Paranormal Activity
Paramount Pictures | Release Date: September 25, 2009
5.9
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 702 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
377
Mixed:
138
Negative:
187
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
calebrOct 21, 2009
I actually really enjoyed this movie. i mean it definitely wasn't as scary as the hype led it up to be (as in people leaving the theater crying and such) but it was really entertaining and generally creepy. one thing i loved about it is I actually really enjoyed this movie. i mean it definitely wasn't as scary as the hype led it up to be (as in people leaving the theater crying and such) but it was really entertaining and generally creepy. one thing i loved about it is how they focused more on the characters instead of just massive amounts of blood and gore like most horror movies of today (their was actually basically no blood or gore in the movie) and you really feel a connection with the characters. so yeah the movie was entertaining and creepy but the end of the movie was all like "OMG HOLY CRAP!" it was really freaking creepy. the movie built up to the horrifying conclusion and it delivered. i highly recommend seeing this. i personally loved it. Just don't go in expecting the scariest movie ever.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
SiebeVDec 15, 2009
I really think this is overhyped as a horror movie, it didn't scare me at all. the plot was really lame and there were some long boring parts in this movie. so you would think i´d give this movie a really bad rating. but the fact I really think this is overhyped as a horror movie, it didn't scare me at all. the plot was really lame and there were some long boring parts in this movie. so you would think i´d give this movie a really bad rating. but the fact of the matter is, that in this movie almost nothing happens. and it still manages to keep a severe tension on its audience, you keep waiting for something horrifying to happen even when there´s really nothing happening. the person who made this is a fucking genius, but as a movie to watch for a good scare not so much. its more like, a good example for actual horror movies to use sound better, and learn to build up tension.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GrantZDec 24, 2009
This, has to be one of the best horrors i've ever seen since Amusement. Its a true chiller, with bits that generally aren't expected. The film has to have the slowest 35 minutes at the start ever. However this all changes quickly, This, has to be one of the best horrors i've ever seen since Amusement. Its a true chiller, with bits that generally aren't expected. The film has to have the slowest 35 minutes at the start ever. However this all changes quickly, the spirits makes itself known and bloody hell is it scary. The film uses sound rather than jumpiness, in the version i watched nothing leapt out. The closest thing to jumping out was a shadow moving towards the screen. A benchmark in horror.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BillHOct 23, 2009
The only reason that I do not give it a 10 is that it takes too long to get going tension-wise. That said, the way that this movie is filmed and Katie's performance are phenomenal! The movie builds slowly and you watch the two develop The only reason that I do not give it a 10 is that it takes too long to get going tension-wise. That said, the way that this movie is filmed and Katie's performance are phenomenal! The movie builds slowly and you watch the two develop in ways that you just don't see in movies these days. I am not easily creeped out, but I will never forget certain parts of this movie. I so want to say which parts, but I don't want to give it away. It is deeply affecting for hours after you leave the theater. Best thriller I have seen in a long time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LesterOct 25, 2009
Great film! Scared me to the bones!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KylePOct 25, 2009
This movie will be wasted on anyone who can't sit still and pay attention for 90 minutes. Scared the crap out of me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
audreygOct 26, 2009
This movie is the Blair Witch Project of our time. Except this is actually good and scary.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
HaileyROct 26, 2009
A deeply disturbing movie. Slow to start, but well worth the wait.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KristieKOct 26, 2009
Truly scary! This is probably in my Top 20 list of scariest movies. The ending really is the best part and the creepy build-up to it really worked for me. The time lapse stuff with the female lead just standing for hours really creeped me Truly scary! This is probably in my Top 20 list of scariest movies. The ending really is the best part and the creepy build-up to it really worked for me. The time lapse stuff with the female lead just standing for hours really creeped me out and I had a hard time getting to bed that night! I do think people who watch this film will either "Love it" or "Hate it" with the same amount of passion because my husband left the theater with the exact opposite impression.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AlAOct 27, 2009
I would have given this movie a low rating it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't sleep after watching it. I mean if it doesn't scare you anyway than why call it a horror movie? The creepy late night bedroom ambience of the I would have given this movie a low rating it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't sleep after watching it. I mean if it doesn't scare you anyway than why call it a horror movie? The creepy late night bedroom ambience of the film is easliy transferrable to your own bedroom if you have a vivid imagination. A film like this is a good catalyst to creep yourself out late at night. It's not so much the movie I guess, but just how it can spark your morbid imagination. Less is more in this film. The problem with these fakely authentic films is that I always doubt the characters would continue filming everything. After awhile, in real-life, a real person would give up filming and get the hell out of there I think! This makes it hard to suspend your disbelief and suspension of disbelief is key in these type of films.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KristianV.Dec 7, 2009
