Paranormal Activity 3 brings back the tense, suspenseful moments and scares that we all were swept up by in the original. There is no doubt all three of these “found footage” movies can be wild, ridiculous, and entertaining. However, what always matter the most is if it can scare you and how bad. This one does a pretty good job making you scared even when nothing happens. You become more nervous in the moments when you are just left waiting in anticipation to see something move, appear, or fall. It is almost a relief when something does happen. At least you can get it over with and be able to breathe again.
Paranormal Activity 3 is set in the late 1980’s and takes us back to the beginning when Katie (Chloe Csengery) and Kristi (Jessica Tyler Brown) were just little girls. We are introduced to their mother, Julie (Lauren Bittner), and their step-father, Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith). And things get crazy once Kristi befriends “Toby,” her invisible friend who everyone believes is not real, but soon find out otherwise. Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (Catfish) remind us of what we love about the Paranormal movies and while they take over behind the camera, they stick to the formula that has worked from the very beginning. With that said, Joost and Schulman are able to take it to the next level and not only does this one offer some character development, but they provide us with a real back story that connects all three movies quite nicely. And making a fourth installment would be a mistake and only mess things up.
While this prequel is a surprisingly terrifying journey, the ending isn’t too crazy and maybe even a tad bit predictable. The story cover its tracks pretty well in order to set up what we have already seen in the first and second one, but I don’t think anything will ever beat the ending in the original. It set the bar a little too far out of reach. Nonetheless, for this to be the third film in the series, it is tough to make it fresh and new. It is a difficult task to give the audience what they are used to and then provide something completely different that keeps them on the edge of their seat.
Paranormal Activity 2 was too much too soon. Its scare tactics and tricks did not offer the elements of horror or surprise, but Paranormal Activity 3 brings it back and will freak you out once again. It contains strong chills and powerful tension throughout, and has a few big scares that will make you jump back or just turn away completely. At the same time, Joost and Schulman actually provide some real humor and funny situations. There are actually a few scenes that you can rest easy while watching, but those are rare. Very rare.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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