I’m not sure I
understand how a film titled “Chapter 3” can be considered a prequel to the
first two chapters, though this is not nearly as disappointing as the lack of
ambition within the narrative. While it does an adequate job capturing the
essence of what made the first two films successful, the thrills and
entertainment feel far more obligatory than they did under the direction of
James Wan. Longtime horror collaborator and screenwriter Leigh Whannell gives
his first attempt at directing after years of providing the scripts for Wan,
but it simply feels like he is attempting to imitate this style rather than
establishing a voice of his own.
By making the
narrative a prequel, Insidious: Chapter 3
becomes something of an origin story for the ghost hunting team from the first
two films, while also providing a new haunting and victimized innocent family. When
teenager Quinn Brenner (Stefanie Scott) attempts to contact her deceased
mother’s ghost, she accidentally opens the door between her world and The
Further. Her father (Dermot Mulroney) is helpless as an evil spirit terrorizes
Quinn, until they enlist the aid of reclusive psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye)
and a pair of goofy ghost hunters from a web series (Angus Sampson and Leigh
Whannell).
There is very
little new to the narrative, with the focus remaining on cheap scares and eerie
atmosphere. Sometimes this works, if only because the pace doesn’t let up, but
it never has the ability to evoke the same emotional reaction as the previous
installments. While the past films built upon the tension, allowing release
with moments of humor, Chapter 3
lacks that natural ebb-and-flow. Moments near the beginning of the film are far
more successful, if only because the horror is hinted at rather than the
overkill treatment near the end. Whether it is a feeling of familiarity or
simply a case of too much where less might have been more effective, the film
loses impact in the final act.
The Blu-ray
release of Insidious: Chapter 3 comes
with a handful of exclusive extras, from additional footage and
behind-the-scenes featurettes to a discussion of the paranormal themes within
the film by a professional psychic medium. There is a featurette for the
stunts, the special effects, and even an interview by Stefanie Scott with the
band Cherry Glazerr, who contributed music to the film. Also included (and
available on the DVD release) is a making-of featurette that looks at the
overall themes of the franchise.
Entertainment Value:
7/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6/10
Historical
Significance: 3/10
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