Paranormal Activity 2
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: October 22, 2010
5.8
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Mixed or average reviews based on 299 Ratings
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131
Mixed:
116
Negative:
52
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6
DarkCriticOct 22, 2010
Paranormal Activity 2 was okay and it's quite scary. I been scared the whole time just thinking about it,but I guess the sequel is more less than the original. It wasn't much as good as the first one,since the first one is really scary toParanormal Activity 2 was okay and it's quite scary. I been scared the whole time just thinking about it,but I guess the sequel is more less than the original. It wasn't much as good as the first one,since the first one is really scary to watch and it's the most scariest film of all time. My biggest problem is that they spoil the movie with the teaser trailer and all I could say this is that why we're having a baby and a dog in the scene like this? People concern this teaser the whole time and it does sucked when the trailer shows the audience seeing the movie in green screen since last year. The characters are alright,but not much good as Katie and Micah does. I like the security cameras when they show the scene where the ghost is doing in six shots. It has some lame talking scenes that I didn't interested to hear,all we want is scaring,because we didn't care about the story. It does has the same setting as the the first one and it has the same dialogue too. But this one is the prequel,it tells the story where Katie meet the family and they got spooked in the house before the couple started taping the evidence. It did get scared in four moments with large sounds and it's quite silly in the movie,but I prefer the first one and this sequel is less than scary,not bad and it wasn't quite special.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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5
Th3CriticOct 26, 2010
Good story, and excellent story arc to link the two films together. However, I'm sorry but there was absolutely nothing terrifying about this movie. The first version had more bone chilling moments, and a lot more scenes where one would beGood story, and excellent story arc to link the two films together. However, I'm sorry but there was absolutely nothing terrifying about this movie. The first version had more bone chilling moments, and a lot more scenes where one would be scared (not me because I don't get scared by movies) but after gauging the reaction from my partner, who scares easily, and the rest of the crowd, there were hardly any moments in this film that startled the entire audience, or even made my heart almost wan't to jump.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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5
ShiiraOct 25, 2010
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's not a mystery, scale-wise, commensurate to the Star Child's true identity, or the origins of the Monoliths, filmically cosmic mysteries that Peter Hyams clarified in his rightfully maligned "2010: The Year That We Make Contact"(the sequel to the Stanley Kubrick masterpiece), but it's still anti-climactic, regardless of the differentiation in pedigree, when the filmmaker literalizes the once heretofore unexplainable materialization of a burnt family photo in Micah Sloat's attic, and in the process, ruins the most enigmatic moment from "Paranormal Activity", the Oren Peli-directed original. So now we know, to the detriment of the original film's mythology, that among the moving things and unexplained noises in the Sloat household, there was, in retrospect, some normal activity, as well, some debunking, some collaboration with the unseen forces, in which man is shown to be capable of an evil far worse than any demon. Daniel(Brian Boland) orchestrates a transference, acting on his Latino housekeeper's instructions(not only do they clean houses, they clean souls, too), Kristi's husband sets a photo of Katie on fire, and is presumably the one who does the planting. Let the picture in the attic just be; let the Monoliths be. So now we know: both sisters married jerks. Daniel probably sleeps on the wrong side of the bed too, a coward, just like Micah, who in "Paranormal Activity", sleeps on the side farthest away from the doorway, so should a demon enter the bedroom, given the positioning on their bed, Katie looks like the brave one, since she's the first warm body that the poltergeist would encounter. Micah, by all appearances, uses Katie as bait, a means by which the amateur filmmaker can get the best-possible footage of their unwanted guest attacking his girlfriend. In "Paranormal Activity 2", it's the baby who takes the brunt of the supernatural malfeasance, with only a German Shephard, the family dog, standing sentry; a German Shephard who is no Lassie, since he fails to make his owners understand that they have a situation far worse than Timmy being stuck down some well. He doesn't bark loud and long enough. Too bad "Paranormal Activity 2" wasn't one of those talking animal films, if it was, the dog could tell his human owners to get the f*ck out, now. Speaking of talking dogs, what would Scooby-Doo say? Probably something along the lines of, "Ruh-roh. The baby is sliding across the side of his crib. This is scarier than the Blair Witch twigs." Poor baby. Nobody thinks to check the playback on the surveillance footage that details the 'round-the-clock nursery going-ons, even though the family reviews the mystery of the gallivanting pool cleaner, and also the slamming door which locks Ali(Molly Ephraim) out. As is the case in all horror movies since time immemorial, the people are kept in harm's way due to the advice of the rational one, the singular hold-out to the new reality that defies reason, who ends up getting everybody killed, because of his(it's usually a guy) unbending stance against the mounting evidence which points to escape as being the most prudent course of action. In "Paranormal Activity", the couple stays because Micah wants to finish his movie. In the sequel, there is no such egocentric(Micah is willing to risk his girlfriend's life for his own selfish reasons), albeit intellectual basis for the family to remain as housemates with the devil. Daniel is just a tool. When it's too late, he turns to Martine(Vivis), the Hispanic maid he fires for being too superstitious. Ever the tool, with Kristi beset in a catatonic state(and in a biting mood), Daniel still gives his housekeeper static, as he protests in disbelief at having to use a cross for the purging. So now we know the pretext behind Katie's true identity, and just like the Star Child, our understanding of the circumstances that made them who they are, while may be interesting in a cursory way, a gimmick to drive each respective sequel, it threatens the purity of both "2001: A Space Odyssey, and to a lesser, but proportionate degree, "Paranormal Activity", as well.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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5
KivaJun 10, 2013
It was better than the first one and wore than the other one. The plot continues and it gave me some quite good chills
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
andyeddy8Jul 22, 2011
The mbut not psychological fear as the 1st one succeeded in. But films like these are much better than other horror movies. ovie is alright. Its not scary at all as the 1st one was. I like the connection of the stories though. The acting isThe mbut not psychological fear as the 1st one succeeded in. But films like these are much better than other horror movies. ovie is alright. Its not scary at all as the 1st one was. I like the connection of the stories though. The acting is great, not bad at all. You will get bored 45 minutes in. The movie tries to build suspense but fails. Its mostly spooks,… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
RumAthwal_1200Nov 19, 2010