People have forgotten what a good horror movie is. Its not about gore, its not about jump scares, and its not about big psychos killing stupid teenagers. Horror is about atmosphere, suspense and a sense of terror. And this movie is terrific People have forgotten what a good horror movie is. Its not about gore, its not about jump scares, and its not about big psychos killing stupid teenagers. Horror is about atmosphere, suspense and a sense of terror. And this movie is terrific in all the important areas. The large majority of people that rate this movie negatively are simply expecting the wrong things.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
Marc-AlexandreD.Oct 28, 2009
I had very high expectations (something I usually try to avoid because you end up disappointed 90% of the time) for this movie and I wasn't disappointed at all! It's awesome! I've seen over 1000 horror movies and Paranormal I had very high expectations (something I usually try to avoid because you end up disappointed 90% of the time) for this movie and I wasn't disappointed at all! It's awesome! I've seen over 1000 horror movies and Paranormal Activity is definitely one of the best I've seen (top 50)! It's not one of the best I've seen only because it's one of the scariest, it's also one of the most realistic and it's the movie I've always dreamed of! I've always wanted someone to make a realistic movie like The Blair Witch Project about a family or a couple filming in their house to catch ghosts and this movie has everything that I wanted! It's very suspenseful and it has some truly effective scenes! A lot of people say that it's boring and I really don't get it! It's WAY too suspenseful to be boring! I've been trying to understand why the people that thought that it was boring went to see it since it was released! Why does someone who get bored easily go see a movie about a couple filming in their house? While we're at it, why does someone expect to be scared in a theater full of people? The fact that there are idiotc teens that can't stop talking and laughing 90% of the time doesn't help. Personally, I can't imagine finding a movie scary with 30 persons around me. I thought the movie was scary (compared to most movies), but I watched it alone in the dark with an headset. The fact that I believe (or want to) in ghosts helped as well. Actually, I can't imagine someone who doesn't believe in ghosts finding a ghost movie scary. What makes ghost movies scary is the fact that maybe ghosts exist. Anyway, the first few minutes of the movie is the only time I didn't feel uneasy! The atmosphere was simply creepy! Hell, even a few parts with nothing but the couple talking were creepy! I guess it was the expectation that something really bad was going to happen. Anyway, when the movie was about to end I felt bad because I really didn't want it to end and any movie that makes me feel this way deserves 5 stars. I Can't wait for the DVD. PS: All of the people who call the people who like this movie sheeps are immature idiots. Just because you think a movie is bad doesn't mean that those who think it's good are sheeps or wrong or whatever stupid *beep* bigots love to come up with.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JamesCDec 9, 2009
A fantastic film that manages to keep a huge amount of suspense throughout the the whole experience. People who are expecting things to jump out or massive amount of gore will not be happy but if a movie is designed to be scary and is then A fantastic film that manages to keep a huge amount of suspense throughout the the whole experience. People who are expecting things to jump out or massive amount of gore will not be happy but if a movie is designed to be scary and is then it is very successful.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JeffreyOct 31, 2009
There are some long uneventful (read: boring) moments, but this does serve the movie when it's time for our protagonists to go to bed. You know something is about to happen... again. With dread, you wait for the next... scare is the There are some long uneventful (read: boring) moments, but this does serve the movie when it's time for our protagonists to go to bed. You know something is about to happen... again. With dread, you wait for the next... scare is the best way to put it. I don't scare easily. This movie made me jump several times and caused my skin to crawl long after I left the theater. In fact, it's been over a week now and I still feel like something is in the room watching me sleep. A great Halloween movie indeed!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TunaNOct 3, 2009
I'm only giving it a 9 because it really did a number on me psychologically. This movie doesn't deserve that extra point because i had a hard time sleeping last night and i blame the Demon.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AndyROct 31, 2009
