic and, at some point, he jokingly mentions that he's going to light a fire and "hopes he won't burn himself or the forest". That seems particularly disgusting to me, because it makes me think of those idiots who don't have a problem in doing something stupid and dangerous, as long as they get attention from strangers on the internet. Basically, Oscar is the definition of an entitled teenager, who only does things for attention and validation, however... he's not even a teenager, he appears to be in his thirties. I understand that main characters are supposed to be flawed and not role models, but when you're rooting for the main character to die, that's not a good thing. Maybe that's what Dutch Marich intended? Hard to say, but the movie is difficult to digest, because the main character is an idiot.

Regardless, I like this franchise, I respect the director and I hope the upcoming sequels are a lot better than this. For some reason, I'm really rooting for these movies, I'm just not a fan of Oscar (nothing against the actor, of course).

My previous IMDB ratings for this franchise :

HORROR IN THE HIGH DESERT : 6/10

HORROR IN THE HIGH DESERT : MINERVA 6,4/10.

First of all, i am a big fan of FOUND FOOTAGE movies, so there is a chance i overestimate them. I have watched many of them, i consider 80% of them as watchable at least. I don't think this genre has created a lot of masterpieces, even myself think that most of FF movies are mediocre to just good. But i truly enjoyed them, and that's enough for me.

FIREWATCH is the best movie of this franchise. There are some intense scenes, but the best part of it is that it expands the lore (Of course, don't expect many answers). Furthermore, it's not confusing and messy like the previous one. And it doesn't take forever until viewer watches some "action". Therefore, it's the best and it's definitely recommendable for a horror fan.

I respect the creators because they try to do something different. It was easy to repeat just the same old tropes over and over again. I am not saying it's a very good movie neither brilliant. And i am not betting that the endgame here will be something creative, it's possible that the last movie will be even laughable. It tries to be original but it's not that creative.

Overall though, just for the fact that it made me invest, i think this is interesting at least. After all, it's just a matter of taste. If you like FF movies and you prefer it to be more mysterious/enigmatic/eerie than scary and constant action/jump scares, then you 'll like it as well.

I've watched all three of the movies in this series and each one gets progressively worse. I'd like to be able to point out specifics, but there aren't any. It's just that each one is more boring and pointless than the last.

I seriously feel as though I've been grifted. There is nothing of any value in the way of cinematography, acting, writing or any other generic trait that one would use to judge a film. I understand this is a found footage style of film. That doesn't, nor should it, allow for such a lack of ambition as demonstrated in this "production".

I'll do whoever is reading this a favor and not give away any spoilers. Alas, there are no spoilers. There's nothing to spoil. It's a guy walking around in the dark. If you haven't figured that out after three films, the joke is definitely on you.