Let's get down to the basics here: I've seen all four films and can tell you that this is a third sequel in every aspect; perhaps in the sternest form of the word sequel. The film is something fresh, something new and definetly something funny.
If you're expecting to see the exact same thing as you did in the earlier films, go watch something else. Don't waste your time or money watching this film.
This content of the film is completely new to the entire franchise. Don't get me wrong, as the basic premise is true as it can ever be: the waker has three wishes and at the end of the third wish of the waker, the Djinn race is freed. Of couse, the Djinn has to find the waker first.
However, this particular installment of the film seems to have navigated further and further away from it's horror roots and now seeks to challenge the philosophical questions of love, desire, lust, God, money, wealth and death.
I found the dialogue in the film that was directed toward God in bad taste, but that's just me. I also found myself laughing so hard at most of the film and its subject matter - it was hilarious! I can only hope that the humor was the intention.
So why would film makers bother making a film like this? Perhaps they know how much people are obsessed with the Djinn and they want to tackle good and evil down to the bare roots and show a soft side of the Djinn. Maybe not - I really don't know. But there was a point where you feel really encouraged to root for the Djinn and hate the classical "good guys".
However, I will repeat by saying that this film is not for everyone. Hardcore fans of the series will hate it. Open minded individuals familiar with the series will appreciate it for what it's worth. And most definetly, anyone who's ever been afraid of watching a horror film should use this film to break them into the genre. The sexual nature of the film isn't for children, but it's certainly horizons away from being scary.
Overall this film is an enjoyable, pleasant film to watch. I recommend this film to anyone who wants to watch a horror film that will make them feel like a million bucks. I also recommend this film to heterosexual couples. Enjoy!
