Review of Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015) by Joshua B — 18 Jun 2015

Insidious: Chapter 3 is the third instalment in the Insidious franchise and the first one chronologically as this is a prequel taking place before the first film. I was very surprised that this film managed to keep up with the previous two films in terms of being terrifying the whole way through without relying on jump-scares. Not saying this film didn't have any, because it did have a few, but it also had plenty of suspenseful sequences that have you on the edge of your seat in fear. That is what I mainly loved about this film and this franchise in general, its ability to utilise creepy imagery and sounds to freak you out in these long edge of seat moments. So for the horror aspect this film did a great job and also a great directorial debut for Leigh Whannell, he has worked on the franchise as a writer in chapters 1 and 2 but did a great job taking over from his partner in crime James Wan. Unfortunately it may not have lived up to what Wan has been able to do with the horror genre but I can certainly see how Whannell has learned from Wan, as this film features horror elements you would usually find in his films. Also we get some more of 'The Further' which may have to be one of the creepiest and unique horror movie locations of all time.

The plot of course is nothing extremely revolutionary when looking at the previous two films but it does enough to keep you interested and from getting bored. What really helps are the characters, you do get some returning characters which is always nice, but it's the new characters that elevate the film. Stefanie Scott was great as Quinn, your main protagonist, she was so convincing and didn't overact like some child actors tend to do, such an interesting character to watch. There were a couple of side plots that feature frequently in the first half but then aren't mentioned again for the rest of the film. They felt like they were there to assist in a few scares early on and then thrown aside when it was done, they just were't necessary and ate up a bit of screen time. The film also does spend some time throughout setting up or hinting at events in Chapter 1 and 2, but there is one scene later on that was unnecessary, yes they want to get us to understand that this is a prequel but I could have done without the scene. In the end apart from some minor flaws this is a pretty well done horror film, especially for a third film, and includes many horrifying moments that will keep you up at night. - 7.8.