OK - it's true, if you don't like bobbled cameras and are looking for some straight-up gore, this is not the movie for you. But this was a GREAT movie, one of the best I've seen all year. My wife had her face covered for OK - it's true, if you don't like bobbled cameras and are looking for some straight-up gore, this is not the movie for you. But this was a GREAT movie, one of the best I've seen all year. My wife had her face covered for minutes at a time, out of sheer dread, overcome by the suspense. Our audience squealed and squeaked and screamed just like the ones in the commercials. The director does a wonderful job of slowly ratcheting up the tension. The lack of special effects - the lack of some goofy Stan Winston-esque monster - add to the queasy anticipation. You're forced to use your imagination to fill in the blanks. The actors - particularly Katie Featherstone - are natural and likable. Ultimately, I can understand why someone expecting a slasher flick might be disappointed. While this is definitely a horror flick, it's less Wes Craven and more Alfred Hitchcock, less James Cameron and more Ridlley Scott. At the very least, it's worth seeing so you can decide for yourself.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
IanH.Sep 27, 2009
Scariest movie I've seen in years.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
PaulaD.Jan 11, 2010
Simply scary. And enjoying with an entire audience of theatre goers who jumped and screamed at the same time made it even more enjoyable and engrossing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SamHJan 17, 2010
This movie is scary. I don't care what people think. It is truly scary. It's not the typical, gory killer thrasher movie that we're used to. No, the scare of this movie is all psychological. The fear of some unknown being This movie is scary. I don't care what people think. It is truly scary. It's not the typical, gory killer thrasher movie that we're used to. No, the scare of this movie is all psychological. The fear of some unknown being lurking around haunting someone for years is the exact thing that scared me to death when I was a little girl. The fact that you can't see it makes the movie even scarier. The movie was made to look real, just like previous movies such as Cloverfield and Quarantine. Some believed it was real. And when it got out that it wasn't, I heard many people say it wasn't scary anymore. Now, I don't understand this. Why can't the movie itself be scary without it being real? It's also true that very few scary parts happen in the movie. This is to add to the fear of anticipating more things to happen, and goes on along with the underlying meaning of the movie plot. Plus, it adds to the real feeling of the movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
NoahDJan 22, 2010
I love scary movies...I mean i search everywhere for movies that actually give me nightmares. And most movies don't but this one did. I actually found myself sleeping with a nite lite. I heard the hype...but i don't ever listen or I love scary movies...I mean i search everywhere for movies that actually give me nightmares. And most movies don't but this one did. I actually found myself sleeping with a nite lite. I heard the hype...but i don't ever listen or believe it. I went into this movie with no knowledge of it except that it was supposed to be scary and it was. Imagination...imagination is what u need to get this movie. obviously those dorks who give the movie 3's and 0's have none and are forced to watch gore filled movies for a chill...personally gory movies only make me laugh...any how this is one of the scariest movies I've ever seen.Its a must see!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LarryWJan 23, 2010
If you need blood and CGI to scare you then don't see this movie. If you like minimalist horror in which your imagination provides the effect, you will love this movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AdamCOct 11, 2009
Scared the heck out of me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
lourdesaOct 11, 2009
Truly horrifying scary film. starts out a bit slow but then explodes! I was afraid to turn off the nights and go to sleep after seeing it!!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PrishNov 23, 2009
One of the best horror movies I have seen in a long time. Gems like this are what keep me coming back.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
guytNov 27, 2009
Considering it's low budget and cliche focus, paranormal activity really does deliver. Even sceptics will find it difficult not to get caught up in a truely terrifying flick. Even I found myself coming home and checking the net to see Considering it's low budget and cliche focus, paranormal activity really does deliver. Even sceptics will find it difficult not to get caught up in a truely terrifying flick. Even I found myself coming home and checking the net to see if the videos were real or fake! Not a film to watch at home, go to your local theatre bronto and get the atmosphere.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BryanTOct 15, 2009
I am usually hard to please-and let me tell you-the theater had "sold out" 15 minutes prior to showtime, it was packed with typically unruly teenagers, and the volume during the movie was so low I was able to hear the person swallowing next I am usually hard to please-and let me tell you-the theater had "sold out" 15 minutes prior to showtime, it was packed with typically unruly teenagers, and the volume during the movie was so low I was able to hear the person swallowing next to me. Through all that, it was AMAZING. By far one of the scariest movies I have seen in a while (keep in mind-I work in a Level I Trauma Center ER). Do yourself a favor and SEE THIS!!!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
AnneD.Oct 16, 2009
It delivered for me, the suspense the most exciting part with the scary action coming at just the right time, subtly and cleverly. I don't imagine the slasher types will like it. Not one drop of blood
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
johnd.Oct 17, 2009
Very good movie, interesting with a touch of shiver down my spine. Well worth the movie ticket!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RobinR.Oct 18, 2009
