The Paranormal Activity franchise has now become an annual event. Making each film has become dirt cheap by Hollywood standards, and the revenue they generate is in the $100 million. It should come as no surprise then that Paranormal Activity 3 comes using the same mechanics the first two utilized, both in terms of marketing and execution. Question is; can it deliver on the same fright level as before?

Paranormal Activity 3 once again acts as a prequel to the films so if you haven’t seen the first two yet, it’s best to get caught up. The first film followed the haunting of Katie, while the second film followed the haunting of Kristi. This time around we get to see how it all started as both Katie and Kristi are kids living with their mom, Julie, and her boyfriend, Dennis. Strange things start to happen around the house when Kristi starts talking to her “imaginary” friend Toby. Dennis, a wedding videographer, decides to set up cameras around the house, and well, you know the rest.

PA3 relies on the same tricks and surprises as the first two, but still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat and make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. Doors will open or close when no one is around. Objects will randomly move across the room or a table. The film successfully captures a paranormal haunting and makes you believe what’s happening on screen is real. Perhaps the biggest fright, however, comes from the kids.

Kids can be creepy, and Paranormal Activity 3 capitalizes on that. Hearing Kristi have a one sided conversation with Toby is chilling. The same can be said when you see Katie walk into an invisible barrier aka Toby. Like the first two films, you’re always wondering what’s about to happen. Did you really just heard the sound of footsteps, or are you imagining things? Every moment is as intense as the last, leading up to another memorable finale.

If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll love Paranormal Activity 3. The story is starting to be stretched thin but the frights just keep on coming. Unknown actors, handheld cameras, and a real late 80s feel to the film make you feel like you’re actually watching somebody’s frightening home movies. While it’s not as good as the original, Paranormal Activity 3 is supernatural horror at its finest. 

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