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
Watch Now
Stream On
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
JustinMOct 9, 2009
I actually would like to give this a higher score, but I am inclined to keep it at a 8 because to me it is not as scary as most of the marketing material touts it to be. I say to me because since the film does deal with demonic possession, I I actually would like to give this a higher score, but I am inclined to keep it at a 8 because to me it is not as scary as most of the marketing material touts it to be. I say to me because since the film does deal with demonic possession, I feel half of the fear generated by the film is one of an individual's beliefs and faiths, and since I am myself an Athiest, I do not find myself terrified by it like others, possibly for that reason. The film is terrific to watch, even though I was not scared, I was constantly entertained, and due to that it at least deserves a 7. The visual effects, though subtle, are extremely well pulled off, especially for be shot by a personal camcorder, and the acting is believable since the leads have a great chemistry and most of the script is improved. But as a reviewer has stated above, a great deal of the tension and that the viewer feels and takes away with them is all generated by their own personal phobias, and that is exactly why this film works differently for some rather than others.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
8
JBJan 28, 2010
Anyone calling themselves a horror fan that doesn't recognize the genius of this has no clue. This is a landmark film in the genre, and genres need a huge kick in the pants every now and then to keep them fresh. Deserves to be mentioned Anyone calling themselves a horror fan that doesn't recognize the genius of this has no clue. This is a landmark film in the genre, and genres need a huge kick in the pants every now and then to keep them fresh. Deserves to be mentioned with the likes of Night of the Living Dead, Halloween, Ringu, and Blair Witch.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful
8
PaulL.Oct 13, 2009
Definitely builds a good sense of dread with several hair-raising scenes that will stay with you. Considering the budget, very effective.
1 of 1 users found this 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
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
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
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
8
nboley08Aug 16, 2010
Nowhere near as scary as its closely related movie "The Blair Witch Project", but still much scarier than the average "Saw" movie. I'm not somebody to believe in demons and that type of exorcism stuff, but this film is genuinely creepy andNowhere near as scary as its closely related movie "The Blair Witch Project", but still much scarier than the average "Saw" movie. I'm not somebody to believe in demons and that type of exorcism stuff, but this film is genuinely creepy and very wellmade. Some of the demon's antics are dumb and pointless and just showing off by the filmmakers (turning the lights on and off) but it's hard not to be captivated by this little horror film.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
8
TheQuietGamerOct 24, 2018
Arguably the movie responsible for the found footage craze. I think it retroactively gets a lot of hate more for what it caused, rather than for what it is. Expectations going into it are also likely a sizable factor. Everything I had heardArguably the movie responsible for the found footage craze. I think it retroactively gets a lot of hate more for what it caused, rather than for what it is. Expectations going into it are also likely a sizable factor. Everything I had heard about this franchise told me it was going to be all big thrills and jump scares. In reality this is more of slow burner. Much like The Blair Witch Project, the majority of the experience is about what's happening off-screen with a few big moments saved for the tail end of the film.

What worked most for me was that the characters and setup were believable given the context. We're essentially watching someone get too caught up in events to truly recognize the danger he's in. Intentionally egging on the demon haunting his girlfriend because the possibility of capturing it on film excites him, implicitly because he could get famous. Even when it becomes clear that something is going very wrong he refuses outside help for reasons of ego and not wanting to share whatever possible glory that could be mined from something like this. This downward spiral is fascinating to watch, especially in this era of internet clout and everybody trying to make it big on YouTube. I couldn't help but draw comparisons to the whole Logan Paul controversy in terms of someone unthinkingly crossing a line for views. So in a sense this movie might have only gotten better with age.

