







Great prequels and sequels build on an existing mythology, giving the previous entries better back story and more development for the characters we've come to know. Insidious: The Last Key delivers just that. This fourth chapter in the series brings hope that not every horror saga will die of franchise fatigue.





Giving us a hard dose of Elise and her team of paranormal dimwits, this latest entry ushers back the chill factor with a better looking demonic presence that lurks behind an eerie veil of darkness, only making a limited appearance that will send shivers down your spine. Unlike so many modern genre flicks that force us to swallow CGI creatures that are shown too often and too lightly, The Last Key expects us to wait nervously for the pay off. And when it comes, the design work is truly frightening. For most of the run time, audiences are dragged through Elise's abysmal upbringing, her growing connection to The Further, and a steady story that seems mildly reined in to meet the studio's commercial needs. Held back by the constraints of a PG-13 rating, this thing is bursting at the seams, looking for a hard R.



Based on a much better script than Insidious 3, that goes back to our heroine's childhood, Adam Robitel's directorial work here hearkens back to his indie work on The Taking of Deborah Logan. Horror should make use of darkness, smart jump scares, and the little noises that make our senses work overtime. Finally, the Insidious franchise does just that. Robitel is in full control of his environment and it feels right. Through smart pacing that relies heavily on expanding the world of Insidious, this fourth entry ties in perfectly to the rest of the saga, giving horror fans one of the better prequels we've seen in quite some time. Yes, there are some definite flaws. But, the majority of the movie aligns with what we've experienced in the past while offers us a glimpse of the future.





This is one of those sweet Bluetooth audio lamps. I got it at Wal-Mart!





The best part of Insidious: The Last Key is watching Lin Shaye go full throttle into this character. As she's the central focus of this entire film, we get to see her go from sharp as a tack parapsychologist to emotionally drained female protagonist to the hero we expect her to be. She rises to the occasion with gusto. With a dynamic range that flows so easily, Shaye's performance here is the best of the series. Getting to see her flaunt her talents in broad strokes is a delectable treat as she knows how to play nearly every wink, nod, or tear for the screen. Shaye absolutely owns this movie. Backed by a stellar cast that includes Kirk Acevedo, Bruce Davison, and her regular cohorts, Shaye takes the lead with the grace we've come to expect from her.



If you've been a fan of the series so far, I'd say to dive headlong into The Last Key. Many things are different, finally. There's an actual morality tale behind this one that stems into parental abuse, unhinged anger, and a much tighter script than number 3. Some things definitely needed a bit more explanation or fleshing out. But, this is a just below excellent prequel that guides Insidious back to theaters while it intelligently connects to all that have come before. If you're a fan of Robitel's previous film, you'll notice several noteworthy scenes that feel stylistically familiar.



Meanwhile, check out our interview with star, Lin Shaye from last year.



Score





-CG











