Phil's Horror Watch: INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 (2015) from Sony Pictures-November 2, 2015

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 Blu-Ray (2015)

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3
Starring: Stefanie Scott, Lin Shaye, Dermot Mulroney, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Michael Reid MacKay
Screenwriters: Leigh Whannell
Cinematographer: Brian Pearson
Director: Leigh Whannell
Production Comapnies: Blumhouse Productions, Gramercy Pictures, Stage 6 Films, Entertainment One
Distributor: Focus Features, Gramercy Pictures, Sony Pictures

When I first saw INSIDIOUS back in 2010, I said to myself that this one of the best horror films I have seen in a long time and I bet this will become the next big franchise. Sure enough, the series has became a global phenomenon. INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2 was released back in 2013, which continued to attract acclaim, scares and profit for the franchise. And tonight it's time to examine the latest installment of the series. So let me tell you what I thought about INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3.

The film's official synopsis: A prequel set before the haunting of the Lambert family. After trying to connect with her dead mother, teenager Quinn Brenner (Stefanie Scott), ask physic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) to help her, she refuses due to negotiate events in her childhood. Quinn starts noticing paranormal events happen in her house. After a vicious attack from a demon her father goes back and begs Elise Rainier to use her abilities to contact the other side in hope to stop these attacks by this furious demon content for a body.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

So as you just read, this sequel is actually a prequel to the series. We the audience are finally told how Elise became the powerful medium she is, the quarky team of Tucker and Specs and how they all came together. This smart and witty story comes courtesy of screenwriter Leigh Whannell, who penned the first two chapters of the series. He also reprises his role as Specs and as an added bonus, the film marks his directorial debut. Whannell takes over the reigns from James Wan, who was busy directing FURIOUS 7 (but stayed on as producer). Whannell had some big shoes to fill but manages to capture the spirit (no pun intended) of the first two films while making this film his own unique style, voice and vision. He accomplishes on creeping you out over and over again while expanding the mythology of the franchise's universe perfectly.

Both our leading ladies Lin Shaye and Stefanie Scott really do a phenomenal job with giving us strong female characters that evolve throughout the film. I don't know why this is so hard to do in most Hollywood films, but thanks to Whannell's script, the fans of the series are in for a very special treat. Shaye is simply outstanding as Elise and really gets to show off her acting ranges here. Stefanie Scott's performance is also top notch and gives us fans a new heroine to cheer on within the INSIDIOUS universe.

Overall, INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 is a worthy entry in the series and fans will no doubt enjoy it from start to finish! While not as creepy as the previous films, it still delivers the goods and gives us great depth of characters, fantastic performances and makes you afraid of the dark. Definitely worth your time horror hounds! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended viewing!! 

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 is currently available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local favorite retailer. The film is also available on Netflix and Redbox. Follow the film on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the show!