Paranormal Activity 3
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Paranormal Activity 3
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Writers: Oren Peli, Christopher B. Landon
Cast: Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown, Christopher Nicholas Smith, Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden, Lauren Bittner, Brian Boland, Dustin Ingram, Mark Fredrichs
Synopsis: In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home.
The PARANORMAL ACTIVITY franchise continues with this third outing from Paramount Pictures. Oren Peli and Jason Blum return to produce the highly secretive feature.
MPAA Rating: Rated R for some violence, language, brief sexuality and drug use
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Paranormal Activity 3 (DVD, 2012)
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Paranormal Activity 3 (Blu-ray/DVD, 2012, 2-Disc Set, Rated/Unrated; Includes...
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Here comes the anticipated Sequel or Prequel to the popular franchise..or as I like to call it...Presequel!
Where would Halloween be if we didn't have another "Paranormal Activity" film to scare the living snot out of us? It seems like only yesterday that "Paranormal Activity" became an instant success, as it perfected on a method that "The Blair Witch Project" introduced back in the nineties; using a home video cam method that forces the viewer to question whether or not the scenes that transpire are real. However, as effective as this method is, the scariest parts of this franchise isn't what's shown in the movies, but it's what they don't show you, as it forces the viewers' imaginations to wander. Each film subtly starting off with a clueless family/couple, where they decide video tape various parts of their home to investigate a series of unexplained events.
At first, the images seem harmless, as one could easily use logic to explain most of them. But, as each movie plays out, the images slowly start to become more disturbing. Depicting most of it's epic violent scenes in the dark shadows while the lights are off, as it forces the viewers' imaginations to run wild with fear. As a wise man once said, humanity fears most of what they cannot see, or understand. Indeed, the "Paranormal Activity" franchise plays upon that concept of fear beautifully throughout it's first two films. However, is the third movie as good as the previous chapters? Or possibly better? Well, lets get into that now.
As some of you might have guessed from the trailers, this movie plays more along the lines of a prequel. Dating back to 1988, both Katie and Kristi are young little girls in this movie, as they still live with their mother, and their step father, Dennis, who happens to be a professional photographer. The movie starts off at a birthday party, where we see Kristi playing with her imaginary friend, Toby. Granted, I'm sure most parents would probably think that's too cute for a little girl to have an imaginary friend, and would probably see it as harmless. However, since this is a "Paranormal Activity" movie, then we know that this whole cute imaginary friend nonsense is really just a cover for something even more dangerous and disturbing.
Anyway, Dennis eventually discovers a strange ghostly image as he edits his recorded video, during an Earthquake. Unsure of what the image is exactly, he decides to set up cameras around the house to investigate it. And like all the other movies, this little plan doesn't turn out to be the best idea, as there's a reason why they say.."ignorance is bliss."
And, that's pretty much the entire plot in a nutshell without giving anything away. However, when I watched this movie, I was expecting to lose at least several days of sleep, like what happened when I saw the other two movies. Hell, I can still recall how I would often look over my own shoulder every time I thought I heard even the faintest hint of a noise, or presence, because of the first two movies. Unfortunately, this movie wasn't that scary to be quite honest. Sure, I'll admit the film does have it's moments where it'll scare you, but nothing that will leave a lasting imprint on your psyche like the last two films. No, unlike the last two movies, this one tends to rely most of it's horror on shock value more than anything else. Granted, the other films had a great degree of shock value as well, but it was a lot more subtle in the previous movies; where each scene would build up slowly, as the previous movies would play with your psyche a bit before scaring you with it's shock value. Don't get me wrong, it's still a good film to watch if you're looking for a movie to see on Halloween, but I wouldn't expect this to be as great as the previous ones.
As for the story, I have to say it raises more questions than it does answer them; which would suggest that there will probably be a sequel to this coming soon. Gee, there's a shocker if that were to happen. A horror franchise that promotes it's latest film as the last one in the series, but it turns out that was all a lie to begin with. Seriously, what are the odds? I mean, it's not like other film makers behind popular horror franchises have done the same thing. Of course, I'm being sarcastic with that last statement, as this wouldn't be the first time a film is promoted as being the last of a franchise; only come to find out that there's another sequel, remake, reboot or whatever on the way. Any true horror film fan can attest to that I'm sure.