It does a lot for such a low budget and puts it's own spin on the TBWP formula. Not terribly effective at raising the hairs, but it might be deeper than people give it credit for because of the aforementioned context. Worth watching for the influence on overpopulating the found footage subgenre alone, Paranormal Activity is notable for it's unexpectedly above average writing and slow build up to the large scares.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
KendylKlownfishApr 17, 2011
Paranormal Activity is more or less over-hyped, but you WILL jump more than once. Pros: The Blair Witch-influenced mockumentary is impressive; thoroughly narrated; refreshingly tense and suspenseful. Cons: PA isn't for all audiences: it isParanormal Activity is more or less over-hyped, but you WILL jump more than once. Pros: The Blair Witch-influenced mockumentary is impressive; thoroughly narrated; refreshingly tense and suspenseful. Cons: PA isn't for all audiences: it is either too scary or too fake, pick your choice.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
RocketcrossingMay 10, 2011
So many movies nowadays are made with this philosophy in mind: "CG effects make everything better." Well, I'm here today to tell you this is not true and, in fact, it's one of the stupidest statements I've ever heard uttered from someone'sSo many movies nowadays are made with this philosophy in mind: "CG effects make everything better." Well, I'm here today to tell you this is not true and, in fact, it's one of the stupidest statements I've ever heard uttered from someone's mouth. Computer graphics are a great resource for filmmakers, as it allows them to capture moments that are otherwise impossible, or enhance certain scenes to drive a point, and yes, they can even just make a scene flat-out look better. You know what else they can do? They can totally and utterly ruin movies that would have otherwise been pretty decent, or even good. Paranormal Activity is a great example of this. I don't think there's a person on this planet with an IQ above 3, who would argue the fact that additional special effects would have RUINED this film. It's lack of CGI, and reliance on practical effects, is exactly what made this film so great. There is power behind realism, and this is something that 90% of Hollywood film makers forget. This is the first time, in a long time, that I actually made audible noise as a result of being scared in the theater. The actors aren't really noteworthy, but it is important to mention that I felt that they could be legitimate human beings, and since this is shot in the faux documentary style, it makes it more believable. All-in-all Paranormal Activity goes into my book of the best horror films in recent years, and if anyone hasn't seen it yet, please do. If anyone claims to not have been scared by this movie then I ask that you watch it by yourself in your house at night and then make a statement like that, because I have and let me tell you, I was terrified - but having a blast the entire time. Read the rest of the review on my film review site, rocketcrossing.com, and check out our facebook page at facebook.com/rocketcrossing… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
asjklasOct 22, 2011
Paranormal Activity uses its low-budget, mockumentary styled thrills and chills in the wittiest ways, resulting in one of the scariest films in recent years.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
alexandergreenSep 4, 2011
I'm not a big fan of the horror genre, but this film intrigued me, so I had to give it a watch. The film builds suspense almost perfectly, and the low budget doesn't make it tacky in any way. A frighteningly uncomfortable and chillingI'm not a big fan of the horror genre, but this film intrigued me, so I had to give it a watch. The film builds suspense almost perfectly, and the low budget doesn't make it tacky in any way. A frighteningly uncomfortable and chilling feature, just what it wanted to achieve.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
LetzTalkMoveezOct 22, 2012
It's not really all that scary for a while; then it just becomes terrifying.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
T-rAvDec 12, 2011
(January 14, 2010)
Paranormal Activity is the perfect example of how horror films do not need large budgets with excess gore and violence to scare the child in all of us. This movie takes the phrase âless is moreâ?(January 14, 2010)
Paranormal Activity is the perfect example of how horror films do not need large budgets with excess gore and violence to scare the child in all of us. This movie takes the phrase âless is moreâ? and runs as far as possible with it. Like The Blair Witch Project before it, this movie not only grows the horror genre, but takes it into a brand new direction.
The story only features four characters, two of which are Micah and Katie. They are a young married couple and Katie is different from most people; ever since youth she has been haunted by something out of the ordinary at bedtime. Micha, who is dangerously curious about the situation, decides to purchase an expensive camera to observe the haunting at night. As the film goes on slowly more and more is reveled about what is causing the disturbances during the night, but I will keep hush about the rest of plot. Realistic is the key word I would use for this movie. This has some of the best acting out there, it is almost too realistic. If someone stumbled onto a clip from this film with no explanation behind it I guarantee they would believe that is was real. The lead pair play off of each other so well, with their quick reactions and remarks, that it really pushes the film past other films of this handy cam horror genre. It is a film that will make all inspiring film directors say: âI wish I would have thought of this!â?

