Movie Review

Paranormal Activity 3

The origins of the paranormal activity

TSI Five-O : Worthy addition to the series


To a generation of Indians who imagine disfigured faces spewing blood and hacked limbs at the mention of a horror movie, the original Paranormal Activity must have come as a bolt from the blue. Relying on eerie stillness and pregnant pauses to send shivers up the spine is an approach not many prefer (and fewer still can actually pull off). Thankfully, Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, the directors of Paranormal Activity 3, seem to have taken to this art with glee.

The film goes back in time to tell us of the first time Katie (Chloe Csengery) and Kristi (Jessica Tyler Brown) encountered ‘Toby’, the demon who continues to terrorise their adult life. The girls’ mother has a live-in boyfriend, Daniel (Christopher Nicholas Smith) who notices something unusual when he unintentionally leaves the camera on during the night. Sensing something amiss, he sets-up cameras to catch more footage of this paranormal presence.

PA 3 is being described as the scariest movie of the series. While I would refrain from making comparisons, there is no doubt that the movie is a treat to lovers of the horror genre. Set in 1988, the footage is captured with basic cameras with none of the sophistication of the ones used in the first PA movie. This, however, adds to the viewing experience. Set at ground level, the camera angle makes us feel as if we are watching the events unfold from an open window.

The movie realises that imagination and waiting are often scarier than the actual presence of the demon. So, while the camera feed of complete inactivity is managed well enough to keep us on the edge of the seat, scenes of Toby announcing his presence chill the bone.

The series is well and alive, though the same can’t be said for the people in it.

  

Last Night


Temptation!

TSI Five-O: An unpatronising take on modern relationships


Overdone, but not quite clichéd, Last Night is an intriguing watch for those looking for a crash-course on modern-day relationships.
Michael Reed (Sam Worthington) and Joanna (Keira Knightley) appear to be in a happy relationship until Joanne finds out about Laura (Eva Mendes), Michael’s sexy colleague, and their business trip. Michael had never mentioned Laura to Joanna, but on the outset, the two seem very friendly and comfortable with each other.

Meanwhile, with Michael gone, Joanne accidentally meets Alex (Guillaume Canet), her beloved ex who also stands unmentioned to Michael.

Michael, who had never before cheated on Joanne, suddenly finds himself attracted to Laura. The same night, Joanne has to battle her emotions and choose – leave Michael or bid adieu to Alex, for a second time.

Well acted; the plot is genuine, albeit, a little hollow. While it can be complimented for its contemporary and non-judgemental take on tangled relationships, the grit of the film lets it down. Debut director, Iranian-American Massy Tadjedin, has nonetheless put together a decent film.