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Paranormal activity 2 had the big hype as everyone though but it was okay and it's quite scary. I been scared the whole time just thinking about it, but I guess the sequel is more less than the original. It wasn't much as good as the first one, since the first one is really scary to watch... My biggest problem is that they spoil the movie with the teaser trailer and all I could say this is that why we're having a baby and a dog in the scene like this? The characters are okay, but not much good as Katie and Micah does. I like the security cameras when they show the scene where the ghost is doing in six shots. It has some terrible talking scenes that I didn't interest to hear, at all because we didn't care about the story. It does have the same setting as the first one and it has the same dialogue too. But this one is the great, it tells the story where Katie meets the family and they got spooked in the house before the couple started taping the evidence. It did get scared in four moments with large sounds and it's quite silly in the movie, but I prefer the first one and this sequel is less than scary, not bad and it wasn't quite special… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
jdrandall38Feb 14, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was, overall just as scary as the first but I do have a bone to pick with it. I think the movie should have had a completely separate story line instead of feeding off of the first one. I didn't like how the two movies linked together. It was predictable which in the first one, was not. It was worth watching, I just didn't like the ending very much.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
jamesnotmercerNov 5, 2010
Roger Ebert aptly identified the character of this film when he called it "an efficient delivery system for Gotcha! Moments." It is an enjoyable movie-going experience, but there is little substance to the development of the plot. The paceRoger Ebert aptly identified the character of this film when he called it "an efficient delivery system for Gotcha! Moments." It is an enjoyable movie-going experience, but there is little substance to the development of the plot. The pace is questionable, and the effect of ending is marred by this film's poor attempt at being both prequel and sequel. With that said, the moments of shock and suspense might be enough to make this movie worth its ticket price.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
JasonvitaNov 5, 2010
I have to admit that I hadn't seen the first movie, and was even a bit fearful to see this attempt, but overall i enjoyed it. The director's use of a documentary's "authenticity" works brilliantly in this case, although he relies too heavilyI have to admit that I hadn't seen the first movie, and was even a bit fearful to see this attempt, but overall i enjoyed it. The director's use of a documentary's "authenticity" works brilliantly in this case, although he relies too heavily on loud noises unexpectedly etc. I did find it frightening (at times) although I scare rather easily. The film did not really get going for an hour, and from what I could gather, did a nice job of weaving the first movie into its plot. It won't win any awards, but it gets the job done if you're up for a scary flick.… Expand
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5
Ruler101Nov 30, 2010
This movie was better than the first when looking at the scare factor. Though when you look at the story it is lacking. Showing the camera angles every time to drag out the movie even though there is only a single movement in the baby's roomThis movie was better than the first when looking at the scare factor. Though when you look at the story it is lacking. Showing the camera angles every time to drag out the movie even though there is only a single movement in the baby's room is pointless. Leaves no suspense like it is supposed too and they never caught on.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
TENCATIJADec 23, 2010
I definitely liked this one better than the first one. This one had a plot that was moving and even though the first one came with more surprises, this one had more scary moments. Overall, I wouldn't watch this movie more than once.
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5
WaGyuFeb 10, 2011
If you have to pick a scary movie and looking for more thrilling, I really recommend you not to pick this movie. If you had already watch the first paranormal activity you know what I mean. On the other hand this movie is pretty unique.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
CitizenCharlieMar 12, 2011
For this sequel, the filmmakers decided to go with the idea that more is better. There are cameras than just the one from the last movie and there are more characters than just one couple. But more does not make better. In fact, itFor this sequel, the filmmakers decided to go with the idea that more is better. There are cameras than just the one from the last movie and there are more characters than just one couple. But more does not make better. In fact, it decreases the suspense. More means there is less 'alone' time for the characters. Also, the fear is spread amongst more people; therefore, it is felt less by each. The film Paranormal Activity scared the crap out of me. There were long, static shots of a room and an occasional event. This time, the long shots are much shorter and since there are multiple cameras, no room is the main focus like the bedroom was last time. Furthermore, there was no build up to an event last time. A door would slam or the sheet would rustle all without warning. Now there is a low, rumbling bass noise which signals a coming event. This takes most of the fear of anticipation out of the scene. The plot is actually connected to the previous film but I won't give away how. The idea of a sequel to Paranormal Activity is fine and the script works...but there is too much activity going on to make it truly paranormal. If you haven't seen the first one, I highly recommend it. Skip this one.… Expand
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6
mjwilliams84Mar 30, 2011
PA2 felt like it played off the first film way too much, even copying certain scenes almost identically. It's creepy but rarely to the point of any real thoughtfulness or tension. About three-quarters of the way in I found myself thinkingPA2 felt like it played off the first film way too much, even copying certain scenes almost identically. It's creepy but rarely to the point of any real thoughtfulness or tension. About three-quarters of the way in I found myself thinking it was becoming slightly ridiculous and even predictable. The fright levels don't quite match up to the previous attempt, and the performances of the cast never reach the claustrophobic believability managed in PA1. Having said that, it's worth a watch, albeit far less real and far more movie-like.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
jstrickler872Oct 22, 2011
It has it's scares, just not as good as the first one. I feel scammed when i watched the ending. It was so rushed. But definitely has to be a good scare movie.
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5
rotkuNov 3, 2011
More of the same without the unknown factor of the first movie makes this a disappointing sequel and despite a few moments that may have made you jump there was very little here to shock or surprise. Although it tied in the events of theMore of the same without the unknown factor of the first movie makes this a disappointing sequel and despite a few moments that may have made you jump there was very little here to shock or surprise. Although it tied in the events of the first movie well this could have been a much better movie if they could have made the "activity" less predictable.… Expand
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4
j30Nov 1, 2011
Although the movie does have some good scares that'll make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, it does not live up to the original or build off the creepy premise.
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6
AlienSpaceBatsJul 24, 2011
