ZOMBIES 3 continues what the franchise has been so good at doing, spreading messages of love, acceptance, and inclusion through song and dance.
Right from the start the ZOMBIES theme has been accepting others for who they are on the inside, not what they look like on the outside. The movies have taught children (and adults) to not judge a book by the cover, and to include those who are different. Addison has been a beacon of hope and bravery from the very first time we saw her, and it is no different in ZOMBIES 3. She has shined all the way through the trilogy but she truly comes into her own in this out-of-the-world film.
In ZOMBIES 3 Aliens show up in Seabrook looking for its most precious thing so that they can find their utopia. While the majority of the residents are scared, and unwilling to accept them, Addison immediately comes forward inviting them to stay in their humble town and participate in the cheer off competition that she has arranged.
On top of their visitors from outer space, Zed is working hard to impress college recruiters and become the first Zombie to attend college — and of course it just so happens to be the school Addison is going to. As if that isn’t enough, relationships are disrupted as new crushes are formed.
ZOMBIES 3 gives fans more of what they love about this franchise — epic song and dance numbers. With eight new toe tapping hits, fans everywhere are given new lyrics and dances to learn. The original movie still takes the cake when it comes the best songs, but this one certainly has some great ones as well.
The chorography is on point, as the actors are clearly getting more and more comfortable with busting a movie. The opening song, Alien Invasion, is sure to put viewers in a great mood and leave them with their jaw on the floor thanks to some kick butt dance moves.
As for the plot, while it isn’t perfect, it remains entertaining throughout — especially for its core audience. Fans already know the majority of the characters very well, and they remain true to themselves in this third film. The aliens are newcomers and it is pretty easy to fall in love with them thanks to great character development and some hilarious moments. Being a harmonious species who don’t have human emotions allows them to be most of the comedic relief in ZOMBIES 3.
While the plot twists are quite predictable for adults watching, a lot of kids will be shocked as the story unfolds. There is one moment in particular that many will be surprised by (pleasantly), and might even cause those who truly love these characters to shed some tears — so have tissues handy.
Kylee Russell (who plays Eliza) was unfortunately unable to film alongside her long time Zombies co-stars because she was pregnant at the time, however the writers did a great job of making sure she was still included in the movie in a way that makes sense and works. Eliza has been a big part of the movies from the beginning, so fans will appreciate seeing her do what she does best. A much better option than cutting her out all together.
The biggest issues with this movie is that there are some plot points that seem to jump to a conclusion without enough time to explain exactly what happened. Again, it is pretty predictable, and while there are many great songs and dance numbers, they don’t really hold a candle to the ones from the first two movies.
That said, it really is a fun movie, especially for long time fans, that feels like a fitting end to the franchise leaving the lovable characters in a place everyone can be happy about.
ZOMBIES 3 once again shows audiences that we can all get along, no matter how different we are. It teaches acceptance, love, and inclusion in a way that comes naturally. The actors have all settled in to these characters and know them so well that they are easy to relate to. The three new main characters, the aliens, add some great moments, as well as some conflict, to the story.
Overall it is wonderful to see the zombies, werewolves, cheerleaders, and now aliens, put aside their differences and learn to get along. They don’t always trust each other, but they are willing try their hardest to do so. It is just a bonus that this movie adds in the lesson that love is love, and allow LGBTQ+ kids to see themselves on screen.
ZOMBIES 3 is quite possibly the end of the franchise, as it rounds out a trilogy with an ending that feels final. However, if Zed and Addison have taught us anything it is never say never; so fingers crossed fans will get to explore what our favorite cheerleaders and monsters have been up to… someday.
Rating: 3 out of 5
NEXT: Disney Channel’s Zombies 2 Review
Ab0ut ZOMBIES 3
It’s Zed’s and Addison’s final year at Seabrook, and things are better than ever. The town has finally accepted monsters as a part of Seabrook and has become a safe haven for monsters and humans alike. Zed is on the cusp of receiving a football scholarship and becoming the first Zombie to ever attend college (and he’s excited to join Addison, who has already been admitted).
Addison is excited to mark the opening of the town’s brand new “cheer pavilion” by inviting cheer teams from all over the world to compete in an “international cheer-off.” However, the town is shocked by the arrival of a new group of intergalactic outsiders — aliens, who show up to compete in the cheer-off.
Though they begrudgingly allow the aliens to stay for the competition, the monsters and humans of Seabrook grow suspicious when they discover that the aliens may be looking for more than a friendly competition.
ZOMBIES 3 streams on Disney+ July 15th.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.
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