Editorials
Can ‘Insidious: Chapter 3’ Course-Correct The Franchise?
When Insidious was released back in 2011, it marked the resurgence of low budget horror after a decade of big budget remakes and other (lazy) major studio horror films. The film was such a success (both critically and commercially), that a sequel was inevitable. Unfortunately, Insidious: Chapter 2 was not greeted with the same accolades that its predecessor received.With Insidious: Chapter 3 coming out this weekend, we thought it might be worth discussing whether or not it’s possible for the prequel to fix where the first sequel went wrong.
Insidious is one of my favorite horror films so far this decade, and I never expected it to be. At the time of its release, PG-13 horror didn’t inspire much confidence (and still doesn’t), and James Wan wasn’t as much of a household name as he is now. Yes, he made a name for himself with Saw, but after a few duds like Dead Silence and Death Sentence, Wan was not the hot name he once was. Once I finally saw it, I was blown away.
I know people have a lot of issues with the final act of the film, but as I’ve mentioned before, I kind of love it. The film was terrifying (don’t even tell me you didn’t get scared by that lipstick-faced demon) and heartfelt, while being grounded by the performances of Lin Shaye, Rose Byrne (whom I absolutely love), Patrick Wilson and Barbara Hershey. Hell, even the child actors were great! It also subverted many of the haunted house genre expectations (they actually move to a new house!).
Two years later, Insidious: Chapter 2 was released. It still made a healthy profit, but it was bashed by critics and audience members alike. While it isn’t necessarily the sequel I wanted, I don’t hate it like so many other people seem to. It is certainly not as good as the first one, mostly because there aren’t any surprises. It’s just another case of “more of the same.” Also, all of the character’s are pretty stupid for not realizing the Patrick Wilson character is possessed immediately at the start of the film.
My main gripe with the film isn’t the direction the plot took the “Black Bride” character, but more so with the fact that the tone of the film seemed to drastically change. It was a sillier film, and this was due to the overabundance of the Specs and Tucker characters, both of whom I actually like, in small doses. Also, the heart that was present in the first film seemed to be missing from Chapter 2.
Now we have Insidious: Chapter 3 being released this weekend, and I’m worried, but hopeful. It’s a prequel, which I’m usually not a fan of (I don’t care about backstory; I want to see the franchise’s plot move forward), but since the series kind of screwed itself by killing off Shaye in the end of the first film, a prequel makes sense. Her cameo in Chapter 2 felt awkward.
Add to that the fact that the Lambert family is (supposedly) no longer involved, James Wan is no longer directing (though if it had to be anyone, I’m glad Leigh Whannell was his replacement) and I’m not sure what to think of this film. As I mentioned earlier, Insidious had plenty of scares and a lot of heart, both of which were things missing from Chapter 2. The best thing Chapter 3 could do is reinfuse those things back into the story.
I’m not trying to be a Negative Nancy here at all, and I certainly am not asking for the backlash I received when discussing the X-Files reboot (though all opinions are welcome in the comments below). I want this film to instill in me the excitement I felt when I left the theater from watching the first film (twice). I just think it’s important for the filmmakers to remember what made the first Insidious so good in the first place. Chapter 2 felt rushed and a little bit lazy. I don’t want that for this film.
If the goal is to have each sequel be a standalone(ish) film following a different demon-hunting expedition of Elise, Specs and Tucker, then I suppose it could be interesting (though it doesn’t sound like it). I’m not really sure where I want the franchise to go, but I hope Chapter 3 sets it back on the right track (at least tonally).
Of course, it’s too late now for them to change anything about the film, but I’m interested to know what you think. Are you excited for Chapter 3? Or did Chapter 2 leave such a bad taste in your mouth that you’ve given up on the franchise? Let me know in the comments below!
