Insidious: The Last Key is by no means terrible but just another ho-hum and inoffensively bland entry in a franchise that at its height were merely okay, but is highlighted by Lin Shaye being a badass once again.
Insidious: The Last Key
(2018)
Genre(s): Horror, Thriller
Sony | PG13 – 103 min. – $34.99 | April 3, 2018
Date Published: 04/01/2018 | Author: The Movieman
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THE MOVIE — 2.5/5 |
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Insidious: The Last Key is the latest entry in the successful horror series and the latest to take place prior to the first film with Chapter 3 being the origin, although this one takes viewer’s even more into the past. The plot takes us Five Keys, New Mexico circa 1950s where we meet a young Elise Rainier (AVA KOLKER), along with her father Gerald (JOSH STEWART), mother Audrey (TESSA FERRER) and little brother Christian (PIERCE POPE), with herself and mother having the ability to see and communicate with the deceased. Making matters scary, the family lives in a home adjunct to a prison where executions take place. When Elise, summoned by a voice, unlocks a door, she unwittingly unleashes an evil force which then kills her mother and puts her in a hell with her abusive father. She eventually runs away leaving her brother behind, never to return. Fast forward to 2010 and a now older Elise (LIN SHAYE) receives a call from the current owner of her childhood home reporting strange occurrences. She reluctantly accepts the case and her two assistants, Tucker (ANGUS SAMPSON) and Specs (LEIGH WHANNELL), travel to New Mexico, an emotional journey for Elise who had not been back. Their initial investigation leads to Elise being reacquainted not only with the spirits but with the abuse that transpired. Later, the trio visits a local diner where she runs into her estranged brother (BRUCE DAVISON) and his two daughters, Imogen (CAITLIN GERARD) and Melissa (SPENCER LOCKE), the former we discover has been passed down the family spiritual gift/curse. Now Elise must face off against a demon known as KeyFace. I don’t remember a whole lot about the previous movies other than the jump scare of a demon popping up behind Patrick Wilson in the first film and the last one, Insidious: Chapter 3, I only recall bits and pieces (thankfully this Blu-ray contains a recap of the franchise!). The Last Key is still in prequel territory and a direct sequel to Chapter 3 and although it’s hardly bad, it’s kind of dull most of the time with nary a fright and instead some moments that I could only roll my eyes at. Although there are not many ‘scary’ moments, at least the performances weren’t half bad, led way by Lin Shaye who is still at least a bad ass, unfortunately we get a back story for Elise that might as well have been straight out of a Stephen King novel (abusive parent, children in danger), just replace Maine with New Mexico. Leigh Whannell returns to write, and co-star as Specs, while Adam Robitel takes over the directing duties (James Wan helmed 1 & 2, Whannell #3) following a moderately well-liked supernatural-horror flick, The Taking of Deborah Logan. I can’t really say there’s that much difference in terms of style compared to Whannell and, even though I can’t remember much, I presume James Wan vision really set up the world with some flare. In the end, Insidious: The Last Key isn’t bad or good. Just there. Even though there wasn’t a time I was all that frightened, it was also inoffensively watchable if only because I do like Shaye as Elise but otherwise it’s another forgettable entry in a franchise that really didn’t need to be one. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.0/5 |
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This release comes with a glossy slip cover. Inside is a Digital HD redemption code. Dive Into the Insidious Universe (4:38; HD) recaps the three previous movies in the franchise. Chilling Deleted Scenes (18:52; HD) – There are eight scenes that got excised for one reason or another. Nothing mind-blowing but adds a few additional character moments I suppose. Alternate Ending (3:02; HD) deviates a bit from the theatrical version but outcomes remain the same for the characters. As dumb as the theatrical one was, this one came across clumsy. Unlocking the Keys (2:35; HD) is a short production featurette with behind-the-scenes footage and on-set interviews with the cast and crew. Going into the Further (3:30; HD) examines the expansion of the Further as we’ve seen in the previous installments. Becoming Elise (5:29; HD) is a featurette on the central character and expanding on her history and childhood. Previews – November Criminals, Slender Man, Flatliners, Proud Mary, Crooked House, Welcome the Stranger |
VIDEO – 4.25/5 |
| As you might be able to tell from the screen captures, this 1080p high-definition transfer, shown in its original 2.39 widescreen aspect ratio, this is an incredibly dark movie, even daylight scenes are dim. Even so, detail isn’t softened one bit, black levels were pretty deep and whenever we get glowing light, I did not notice any signs of banding with a smooth transition from one color array to the next. |
AUDIO – 4.5/5 |
| The included DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track really shines, and as I recall the soundtracks on the previous three movies were great as well, outputting excellent dialogue levels and any blood-curdling screams or jump scare notes bolsters out of the front and rear speakers. It’s not especially demo worthy but impressive. |
OVERALL – 3.0/5 |
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Overall, Insidious: The Last Key is by no means terrible but just another ho-hum and inoffensively bland entry in a franchise that at its height were merely okay, though I do remember at least enjoying the first entry mostly on Wan’s style and a great cast. Here, Lin Shaye is good in the lead role once again and I’d guess if you enjoyed Chapter 3, you’ll probably dig this one. |