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This goes a long way to explaining why Paranormal Activity 7 is changing the approach so radically.
#Paranormal activity series series#
As a result, the series has become both predictable and repetitive, reflected in the progressively poorer reviews (with the exception of Paranormal Activity 3) as the series has continued. While the original Paranormal Activity was able to successfully unsettle audiences with a combination of eerie atmosphere and a subtle twist on found-footage movie-making, subsequent entries have been forced to repeat many of the same tricks. Namely that, after the innovative approach of the first film, following the same premise for five further feature-length entries ultimately led to diminishing scares.
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The new direction for the franchise is indicative of the main problem with the existing Paranormal Activity formula. By introducing a new villain entirely, the new film further highlights how the central premise of earlier Paranormal Activity films can no longer sustain a successful franchise. With multiple different demonic associates, such as Paranormal Activity 3's Bloody Mary, Toby's lore and backstory ultimately ended up detracting from the effectiveness of his scares as audiences struggled to keep track of his motivations.
#Paranormal activity series plus#
While the complex, intergenerational plot that spanned the first movies certainly had its plus points, it ultimately made the central threat posed by Toby become muddled and difficult to follow.
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Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, it also provides a further admission that the central premise of earlier films in the series has run out of steam. Firstly, it makes it expressly clear that there is more than one major threat in this specific cinematic universe. This move is extremely significant for the wider Paranormal Activity saga for two reasons. This leads to a terrifying climax in which Margot is forced to come face to face with her true heritage. The filmmakers not only come into conflict with supernatural forces, but also the villagers themselves, who have secretly been worshipping a demon known as Asmodeus. While initially, the crew seems to be welcomed into the community, it quickly becomes clear that all is not as it seems. Paranormal Activity 7 follows a team of documentary filmmakers as they head to a remote Amish settlement on a search for the main protagonist Margot's mother.
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However, despite some innovation, the film actually provides further proof that one of the most successful horror concepts in recent history can no longer deliver on its initial promise. Following in the footsteps of 2015's Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, the latest entry in the series attempts to inject some new ideas and energy into the original concept. Despite offering a fresh take on the well-worn found-footage haunted house premise, Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin ultimately proves that the horror franchise has run its course.
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