In essence, more of the same. I can't be sure but almost everything that happened here happens in the previous PA film, which isn't a terrible thing if you enjoyed it. I found neither film scary, though one of the 'bumps' made me jump. TheIn essence, more of the same. I can't be sure but almost everything that happened here happens in the previous PA film, which isn't a terrible thing if you enjoyed it. I found neither film scary, though one of the 'bumps' made me jump. The shame. Still, not bad considering its low budget - good for an evening's entertainment - still, it's quite nonsensical at times.… Expand
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5
alexandergreenSep 4, 2011
Despite the poor reviews this sequel received, I actually thought it was okay. It tried to be the first film, but bigger. The ending disappointed me, and some of the sequences were pretty repetitive. The poor reviews, however, areDespite the poor reviews this sequel received, I actually thought it was okay. It tried to be the first film, but bigger. The ending disappointed me, and some of the sequences were pretty repetitive. The poor reviews, however, are understandable. Once you've seen the first instalment, the novelty of the franchise can somewhat wear off.… Expand
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5
vini1904Aug 14, 2012
In my opinion, although still not convinced, I still consider this a small improvement compared with a few more scares, the film has a pace faster than the first. But still there are many slips and confusing scenes.
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4
eTurkeyFeb 13, 2012
The sequel to the 2009 surprise hit Paranormal Activity, doesn't quite live up to the expectations of its predecessor. Whilst the first film had a frightning and suspenseful buildup to its epic climax at the end, this flick provides unevenThe sequel to the 2009 surprise hit Paranormal Activity, doesn't quite live up to the expectations of its predecessor. Whilst the first film had a frightning and suspenseful buildup to its epic climax at the end, this flick provides uneven scares that kill the mood. The acting in itself was nothing to be desired. I know there's a third feature in the series and with a forth on the way (due to be released in 2012) I hope the , franchise can redeem itself. P.S. If a large family is introduced in the next installment I'm going to scream!… Expand
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6
Tss5078Feb 24, 2013
I don't have much to say about this one. It wasn't bad, A little more hokier than the first, definatly not as scary, but still pretty entertaining for what it was.
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5
beingryanjudeAug 31, 2014
Using many of the techniques prominently featured in the original film, the sequel falls short of the same brilliance. It has its moments, but not enough to expand the series positively.
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6
ryanlopez1997Mar 24, 2012
This one is way **** scarier than number 1 and number 3 combined, this one is **** creepy and intense for the whole movie. If you hate on it, then your a piece of **** **** ass prick ****
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5
OfficialNov 4, 2013
"Paranormal Activity 2" is just a complete repetition of the first film. Its pacing is uneven and all we're getting here a couple more new scares that we did not see in the first. People who have seen the first film will have learned some of"Paranormal Activity 2" is just a complete repetition of the first film. Its pacing is uneven and all we're getting here a couple more new scares that we did not see in the first. People who have seen the first film will have learned some of the tricks, and therefore the scares might not be as effective as the first.… Expand
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6
NixySep 28, 2012
This film is okay, but the first film beats this and the third hands down. I felt like this film was trying to step it up from the first but in a way that took from what made the first film so scary. I personally found the first filmThis film is okay, but the first film beats this and the third hands down. I felt like this film was trying to step it up from the first but in a way that took from what made the first film so scary. I personally found the first film absolutely terrifying, I don't think I've ever seen a film that shook me up in quite the same way. That was because it was all so subtle and relied so heavily on your imagination to make it work, and I just don't think the second film valued that as much as it should have done. Certain scenes were okay and pretty creepy, other scenes just screamed 'strings' at me which immediately broke my connection with it. Things happened in the first film that looked real and possible and the action built up, only to peak pretty much at the end of the film. I felt like this film started at that high and the smaller, subtle things from the first were brushed aside a little too eagerly. Overall, if you find these sorts of films interesting to watch then you'll probably like it regardless of its slightly more 'obvious' nature. It won't compare to the first but it's in no way a bad film.… Expand
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4
Jack97Jan 1, 2014
The filming style is good and the jump scares are present, however there's no real frights to be experienced with the exception of the finale which is relatively scary.
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6
Compi24Nov 28, 2012
Some of the scares were cheaper than expected, but it was frightening and entertaining overall.
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5
HaithamBayazeedJun 4, 2013
It is terrifying, thrilling, good and scary, but not new, it is all cliche from the first movie, it adds nothing, just different place and time, the scares are renewed but still.
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5
MovieGuysMar 9, 2014
"PA 2" is just a rehash of the first one, with nothing new to offer. But, the same formula as the first one (jump scares, implying rather than showing) goes in, and the product isn't that bad.
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6
SQG_SlasherJul 4, 2014
This film is focused less on storytelling and more on the horror, which most of the time it does not deliver on. I was not scared at all when I watched this, although I do have to give credit to the film makers for coming up with some cleverThis film is focused less on storytelling and more on the horror, which most of the time it does not deliver on. I was not scared at all when I watched this, although I do have to give credit to the film makers for coming up with some clever paranormal sequences, boosting my score for this film.… Expand
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5
chwJul 20, 2014
Paranormal Activity 2 is such a terrible movie. It's so incredibly boring, it's not even scary, and the only reason I rated the movie a 5 is because of the ending.
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5
MarickJan 18, 2015
Paranormal Activity 2 is a 2010 American supernatural horror film directed by Tod Williams and written by Michael R. Perry. The film is a prequel to the 2007 film Paranormal Activity, beginning two months before and following up with theParanormal Activity 2 is a 2010 American supernatural horror film directed by Tod Williams and written by Michael R. Perry. The film is a prequel to the 2007 film Paranormal Activity, beginning two months before and following up with the events depicted in the original film.… Expand
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5
MovieManiac83Apr 25, 2015
Regardless of how it performs at the box office, this much is clear: Paranormal Activity 2 is a mistake. The clumsy and obvious byproduct of the financial success of its predecessor last Halloween, this movie has no reason for existing exceptRegardless of how it performs at the box office, this much is clear: Paranormal Activity 2 is a mistake. The clumsy and obvious byproduct of the financial success of its predecessor last Halloween, this movie has no reason for existing except to provide Paramount Pictures with a few extra shekels. Although its release does not represent an outright insult akin to the one offered by The Blair Witch Project 2, its superfluous nature not only ranks this as a waste of time but diminishes the original.

