Insidious: The Last Key

This hit horror franchise that began in 2010 has grown chronologically convoluted, as director Adam Robitel’s The Last Key is a direct sequel to the third installment, but also a prequel to the first two films. What is consistent, however, is that the series follows the law of diminishing returns, with this chapter being the nadir as it closes the narrative arc for the woman who has become the series’ central character, Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), the elderly psychic hired by people to exorcise demons bedeviling their homes and loved ones. Accompanied by two nerdy assistants, Elise here returns to the house she fled as a child, where she confronts the malignant force that not only turned her own father into an abuser but has also taken control of the current owner, threatening Elise’s nieces. By traveling once more into what she calls "the Further," she is able to rescue some endangered folk, give respite to tormented souls, and put the demon back where it belongs. Unfortunately, this is not a very scary movie, with Elise mostly stumbling about the old dark house searching for spirits, and the usual quota of sudden "gotcha!" moments (accompanied by sudden shrieks on the soundtrack). Another mediocre haunted house movie, this is optional, at best. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes (19 min.), the production featurettes “Becoming Elise” (6 min.), “Dive Into the Insidious Universe” (5 min.), “Going Into the Further” (4 min.), and “Unlocking the Keys” (3 min.), as well as an alternate ending (3 min.), and a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a disappointing chiller.] (F. Swietek)