4) Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (March 13th)
Scary movies are notoriously difficult to get right, but every now and again, an innovative new horror comes along that breathes new life into the genre, favoring characterization or new approaches to filmmaking over loud noises and cheap jump scares. Unfortunately, there’s an unwritten rule in Hollywood regarding these game changers: Sequel, sequel, sequel, sequel – oh no one cares anymore? Let’s re-think our strategy… Got it. Sequel, sequel, sequel, sequel…
Whether you loved or hated it, the original Paranormal Activity took a fresh approach to the found footage genre that resonated with audiences worldwide, becoming one of the most profitable horror movies of all-time. Paramount Pictures soon saw potential for a franchise and began recycling the formula, releasing a new installment every Halloween for three years in a row. Despite still finding some success, the studio felt it necessary to drop the numbers by the fifth movie and develop a spinoff instead, titled Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.
After a change of setting, the franchise will return to the typical haunted house location yet again for the sixth Paranormal Activity, subtitled The Ghost Dimension. If the numerous delays aren’t worrying enough, the news that the franchises editor Gregory Plotkin is stepping up to the director’s chair may not instil confidence in long term fans.
On the plus side, The Ghost Dimension is set to feature Katie Featherston again, the protagonist from the original movie who has since appeared in every installment. Yay. Also, the title makes it sound like The Ghost Dimension could rip off Tobe Hooper’s classic movie Poltergeist, so… that’s a thing.