Paranormal Activity

[Crab Lungs]

Wow, finally a genuinely palatable paranormal film that leaves an impression.

 

Now, I don't know if any of you are like me when it comes to paranormal films. For immediate review purposes, I can only assume that at least some of you must be. In fact, I mostly enjoy films of a realistic and gritty nature – real thinking films that are well-researched and do not follow the stereotypical plot of goodie defeats baddie or goodie defeats baddie but at a cost. I like my films raw and clever but ultimately believable. I like my films to leave a scar or at best a temporary impression on me.

 

Paranormal Activity delivers that in abundance.

 

Of course, there is nothing wrong with a film with an overkill on special effects, explosions and a ridiculous plot – as long as that is something you expect and the film is based upon that.

 

White Noise got 20% of the way to explaining and detailing paranormal phenomena. Paranormal Activity managed at least 90% - not bad for a film with an estimated budget of just £7,000.

 

Personally, I like my paranormal films to be believable, well-researched and etched with a chilling and identifiable realism. Until now, I'd yet to find something of this genre which creeped me out like 'PA' did. OK, I'm not often spooked but I suspect plenty of people who go to watch this film will be - and a major part of that has to go down to just how 'real' the whole film is.

 

The acting is first class (although the characters can be a little annoying - Katie, within her rights but too naggy and Micah too testosterone-fuelled at times) but on the whole, a thoroughly enjoyable watch. Despite this being a POV movie (which are notorious for being a bit slow-paced), the fact that the film's first half hour or so is slow not only adds tension and authenticity, but allows you to build up a bit of relationship and develop an understanding of the two main characters. In a way, it allows the whole experience to become a bit personal - underlining the feel of 'realism' to the film.

 

Having had many paranormal, supernatural and unexplainable experiences in my life, this has been the closest movie I have seen to the real thing. I could write more, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

 

 

Enjoy!

 

SPOILER: http://www.mania.com/paranormal-activity-review_article_118161.html (this is best review I found, IMO)

Edited 24 November, 2009 by Crab Lungs

[Baj]

If you saw it at the cinema, you didnt see the real ending from the 2007 version, which was better

[Crab Lungs]

If you saw it at the cinema, you didnt see the real ending from the 2007 version, which was better

 

Ahum, er, I never witnessed it at the ahum, cinema :-o

 

I have to Google the alternate ending now!

[LVSaint]

If you saw it at the cinema, you didnt see the real ending from the 2007 version, which was better

 

The original ending/s will be available on DVD I think. The released ending whilst chilling is OTT in relation to what precedes it.

 

The scripting was a tiny bit contrived IMO (compared to Blair Witch for example) but far better than say Cloverfield. Worked very well.

[Baj]

Ahum, er, I never witnessed it at the ahum, cinema :-o

 

I have to Google the alternate ending now!

 

If you downloaded it, the chances are you actually DID download the 2007 version

[Deanovski]

Was really disappointed with this, after weeks of looking to see if it was on yet.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

I loved it , genuinely scary at times even to a old cynic such as myself - think of an indoors version of Blair Witch and you'll get the idea . Cost about £2.50 to make by the looks of it but worth more than any number of the tedious 'Gorenography' films so prevalent in today's cinema .

 

I would have barricaded that bedroom door myself and taken a sleeping tablet .

[Jillyanne]

deleted