Grade (F)
This one showed zero creativity in a franchise that once rose to success off it.
“PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION” which is virtually just a fancy way of avoiding a ‘Part 6’ moniker, is as much a waste of time as you would expect it to be. After seeing the last two lack luster entries in a once promising horror franchise I guess it would be unrealistic to expect anything more.
In this one a family stumbles across a ‘special camera’ that can see spirits and soon their daughter becomes the target of a demonic entity in the form of a fluid black mass. So pretty much another twisted jumble of the same plot the other films followed. This one adds 3D for increased ticket prices to make more money off of an already small budget film, and in the end it was useless and does nothing to make a dreadfully lazy film any better.
I can only imagine the morning crew meeting on the first day of shooting – “Did everyone see the last one? Okay, lets do it all over again, the exact same way.” That was the feeling this one gave off as nothing happens throughout other than some jump scares that lead to the inevitable short climax where everyone dies in the last ten-minutes. There was no ambition in this sequel whatsoever and it’s honestly astonishing that a film crew could step into a project and literally make a film that does nothing different from the ones prior.
The characters are thin, hallow, and mere cardboard cutouts because without them meandering around the house filming everything there would be nothing to see at all. This script also introduces yet another kid who for some reason is not scared of the demonic presence following her around the house. The characters decision making is unrealistic but who cares really since the plot is ridiculously convenient to the point it makes no sense.
The special-effects are cheesy and do nothing to rouse anything that could be considered frightening. You can see the set-ups coming from a mile away thus fail to build any true suspense. Instead of the script trying to create any tension through the writing it ops for high octave sounds and deep bass tones to try and get the viewer on edge only to lead to a false jump scare from something falling or moving out of place.
Much of this one was simply boring and tries nothing new to pull the franchise forward and in the end it only felt like a cheap cash grab. I actually found some enjoyment in the first three entries in the series but since then the last three have faltered heavily. Many people will tell you the novelty of the “Paranormal Activity” franchise has long since worn off and this newest one only solidifies that fact. A younger audience may find some enjoyment in this meaningless sixth entry but if you have been around and enjoy the genre, finding entertainment in this one will be close to impossible.
– Starring –
Chris J. Murray, Brit Shaw, Ivy George, Dan Gill, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Chloe Csengery, Don McManus
– Directed By –
Gregory Plotkin
Time: 88 min
MPAA Rating: R (For language and some horror violence)