The story functions primarily as a prequel, with most of the events chronicled in this 90-minute voyeuristic extravaganza transpiring between one and two months before those depicted in Paranormal Activity. Instead of focusing on a couple, this time the roster of characters has expanded. Kristi (Sprague Grayden) is the sister of the first film's Katie (Katie Featherstone), who makes occasional appearances throughout Paranormal Activity 2, along with her soon-to-be-dead lover, Micah (Micah Sloat). Kristi is happily married to Dan (Brian Boland), who tied the knot with her some time after the death of his first wife. He has a teenage daughter, Ali (Molly Ephraim), from his first marriage. In addition, the happy couple has a new baby boy, Hunter, who's a little over a year old. He spends most of his time standing in his crib staring at things only he can see. We keep expecting him to say, "They're here!"

As in the first movie, the basic plot relates to the characters being stalked by a demon within their home and how seemingly innocuous bumps in the night gradually take an alarming turn. The stylistic choice by which everything happens in front of a video camera is carried over, although in this installment, home security cameras provide a majority of the footage (supplemented by camcorder images). This at least eliminates the silly contrivance of someone always having to be running a camera, even during the most unlikely of circumstances. By establishing this as a prequel, the protagonists from Paranormal Activity are provided with an opportunity for supporting roles. Toward the end, the time frame of Paranormal Activity 2 moves beyond that of its predecessor, allowing us a "what happens next" glimpse. The door is left open for a Paranormal Activity 3, which will undoubtedly be produced if there's profitability in making it.

