Insidious: Chapter 3

Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Lin Shaye, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Steve Coulter, Michael Reid MacKay
Directed by: Leigh Whannell
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Horror, Thriller
2015

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Elise (Lin Shaye) reluctantly agrees to use her powers to help a young girl (Stefanie Scott) being threatened by a sinister force.

Review:

Tim:
Something interesting happened with Insidious: Chapter 3. The film certainly had a lot working against it- it's a horror prequel (ugh), the director of the first two films, James Wan, didn't return for this one, and the cast was seriously downgraded (Dermot Mulroney is no Patrick Wilson). This movie had every reason to fail. When you add in that writer Leigh Whannell (who also acted in the first two films) stepped in to make his directorial debut, this film looked like a disaster waiting to happen.

Yet, despite all those issues, I actually enjoyed Insidious: Chapter 3. I enjoyed it slightly more than the last film. I never, ever expected that to be the case. I don't love prequels (as they are inherently predictable, as we know where they'll end up). In this case, it wasn't a huge issue. We switch to a different family being haunted, but still get to see the character of Elise Rainier. Elise is one of the most fascinating characters in this franchise and I liked getting to know more about her character. The backstory was interesting, especially when we see how she ends up the Elise we know from the first two movies. The fact that this was in some ways a story about Elise (although she's still a supporting character) was a big plus. When you add in yet another strong performance by Lin Shaye (she's really put this franchise on her back), you know you're in good shape. Shaye was very strong here.

The new family might be lacking in star power, but they work effectively. I know I made a crack about Dermot Mulroney, but the guy is fine. He's never going to give you a great performance, but he does yeoman's work. He shows up and does what needs to be done. I thought he was fine here. Stefanie Scott makes a decent horror movie heroine. I also enjoyed seeing a number of returning supporting characters here. As a whole, the cast isn't A list, but they deliver worthwhile performances.

The film was sufficiently creepy throughout. There's a few shocking moments (one was more startling and unexpected than anything else, but I actually swore out loud). This film delivers some creepy images and unsettling moments. I love the whole idea of the Further, and it's quite frightening in various places. One of the chief objectives of a horror movie (indeed, perhaps the most important) is to deliver some authentic scares. Insidious: Chapter 3 accomplishes that, and it's a big reason I enjoyed the film.

While none of these movies have approached greatness, the Insidious trilogy is one of the better horror franchises in Hollywood today. This film makes a slight improvement from the last one and delivers a fun, frightening experience. I enjoyed the film and sincerely hope we get a fourth (and if the quality continues to be good) and potentially even more films.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, The Conjuring, Paranormal Activity, White Noise, Poltergeist