I'm not totally sure how "good" of a movie this was. However, it was definitely terrifying. Sleeping has become difficult for me. Not even watching The Exorcist when I was 6 got to me as much as this movie did. I'm sure the I'm not totally sure how "good" of a movie this was. However, it was definitely terrifying. Sleeping has become difficult for me. Not even watching The Exorcist when I was 6 got to me as much as this movie did. I'm sure the "goodness" rating of this film may very, but it is absolutely a 10 rating on the scare factor.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JoshLOct 19, 2009
I hate when people say this movie isnt scary or creepy, because it is, i think people just try to act hard, or be different from everyone else just to shoot down hype. This movie had suspense, hair-standing scenes, and a ending i will never I hate when people say this movie isnt scary or creepy, because it is, i think people just try to act hard, or be different from everyone else just to shoot down hype. This movie had suspense, hair-standing scenes, and a ending i will never forget, the only reason im docking two points is because it took about 30 minutes for excitement to occur.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
WilliamC.Dec 29, 2009
Paranormal Activity: It
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JustinP.Dec 29, 2009
Anyone who gives this movie a bad rating was obviously scared bowelless from the film. I, myself haven't slept well since watching this.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JayLOct 23, 2009
If your a fan of "real" fear then your in luck. If your a fan of Hollywood heavy production $$ fear then stay way. This is very simple and it feels very real. Only scary movie ive seen in about 9 years.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AlexJOct 23, 2009
The user score for this movie will be very wonky, mainly because you have a bunch of people thinking they are super cool at calling this the lease scary movie ever. While not the scariest movie Ive ever seen, it ranks up there. It may not The user score for this movie will be very wonky, mainly because you have a bunch of people thinking they are super cool at calling this the lease scary movie ever. While not the scariest movie Ive ever seen, it ranks up there. It may not scare those that don't get scared by the paranormal, but the film has an overall creepy and disturbing atmosphere. Great movie!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MattA.Oct 24, 2009
I would've like the movie even more if it were just the bedroom camera scenes the whole time. Still one of the better movies of the year. Oh and I read the original ending, its way better.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SreyL.Oct 24, 2009
My boyfriend and I were expecting that this movie would be sucky because of the hype about it. We were unexpectingly surprise that this movie was pretty scary. I have to admit that this does come close to real events that could happen. We My boyfriend and I were expecting that this movie would be sucky because of the hype about it. We were unexpectingly surprise that this movie was pretty scary. I have to admit that this does come close to real events that could happen. We were alittle upset and disappointed that they did not show the part where he got thrown against the wall, like they had advertised but all and all it was good.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JerryR.Oct 24, 2009
This movie was hilarious. I have never laughed so much in a movie. Rather than it being marketed as a "horror", it should be marketed as a comedy. This 96 minute movie felt like 20 minutes, although these 20 minutes made it count with all This movie was hilarious. I have never laughed so much in a movie. Rather than it being marketed as a "horror", it should be marketed as a comedy. This 96 minute movie felt like 20 minutes, although these 20 minutes made it count with all the laughter I went through. 9/10 for comedy. 4/10 for horror.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BobN.Oct 24, 2009
Depends on which version you saw. The theatrical version, though a tighter and smoother edit, has an ending that makes me cringe (out of pure WTF is wrong with Steven Spielberg for adding a cliche and insipid ending.) The Festival version, Depends on which version you saw. The theatrical version, though a tighter and smoother edit, has an ending that makes me cringe (out of pure WTF is wrong with Steven Spielberg for adding a cliche and insipid ending.) The Festival version, though longer and not as smooth, has an ending that made me cringe (it got to me, was disturbing, realistic, and frightening.) I would recommend seeing this film with the original ending rather than the "lets make the ending like every other horror film made" via Steven Hackneyed Spielberg Who Once Made Great Films. PROPS to the director for making a "normal" haunted house film (creepy, realistic, and something one could find in the daily news) since this make it abnormal and worthy. PROPS to Paramount for releasing this, but a Fart In Your General Direction for changing the ending. If you were scared of sounds in the night as a child, if you have had experiences of the paranormal, this film will ring authentic and primal...in short, it may possibly cause child-like primal fear. To those who did not like the film, hey, go make something better, or stick to Saw 37.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ZachLOct 25, 2009
Scariest movie I have ever seen, regardless of what others say. Yes, it does just build for ninety minutes, but SO DOES EVERY OTHER MOVIE EVER MADE! Go see this movie, you will not be disappointed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
LarryE.Oct 31, 2009