In Paranormal Activity 2, events follow a blueprint. It's a series of "boo!" moments connected by exposition so uninvolving that we find ourselves impatiently waiting for the next loud crash or bang. There are plenty of opportunities for startlement, but nothing approaches terror. Paranormal Activity is never frightening. In fact, considering how long it takes before the "paranormal" events begin occurring, it's on the dull side. Worse, the final ten minutes - the sequence in which the films converge - comes dangerously close to self-parody. (There were people laughing at the screening I attended, and laughter is not the intended reaction.)

The acting is better for this installment, but that's due to the employment of professional actors. Using familiar faces in a production like this can be a double-edged sword. For example, although Sprague Grayden is hardly a household name, her face may appear frustratingly familiar to some viewers. A quick perusal of her resume indicates that she has done a lot of television, including a lengthy stint on 24. When a movie is attempting to "fake" viewers into believing that what they're watching is real, it's a good idea not to involve actors who may be recognizable since that interferes with the illusion.

Tod Williams' direction effectively apes Oren Peli's approach to the first film, but the added layers of polish allowed by the larger production crew and the higher budget have not aided the sense of verisimilitude. In Paranormal Activity, it felt like we were watching two ordinary people filming themselves in the comfort of their own home. Here, everything feels artificial, from the shots of the pool cleaner going about its business to the scenes of the child standing in his crib. The qualities that made Paranormal Activity compelling have either been diluted or deleted. What's left is a faint, distorted echo of the original. It's passable entertainment for anyone who has not seen the first feature but redundant for anyone who has.… Expand
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6
UrbanlistenerNov 24, 2015
Decent follow-up to the first entry in the franchise. The exact same formula, but just less surprising. It's a cash grab, but it is still well made and enjoyable as popcorn flick.
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6
FilmMasterEdJan 5, 2016
We've seen it all before. Just last year, in fact, in the first Paranormal Activity. But, hey, people Trick or Treat every October, so why not see the same movie with slightly better production values? The first PA cost $15,000, real chumpWe've seen it all before. Just last year, in fact, in the first Paranormal Activity. But, hey, people Trick or Treat every October, so why not see the same movie with slightly better production values? The first PA cost $15,000, real chump change. This one set Paramount back $3 million. Still cheap, but you see where I'm going. The first PA took us by surprise and became a huge hit. Naturally, it had to spawn a sequel. Gordon Gekko may reform in the Wall Street sequel, but Hollywood has never stopped believing, "Greed is good." And PA 2 is good, at least in the sense of being serviceable for getting you squirming in your seat.

