The addition of the popular series “Paranormal Phenomenon 5: Mark of the Devil” to the best episodes of the franchise, unfortunately, is not enough, but the film is definitely more successful than the fourth part.
Not really spin-offs
Although the “Label” is positioned as a spin-off of the “Paranormal Phenomenon” (like “Night in Tokyo”), this is not entirely correct. The film corresponds to the main plot narration of the cycle, it is linked to the events of the original picture and it contains a cameo in which the participants of the previous parts, actors familiar to the viewer, were lit. “Paranormal: The Mark of the Devil” has not officially received a well-deserved serial number, possibly because the action was moved to the Latin ethnic region, whose inhabitants are owners of violent temper. They used to solve all their problems using weapons. This fact, by the way, can be called one of the most unexpected, witty and amusing innovations of the cycle. This “Paranormal Phenomenon” is a film whose actors do not portray unhappy victims, their heroes will not be helplessly awaiting reprisal.
Plot
The main character of the picture is yesterday's schoolboy Jesse (Andrew Jacobs), with his friend Hector (Jorge Diaz) blithely burns his life in the Latin quarter of the American provincial town of Oxnard, California. Once the attention of friends attracted a mysterious woman living in the neighborhood. This is Anna (Gloria Sandoval), who leads a secluded lifestyle and is known among the local witch.
After some time, the police find the woman dead, suspicions of murder fall on the former classmate of Oscar's friends. Guys without thinking twice decide to pay a visit to the apartment of the deceased. There, teenagers discover traces of magical rites and a photograph of Jesse. Among other things, there are video tapes (the very recordings of Christie and Katie) and a spell book.
From the events described, you can guess that this is “Paranormal” - a film whose actors (not all, but Kathy Featherstone for sure) migrated from the previous parts. In the morning, the main character wakes up with a bite mark on his hand, the character of the guy changes, the hero becomes gloomy and cruel. Now it is marked with dark power. This is the plot intrigue of the fifth part of the series “Paranormal Phenomenon”. The actors and roles of this episode were selected to each other taking into account age indicators and the level of dramatic skill.
“Label” - as “Exile”
The co-author of the script and the director of the film was the permanent Christopher Landon, it is thanks to his participation that the picture is not an alien to the cycle. Although Landon experimented freely, moving away from the traditional franchise scheme. There are no suspicious rustlings in the movie, alarming squeaks, clues and inscriptions. There are also no hidden cameras that shoot constantly empty rooms and all the phenomena occurring in them: the movement of furniture, doors closing by themselves. The horror of Paranormal Activity 5: The Devil's Mark has become similar to The Last Exile of the Devil. Now this is a chronicle of the main character's obsession filmed on a subjective camera, the process of losing Jesse's human appearance.
Roles and actors
“Paranormal: The Mark of the Devil” presented the viewer with new characters who replaced the characters of the fourth episode, who showed themselves not from the best side. The change of characters was more than successful. Critics called Andrew Jacobs and Jorge Diaz, a duet of leading actors, as the main success of Christopher Landon’s creation.
Despite a little experience in cinema, the guys played naturally and reliably. Nominally the primary hero is Jesse performed by Andrew Jacobs, most of the events take place with his direct participation. Well, his friend Hector (Jorge Diaz) cameraman of the story of the transformation. He will rarely fall into the frame, but the enthusiasm and energy of the actor was transmitted not only to the hero, but also to the audience.
In addition to the main characters, attention is attracted to Jesse's sister - Marisol Vargas. Actress Gabrielle Walsh managed to create an exciting and emotional image of a sympathetic and effective girl. Pious grandmother Jesse (Reni Victor) also impresses with determination and fearlessness. Fans of the franchise will be delighted with the role of the main star of the project Katie Featherstone. Her character Katie in childhood was played by cute little Chloe Xengerie, all the actors spoiled the girl on the set. “Paranormal: Mark of the Devil” will give the viewer a meeting with the modest Mika Slot, the very same boyfriend of Katy from the first and second parts. It should be noted the appearance in the film Ally Ray, played by Molly Ephraim. Carlos Pratts in the image of the unfortunate Oscar looked organically, but not a masterpiece, however, like Catherine Torbio in the role of Penelope.
Great foundation
The painting "Paranormal: The Devil's Mark" received mixed reviews, but much more positive than the previous part. The fourth episode was the weakest in the cycle - the story got tangled in three pine trees, mythology ended, the climax disappointed. The fifth part is a chance to turn history in a new direction, to diversify a boring and frankly boring formula. This is a decent foundation to continue the franchise, the basis for future parts.
The unsinkable saga of horror
No matter how indignant the detractors, the “Appearance” franchise in the history of the film industry is a curious phenomenon in all respects, so the creators do not complete it, the fifth part may not be final. Moreover, evaluating the visual component of the picture, we can confidently say (this is also confirmed by the actors) - “Paranormal: The Mark of the Devil” had a budget several times higher than previous episodes. The shooting style has remained traditionally sloppy, but the horrific makeup and special effects are pretty decent and impressive. Therefore, the fifth part can be considered surprisingly cinematic by the standards of the "found films" genre. This is the first part that is felt while watching as a full-fledged large-caliber film. Therefore, this part can be safely watched by anyone, even unfamiliar with the main story.