The Insidious franchise has held it’s own among other paranormal franchises, including the ‘Paranormal Activity’ line. The first ‘Insidious’ was released back in 2010 and has developed a style all it’s own. The latest film, ‘Insidious: Chapter 3’, is now in theaters and out on VOD.
Last night I sat down to see for myself if the film stood up to the previous films’ legacy. I should mention now that ‘Chapter 3’ is not a sequel, it’s a prequel to the first film and was written and directed by Leigh Whannell, who also plays the role of Specs in ‘Chapter 3’.
As always, our review will NOT spoil the movie’s ending.
‘Chapter 3’ begins when Quinn (Stefanie Scott), a young woman, seeks out Elise, a medium, to help her get in touch with her recently passed mother. Of course, everyone who has seen one of the ‘Insidious’ films will recognize Elise as Lin Shaye. Elise tries to channel Quinn’s mother, but has to stop. She hasn’t used her gift in a long time, out of fear for her own safety. Quinn is hit by a car a few days later while crossing the street and is dead for a few moments. Both her legs are badly broken and after a month in the hospital she returns home, bed ridden and cared for by her father (Dermot Mulroney). The figure of an elderly man, wearing a breathing mask, begins to haunt the young girl. Quinn and her family are plagued by intense activity. Quinn’s younger brother recommends a team of paranormal investigators that he follows on social media. The two men, Specs and Tucker (Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson), try to help the family, but the activity is more than they can handle. Just as the men were about to leave, Elise comes to the rescue. Later the two men and Elise team up to fight the spirit. These are the same men who serve as her assistants throughout the franchise.
To be honest, I have to say that ‘Chapter 3’ is by far my favorite films of the 3. The special effects in the movie were amazing. The way they represented “The Further”, where the ghosts live, was haunting, terrifyingly twisted, and was simply fantastic. I loved getting a look at Elise’s back story, though I wish they had gone back a little further, but I do understand that there time restraints. As for the question of “Is it scary?”, let me say this, I rarely ever jump when I watch a movie any more, but I’ll admit I did, several times, while watching ‘Insidious 3’. Over all, I was very impressed with the film and would recommend it.
