As far as modern horror is concerned, the third entry into
the Paranormal Activity franchise
isn't half bad. That is actually
quite the compliment considering it features the same story as the first film,
albeit with different actors.
This time around the story takes
place in September of 1988 when the franchise's two female leads decide to rewatch
some old home movies from when they were kids. This is done rather oddly as the
story is never brought back to present day, which makes for an uneven watching
experience.
If you are expecting cheap parlor
tricks wherein a door shuts by itself or there is a translucent specter in the
background then you are in luck. Paranormal Activity 3 shows why the
series has become so successful as it continues to master such an art of
suspense. The executive who tabbed
the directors of Catfish to come on
board this film were ingenious as the duo is able to create a continued level
of ascending suspense.
In
sticking with its original formula, Paranormal
Activity 3 is sure to please fans of the series. Sadly, by doing that, they will continue to alienate those
who aren't familiar with or fond of the other two films. The young actresses successfully anchor
the story, giving off a sense of authentic fear that helps convince the
audience that there are possible some extraordinary dealings going on.
The
timeline and continuity of the films is personally my biggest gripe. It will be difficult to make a good
sequel to the new Halloween staple, and I fear that the franchise will be
ruined by forced storylines and inadequate offerings. For this go-around, very little has changed. Whatever your opinion on the first two
films, it will carry over to the third.
With little story change few new fans are to be acquired.