Although this film does serve as a prequel to the previous movies, it doesn't really contradict anything like most do. Sure, there's a few minor questions that are raised here and there, but I'm sure we'll find out the answers to those in the next film (assuming there is one). As I stated in my "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" review, the daunting task of a prequel often lies in the fact that it has to fall in line with the previous films, while still being entertaining enough to stand on it's own merit. Not an easy thing to do for any prequel. However, this film seems to do a fairly good job of that, as it not only answers a few lingering questions from the previous films, but it also manages to stay entertaining enough to where even newcomers to this franchise can still enjoy it.
Overall, I wouldn't go out of my way to say this is the best horror film of this year, but it's definitely worth checking out in theaters if you haven't seen it already. Granted, it's not as scary as the last two films, but it does have it's moments, and it definitely adds more mystery to an already great horror franchise. Definitely a must see if you want to see a good horror film on Halloween night, as I'd probably have to rate this movie at a two and a half out of four.
See What Stevennix2001 said about the previous movies of this franchise!
- Paranormal Activity by Stevennix2001
After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence. - Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)
After experiencing what they think are a series of "break-ins", a family sets up security cameras around their home, only to realize that the events unfolding before them are more sinister than they seem.
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Yeah, I agree with you that the camera on the fan part was a nice touch to the film, and about the ghost sheet part, as it could've been handled a lot better. Plus, I was a bit disappointed in this movie that they didn't play around with the shadows moving like they did in the last one. However, it should be interesting to see how the sequel turns out to this one, as this one left a lot of unanswered questions at the end that I'd be curious to find out about. Anyway, thanks for stopping by again Nick, as it's always great seeing you. :)
Actually this movie looks TOO scary for me. I have a low tolerance for scary movies even though I love the thrill.
Oh I'm sorry to hear that paradise, so I guess that means you'll probably pass on this one, huh? Well if it's any consolation, it's not as scary as the last two films. Anyway, I appreciate you stopping by to read my review, as it's always a pleasure seeing you. :)
I did enjoy it for the most part. Just I can't stand that I have more questions now. I feel like the beginning was pointless. (I'm going to be as vague as possible so i dont give away spoilers) if you show what they did in the beginning, it means nothing to the film without them going back to it at some point. I kept thinking the film would be similar to what PA2 did in that regard. u follow my crypticness? lol
lol. Yeah, i follow you, and it kind of bothers me too. That's why I think there's going to be another sequel to be quite honest. That or you have to see the director's cut to find out what was taken out. lol. However, I'm even more puzzled about what happens at the end though, as there were elements introduced that were not mentioned in the previous movies that I'm curious to see how it all comes together if you know what I mean.
after some time passes i have theories that i'll post. as far as sequels go, they already have been green lit for a 4th i believe. it's inevitable really with the plot, and the money they are reeling in. as far as the plot i really do have theories. it kills me that i can't say them right now lol.
the ending intrigued me and pissed me off all at once. It's something that you expected, so there was no reason to show it. I expected to see more. I did however hear an interesting rumor about why the trailer was so different. The director made the trailer that way to depict what Katie and Kristi from the first two movies remember about their childhood. As it turns out, that wasn't what happened.
They already green lighted the fourth already? Wow, that was fast. Can't say I'm surprised about it either, as I'll be sure to create a hub for it, so nobody else can take the link name before it comes out. thanks for the heads up. lol.
Well it should be interesting to see what happens, as I'm kind of curious to see where they'll go from here. As for your hub though that you plan to write on this soon, I'll definitely be sure to check it out, whenever you publish it. It should be interesting, but I agree with you that it sucks whenever movies end on freaking cliff hangers. lol. Hell, I'm still waiting for a sequel to "Salt", as they ended that one on a cliff hanger too, but there's been no word of a sequel yet. lol
the only one that was a true ending you could say was the first film. it bothered me how toward the end of the third, it borrowed alot from the first, but wasnt as effective.
one theory i did read on a possible sequel being tossed around the writing room of the sequel was focusing on Katie post-Hunter post-Micah. It involves Katie being sent to a mental institution by the police and the video cameras have 24/7 surveillance on her in a padded cell. her mental state is fragile to say the least as the demon keeps entering her and leaving her from time to time. It doesn't fit with the story unless you go deeper and say not only does the demon want a male heir but now it also wants to spread fear among humanity making it's presence felt. But then that's where i'd get annoyed with these films.
