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Katie Featherston

The Paranormal Activity franchise continues with this third outing from Paramount Pictures. Oren Peli and Jason Blum return to produce the highly secretive feature, with Catfish's directing duo of Hen... read more read more...ry Joost and Ariel Schulman taking on the helming duties. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Flixster Users

54% liked it

59,156 ratings

Critics

67% liked it

110 critics

R, 1 hr. 24 min.

Directed by: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman, Tod Williams

Release Date: October 21, 2011

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DVD Release Date: January 24, 2012

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Stats: 5,950 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (5,950)

  • MizturY0da
    May 22, 2012
    MizturY0da
    2 and a half
  • binky013
    May 12, 2012
    binky013
    Man, it's a good thing flixster doesn't allow profanity or I'd be off on a profane tear. Are you kidding me? Seriously, I thought the guy was going to pick up the camera again at the end. And how the heck did they recover that film? Chronic video makers irritate the borat out... read more of me. Well, it's better than Blair Witch, and the best thing about it is the soundtrack. I wonder if it's available on CD?
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    March 12, 2012
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Third entry in the Paranormal Activity series is an interesting third film as it is just as good as the first two. Paranormal Activity 3 is one of the rare example where a series still good by the third film. I'll get this way, I've always had mixed feelings about documentary sty... read morele horror flicks. But I was very much surprised with this series, though not the greatest horror films in recent memory, as so many critics have claimed these films to be, this is nonetheless a good series. This third entry is just as scary and pulse pounding, even if the scares are somewhat predictable. What stands out with this series is that the filmmakers don't go overboard in the horror delivery in the sense that the concept is so simple. The result is a fine third entry that successfully build shock and dread into the viewer. This film makes you realize that you don't need a big budget to create effective tension and chills, all you need is originality. Paranormal Activity 3 delivers all that, despite the fact that it has some faults. Even with that in mind, this film delivers good enough chills for you to have a sleepless night or two. As a whole, I very much enjoyed this third entry and if you're a fan of the first two, you'll surely enjoy this third entry. Though I'm not the biggest fan of found footage films, this series still is horrifying enough to thrill even the most die-hard horror fan.
  • liquidchick76
    February 15, 2012
    liquidchick76
    A prequel to a prequel, this film is a good addition to the Paranormal Activity series, which, like it's predecessors, is full of dark creepy night shots, silent suspense, and "gotcha" moments. If you like the first two, and you're into this type of horror movie, I'm sure you'll... read more be pleased. Heck, it scared the hell out of my dog.
  • blkbomb
    February 6, 2012
    blkbomb
    Julie: Who's Toby?
    Young Kristi: He's my friend.
    Julie: I don't see him.
    Young Kristi: He's standing right next to you.

    "It Runs In The Family"

    Paranormal Activity 3 is a prequel to the previous two films, both of which I have liked. This is a franchise that is going to run as ... read morelong as it possibly can, and through three films, I'm still enjoying it. Everyone of the three films have been very much alike, but they also have qualities that are very much their own. How long can that continue? Probably not much longer, seeing as each film does use a lot of the same techniques. 

    Honestly, I like this one more than the second and probably just as much as the first. I liked the briskness of it and how quick it got into the haunting. I also enjoyed a few of the scenes that this one had to offer more than any of the previous movies. The sheet scene with the baby sitter was cool, as was the Bloody Mary scene. But what makes this movie is the ending, which I enjoyed more than the previous two. I really liked the unexpected use of the grandma and for the first time in the series, I was genuinely creeped out by more than just a jump scare. The last 10 minutes was really well done in my opinion.

    This prequel follows the events of Kristi and Katie as children. They live with their mother and her boyfriend. When weird sounds occur throughout the house cameras are set up to document the occurrences. We learn that Kristi has been talking to an imaginary friend named Toby. From there it's the standard plot progression that we've seen in the previous two. 

