By now, the “Paranormal Activity” formula should be familiar to just about any mild horror enthusiast: low-resolution camcorders, supernatural entities and the cynical adults that refuse to take preventive actions. Having recently set the record for largest October box office opening, the franchise has solidified itself as a mainstay in the annual October release cycle.
The movie sticks to its roots and is able to offer plenty of genuine thrills. Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman stick to the mantra of ‘if it isn’t broke, why fix it?’
Set 18 years before the events of the first two films, “Paranormal Activity 3” centers around the childhoods of Katie (Chloe Csengery) and Kristi (Jessica Tyler Brown), the protagonists of the previous movies. Their single mother Julie (Lauren Bittner) and new boyfriend Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith) have just moved into a new house and begin to notice the girls interacting with an invisible friend. The film proceeds along predictably enough, coming to an energetic close.
While the documentary-style feeling the series is known for is still present, this film in particular dips a heavier hand in the CGI toolbox. These special effects are well done and add another level of dimension that was absent in the previous films.
“Paranormal Activity 3” is in every sense of the phrase a popcorn flick. It is fast-paced, packed with scares and relentlessly entertaining. It avoids the repetitious pitfalls that similar franchises fall into and shows that the Paranormal series, for better or worse, will be around for a long time.
