In this third entry of the franchise a spirit is once again terrorizing a San Diego home and the family residing there. Hoping to catch the strange events on film the family unwittingly creates a horror film in which they are the stars.
Lauren Bittner (Julie), Christopher Smith (Dennis), Chloe Csengery (Katie), Jessica Brown (Kristi), Hallie Foote (Grandma Lois), Dustin Ingram (Randy), Johanna Braddy (Lisa), Katie Featherston (Adult Katie).
Paranormal Activity 3 really doesn't try very hard to make us believe this is anything other than a commercial film, unlike the first film which was presented as film found after a tragedy. There is minimal character development up front with the film instead jumping straight to the story, allowing character development to take place as the story evolves. The film completes with a twist to previous films, leaving this feeling more like an entry level horror flick.
Acting was mediocre though it is hard to tell if that was planned or not. Responses to different events at times seemed slight, while excessive at other times. That said, Bittner and Smith did fairly well as did Csengery and Brown. The remainder of the supporting cast felt a bit green.
Camera work was from the perspective of homemade video with interjections of regular filming which ruined the fantasy of this being a realistic film. Sets and backgrounds were of a single home but felt realistic. Effects were entertaining and there were a couple of good BOO moments. Dialogue was mediocre and even slightly dry. Sound and soundtrack were well done.
Overall Paranormal Activity 3 feels anti-climactic compared to the first film, but still better than the second. Rumor has it that franchise fans have been a bit disappointed in this one and the film feels like nothing more than the same theme with new players.
With some good scares and suspense, this one should be fine for older teens and above.
Paranormal Activity 3 is no longer showing in any Littleton Colorado movie theatres.
Released: 2011
Reviewed: 11.4.12
Star rating: 3 out of 5
copyright ©2012 Dave Riedel
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