Paranormal Activity 3

  The original "Paranormal Activity" was just horrible. Laughably bad acting, unlikeable characters, and a lousy concept. "Paranormal Activity 2" was a step in the right direction, with improved acting, better characters, and a bigger plan for the story in mind. "Paranormal Activity 3" is this franchise's first genuinely good film; let's give it a round of applause.

  "Paranormal Activity 3" is directed by Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost. This installment follows the tradition of the first films and stars unknown actors and actresses to play the characters. The movie takes place 18 years before the events of the first two films and goes much more in depth about how the family (specifically Katie and Kristi) were terrorized by the demon.

  The one thing I never truly liked about the previous two movies was the lack of true scares. The demon doesn't really do anything until the end of the film and the entire time is just things like doors moving and pool cleaners getting put out. You know, things that we see in a normal episode of Ghost Hunters.

  But not this time! This time they don't hold back on what the demon can do or what it is capable of. Things are happening left and right and anything could happen at any second. No more waiting through an hour-and-a-half just to see the good stuff happen. What makes this one even more frightening is that the characters are actually really likeable this time, with convincing acting and better writing this time around to help out. This is probably the first time in the series where I actually care about what is going on.

  One thing I will say about the previous two movies that I liked was the ability to introduce the whole camera angle of the story, add something new to keep it fresh, and still retain that atmosphere. The first film was the logical starting point: just one camera. The second introduced the security system to add multiple shots and angles. This film…adds a taped camera on a broken oscillating fan.

  I mean, I guess I could understand considering this is supposed to take place in the late 80's and, to be fair those fan scenes were the scariest part of the movie. But I'm a bit disappointed that nothing really creative and new was done with the concept.

  One con I saw was the fact that this is supposed to be 18 years before the first two films, and yet the camera quality is better than the first two. Just something to point out. I also didn't like how it just ended, there is still a lot of questions left unanswered and some plot holes with the first two films that need to be addressed.

  Otherwise, "Paranormal Activity 3" is a terrifying and satisfying installment in a series that, if it keeps up this quality, could be running with the big dogs of horror films. A great film for the Halloween weekend.