Thanks for the link, as I'll be sure to update my preview hub for monster and horror films, since the article says it'll come out next year. lol.
as far as the whole insane asylum thing goes, I think if they do go that route it could work potentially depending on how it's handled. I know a friend of mine that's into witch craft told me once that she thinks Katie was possessed the whole time by this demon, after we both saw the first one; which is kind of debatable now considering how the last two movies ended. However, it could be a valid theory though, as I can imagine a demon would be clever enough to mimic a person's personality to fool it's victims.
i thought after the second maybe Katie was possessed during her childhood, and then it came back for her. clearly wrong
i will also say that the biggest plot hole of them all may just be how Katie Featherston looks better every movie. glad to see her and Oren Peli are making their own show, with this same formula
their own show? you mean like a television show that's in the works or something? or are we still talking about the "paranormal activity" franchise?
yeah its coming on this year. its called The River. looks decent
Another great review...after reading your review and Nickalooch's review I will say you both seem to have the same opinion....so I will wait until this movie is on DVD. After the monster weekend at the box office....I think we can look forward to at least two or three Paranormal Activity movies. Voted up and interesting.
I have heard some mixed reviews of this, but overall they've been better than what I would have expected. So far this is the most informative and useful one I've seen... thanks for the commentary.
Great review of this movie. I have only seen the first one and I loved it! I liked what you said about movies like this allowing the audience to use their imagination. I think with some of the horror movies today, it is too much in your face and once you've seen one gory image you become de-sensitised, with the result the movies compete with more gore until it's not scary anymore just dumb. So the first Paranormal Activity was a real treat for me. I've yet to see the second one and after your review I definately think the third is worth looking at. Many thanks. Voted up!
@Nickalooch
Well, I'll be sure to check it out then. I appreciate the heads up on it. Do you know what channel it's going to be on though?
@bruce
Thanks Bruce. I'm glad you liked the review. Yeah, it's a shame this movie wasn't as terrifying as the original, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're a huge fan of the other films. Anyway, thanks for stopping by again pal, as it's always great seeing you. :)
@jbunce
Your welcome, and thank you for stopping by again to read my hub on this, and for the compliment. To be honest, I'm not really surprised by the mix reviews of this movie, as it's definitely not as great as the last two, but I think you'll like it though once you see it. I look forward to reading what you'll have to say about it pretty soon though, and thanks for stopping by again.
@seeker7
Your welcome, and thanks for the compliments. You should definitely check out the second too if you liked the first one, as I think it's arguably scarier than the first one if you want my honest opinion. Anyway, thanks for stopping by to read my hub on this. :)
Hmm..that should be interesting. I'll definitely watch it to see how it turns out, as I'm kind of curious to see how they'll pull it off. Thanks for the link to this, and for telling me about the show. You should probably write a review on the show once it comes out, as I bet it would get a lot of hits on here.
id just love to know when it starts. I thought about doing reviews for American Horror Story to.. i might get started on that. That has been my favorite show this fall. Of course Sons of Anarchy has been the best though. all personal opinion
Really? what are those shows about? I don't think that I've heard of them.
i hope your kidding. lol. American Horror Story is on FX and premiered 3 weeks ago. In fact on Halloween at 5 oclock they are having a marathon of all three or four episodes being shown back to back. It stars Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton, Taissa Farmiga Jessica Lange and Denis O'Hare. Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton are married, and its a shaky marriage as in the pilot she catches him cheating on her with one of his clients as he is a shrink. Adding insult to injury, before catching him in the act she had a miscarriage. Taissa Farmiga plays their disgruntled rebellious teenage daughter. McDermott and Britton decide a change of scenery would ultimately do their relationship good as they relocate from Boston to California. big change i know. they move into a beautfiul house, but it comes with its baggage. A hell of a lot of baggage for the matter (pun intended). The house has been named "Murder House", as every single person that has lived in the house has died. It is haunted, and has a crazy cast of characters. Jessica Lange plays the snoopy neighbor, their is also a maid for the house that appears as an old lady to everyone but Dylan McDermott. When he sees her he sees an attractive young red-headed woman that constantly makes sexual advances on him.
It's a very well done show, I didn't think it would be that good at first but I've been addicted since the opening scene of the pilot. It amazes me how it manages to be on FX and say not HBO.
