Friday, October 12, 2012

Paranormal Activity 3

(2011) ***1/2

Number three of this series goes back in time to when the two main players were young girls.  Kristi, the younger of the two girls has an "imaginary friend " who starts to cause trouble.  To find out more about what's going on their Mother's boyfriend Dennis sets up some of his cameras around the house.  He is a wedding videographer in the early days of such things. (Which is 1988 if you want to feel old.)

I think the first Paranormal Activity freaked me out so badly I want the subsequent ones to do the same and I find that they're just not quite making the grade. I do enjoy these movies, and once again there are some very effective moments of suspense.  It progresses the story well and as per usual the last portion is gripping.

 It's hard for me to pin down why this didn't work as well for me.  Again I was plagued with the constant game of "I spy" that I mentioned in my review of PA2.  Searching each frame to find the threat.  Something I didn't do with the first installment.  In retrospect, the first of the series was probably the least scary compared to what they've done with 2 and 3 - but it definitely worked my nerves more then the sequels.  I still recommend the series whole-heartedly and I will most absolutely check out PA4 - which comes out this month!


8 comments:

JPX said...

I love these movies and I think part 3 is my favorite so far ( especially that killer sequence with the rotating fan and the babysitter). Still I get what you are saying, we have been trained to constantly scan the screen for evidence otherworldly activity. I can't wait for part 4!

50PageMcGee said...

like the Where's Waldo? of fright

Octopunk said...

I'm still a virgin with this series but I'll take it on someday. Too many positive reviews not to.

I so wish that was the actual ghost in that picture, but I'm guessing it isn't.

DKC said...

That sequence was awesome, JPX!

Catfreeek said...

I didn't care so much for the first one but I've liked each sequel a little more than the last. Looking forward to 4 as well.

Johnny Sweatpants said...

I only saw the first one and didn't much care for it but I have enjoyed the reviews and I appreciate everyone's enthusiasm regarding the series. My plan is to let them run their course and then have a proper marathon.

Landshark said...

Still gobsmacked that you're watching these.

AC said...

i know, landshark, brava dcd!

Malevolent

 2018  ***1/2 It's 1986 for some reason, and a team of paranormal investigators are making a big name for themselves all over Scotland. ...