Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory (2012)

And so, after 18 years, the story of the West Memphis Three finally reaches its conclusion. As does Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky's epic documentary trilogy. These films, as Echols confesses, were so important to their lives that without them, the judicial system would have forgotten about them and left them to rot for the rest of their lives (and until Echols' death by lethal injection). Purgatory picks the case up ten years after the second entry, Revelations, to find the case in a never-ending loop of denied appeals by original Judge David Burnett. With more evidence surfacing, the case is taken to the Arkansas Supreme Court, to argue that enough has been unearthed to warrant a new trial for Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley.After spending way too much time going over what occurred in the first two documentaries (about 45 minutes - which is a massive drag if you've just watched them back-to-back), we finally get to new ground as new interviewees give statements and leading experts in their respective fields give lectures uncovering new revelations about misinterpretations and misconduct given by the original trial 'experts'. Much of the trial focused on these murders being the work of ritualistic sacrifice due to the sexual mutilations of the victims and scratches left on their persons. It turns out that these are clearly the work of animals, most probably turtles (the area where the bodies were found is nicknamed 'Turtle Hill'). It reveals poor research by the original lawyers working for the defendants, and general ineptitude by basically everyone involved back in 1993/94.Purgatory commits the same sin as Revelations, as suspicion moves from a noticeably more subdued John Mark Byers - who is now a supporter of the West Memphis Three and pen-pal to Echols - to Terry Hobbs, stepfather of Stevie Branch. Although, accusations don't come from character alone, but instead stem from a hair found within the knot of the shoelace with which the boys were hog-tied with and some alarming inconsistencies in Hobbs' story. But (ironically), this is something for the court to pursue and not documentary film-makers. The ending, which sees the West Memphis Three released from prison but not with their innocence intact, comes out of nowhere, as filming had already wrapped when the court called the plea appeal. For a more satisfying closure to the story, I would recommend West of Memphis (2012), which gives a more detailed account of their release, and also a more focused and detailed investigation of Hobbs. Still, it's a relief to finally watch these three walk free, even though it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.www.the-wrath-of-blog.blogspot.com

I thought the first two films were powerful, reviling and mind provoking. After the first few minutes of the third film where it already started with the encore statement about the film's influence (self indulgent by the filmmakers: already a turn-off) then to my amazement there were shots of the 3 boys bodies! (a site I will have to go through therapy to forget...) I simply couldn't believe how obnoxious, tasteful and abusive it was. What is it with you filmmakers? you didn't think you have a strong enough story or a powerful tool in your hand, that you turn to pornography? Really offensive. No respect what's or ever to the families or to other human-beings. extremely disappointing. I think what actually happen was, that the filmmakers had become so influenced by the the decadent scenery of the film that they forgot that other human beings aren't as numbed as those who put Damien and his friends behind bars.

This is a gripping series of documentaries but I felt like I was only being given one side of the story.After viewing I, like most felt appalled that these young men had been sent to jail/death on such fragile evidence.I suggest reading up on the opinions of the organizations who feel that they are guilty.To be honest, on finding out certain facts I went from on side to the other.I just don't buy the parrot like speeches by Echols and the fact he only answers a certain set of questions (and always give the same answers word for word).There is a lot of evidence pointing at their guilt (look it up) and although I certainly can't say 100% that they are guilty...I feel the cause celebre surrounding the whole case is distasteful and the famous people involved would do well to take up another cause.The kids seem like they are guilty to me.

I gotta say that I heard nothing about this horrific story until I was bored on my couch flipping through channels. Saw that they were showing the 1st 2 docs on HBO so I dvrd them. I was sucked into this story and for a while couldn't decide who to believe. I related to the kids in the whole being an outcast thing, but also found myself wondering how I would react if in the victims parents shoes. In my opinion, the people in this southern town are absolutely nuts. For those who've seen it know what I'm talking about. The sentences that came outta the mouths of these people had my jaw to the floor. I'm not a religious man and have no problem w/ others and their beliefs, but DAMN!!!! I've never heard verbal hellfire like this. Pretty funny actually and I definitely felt smarter after watching it all. Worth checking out unless you're easily offended by off the wall religious hoopla. Oh and yes, graphic crime scene photos are included and not recommended for weak stomachs, just a warning.