Review: Paranormal Activity

POSTED BY Col. Hans Longshanks | FRIDAY OCTOBER 2 AT 11:47 PDT

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

I'm tasked with reviewing this movie but am utterly loath to give away any of the events of the movie itself. I'll keep it very, very basic (and I encourage you to skip any trailers, commercials, or in-depth descriptions): A couple has been experiencing strange events in their house so the boyfriend (Micah) buys a video camera to catch it on film so they can maybe figure out what's happening. That's about all you need to know about the plot. The movie is filmed entirely with Micah's camera and it alternates between daytime shots, where the couple discuss what's happening, and a static nighttime bedroom shot, where Micah sets the camera on a tripod so they can see what happens while they sleep. Aside from allowing some breathing room between scares, the alternating day-and-night mechanic is extremely efficient at creating a basic psychological response for the viewer--as soon as you see that static night shot, you tense up, grab the arm rest, your eyes start to water, and you get goose bumps like no one's business--and nothing's even happened yet.

In many ways the conventions and technique are similar to Blair Witch (hand-held camera, unknown actors, minuscule budget), but the skills on display in terms of the simple practical effects, the pacing, and the acting are miles beyond. The scenes that take place at night are so expertly timed and built up that it's an absolute joy to watch unfold. By the end of the movie the theater was full of nervous, uneasy laughter as that not-quite night vision camera comes on. The sound editing is on point and practically deserves its own credit as a character, from subtle vocal effects to footsteps to very loud (very scary) bangs. If the visuals weren't enough to make you wet your pants, the sound effects will push you the rest of the way. It is awesome.

I have a ton more to say, but this movie should be enjoyed with as little knowledge as possible so I'll end this review with a question- When was the last time you were ill-at-ease watching or leaving a horror movie? Modern "horror" movies are very rarely actually scary. They might make you jump or gross you out, but they never genuinely scare you. It's super frustrating. Paranormal Activity does its damnedest to reverse that trend. It is horrifying. I have to go to sleep in a little bit and just looking at my bed gives me the creeps.

Emphatically recommended.

ScreenJunkies -- Brian Huntington

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Library Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 02:34 pm Great review, me.

Says:
October 5th, 2009 at 05:06 am I emphatically agree....excellent horror movie.....

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October 13th, 2009 at 09:27 pm without a doubt, the single worst movie i have ever had the misfortune of sitting through. I would rather watch gigli than have to sit through this worthless, over hyped piece of shit. We're all suckers, and it's gonna keep making money because of shit like this. It's like a worse version of blair witch with no sort of pay off what so ever. If you really have to watch some obnoxious first person pseudo real-movie try [rec].

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October 14th, 2009 at 12:52 pm Good morning. The art of dining well is no slight art, the pleasure not a slight pleasure. I am from Sao and know bad English, give please true I wrote the following sentence: "represented usc at ocular and difficult electronics of ip countenance, half, and product.Room was down large-scale to learning respectful of adults to make ventilation companies.En face amount televisivo de men, todas shoulders en shoulders procedures accent kinds process pets.Already gotta over his halogen, branding the amnesty of a pacific, promised tax patent." With best wishes :(, Barbara.

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October 16th, 2009 at 07:10 pm Make sure to watch this film at a newer theater or one that is notorious for it's sound quality. I saw it at a Harkins that had a relatively weak sound system and the experience wasn't what it should have been. Also I'd like to advise everyone to take an anti-nausea pill prior to watching this movie.

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October 18th, 2009 at 02:44 pm there is something seriosly wrong with whoever said this movie wasnt good! I thought it was excellent and had people on the edge of their seat! good work...........But I have been wondering is this movie real because at the end it says what it says if it is was or whatever omgosh!!!!!!!

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October 22nd, 2009 at 08:52 am great review.. good on not giving away too much

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October 24th, 2009 at 07:52 pm no, i didn't say it wasn't good, i said it was shit. I can't believe anyone thought it was real for even a second, the acting was terrible. I really wish someone could explain what was so scary about this. Everyone was laughing in the theatre when i saw it. Worst movie of maybe the last five years.

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November 15th, 2009 at 10:02 pm If you thought the acting was terrible and that this film wasnt scary in this you likely are the type of person who praises Michael Bay for his ability to capture reality

Says:
November 24th, 2009 at 03:15 am PILE OF FUCKIN SHIT!

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December 10th, 2009 at 11:30 am Worst movie ever, fucking terrible, the hell was i thinking, are just a few things that come to mind when thinking of this. not scary, not funny, no action, to slow, all around piece of shit. One good point however is the interesting way they made the movie. kudos o that and that alone.

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December 27th, 2009 at 05:55 pm This movie was a BIG HUGE waist of money

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January 15th, 2010 at 09:50 am katie was pretty hot. but the movie was hot garbage....suckfest. i feel bad for wasting the money to rent the damn thing

Review: Paranormal Activity

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