PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 is a 2011 horror film directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. It is a prequel to PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2, and the plot revolves around when the demon begins haunting Katie and Kristi as little girls. It explains many of the plot points that were set up in 1&2. Now, let me start by saying this film breaks the mold of the never showing anything and build up tension as much as possible that the first 2 set up. 3 shows pretty much everything that the demon does and has the most action of the series. But that's ok. It would have been tedious to have a 3rd film where you don't see anything, so I am glad that they changed it up.
PLOT: This movie takes place in the 80's, and shows the sisters as the demon begins haunting them. It explains why the demon (no spoilers) even wants to haunt them. Now, this film does have a good explanation, but I also find that that is a problem. They explained WAY too much. If this was the final film in a trilogy, I would be more okay. But it's not. So there's no mystery to make you care about further installments. So 4 has no where to go but show what happens after the events of 2, and then it becomes just a sequel, and not adding anything to the storyline. So if this was ending the trilogy, it would be better. But setting up future installments, it doesn't work that well
ACTING: This has better acting than most horror movies, but it does not live up to the excellent standard set by the first 2. There is no one who sticks out as good or bad. It's just okay.
SPECIAL EFFECTS: Now, as I said before, this has the most action of the series. And the special effects are pretty good, everything looks like it's actually happening, except for one part. (Spoilers) The demon attacks a girl by pulling her up by her hair. When you see the effect, you can tell it's CGI, it looks REALLY fake. Other than that, the effects are pretty good.
ATMOSPHERE/SCARES: Like I said, this has more action and cool stuff as opposed to really scary stuff. But still, it has a few intense scenes. But the ending is not that good, and really takes you out of the whole film.
So all in all, a decent entry into the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY franchise. It's not that scary, but it has a lot of cool stuff and I would give it:
5 out of 10, or, 2 1/2 stars, or in real world terms; you should get it on DVD, if only to add to your collection. But you should probably wait and ask for it as a gift, so you don't spend your own hard-earned money on it.
It's a good horror flick, you'll have fun with it, but there's not much to remember from it. Still, it reveals some interesting plot points and is one of the better horror sequels.
What did you guys think of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3? Do prefer the suspense of the first 2, or the cool stuff of 3? Do you think it should have been a trilogy? Sound off below, and let me know!
COMING SOON: I will review the last of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films released so far, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4. I will also begin reviewing some films from the HALLOWEEN franchise and the PSYCHO series.