Movie: Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension
Direction: Gregory Plotkin
Cast: Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Dan Gill, Ivy George, Olivia Taylor Dudley
Music Director: Thomas Newman
Cinematography: John Rutland
Editor: Michel Aller
Genre: Horror
Rating: ∗∗½
What is it about: It’s a found footage supernatural horror film, directed by debutante Gregory Plotkin. Gregory has served as an editor for four of Paranormal Activity films in the series. This instalment picks from the climax of PA-3. We have another happy family moving in to a new house, built on the old one which had its dark secrets. As and when the new family uncovers the truth behind the mysteries happening around them, a dark secret is revealed leaving them in despair.
Why it’s disappointing: Sometimes Hollywood franchise movies gets carried away by making sequels, without realizing that it has lost its charm and “PA-The Ghost Dimension” is one of them. The movie exploits the 3rd Dimension to fool the audience in scaring them, whereas the plot loses its spook at the beginning itself. We can predict the next move and it makes a horror flick less tasty, leaving no room for surprise. After editing four of PA films from the series Gregory sticks to the manual and does not experiment but introduce demons among the spirits. This sequel doesn’t have the same charm which the first two parts had, and slowly started lose its scare factor after that. One good thing is the makers have decided to put a full stop to the series with this 6th movie.
What to watch out for: The technical aspects of the movie is the saving factor which makes this not so scary flick a watchable one. The 3D was used at appropriate places, which in fact at times gets to you, because it’s on your face. And there’s a particular scene where it gives you a “viewfinder” view and it was shot very well. Another saving grace was the sound which compliments the 3D and VFX of the film.
Among the actors the small kid “Ivy George” seemed very natural and did a commendable job. The cinematography was quite edgy by John Rutland, and was cut precisely by Michael Aller keeping it short and crisp.
Verdict: Gregory Plotkin stuck to the franchise clichés, resulting in a half spooked horror flick which needed a great support of 3D and sound to make the audience jump from their seats. Worth a watch for the technical effects.