Sons of Anarchy has been around for 4 years now on FX. It has similarities to The Sopranos in ways but the biggest difference between the two may just be the masterful writing and superb acting. It follows a biker gang called the Sons of Anarchy in California. It is created by Kurt Sutter, and stars Charlie Hunnam, Ron Perlman, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Tommy Flanagan and Ryan Hurtz. Charlie Hunnam plays Jax Teller, the prodigal son if you will. His father was one of the men that created the club and in the pilot he is seen to have found letters written by his father. When he finds these letters he begins to doubt the direction the club is being led to by Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman). Ever since Jax's father died, Clay had led the club down a darker path filled with running guns and shady deals for bigger paydays. The show in the first two seasons has many similarities to even Hamlet for that matter. Jax reading the letters from his dead father, and Clay and Gemma Teller (Katey Sagal) act as Gertrude and Claudius. In my eyes, Sons of Anarchy and the show Supernatural has the best and most consistent writing on television. If you want to know about Supernatural, I've done multiple articles on that show explaining what has happened in previous seasons and I've been reviewing the new season.
Sorry to write a book lol
Oh it's okay, and yes I was being serious. lol. I appreciate the heads up. Yeah, to be honest, I haven't really kept up with many of today's tv shows lately since Seinfeld and Friends went off the air a while back. Sure, i still watch espn and adult swim on cartoon network, but that's basically about it for me. although you figure with as many films that I watch, i should probably still be in touch with what goes on tv, but eh. lol.
I know that probably sounds bad, huh? However, I'll definitely make it a point to check them out, as they sound rather interesting.
I have been waiting for someone to review this film. Thanks for your great insights and getting me more interested in seeing this film. I enjoyed the other two, so I am excited to see this film. Great review, voted up and useful.
all the writing i did bout them made me do like a look back on the past few episodes on American Horror Story. I'll probably review every episode from here on out.
I highly recommend Sons of Anarchy above all else though. It's a great story.
@fullerman5000
Your welcome. I'm glad that I could help, and thanks for stopping by again. I hope you like the film whenever you get a chance to see it. :)
@nickalooch
Okay, well I'll definitely be on the look out for those hubs then, and I'll check out the shows you suggested to me as well. Like i said before, I haven't really kept in touch much with what's on TV these days, as most of the shows that I used to follow are no longer interesting, or they're no longer on the air. And the few shows that i do still watch, they're not exactly shows where I'll lose sleep if i miss say..over ten or more episodes. lol.
At first, I wasn't really sure whether to be amused or disappointed that they had left out so many parts of the trailer from the final cut. But then I figured it wasn't only a good way to get better box office numbers but the fact that while you're watching it you're not really quite sure as to what's really about to happen because the movie really was not much like the trailer. I do wish they had left the part in the trailer where the house was on fire in the final cut though, cause then it would tie all 3 of the movies together. But let's wait and see...
@Dan
Well, as I said earlier in the review, I think the ending was more of a set up for the next movie if anything else. Although it should be interesting to see what happens. Anyway, thanks for stopping by. :)
@nickalooch
I'm sorry nick for deleting your last comment. It wasn't anything personal against you, as I always enjoy reading your opinions. However, I deleted your comment because I thought it might be giving away too much of the film to people who probably haven't seen the movie yet. I do apologize though for doing that.
i wouldnt have even realized. it was just an interesting theory i heard about the trailer. It doesnt bother me though. Sorry about that though, I wrote it real quick before getting off of work, probably didnt take the time to censor it lol
Nice review! I haven't seen any paranormal activity's so would you recommend them cause i'm not sure, as i've heard they are freaky and I like scary movies!
@nickalooch
No worries. lol. It happens to all of us. I hope you had a great day at work though. :)
@marsto
Yes, I would recommend any one of the three movies. However, I'd probably start with the first and second before watching this new one, as the first two are the scariest in this series. Anyway, thanks for stopping by, and for the compliment.
ok thanks, will watch them soon then!
Your welcome. Anytime. I hope you enjoy the films whenever you get a chance to see them. :)
I'm still hoping that I'll be able to get to see this... eventually, at least... but now I'm not so sure. I'm starting to see ads for the DVD and Blu-Ray release of this film, and once a movie is out on video, the chances of it hitting second run theatres after that isn't high... and it hasn't yet reached to local second run houses. And I don't own a DVD or Blu-Ray player. It strikes me as rather odd that a movie with such broad appeal as this hasn't played second run yet... hopefully it will somewhere.
Really? That's kind of surprising. Well, I hope you're able to see it soon, as i'm kind of curious to see what you'll say about it in your review. Anyway, sorry to hear that though.
Nickalooch Level 6 Commenter 7 months ago
so you do agree with what i said about it lol. I just feel that the first had the signature moments, while this one just had meh kind of moments. i did like the camera on the fan though, that was a nice touch. the ghost sheet part could have been better.