This was the single most terrifying movie I have ever seen in my entire, I doubt I will ever be this scared ever again. Every single one of the "paranormal activities" scared me shitless. But on the other hand, it was also very funny, as This was the single most terrifying movie I have ever seen in my entire, I doubt I will ever be this scared ever again. Every single one of the "paranormal activities" scared me shitless. But on the other hand, it was also very funny, as Micah's sarcasm was very biting. But this movie... Wow. Just wow. Good luck sleeping after seeing this.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BillyC.Sep 25, 2009
Believe the hype. I am a huge horror fan, and this goes in my top 5 of all-time. Beware, though, because it will stay with you forever.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PaulMSep 29, 2009
Scary, Scary, Scary. I'm a 21 year old man that doesn't scare easily and it made me jump out of my seat. The feeling of dread it creates is comparable to the first time you saw Alien, Halloween, and Blair Witch 1. Super realistic, Scary, Scary, Scary. I'm a 21 year old man that doesn't scare easily and it made me jump out of my seat. The feeling of dread it creates is comparable to the first time you saw Alien, Halloween, and Blair Witch 1. Super realistic, super believable. Best horror movie I've ever seen.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
AdeCNov 13, 2009
I'm giving it a 7 for the fact that the marketing buzz succeeded in getting me to go see it in the first place. I think it was a lost opportunity, the "ordinariness" which made it so effective in the first forty five minutes slowly I'm giving it a 7 for the fact that the marketing buzz succeeded in getting me to go see it in the first place. I think it was a lost opportunity, the "ordinariness" which made it so effective in the first forty five minutes slowly weighs it down towards the end.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BrentMNov 16, 2009
Easily the scariest move I've ever seen. The best movie this year in my opinion, even if you don't get scared easily, this movie will make you terrified. The whole audience was shocked and this movie plays on your mind for days and Easily the scariest move I've ever seen. The best movie this year in my opinion, even if you don't get scared easily, this movie will make you terrified. The whole audience was shocked and this movie plays on your mind for days and even weeks. GO SEE IT IF YOU'RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET THE CHANCE TO.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JohnHDec 12, 2009
Let me summarize: If you liked Blair Witch and found it scary, you will find this scarier. If you didn't, this movie will be a joke. It takes the scariest bits of Blair Witch, improves on them, and reminds us that what you can't Let me summarize: If you liked Blair Witch and found it scary, you will find this scarier. If you didn't, this movie will be a joke. It takes the scariest bits of Blair Witch, improves on them, and reminds us that what you can't see is far scarier than what you can. I'll be honest, this was by far the scariest movie I have EVER seen. The acting and script was very realistic, and the low frequency ambience that fills the cinema is extremely effective. There is no blood, no gore, just suspense that builds up and up, and ends in a spectacular climax. The ending is not at all cheesy (A monster jumping at the camera actually works in a movie like this, because the camera actually exists), and will actually freak you out. No kidding.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
OliDec 14, 2009
It's definitely not the scariest movie ever made, but it works well at building suspense and keeping you on the edge of your seat.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
yorculpaDec 29, 2009
This movie relies on the viewer having a vivid imagination. It brilliantly conjures up fears that dwell within most or some of us. Not for those who like being spoon fed their stories. If you didn't like it, perhaps it's not the This movie relies on the viewer having a vivid imagination. It brilliantly conjures up fears that dwell within most or some of us. Not for those who like being spoon fed their stories. If you didn't like it, perhaps it's not the film that's boring.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
davenbettridgeOct 17, 2011
The paranormal activity movies are not for everyone but I have enjoyed them and have appreciated its simple but effective film making. The characters aren't the best but I had fun with its approach to the folk lore of haunting demons and itsThe paranormal activity movies are not for everyone but I have enjoyed them and have appreciated its simple but effective film making. The characters aren't the best but I had fun with its approach to the folk lore of haunting demons and its effective use of spooks and scares. Many scenes are intense and effective and its film makers have managed to turn its low budget weaknesses into strengths.… Expand
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All this user's reviews
10
IAmPhongNguyenOct 16, 2011
Paranormal Activity is smart, scary, suspenseful and surprisingly funny! It builds up the big finish but along the way to it, there's a bit of "Oh, what the f**k!" or "Did that just happened?" This films proves that there's no need for anyParanormal Activity is smart, scary, suspenseful and surprisingly funny! It builds up the big finish but along the way to it, there's a bit of "Oh, what the f**k!" or "Did that just happened?" This films proves that there's no need for any horrid creature to be generated on computers but a creative story and your imagination. So, think of this as a rollercoaster ride!… Expand
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All this user's reviews
7
chwApr 23, 2015
Paranormal Activity was pretty good. As for the users, they are cliche. The movie, ironically (since it's a found footage kind of film) isn't. It's a very creepy movie (not as creepy as The Shining, though) and eerie tale, and also a good tale.
