At a time when so much horror goes the elevated route, it’s almost refreshing — emphasis on almost — that the Insidious franchise stays true to the genre’s history of spewing out an endless series of repetitively-formulaic installments.
I’m sure that’s the business model — the industry is called show business, and not show show, for a reason — but if the powers-that-be are ever interested in improving the artistic quality, may I suggest one of two paths:
- Field an open-submission script process and choose the best riff on the IP.
- Take a great original screenplay and then infuse it with the hallmarks of the cinematic universe.
Aaaaand that’s about all I got on Insidious: Out of the Further.
But while on the subject of the insidious, let’s tackle a trend I endured during my screening of this new movie, and too many others:
The plague of Apple Watches that never turn off.
I’m not talking about audiences who check their phones during the duration, which they regularly do on their digital timebands. I’m focusing strictly on the dingbats who leave their clock-screens dimly illuminated from opening credits to closing credits.
Do they realize others might be distracted by them?
Do they not care?
If the former, perhaps theaters should add a specific smart-watch advisory to their customary “shut down all electronics” pre-show PSA.
I’m old enough to remember beepers being mentioned!
Speaking of insidious phone use, diehard moviegoers are familiar with the plague of audiences snapping photos of title cards to post on sociopath media. England — and I’m sure other countries — may have found a solution:
The pre-studio-logo rating card that includes the title!
And in case you think I’m battling against a lost cause:
Not a single reveler busted out their screens during ABBA Voyage, even though it’s a semi-digital CONCERT.
Same for all of my London theater outings.
Clearly the tech itself isn’t solely to blame for our shared pox…….
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