Editorials
‘The Vampire Lestat’ Concert Event Launches New Season With The Ultimate Expression Of Fandom
There are thousands of passionate fans decked out in gothic chic and champing at the bit like feral creatures. They’re screaming for Lestat, a legendary vampire-turned-rock star, as if the entire crowd has been glamored into submission.
The entire experience is magic, but not because some supernatural thrall has been activated. What’s going on is even more special. It’s the power of the effusive fandom that’s been authentically assembled by AMC’s sublime Immortal Universe, namely Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, now, The Vampire Lestat.
The Vampire Lestat is far from the first Anne Rice adaptation, and it’s not as if there’s been a lack of erotic vampire material for audiences to sink their teeth into. On June 2nd, during a one-night-only spectacle, New York City’s prestigious Beacon Theatre shook from Sam Reid’s bravado performance and an audience full of adoring fans who had already memorized Lestat’s songs.
It’s clear that The Vampire Lestat just hits differently than its predecessors. It’s become more than just a TV series at this point, and this opulent display of ego, swagger, and pure sex is the perfect way to premiere the new season and give back to the fans who helped make Interview with the Vampire/The Vampire Lestat such a breakout success. It’s exactly the sort of hyperbolized hedonism that would make Lestat cackle.
For all intents and purposes, AMC has successfully created the illusion that this concert/premiere is just one of the many destinations on Lestat and his band’s 54-stop tour that is simultaneously playing out on this season of television. It’s such a sophisticated and thorough level of interactive fan engagement that the audience doesn’t just understand, but also manages to accentuate through its involvement.
It’s a level of seamless synergy that’s not unlike the give-and-take relationship of vampire and victim.
Before the concert started, “LeStans” were sitting in the Beacon and flipping through a fake Rolling Stone issue with Lestat emblazoned on the cover, complete with interviews with the undead frontman inside. Other fans were admiring the vinyl pressing of Lestat’s EP as they walked past a section of undead band merch. Fandom and fantasy blur together, and it all becomes this elaborate, immersive experience. Fan celebration, erotic gothic fantasy, and a lavish rock concert transform into one beautiful thing.
To this point, AMC Global Media’s Chief Content Officer and President of AMC Studios, Dan McDermott, introduced the event by reiterating to fans, “You are the heartbeat of the series.” That’s abundantly clear on nights like this as that heartbeat collectively pulses to this performance. In terms of how AMC engages with The Vampire Lestat’s fans, it’s as bold a reinvention as the season itself.
This intuitive gamble speaks to AMC’s creativity in this department and a fandom that is eager to seize such opportunities. It’s the same innovation that led to zombie walks for The Walking Dead and real-life Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant pop-ups from Breaking Bad. It’s a great way to pump up the audience for The Vampire Lestat and then maintain that enthusiasm for the whole season.
For most series, a rock ‘n’ roll concert just doesn’t make any sense as a promotional tool. The Vampire Lestat finds itself in a very unique position where it can deliver an excellent concert at an iconic theater, but also use it to showcase The Vampire Lestat’s music by Daniel Hart (who was shredding on stage alongside Reid and the rest of their band) and, more than anything, Sam Reid’s endless charisma.
The way in which Reid feeds off of the crowd’s energy, modulating his performance and giving different sections of the Beacon life, is a perfect distillation of the series’ thoughtful relationship with its audience and how it’s become such a breakout success for AMC. AMC Studios President Dan McDermott emphasized that the fans are the reason that the show is still here and why an event like this is even possible. It’s rare to see a series in which every single cog in the machine is so perfectly attuned to its fans. Reid’s fans already cheer whenever they see him, so why not translate that to a concert setting?
It’s clear in this season of television that Reid was born to be a rock star, but it’s surreal to see him effortlessly command the stage — and the audience — at every step of the concert. He recites Shakespeare monologues and bitches out Armand between songs, all while the audience screams in support. For the duration of this concert, Reid is Lestat, and he’s given thousands of fans a memory that’s as immortal as any vampire.
Now bring on the encore and get this show on the road!
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