Again, the whole movie is basically watching security footage. The cameras are deemed necessary by the Rey family, who've just moved into a roomy, sunshiny SoCal house where ghosts and/or demons have been doing their dirty business. Dad Daniel (Brian Boland) stupidly thinks the damage is the work of thieves. LOL. Has he never seen a horror flick? Mom Kristi (Sprague Grayden) and her teen stepdaughter Ali (Molly Ephraim) know better. They worry big time about new baby Hunter, played by the twins William and Jackson Prietro, and so does Abby, the family German Shepherd.

I can't say much more or these words will burst into flames. But you should know that PA 2, set in the summer of 2006, is more prequel than sequel. It'll help if you jog your memory about the first movie. Hint: Kristi has a sister Katie (Katie Featherston) and she and her boyfriend Micah (Micah Sloat) show up to visit the Reys and relive some eerie family history. OK, that's it. Congrats to director Tod Williams, taking over for Oren Peli, for building tension since not a damn thing happens for 45 minutes. Williams, whose 2004 The Door in the Floor with Jeff Bridges was criminally undervalued, is too good for this nonsense. But he keeps the thrills coming, building menace into baby toys and innocent-looking household objects. The ending? It sucks. But if you're looking for wicked fun this Halloween, Paranormal Activity 2 is the best goosebump game in town.… Expand
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4
MovieMasterEddyApr 4, 2016
Don’t Spirits Ever Knock Anymore?

In a very nifty trick, “Paranormal Activity 2” turns out to be both prequel and sequel to its 2007 parent (released in 2009), sliding this new story into the timeline and events of the first withDon’t Spirits Ever Knock Anymore?

In a very nifty trick, “Paranormal Activity 2” turns out to be both prequel and sequel to its 2007 parent (released in 2009), sliding this new story into the timeline and events of the first with considerable agility. And though the original film’s budget (less than $15,000) has swelled to just under $3 million, the aesthetic and concept — rudimentary in every way — remain rigorously enforced.

Sustaining the illusion of actuality with an on-screen thank you to “the families of the deceased,” the film follows a distraught couple (Sprague Grayden and Brian Boland) whose California home has been invaded by foul stenches, maleficent roars and crashing crockery. The family dog growls, the Spanish maid burns incense, and the new baby coos at an unseen presence (ethnic minorities, animals and infants are evidently better at sensing the supernatural than the rest of us). Determined to prove a corporeal cause, Dad installs security cameras; too bad he doesn’t watch the footage until it’s too late.

Wrangling more people, more cameras and more back story than the original, the director, Tod Williams, clings faithfully to a formula that makes virtues of inelegance and incoherence. Frozen camera setups and blurry night-vision images raise goose bumps without the assistance of eerie music or showy effects, though the strain of stretching the gimmick to a second movie is palpable.

Cannily marketed as a collective experience, the “Paranormal” franchise works best in midnight screenings. The hunger for cold, dead chills is usually best indulged in the company of warm, living bodies.… Expand
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4
ThatmoviesdudeApr 25, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Having not seen the first one, things I say may be inaccurate, e.g., being original, etc.

First impressions on this series is that it's repetitive. Characters get on with their lives in the day, spooky stuff comes out at night, but only knocks something over. Repeat. The formula and scares are cliché and familiar. Those looking for originality will be disappointed.

Even though the repetition will drive you far from sanity, it pays off, as it adds to the overall tone and creepiness by making you wonder, "When will that moment come where something pops up in front of the camera and scares us all to death?" But that moment never comes due to a poor ending (where does the baby go? Find out in the next episode!), although in-between scenes have some decent scares. Mainly that kitchen one.

Overall the movie is a massive cliché, but deserves points for delivering scares.… Expand
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6
ErikTheCriticSep 26, 2018
More or less the same as its predecessor. It's got terrifying scares and drawn-out scenes where nothing paranormal is occurring.
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5
JLauSep 25, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Prequel where the girl who was getting haunted in the first film, actually gets haunted because her sister and her family are all awful and deliberately passed the haunting onto her.… Expand
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