Since all 3 of these films now are on streaming, I was able to watch the whole "trilogy". All made by Ti West, who has been making quality indy horror films for over a decade. Really enjoyed both "The Innkeepers" and "House of the Devil", and his slow burn approach to filmmaking.

"X" - The first in the trilogy is probably my favorite, just because on its own, it's a fun drive-in style grindhouse flick. Taking place in the 70s and having a 70s feel, it is about a group heading out to a farmhouse to film a home-made porno film. The people that give them access are an old couple, with some secrets. There's some good T&A and sex & gore. It's a throwback type of film, and is thoroughly entertaining...there's also a very uncomfortable "lesbian"...rape scene.

3/4

"Pearl" - A prequel, focusing on the old woman from "X" as a young woman. She is played by the same actress who plays Maxine (one of the porn stars in "X"), and the feel of this film is more like the 1950's, complete with color palette and blustery soundtrack. Pearl lives in the same farmhouse, with her strict mother and her invalid father. She has dreams of becoming a movie star, but those dreams go...quite awry. Probably the best made of the trilogy, and is a fine film. I just like "X" better because, maybe for obvious reasons.

3/4

"MaXXXine" - Back to the Maxine character, now about a decade removed from the events of "X", taking place in 1985. The feel is obviously the 80's, and I like the backdrop of the Night Stalker murders going on while she tries to go from porn star to legit movie star by working on a horror sequel directed by a woman. Meanwhile, someone is stalking her (not the Night Stalker) while killing friends of hers and leaving grisly crime scenes behind. It becomes pretty clear pretty quickly who it is, but it isn't revealed until late into the film. This is kind of a misstep to me, and a letdown on an otherwise strong set of films. There are some great moments and some good intrigue. But the ending is a disappointment. The cast is by far the strongest (and biggest) part of the film--some real recognizable faces (one in particular). If you've already seen the first two films, it's worth watching as a wrap-up if you felt compelled to. For me, I was pot committed. Just a shame it wasn't a stronger film. Had a lot more potential than payoff.

2/4

Overall I'd give the series

out of

didn't particularly like X and I find that lead bizarre looking

_________________
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

mia goth came before ana taylor-joy but i put them in the same category of "oddly unique looking".