James Wan and Leigh Whannell started a horror franchise that I have come to really enjoy, the insidious series. Its becoming unique in its take on ghosts, paranormal activity and PG-13 horror. Never has there been a more creepier franchise than Insidious.
The first film, titled simply Insidious, was the start of this horror franchise and brought the spookiness of PG-13 horror and ghosts back to cinemas with startling success. While the sequel was less than original, it still filled you with a sense of dread and terror. The latest chapter is probably the best one out of the two follow-ups as it matches the first film in originality and depth.
Chapter 3 tells the story of a girl (Quinn Brenner) who wishes to speak to her mother, concerning unanswered questions. She goes to the psychic Elise (played once again by Lin Shaye) in order to make contact, but since loosing her husband to suicide Elise has decided to discontinue her psychic readings. She further tells Quinn to no longer try and contact her mother on her own and leave it to another professional.
With the stress of school, her family, and a future career in acting, Quinn tries contacting her mother again in hopes of reaching her, but sadly, as things go sometimes, someone else reached out to her. A new ghostly apportion nick-named the face breather and played by the actor who played Sloth in Se7en. This villainous ghost is by far the most intriguing ghost in this franchise and finally is the most terrifying. Even Elise has trouble confronting this dark spirit, who pricks at her own emotions at one point.
Insidious 3 is by far the best chapter in this franchise as it develops new and old characters alike to give us a very emotional undercurrent throughout the film where each character is at risk (either physically or mentally) Elise especially goes through a hard path of becoming a psychic again and as such seeks out an old friend of hers for advice. Steve Coulter makes his return to the franchise as psychic Carl to push Elise to help the people who can't help themselves, especially in situations such as this.
I did think for a time that Tucker and Specs would not be in the movie, or at least Specs (played by the amazing Leigh Whannell) as he has taken over directing duties this time round. I was wrong as the film also develops the growth of the two high-tech nerd ghost explorers to become the famous ones we know from the last two films.
As for Leigh's direction, he does a super fantastic job and even tops the last film in every manner. I mean, he was the writer and creator of the complete franchise and he really digs into the mythology this time out. We also get some ghostly surprises from the past. One being the initial frightener with the red face and then the eerie woman dressed for a funeral.
I enjoyed this instalment because it is essentially a perfect reboot to what could have become an age old franchise. Leigh Whannell breathed new life into the series with this third instalment. I very much enjoyed the development of the characters and the slight references to some of the great horror films, such as The Exorcist and Poltergeist.
Insidious Chapter 3 is an essential instalment and a must watch for any fan who was slightly disappointed by the first sequel. With strong direction, nifty scares, some solid acting and a very sinister and spooky villain, Chapter 3 earns its medal for being just as good as the first film, even topping it in certain places.
Rating: A-
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