Paranormal Activity 3 (Non-Spoiler Review)

The third time wasn’t quite the charm, but it came close.

This prequel, shown in the same Blair Witch documentary style as the previous instalments, dug into the past of sisters, Katie and Kristi Rey with their mother, Julie, and stepfather, Dennis, showing just how their paranormal encounters began. I actually like that the trilogy went backwards after the first movie, because you learn more about the characters and some questions are answered although it seems that more pop up in their place.

Dennis’s curiosity was peaked after accidentally filming an earthquake and catching on tape, a suspicious shadow in the doorway. To investigate, he set up cameras around the house capturing any mysterious happenings. One innovative design was placing a camera on the mount of a fan, panning from the living room to the kitchen. Needless to say encouraging the holding of the one’s breath while one’s eyes darted to all corners of the screen looking for movement, and the squeezing of nearby objects in anticipation of just what could be seen in the next room.

If you haven’t seen the past two movies, what are you waiting for? Honestly, as predictably cheesy as they may be, I’m a fan, because out of most horrors it’s possibly the easiest to identify with. I mean who doesn’t hear weird noises at night? If, however, you’ve seen the previous ones you’d be accustomed to the long periods of nothingness happening, then abrupt noises and slamming doors, this only means you’ll say “I knew that was going to happen,” but only after you’ve screamed. Yes the tricks are old and mainly in the sound effects but hey, if it ain’t broke…

The main disappointment was the reasoning behind the haunting, which I can’t reveal because I promised no spoilers. All I can say is you just end up with a feeling of ‘Really? That’s it?’

But all in all if you’re in the mood for a movie to get your friends or in my case older brother (yes I said older) screaming and hiding his face so you can laugh at him and maybe a sleepless night for you, then this is a good choice.

Rating: 6.5/10

Thanks for reading! Comments are welcome..
Kim :)