Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)

January 11, 2024 8:32 AM

[TRAILER] In this prequel to the first two movies in the series, set in 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home.

Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (Catfish). Written by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day).

66% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently streaming in the US on Max. Also available for digital rental. JustWatch.

posted by DirtyOldTown (2 comments total)

This movie isn't earth-shattering, but I admire it anyway, because of the way that Landon weaves together two movies worth of loose threads into an overall mythology. Joost & Schulman also come up with some clever ideas for how to shake up the shooting format without betraying the era. The camcorder rigged onto an oscillating fan is a particular highlight.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:34 AM on January 11

Yes, the "oscillating camera" telegraphed a particular kind of jump scare, but, like the other PA movies, you didn't know when that rabbit was going to jump out of the hat. Waiting for the expected scare created tension.

And the "Bloody Mary" scene worked extraordinarily well.
posted by SPrintF at 9:27 AM on January 11 [1 favorite]