The only real complaint I have is a small one. This movie seems like a one trick pony. I do not feel like I could watch this film again on a standard television and get the same chills and thrills as I did in the theater. This film really does play off the atmosphere you are in while watching it. I do believe this film will go down as a cult classic such as Blair Witch though, and will be the movie that will forever spread by word of mouth.
The fact that a fifteen thousand dollar budget film with no added bells and whistles to it, warped my mind more than any other recent horror film is a bit âParanormalâ? its self. I personally had a few rough nights of sleep after viewing this movie. I was not to terrified while viewing the film in the theater, but as soon as I got to my bed and rested my head; the visions of this creepy film kept playing back in my head. I felt like I was eight years old again afraid of the monster watching me in my closet. Go see this film in the theater with a few companions while you still can. It is a social experience you do not want to miss.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
FilmVirtueNov 30, 2014
It doesn't have gore, nor explosive sets or even a thrilling storyline, but somehow "Paranormal Activity" pulls off an old school horror film, with old school filming and shows your budget doesn't have to be big, to make a film a big hit.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
JohnMasterLNov 1, 2015
La película tiene 2 formas de presentarse, el primero es el tipo "Falso Documental" donde nos permite vivir todas las situaciones de una manera mas real, pues podemos vivir y ver claramente todo como si estuviéramos dentro de la película. YLa película tiene 2 formas de presentarse, el primero es el tipo "Falso Documental" donde nos permite vivir todas las situaciones de una manera mas real, pues podemos vivir y ver claramente todo como si estuviéramos dentro de la película. Y por otra parte esta la parte de "Las Noches" esto es lo fuerte de la película, aparte de ser una experiencia innovadora y poco vista en cines, no es aburrida, al contrario, existe y se crea la tensión, el suspenso surge y los screamers funcionan increíblemente bien. Una experiencia paranormal muy entretenida y que funciona perfectamente.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
youlouzNov 10, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Outstanding horror movie with plenty of action and no blood.

This may be a spoiler to some, but it isn't really, many sort of scary things happen that aren't to scary happen, to then lead to terrifying things at the end.

PROS
-Terrifying
-Makes you think whats real and what isn't
-Satisfying ending of terror
-Well made

CONS
-A little dry and boring till end… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
8
MovieManiac83Apr 25, 2015
The familiar looks different at night. Incandescent lights don't quite chase away the shadows with the effectiveness of the sun. The rooms and hallways of a home, so comforting at noon, can become cloaked with unease past the witching hour.The familiar looks different at night. Incandescent lights don't quite chase away the shadows with the effectiveness of the sun. The rooms and hallways of a home, so comforting at noon, can become cloaked with unease past the witching hour. This fear of the dark, one of humankind's most common phobias, lies at the heart of Paranormal Activity, as a seemingly normal house is turned into a nest of terror once the daylight has faded. Things that go bump in the night can instantly transform the most mundane location into a place of menace. This is a tale of the supernatural, but its strength is that it is rooted in the ordinary. That's what makes it creepy.

In a sense, this is The Blair Witch Project redux. It replaces the "lost in the woods" premise of the surprise 1999 hit with a "trapped in a house" concept. Both movies were made on shoestring budgets, pretend to be constructed from "lost" documentary footage, use the camera to develop a first-person narrative, and - most importantly - rely on the viewer's imagination to build upon the horror that is only hinted at on screen. The Blair Witch Project is atmosphere incarnate, and a similar claim can be made about Paranormal Activity. Both movies build momentum by playing upon the expectation that something ominous is going to happen. Since our perspective is constrained by what the camera can see, we are not privy to anything that happens beyond its field of view, although we can often hear sounds. Paranormal Activity's approach is simple but undeniably effective. Still, those who demand blood, gore, and violence from horror films may be bored by what this one offers. It's a largely cerebral experience, and it could face the kind of backlash that overwhelmed The Blair Witch Project when it exited its phenomenally successful art house run and opened wide into multiplexes. What was embraced by audiences appreciative of the unconventional was rejected by those weaned on mainstream horror. Only time will tell whether Paranormal Activity's tighter pacing and different setting will allow it to escape a similar fate.

The pillars upon which Paranormal Activity are founded are verisimilitude and simplicity. The movie doesn't try to do too much. It doesn't rely on special effects. It's basically one set (a house), one camera, carefully placed lights, and two actors who are entirely convincing playing these characters. There's not a lot more to the movie than that. Many of the daytime conversations between Katie and Micah are either extemporized or made to seem that way. Director Oren Peli has crafted the movie with such deceptive simplicity that it almost seems like anyone could do it. And that, in a way, is its genius. It helps us to relate. It helps us to buy into the ghost story in a way that we might not if the production was more lavishly mounted. I don't believe in ghosts, but this is not a movie I would want to watch at home by myself past midnight. Suddenly, the natural settling noises of the house would sound anything but natural.

Is the movie scary? For a horror movie, that is often the bottom line. While it may be a stretch to call any motion picture conventionally "frightening," Paranormal Activity is suffused with a creepy, disturbing atmosphere that envelops the viewer. The "boo!" moments are effectively constructed to generate the necessary jolt without seeming unnecessarily manipulative. The ending, which was apparently selected over Peli's original version after being suggested by Steven Spielberg, is appropriate for the story.

