A little to unrealistic to haunt you with nightmares, but still very scary.

Rating: 7/10 (22 December 2012)

Director of 'Saw' and 'Paranormal Activity' James Wan returns to the horror genre with an at times, intensely frightening paranormal movie which is undone by a few too many over-the-top moments which make the movie unrealistic and the scare factor evaporates.
Let me elaborate. The first half of the movie is chillingly scary and builds up atmospheric tension superbly. The second half of the film is a little disappointing and it is much less scary in comparison to the first half of the film, other than the occasional shudder in the movie's climax.
Josh Wilson (Patrick Wilson) is a teacher who's family moves into a new but spacious modern day home. However, he and his wife's life (Rose Byrne) is made a living hell when son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) is being possessed by an evil spirit cult, leaving him in a coma like state.
The story is gripping and the acting is consistently excellent from each casting member. Patrick Wilson is particularly good as the desperate father willing to attempt anything to save his son; his performance has an emotional presence and he portrays a realistic microcosm as a man in this particular situation.
Overall, I found 'Insidious' - at its best - a terrifying and well executed piece on the shoe string budget at its disposal. However, as the scare's begin to evaporate, so does the realism and the idea's become a little loose.
Probably deserved of a score of seven.