Paranormal Activity 2 Staff Review
In 1999, a new form of psychological mokumentary film drama was introduced to movie audiences with the Blair Witch Project. Now eleven years later, still continuing in the same vein, comes the sequel to the 2007 Paranormal Activity, entitled simply Paranormal Activity 2.
Paranormal Activity 2 is a prequel (and sequel) to the events that take place in the original 2007 film -- instead this time, they take place to Katie's (Katie Featherston sister's family. It appears a playful demon spirit has come to rest in their happy home starting with just fun pranks until it gets serious about its real reason for being there.
While the cast is skilled and works best with what they are given, the film really relies on the skills of the director, Tod Williams, to take audiences on the ride that they expect from the original film. Does it succeed? The answer to that question is complicated.
Williams definitely has done his research in this style of film making. Normal mokumentary films are filled with unsteady handy cams that can sometimes make an audience viewer sick to their stomach. Instead Williams limits his handy cams movements and tells the story from a fixed security cameras throughout the house.
However, Williams appears to be a bit out of his league in creating a truly scary horror film. The film moves at a very slow pace, keeping audiences on the edge of their seat salivating for something that might get their heart racing. However, when the credits role, and all is said and done, audiences members will be doing a double-take thinking they missed the climax and wanting more from the film then what they were given.
If you are a fan of the original Paranormal Activity or in the mood for some mild scares, then Paranormal Activity is for you; however, if you are looking for a slasher film, then Saw 3-D is just around the corner to satisfy your horror craving.
--Nathan M Rose
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