In some ways, the marketing campaign for Paranormal Activity threatens to dwarf the movie. Paramount is building interest on the strong word-of-mouth generated by targeted screenings and by the exclusivity factor of slowly rolling it out to select theaters in specific markets. Those who feel "left out" in the early stages of the phased distribution can "demand" the movie on a website. Paramount promises that once 1,000,000 demands are recorded, the movie will go wide. (This is a bit of sham, since plans to distribute prints to multiplexes around the country were finalized weeks ago, but the website provides viewers with the illusion of participation.) The Halloween season is the perfect time of the year for a production such as this. Every October, we're all looking for a good scare. In an era when mainstream horror is often indistinguishable from self-parody, it takes something basic like this to be diabolically successful.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
LyssahLyssahOct 2, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Yes, parts can be cheesy, but this movie did so much with so little! Very little over-the-top cgi effects, or forced jump scares just because, they used what they had and it worked. The way it plays out is very creepy and subtle. Turn down the lights and turn up the volume. One of my favorites. The last scene is the only mild disappointment for me. The bad cgi ruined the mood.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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.
____________________________
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
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
RickK.Oct 19, 2009
I kept hearing it was a very scary movie from my friends and others who had seen it, so hype wasn't a factor. I have to say this isn't a scary movie. If you get chills from watching Ghost Hunters or Scariest Places on Earth, then I kept hearing it was a very scary movie from my friends and others who had seen it, so hype wasn't a factor. I have to say this isn't a scary movie. If you get chills from watching Ghost Hunters or Scariest Places on Earth, then you might enjoy this movie more than others. I do enjoy watching shows about paranormal activity, so this movie was fun to watch, but it was not in any way scary. I'm not going to give it a low score because it was overhyped, I'm going to give it an average score because that is what it was, an average movie.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
MarkCOct 26, 2009
This movie depends on your mindset going in. I realized I was heading into a extremely low-budget mocumentary that has benifitted from a lot of hype recently. If you walk into this movie expecting to see a multi-million dollar blockbuster This movie depends on your mindset going in. I realized I was heading into a extremely low-budget mocumentary that has benifitted from a lot of hype recently. If you walk into this movie expecting to see a multi-million dollar blockbuster horror flick then you are going to leave disappointed. For the amount of money and the talent they had available I enjoyed what I saw. Yes, it was not a two-hour special effects extravaganza, but if you walked in there expecting one then you should have saved your money. To all the bad reviewers -- I'll give you $15000 and seven days to film a movie in your house and then we can see what you come up with. If you see this movie for what it was.. I for one think they did an excellent job.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
KeithT.Jan 8, 2010
My daughter could not watch the ending.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
DavidT.Oct 15, 2009
This movie did a good job of building suspense in you, it had it's comical moments. Overall, it was alright - nothing that stuck with me for longer than 4 to 5 days.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
zachcOct 29, 2009
Hype scares me more than any movie. It has the innate ability to either totally corrupt or empower a film. In this case, I wouldn't say the hype totally destroyed this film however it didn't measure up to what some of the critics Hype scares me more than any movie. It has the innate ability to either totally corrupt or empower a film. In this case, I wouldn't say the hype totally destroyed this film however it didn't measure up to what some of the critics were hailing it to be. There were definitely some scary moments and at one point I let out an empowered "what the fuck?!" but 'Paranormal' won't hold up on any all time list. Peli does put forth an amazing effort at utilizing minimum production for maximum effect, I'll give him that and the acting was incredibly organic and therefore believable. However, aside from the barrage of jump out scares this movie is a clever and plodding build-up to a somewhat obvious result. Definitely worth seeing, but by no means will this be locking arms with 'Exorcist' and 'The shining' at any point in the foreseeable future.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
JayWOct 12, 2009
I thought this film was well done. I would say that it is far from being the "scariest film ever" but it does a great job of building tension for certain parts. Unfortunately that building of tension sometimes veers the film off into some I thought this film was well done. I would say that it is far from being the "scariest film ever" but it does a great job of building tension for certain parts. Unfortunately that building of tension sometimes veers the film off into some boring moments that drag the film down. I found the buildup to be tremendously slow at the beginning, and couldn't believe that this movie was carrying so much "hype" with it. Once you wade through a lot of that boredom, though, you are paid off with a pretty good final act. I actually think the hype did this film an injustice. Proclaiming it to be the "scariest" film ever may have put people in seats, but when the movie doesn't deliver on that promise, a lot of people will be left disappointed. All in all, though it is worth the price of admission for some good Halloween season thrills.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
