Exhumed: Charlize Theron in "Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest" (1995)

by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden

In their “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike normally give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. However, “Exhumed” will focus on the first (or very early) credits of established actors, giving their roles the GBV treatment. For this installment, it’s Charlize Theron in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest.

Intro

It's a curious thing to write a review about a performance that, technically, doesn't exist. Charlize Theron's role in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest is, to put it bluntly, minuscule. Her screen time is measured in seconds rather than minutes, and her dialogue consists entirely of screams. The film itself is a low-budget horror flick, the kind that used to fill video store shelves with promises of terror and yet delivers, well, something else entirely. It's a tale of demonic children, urban decay, and questionable acting choices. Within this chaotic landscape, Theron emerges, a fleeting vision of youthful beauty.

The Details

Given the constraints of her role, it's impossible to assess her acting chops in any meaningful way. There's no character arc, no nuance, no opportunity for the complexities. Instead, we have a brief, visceral moment of fear, and a scream that echoes through the film's otherwise forgettable narrative.

It's a testament to Theron's innate star quality that even in such a limited capacity, she manages to leave an impression. Her appearance is striking, a contrast to the film's overall grimy aesthetic. There's a raw vulnerability to her scream, a genuine sense of terror that transcends the film's limitations.

Of course, it's easy to be generous in hindsight. Knowing the heights Theron would reach, it's tempting to see this early role as a harbinger of greatness. But the truth is, Children of the Corn III is not a showcase for talent. It's a stepping stone, a brief, unremarkable chapter in a remarkable career.

The Verdict

In the grand scheme of things, Theron's contribution to Children of the Corn III is insignificant. But in the context of her journey, it's a fascinating artifact. It's a reminder that even the biggest stars start somewhere, and that sometimes, even a fleeting moment can leave a lasting impression. Her appearance is a shining moment in an otherwise forgettable horror flick. And for that, we can be eternally grateful.

Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest