PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is a 2010 horror film directed by Tod Williams and is a sequel to the 2009 (technically 2007) film PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. It is a parallel prequel to the first film; with the events taking place before, during, and after the first movie. The plot revolves around Katie's sister, Kristi, and her family being haunted by the demon. As the events escalate, they decide the only thing to do is to channel the demon into another family member, leading into PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. After the first movie became such a hit, the studio began a sequel, and it was released only one year after the first film. Now, just from that, you would expect this film to be downright terrible. But it's not. It's surprisingly entertaining, and it manages to have what we loved from the original, while adding new plot points. As I mentioned in my review of the first movie, there were many plot points that were not expanded upon in the first movie. The 2nd film expands on those and still manages to leave some mystery.
PLOT: The plot of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is more complex than the original, but still very simple. And, like the first movie, this film benefits from a very simplistic plot. It refers more to the demon haunting the sisters as children, which also sets up PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3. Also, no spoilers, but the ending sets up PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4. 2 also expands more on the backstory of the demon, but 3 (being a total prequel) tells that story. While you could tell that they weren't planning sequels when they made the first one, this film sets up many plot points that further installments can expand upon. However, there are some parts where PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 really drags. Not like the 1st one, where they are building tension or character, in this film, there are parts where NOTHING happens. But, once it picks up, it gets REALLY good. The ending, however, leaves you feeling a little unsatisfied. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't want some giant CGI ending, but I think they could have done a little more than they did.
ACTING: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 follows the tradition of the 1st one by having believable characters that are not annoying. You really feel that these characters are real, and this film still feels like found footage
SPECIAL EFFECTS: Again, this film follows the 1st one by not having overly CGI'd moments that really spoil the film (*cough* LAST EXORCISM*cough*). However, this film does show more, in terms of people getting dragged and thrown around the room, or furniture getting thrown everywhere. Still, this film is shot in such away that you don't see everything and the big set pieces don't take you out of the movie.
ATMOSPHERE/SCARES: Now, let me start by saying that even though this film drags in parts, there are some pretty intense scenes. There are some parts that make you jump, but PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 does not rely on jump scares. It has some great scares, but it does not have that constant creepiness and claustrophobic atmosphere that the first film did.
So all in all, it does not top the original, but PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is a solid sequel that will entertain you. I would give it;
6 out of 10, or, 3 stars, or in real world terms; it's definitely worth getting on DVD, but you may want for the price to go down a little, first. You'll watch it every once and a while, but you'll probably skip to the cool parts.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is a fun horror flick, and one of the better films to come out of this decade's horror. You'll watch it and enjoy it, and the ending will definitely leave you wanting to see PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3.
What did you guys think of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2? What's your favorite film in the series? Sound off below, and let me know!
COMING SOON: I will continue reviewing the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY series with PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3. After that, I may review a few of the HALLOWEEN films or the PSYCHO series.