ToddA.Nov 7, 2009
_Paranormal Activity_ is best at couching the supernatural in realism. While certainly fitting and skillful, the actors are not your generic, hard-bodied, Hollywood starlets, and they seem likable and benignly plain. The movie similarly _Paranormal Activity_ is best at couching the supernatural in realism. While certainly fitting and skillful, the actors are not your generic, hard-bodied, Hollywood starlets, and they seem likable and benignly plain. The movie similarly forgoes sensationalized digital scares and the tired butchery of films like _Saw_ for a clever and effectively balanced mix of harrowing shocks that accompanies the subtle and steady breakdown of the lead characters. At times, Katie and Micah may seem to make foolish decisions, but even that contributes to the authenticity of their performances. How well would someone adjust to the fact or even entertain the idea that a haunting, something that betrays all reason, is happening in his or her own home? Not well, of course. Additionally, this camera work, although still a … Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
EricJ.Oct 18, 2009
There was a bit too much media hype, but make no mistake, this is a very well crafted film. Where it is most effective is the sleeping sequences. I think the director realized he had something with that footage and it works very well. The There was a bit too much media hype, but make no mistake, this is a very well crafted film. Where it is most effective is the sleeping sequences. I think the director realized he had something with that footage and it works very well. The only weakness is the Micah Sloat character. You do have to wonder why he is so willing to pursue the demon even though he knows what the consequences are for Katie. Also why didn't the both of them go for the nearest catholic priest when the demonologist was not available? Katie Featherston makes a very solid debut and carries this film. The editing is very solid. The pacing of the narrative is perfect. This movie slowly builds to a very dramatic ending. A very solid effort. This will be the Halloween movie to see this year. Don't miss it but don't build it up too much in your mind before you see it.… Expand
1 of 1 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
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
7
WilliamC.Dec 29, 2009
Paranormal Activity: It
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
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
7
RumblebeeloveNov 26, 2010
This one has a slow pace, but once you get there it is really unnerving. Definitely see this one with a group of people for the best effect. It may be a little silly at times, but the feeling of a good movie is there.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
Sarlacc12Feb 5, 2011
Paranormal Activity 2 is a well done movie. It is suspenseful and can be quite frightening. The first few scenes are kinda boring but the movie does pick up and becomes quite interesting. It is no where near as frightening as it's reputation though.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
jstrickler872Oct 22, 2011
The movie was going great until the ending. It felt so real that it made you freak out at such little things. The ending ruined the entire movie. But this movie scared me and most other people than most of the horror films out there, and thisThe movie was going great until the ending. It felt so real that it made you freak out at such little things. The ending ruined the entire movie. But this movie scared me and most other people than most of the horror films out there, and this was a very low budget movie.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
Tss5078Feb 24, 2013
I'll be a man and admit it... This movie made me jump quite a few times and left me thinking about it long after it was over. I have been a Horror fan for a long time and that's a very unusual reaction for me. Some people didn't like how itI'll be a man and admit it... This movie made me jump quite a few times and left me thinking about it long after it was over. I have been a Horror fan for a long time and that's a very unusual reaction for me. Some people didn't like how it was filmed on camcorders or how it started out slowly, but not me, I thought this was a great movie and new territory for the genre. This is one they'll be talking about for a while.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
beingryanjudeAug 31, 2014
Not only is Paranormal Activity a fine achievement for its genre, it is also a filmmakers masterpiece for little to no budget. It's thrilling and fresh.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
SpangleOct 24, 2016
Paranormal Activity is an incredibly divisive horror film, largely because of its slow pacing and found footage feature. These combined will lead many audiences to hate a film. Yet, Paranormal Activity makes terrific use of its found footageParanormal Activity is an incredibly divisive horror film, largely because of its slow pacing and found footage feature. These combined will lead many audiences to hate a film. Yet, Paranormal Activity makes terrific use of its found footage element, though it suffers from stupid character syndrome. While incredibly scary and those scary parts cannot be downplayed in the least, Micah being the stupidest man alive really did hamper my enjoyment of the film from the get go.

