veritybingo

This film is slightly less creepy than the first (and slightly more gruesome) but is still much more frightening than most horror films being made recently.

The real draw here is the exceptional acting of an almost unrecognisable Naomi Scott. Her characterisation, physical and emotional commitment to this role is without question an Oscar-worthy level of performance. She is so good in fact, that the main aim of this film, being a modern folklore horror yarn, is almost overshadowed by her immersive representation of a troubled pop star spiraling ever downward. It's a character study with a bonus horror movie.

This addition to the series is definitely (to me) much better than the multitude of entries since the original and its first sequel.

Most serious film aficionados agree that the first two films are not only far superior to all others that followed, but are the only ones really worth mentioning.

Apart from everything else those films boasted, were their great memorable characterisations and first class and rather quotable dialogue. That's where this film feels a little undercooked.

You are really running off the fumes of the great set design, the seamless ratio of practical to computer generated effects, giving quite an innovative and promising level of immersion other filmmakers should really strive to achieve.

So despite its weaknesses, it still has a pretty strong atmosphere and sense of place. It really ramps things up in the final portion, proving that with a few script touches here and there could have truly measured up much closer to its original predecessors.