HOLLYWOOD—The latest horror film to be released just before the Halloween season is “Paranormal Activity 3.” This film is obviously a sequel to the previous two, but does it chill and scare as the first one did a few years ago? It scared me, but then again, I heard whispers in the theater that assured me that others were equally as entertained and frightened by this latest film. Paramount Studios is the company that released this picture, and for good reason. It’s bound to be a blockbuster.
Going to see “Paranormal Activity 3,” is like going to Burger King or McDonalds. You know it’s not good for you, but it’s so very delicious, it’s the last thing you think about every night until you break that craving by having it finally. Paramount Studios doesn’t spend a great deal on these films, but the payoff has always been a giant whopper! This week’s release will be no different.
With Halloween just a week away, this is a trick and a treat that horror lovers will enjoy and devour like candy. Screenwriter Christopher Landon did a terrific job making sure that the storytelling of the last two that audiences loved has returned yet again. The film is directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. Both men do an incredible job making the film balance between storyline and special effects without overdoing either.
It stars Katie Featherston and Sprague Grayden, who briefly reprise their roles as the ill-fated siblings Katie and Kristie in this film. The story does return to 1988,when their childhood-selves are living in a well to do suburban California neighborhood and home with their mother Julie, played by Laurie Bittner, and her boyfriend Dennis, played brilliantly by Chris Smith.
It’s not long before the screaming commences and rarely lets up, and it just works out that Dennis is a wedding videographer who has all the equipment to fill the home with video cameras that provide the scary and heartbeat-skipping drama that these films are known for. When young Kristie begins interacting with an imaginary, very mean playmate called Toby, and a game of Bloody Mary, thing simply put, go totally awry and trouble ensues.
Though the film reminded me of JJ Abrams’ “Super 8,” it didn’t go the same route story wise for obvious reasons. It is a mixture of “Blair Witch” and “Halloween.” However, it works for this film. The horrors that one should fear in this home are slowly plotted out with such great suspense that the moviegoer will never guess what comes next in most of the pivotal scenes. Isn’t that what great directing is all about?
Yes, you need not to go to this film and expect to see something totally different from the previous films. Though, who would change it, when it works so well? The one thing that “Paranormal Activity 3” demands from the movie viewer, is the total attention and concentration during the film. Don’t take your eyes off the screen to text message someone or to chat with your friends or your date. You could miss something that goes bump in the night!
The ending however could have been a little stronger. Though I see why they drag out the sweet grandmother for it. For the next installment? I don’t have to look into a crystal ball. Look for “Paranormal 4” to be out next Halloween, no doubt about it. “Paranormal Activity 3” receives Three of Four Stars from this reviewer. The film opens on Friday, September 21 in theaters around the nation.
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