While relying heavily on jump scares to elicit fears, these jump scares actually effective. Jump scares tend to be predictable, but that predictability comes from being able to see the entity in question. Paranormal Activity leaves you in the dark on this front, never showing the demon that has haunted Katie since she was eight years old. For this, director Oren Peli demonstrates knowledge of the fact that the thing that goes bump in the night is a lot less scary when you know what it actually is. Though we know it is a demon, the shroud of mystery it is blanketed in keeps it from ever being anything less than scary.

Though its scares can be seen coming at times, the actions take by the demon remain unpredictable and keep the viewer on edge throughout. Plus, some details thrown in such as past experiences and the photo really add additional layers of terror to this found footage franchise's first entry. In this way, the film keeps you guessing and though you know something weird is about to go down, you never quite know what is about to happen. Thus, when it does, Peli's debut film still manages to freak the hell out of you.

However, the film is handicapped by Micah being stupid. Though Dr. Fredericks says to not communicate with the demon or antagonize it, he decides to do both. As the film shows, this was a truly bad strategic move. Fortunately, the demon gets his revenge and puts the audience out of its misery when dealing with Micah. Had the film not been so enjoyable or truly bone chilling, Micah's stupidity would have undermined the film even further.

As it stands, Paranormal Activity is a truly scary found footage horror film that does take a bit to get to the good parts, but once it does, oh boy do they ever work.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
TheWalrus2000Mar 9, 2013
Though its boring at times, Paranormal Activity gives a shocking and creepy feel to an on-camera horror that makes everyone believe in its horror.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
HaithamBayazeedJun 4, 2013
Pure horror, a masterpiece of none gory compelling thriller, the acting is good as long as you don't get into it, the plot is terrifying, and the scenes are all original and the found footage is way too better than other movies, but it getsPure horror, a masterpiece of none gory compelling thriller, the acting is good as long as you don't get into it, the plot is terrifying, and the scenes are all original and the found footage is way too better than other movies, but it gets sometimes boring, it is not fully perfect, but as a horror, it is great… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
python2000Aug 28, 2013
Paranormal Activity has practically no plot or character development at all. But do you really care when characters are being dragged out of bed, thrown against cameras and attacked by freakin terrifying invisible demons!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
mds03Mar 3, 2013
What a freaky and unnerving movie. Paranormal Activity scared the heck out me. Especially because I watched it at night. It is a very clever and original movie. Just be sure you don't watch it alone.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
busbfranOct 23, 2015
A low budget, frightening movie that will generally give you the creeps. Apart from some character inconsistency and unanswered backstory. Paranormal activity is an exciting new horror and I can't wait for more.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
7
MovieGuysMar 9, 2014
Paranormal Activity has no more substance than an empty box; instead, it relies on jump scares, and implies rather than shows. And in this case, it works out pretty nicely to make for a good scary flick.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
LelandskellOct 20, 2013
Paranormal Activity was released in 2007 to on demand users and others at film festivals, it wasn't for a few more years until it received a theatrical release. The movie received much attention for being similar to the 1999 movie, The BlairParanormal Activity was released in 2007 to on demand users and others at film festivals, it wasn't for a few more years until it received a theatrical release. The movie received much attention for being similar to the 1999 movie, The Blair Witch Project, which featured the same kind of shooting and dialogue style. The film has two main characters, Katie and Micah. The two have just moved in together, and weird stuff starts to happen as they move in. This is not a haunted house movie, this a haunted person movie. Katie has been plagued since she was a child, and over the course of 3 weeks, the presence becomes stronger, until they reach the climax. When this movie came out, it was regarded as being extremely scary. It was hyped up in advertisements and other sources in the internet, spreading the reputation even more. The movie doesn't really have any jump acres or loud music, just eerie, quiet things that make you cringe. While the dialogue might not be he best, this is a fairly scary movie. With the Conjuring now out, this movie is not nearly as scary. All in all, this is a solid ghost movie that may or may not be overhyped. 7/10.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
ydnar4Mar 5, 2015
Paranormal Activity is a found footage film so really that can be what turns people off from the get go. This movie is fairly scary considering that there is very little blood and guts. Paranormal Activity is also one of the biggest financialParanormal Activity is a found footage film so really that can be what turns people off from the get go. This movie is fairly scary considering that there is very little blood and guts. Paranormal Activity is also one of the biggest financial successes considering it only too 15 thousand dollars to make and earned 200 million at the box office. The overnight scenes in this film are always so unpredictable the first time you watch it and its really hard not to honestly feel terrified. This movie is not perfect by any means though. I really don't care for the male character, Micah. He is just such an annoying character because he doesn't everything he's told not to do and every time there is any signs of paranormal activity he has to run for the camera. Also the small budget allows only five characters in the movie and of course it could've been scarier if there was more money to spend.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
FilipeNetoFeb 10, 2020
It's not a movie for everyone, but it's worth it.