    The moment when this series grows dull is going to vary based on the individual. For some it was dull the moment it started. Others were lost when the second when came out and I'm sure this one lost some more. For me as long as the filmmakers keep trying to make the films fresh and at least some what inventive, I'll keep watching. I'm sure I'll grow tired of it soon, but through three I couldn't be happier. I really hope that when they run out of ideas they will just stop, but sadly, I highly doubt that.
  • stormyweather980
    February 5, 2012
    stormyweather980
    Toss up as to which I like better between 2 and 3
  • fb619846742
    January 30, 2012
    fb619846742
    An occasionally scary, atmospheric prequel to the hit horror series this time details the grown up sisters from both 1 & 2 and how they were first haunted by a demonic spirit at a young age, living with their parents in the year 1988. Oren Peli continues to add to his series, pro... read moreviding jumpy scares that hit with precision. This time though, you start to see more of it coming from a distance away. The collective "bang!" moment isn' as surprising, nor is that demonic face that presents itself near the film's gloriously over-the-top conclusion. The first film was an original fright-fest that was a welcome sight to horror film fans in terms of how to properly scare your audience. The second film was a fun, though less memorable experience that added a few more scares to this mix. This film abandons literally all character development, sprints ahead with its premise, and the result is a mixed bag. Sometimes it's genuinely creepy and suspenseful, other times it is silly and unintentionally funny. No one can blame the creators for pushing this series forward and going for the jugular at the box office with even more sequels to follow, when one considers the budget and net worth these films make. However, from a pure film-making/artistic approach, it's fair to say that these movies are starting to run their course.
  • CloudStrife84
    January 28, 2012
    CloudStrife84
    Scariest of the three and surprisingly good! Although its existence isn't quite justified and really milks the crow dry, they certainly didn't go lazy in the crafting of this film. The story, which is a prequel set in 1988, holds more shock value than its predecessors, and partic... read moreularily as its main victims are two innocent young girls. As can be expected, there's the obligatory cheap and predictable scares, but once the terror is intensified (which happens about halfway through), it will have you clinging to your chest with some truly heart-stopping moments. Effectfully directed and creepy beyond imagining, it's definitely not the type of movie you wanna be watching alone in a dark room. Another superlative element is the mind-blowing special effects. I'm genuinely at a loss for how some of them were conceived. And with a third act reminiscent of some of the most atmospheric moments in the Resident Evil games, it really cements itself as a horror experience above the median. In fact, if it wasn't for the irritatingly abrupt and confusing ending, I would have given it a solid 4 out of 5. Ungratifying as it is though, I had to lower down my rating a notch. Even so, it really earns itself to be sincerely recommended. For while it does have its imperfections, the vigorously executed horror bits left me with a genuine addiction for more.
  • lewiskendell
    January 26, 2012
    lewiskendell
    The Paranormal Activity series is (still) fun, but it's apparent by now that it doesn't have much more new to offer. If you've seen the first two movies, you already will be familiar with most of the tricks this prequel is going to throw at you.

    Set around twenty years before t... read morehe first two movies, PA3 focuses on the first appearances of supernatural activity in the lives of young Katie and Kristi. Once again positioned as a "found footage" film, the events are mostly captured by cameras positioned around their home by their mother's boyfriend.

    A lot of back-story and the origin of the ghostly presence are revealed as the movie goes along. It's good to get some of the mythology of the Paranormal Activity world, but as the mystery disappears, so does the creepy, "this could happen to anyone" feel that was one of the strong points of the movies. You're still likely to jump and be spooked from time to time, but familiarity has definitely set in by this entry. Fans know what to expect, now.

    If you liked Paranormal Activity 1 & 2, 3 is likely to be worth your time, as well. I actually prefer it to the second movie, and would put it slightly behind the first. It's more of the same, but it hasn't reached the point where the movies are wearing out their welcome quite yet. One the same note, if you weren't a fan before, PA3 isn't likely to convert you.
  • axadntpron
    January 24, 2012
    axadntpron
    If you can suspend your sense of curiosity, which is tough since this movie begs to be torn apart in the logistics department, you can definitely be entertained. It is the attempt to keep the same story throughout the franchise that hinders full enjoyment of the film. All of the ... read moreattempts to make this film cogent bring to the surface more questions than answers. Also, while I understand that this is a horror film, every attempt to augment the overall narrative only draws attention to the implausibility of it all.
    However, in the end these movies are a series of parlor tricks and this film brings it's fair share. From the oscillating fan to the bathroom scene, there are some impressive and sometimes even terrifying moments. In the future, even though I would advise them from making further installments, please do away with trying to tie all the films together. Service the scares before you consider servicing the story, because that is all people want out of these films anyway. Some good old fashioned scares.

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Critic Reviews

Adam Graham
October 21, 2011
Adam Graham, Detroit News

Joost and Schulman sustain a consistent sense of dread, playing with our own fears of things that go bump in the night. Full Review

Stephen Whitty
October 21, 2011
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

If you haven't seen the first two movies, why are you watching this? And if you have seen the first two movies, why do you need to watch this? Full Review

Peter Howell
October 21, 2011
Peter Howell, Toronto Star

Series creator Oren Peli and his conscripts have managed to do it again, but you have to wonder how far they can continue to push this found-footage angle. Full Review

Kyle Smith
October 21, 2011
Kyle Smith, New York Post

The shtick movie "Paranormal Activity 3" is the horror equivalent of vaudeville comedy: a little patter, a little pie in the face, repeat. Full Review

Claudia Puig
October 20, 2011
Claudia Puig, USA Today

This third Paranormal is a prequel that occasionally goes off the rails but also offers more laughs and somewhat more character development than the previous installments. Full Review

Andy Webster
October 20, 2011
Andy Webster, New York Times

It ... brings fake-out jolts and humor into play. Full Review

Mark Olsen
October 20, 2011
Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times

Far and away the sharpest, most wildly aware film in the series. Full Review

Mark Holcomb
October 20, 2011
Mark Holcomb, Village Voice

There's something to be said for giving people what they want, but in genre movieland, that strategy droops into lazy cynicism quicker than you can say Saw 3D. Full Review

Ty Burr
October 20, 2011
Ty Burr, Boston Globe

"Paranormal Activity 3'' has no interest in art. It just wants to give you the willies with a minimum of gore and a maximum of camcorder dread, and it succeeds. Full Review

Joe Neumaier
October 20, 2011
Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News

There are only so many times bodies can be dragged out of frame and tables levitated before the biggest scare of all is the threat of tedium. Full Review

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