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Rating: "Insidious" is the kind of movie title that brings preconceived notions. But to be honest, it couldn’t be any other way, considering everything it carries with it, from the plot to the reputation of being an easy ghost story.
Fourth feature film by Australian director James Wan, this "Insidious" intrigued quite a few horror lovers, initially because of the trailer and later due to the positive reviews from critics. Yet it possesses all the clichés of a colossal flop: haunted house and a story seen a thousand times before. The creators of the disastrous "Paranormal Activity" worked on these elements. What slightly lifted the pre-viewing discussions was the presence of James Wan behind the camera, who in the past directed the first installment of the now extensive "Saw" series: it must be said in his favor that the first movie of the jigsaw killer is unanimously considered the most successful.
Yet, Wan's film hits the mark, dispelling doubts about an overly exploited story. What allows "Insidious" to be enjoyable is its uniqueness in tackling the horror theme: without troubling the story and characters of the plot, it is interesting how Wan dives into metaphysical and paranormal horror, but gives it a personal and convincing touch. His particular reinterpretation of the afterlife, (although a bit cunning), is suitable for developing a film that makes constant tension one of its strengths.
Despite achieving good success with audiences and critics, "Insidious" should be considered for what it is: a good horror film, with guaranteed "jump" scenes. Nothing epic, but by now, nothing more is expected from this kind of work. The important thing is to develop in a personal way what others have already explored in surely better ways. The merit of James Wan and his work lies precisely in this, despite the age-old clichés of the genre.
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