This is one of those films that I always heard about but never predisposed to see ... until yesterday. I already knew, and some reading to prepare this criticism confirmed this information toIt's not a movie for everyone, but it's worth it.

This is one of those films that I always heard about but never predisposed to see ... until yesterday. I already knew, and some reading to prepare this criticism confirmed this information to me, that this is one of the most profitable low-budget films ever, as it was quite cheap to make and made a huge commercial success, marking the cinema of terror, like it or not the marks left.

The script is simple: it is like watching a home video, where a young couple seeks to document the paranormal phenomena that are happening in the house where they live. There are no initial credits, the final credits have been reduced to what is required by law for commercial exhibition, there is no soundtrack, the filming is done with a homemade camera and everything is reduced to the simplest. This makes the movie look authentic and the special effects added are so compelling that they work very well. The ending is a little out of place because it is more exaggerated, but at least it provides a good climax.

The cast is small but capable and competent. Katie Featherston is easily the soul of the film, but Micah Sloat has a good relationship with her, although he's never been so good and his character is more annoying. The most boring part of this film, being a film based on homemade "security camera" footage, is that there are a lot of minutes where we are simply looking at a static scene waiting to see something happen.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SmileyGOct 19, 2009
I'll admit that the climax was the most disappointing segment in the entire film for me, falling back on the common cliches that seem to plague the recent lacklusters of it's genre. The film did do a good job of avoiding the ladder I'll admit that the climax was the most disappointing segment in the entire film for me, falling back on the common cliches that seem to plague the recent lacklusters of it's genre. The film did do a good job of avoiding the ladder up until that very point. Plus, the performances were fine only when the "paranormal activity" wasn't occurring. When the lights went out (...& on again.) & the door(s) starting slamming, I felt the characters were "ready for their close-ups." But all & all, the building suspense & the relentless tension provided the qualities that seem to be such rare gems these days in the latest installments of the unsatisfying chip chills/thrills horror.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
6
AronJ.Oct 21, 2009
Was decently made despite the obvious low budget. Definantly has a real fear affect because of the this is really happening approach. Was a little slow to begin, took over an hour to get the haunting type things but maybe that was for the Was decently made despite the obvious low budget. Definantly has a real fear affect because of the this is really happening approach. Was a little slow to begin, took over an hour to get the haunting type things but maybe that was for the better. Decent movie, good idea, maybe not executed at a 100%… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
6
JamesH.Jan 12, 2010
It certainly does have a believable creepiness about it, but there is way too much where nothing happens, the bickering and so forth. So much happens at night when it
1 of 1 users found this helpful
6
VegaVOct 11, 2009
Not bad. Had it's creepy moments, but certainly not worth all the hype. The movie borrows from several different movies (Blair Witch, The Ring, Japanese Horror movies) making it completely unoriginal. Nifty special affects, and use of Not bad. Had it's creepy moments, but certainly not worth all the hype. The movie borrows from several different movies (Blair Witch, The Ring, Japanese Horror movies) making it completely unoriginal. Nifty special affects, and use of sound are pretty impressive considering the "hand-held" documentary styled filming.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
6
SilviaVOct 22, 2009
I love scary moves, this one had a few little shake in your seat events, they were far and few in between, they took a long to finally show up in the movie, very slow, should have gone to my second choice of movies. not enough action.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
TylerWOct 23, 2009
I wasn't going in expecting much. It IS a horror/thriller film after all. With that in mind, it was an enjoyable experience. The camera work wasn't too annoying, unlike the Blair Witch Project. The story was generic, the acting was I wasn't going in expecting much. It IS a horror/thriller film after all. With that in mind, it was an enjoyable experience. The camera work wasn't too annoying, unlike the Blair Witch Project. The story was generic, the acting was horror film average, and the thrills were scattered here and there. The main reason this film scores a 6 is it did keep me interested and It could certainly build the moment... sadly, it never really delivered. A Good watch compared to 90% of other so called 'Horror/Thriller' flicks.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
NateK.Oct 6, 2009
Maybe it's because I was really stoned, but I could not stop laughing at this film. Comedy gold.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JimFOct 26, 2009