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All this user's reviews
8
FilmMasterEdJan 5, 2016
When this dirt-cheap (that'd be $15,000) frightfest opened in late September for midnight showings in a dozen college towns, cynics laughed at its viral marketing campaign. Paramount Pictures asked interested parties to log on to a websiteWhen this dirt-cheap (that'd be $15,000) frightfest opened in late September for midnight showings in a dozen college towns, cynics laughed at its viral marketing campaign. Paramount Pictures asked interested parties to log on to a website and vote to get the flick into their towns. No one's laughing now. After a million-plus requests, Paranormal Activity is everywhere and raking it in ($34 million at last count). On a cost-profit basis, PA may be the year's most profitable.

What's all the excitement about? Oren Peli's movie from nowhere owes much to The Blair Witch Project, and, OK, suffers by comparison. But make no mistake, it will fry your nerves and creep you out big time without spending a dime on obvious special effects. The plot needs three sentences. Katie (Katie Featherston) and boyfriend Micah (Micah Sloat) are freaked out by noises in their San Diego home. To catch what's out there, he sets up a night-vision video camera while they sleep. We watch the found footage.

That's it. Over a period of about three weeks in the film, the tension builds and builds and builds until the dread ties your stomach in knots. No need to say more. If ghost stories have your number, this one will get you good, proving you don't need stars and computer mash-ups to make audiences shriek at things that go bump in the night.… Expand
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All this user's reviews
7
Sosmooth1982Jan 7, 2023
Decent movie but could have better. They took to long for everything to start happening. They could have made it happen faster and also could have added more things happening to them, then what they showed. Otherwise just an ok movie.
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All this user's reviews
8
GiugiOct 3, 2022
First of the saga brought some innovation to the genre. Scary and very realistic given the mode of directing.
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All this user's reviews
8
ALAMLEDPJan 21, 2023
Paranormal Activity, a found footage horror film, is an eerie and thrilling story about the demonic haunting of two students in San Diego. Despite its low budget of $15,000, the film was a box office success and it's not hard to see why.Paranormal Activity, a found footage horror film, is an eerie and thrilling story about the demonic haunting of two students in San Diego. Despite its low budget of $15,000, the film was a box office success and it's not hard to see why. Using a home video camera and filming in the director's own house, the film creates a sense of realism and believability that adds to the fear factor. The technical and creative restraints used in the film, such as using a cinecam and improvised script, adds to the feeling of a real-life documentary. The performances of the lead actors, Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, are convincing and their chemistry adds to the realism of the film. Their relationship also becomes more interesting as the film goes on and adds to the thematic backbone of the film, which is about the balance of control. Overall, while the film isn't perfect, it's a strong entry into the found footage sub-genre and is best viewed with a group of friends.
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Paranormal Activity, una película de terror de metraje encontrado, es una historia espeluznante y emocionante sobre la persecución demoníaca de dos estudiantes en San Diego. A pesar de su bajo presupuesto de $15,000, la película fue un éxito de taquilla y no es difícil ver por qué. Usando una cámara de video casera y filmando en la propia casa del director, la película crea una sensación de realismo y credibilidad que se suma al factor miedo. Las restricciones técnicas y creativas utilizadas en la película, como el uso de una cámara de cine y un guión improvisado, se suman a la sensación de un documental de la vida real. Las actuaciones de los actores principales, Katie Featherston y Micah Sloat, son convincentes y su química se suma al realismo de la película. Su relación también se vuelve más interesante a medida que avanza la película y se suma a la columna vertebral temática de la película, que trata sobre el equilibrio del control. En general, aunque la película no es perfecta, es una entrada fuerte en el subgénero de metraje encontrado y se ve mejor con un grupo de amigos.… Expand
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