PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is a 2009 horror film written, directed, and produced by Oren Peli, and starring Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat. Originally released in 2007, it was seen by the general public with a bigger release in 2009, and became a hit, spawning a franchise of 3 sequels with more on the way. The plot concerns a young couple that are being haunted by a demon, and begin recording it all. Now, found footage movies can go 1 of 2 ways: they can either be believable in the fact that the characters keep filming due to them being a camera crew or the fact that the camera is stationary, or the filmmakers could forget that the film is even found footage, and the reason for filming is never explained. Fortunately, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is the first option. The camera is either stationary, like when they are sleeping it's on a tri-pod, or, the guy needs it so he can see, because it has a light on it. This film is something that we are getting fewer and fewer of: smart, intelligent horror movies with decent scares. Films like PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and INSIDIOUS are nice to see in a film industry where we are assaulted with films like CHERNOBYL DIARIES, DARK SKIES, and THE LAST EXORCISM PART II. But, I already wrote an article on that; on to the film!
PLOT: The story for this film is relatively simple: a couple is haunted by a demon. But, like some horror movies (THE EVIL DEAD, for example), it benefits from a simpler plot. Yes, there are some plot points that are introduced and never followed up on, but you're okay with it, because this is found footage. The characters never fully learn what the demon's backstory is, and the plot is fleshed out in such a way that you're okay with the ambiguity and the film benefits from it. However, there are some points towards the end of the film where you ask "why is he still filming?" or, "why don't they just leave the house?" But again, by that point in the film, so much has happened and you are enjoying it enough that you just dismiss it.
ACTING: There are very few actual characters in this film, but all of the actors play believable, likeable people that you care about. These aren't the typical scary movie victims that annoy you to the point where you are glad that they die, they are like actual people that you identify with. Also, it's nice to see adults playing adults as opposed to 25 year olds playing 17 year olds.
SPECIAL EFFECTS: This was an ultra low budget film, so there are very few special effects. But like the shark in JAWS, the film benefits from not showing anything and is creepier because of it. But the knowledge that the film was low budget adds to the atmosphere because when something does happen, it leaves you wondering how they did it since they had no money for CGI.
ATMOSPHERE/SCARES: Now, let me start by saying that the commercials for the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY are overhyping it way to much. All the night vision shots of people screaming like they've been shot or jumping 5 feet into the air must be taken from another movie because I have NEVER seen a moment in ANY of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films that has made me react like THAT. But, it does have a good, creepy atmosphere with some parts that actually do really creep you out. But I've heard people say "I watched 2 minutes of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and I just HAD to turn it off, it was SOOOO scary!" First off, I'm surprised you haven't had a heart attack yet if you're scared that easily, and second off, you must only watch ICE AGE and CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS with your 3 year old cousins if you're freaked out by THAT. Is PARANORMAL ACTIVITY one of the scariest films of all time? Nope. Will you go sleepless for days on end after you see it? Definitely not. But in a time were all we get is terrible PG-13 found footage movies (not talking about CLOVERFIELD, that was awesome) and bad remakes of 80's horror movies, it's nice to see a horror film with some actual effort put into it.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is a fun, creepy horror flick with some good moments, and I would give it:
6 1/2 out of 10, or, 3 1/2 stars, or in real world terms; it's worth seeing in theatres and if you see it at Target or Wal-Mart for the right price, you should definitely pick it up. You'll watch every once in a while and like it every time.
It's a cool horror flick, and one of the better franchises to come out this generation's collection of mediocre horror. It's not mediocre, and it got people to say, "maybe horror films should have effort put into them." Then we got a few decent flicks, like INSIDIOUS. You'll have a good time while watching, and when it's over, you'll want to see PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2. But, that's another review for later.
What did you guys think of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY? What's your favorite horror franchise to come out of the last decade? Sound off below, and let me know!
COMING SOON: I will continue reviewing the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY franchise, with my review of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 coming soon!