A good gimmick, one that shows an understanding of how audiences become involved in a movie but, that having been said, it's not a particularly memorable movie. The reason, I think, is that the director doesn't believe in ghosts, A good gimmick, one that shows an understanding of how audiences become involved in a movie but, that having been said, it's not a particularly memorable movie. The reason, I think, is that the director doesn't believe in ghosts, he just knows that other people do, which shows an obvious contempt not just for the audience, but for the genre as well. A good ghost movie, like "The Haunting", achieves its effects through its basic unknowability, exploiting everyone's ability to be frightened by what they don't-and can't-know. "Paranormal"is like the books about the siliness of religious belief that base their argument on the illogical beliefs of its practitioners, without addressing the question of why people believe them, not to mention, as William James did, the effect of that belief.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
WilliamS.Sep 25, 2009
I just came from a free screening movie and have to say I would not have paid to see the film. The movie is very slow to start with, yet it's humorous at times. The film is not very frightening except for the occasional thumps, noises, I just came from a free screening movie and have to say I would not have paid to see the film. The movie is very slow to start with, yet it's humorous at times. The film is not very frightening except for the occasional thumps, noises, and items moving strangely out of place. The movie ends with a big bang that was very predictable and it does not make you jump out of your seat. Unless you aren't taking yourself too seriously and you want cheap thrills, this movie is only passable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JamesNWAOct 11, 2010
It's not a bad movie but it disappointed so many people because of the way it was hyped up by the media. The sequel looks far better and a lot more scarier.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
aaronpaul121May 23, 2012
The movie is just fine, not shockingly good. I was very impressed with the horror scenes, it really did convince me by me being terrified at those scenes. I love the way the characters were acting in those scenes.But in the other hand, theyThe movie is just fine, not shockingly good. I was very impressed with the horror scenes, it really did convince me by me being terrified at those scenes. I love the way the characters were acting in those scenes.But in the other hand, they do some over-the-top acting in some scenes, it really turned me off a little bit. The flow of the story was not consistent, thus making the plot a little bit obscure. But for a scary and psychological movie, they really did a descent job...… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
6
j30Oct 7, 2011
A pretty creepy movie with just enough thrills and a chilling finale. I had a hard time sleeping after this one. If you're bored and want to watch a little scary movie. Go for it.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
grandpajoe6191Sep 18, 2011
Oren Pelli's "Paranormal Activity" is a decent movie in the 'scary' category, but a fantastic one in the 'psychology' category.
11 of 15 users found this helpful114
All this user's reviews
6
ChappyStickSep 17, 2011
its not during the movie that makes me scared but when i got into bed the night i saw it i couldn't sleep. it was sorta entertaining in the beginning and the middle but it loses all kinds of entertainment towards the end.
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
All this user's reviews
6
infinityqsOct 21, 2011
For a very low budgeted film, Paranormal Activity proves to be a great horror film. Though the film has no story, but it still has great horror themes.
Pros:
Good Horror themes
Cons:
Weak Dialogue No Story
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
All this user's reviews
6
ZilcellAug 8, 2012
Its kinda scary. It sorta relies on found footage too much to make the story work, but despite a plot hole or two, the character development and decent scares make it a pretty good entry in the genre.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
eTurkeyFeb 11, 2012
More than a decade ago a movie called the The Blair Witch Project introduced to audiences worldwide a genre known as "found footage". Flash forward to 2009 and that style of film has been popularised once more in a little, independent featureMore than a decade ago a movie called the The Blair Witch Project introduced to audiences worldwide a genre known as "found footage". Flash forward to 2009 and that style of film has been popularised once more in a little, independent feature called Paranormal Activity. The BIG question everyone wants to know -- is this flick scarier than the feature that started it all? Well, yes and no. It is frightful at times (particularly the last twenty minutes) but there's such a slow build up to the good stuff it's somewhat disappointing.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
OfficialNov 4, 2013
Considering that this is a low budget movie, "Paranormal Activity" really is an effective horror film. Trust me, some of the scary scenes are when nothing is happening.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
6
ypomoniJul 5, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. OK, so I knew nothing about the film before seeing it. I hadn't even seen the trailer. I liked the title, so I decided to go see it.
Maybe that's why I liked it. I was expecting a bit of paranormal activity, and I got a few scares as well!
The couple seemed completely believable to me although, I still can't get my head around the house they lived in! Wow, Micha must be making a lot of money!
Katie is a university student who has been stalked by an entity in the past. She begins as being annoyed by the resurfacing of the entity in the past all it did was stand by her bedside, nothing more (maybe it burned her house down, but she claims she isn't sure about this). She doesn't know whether to be scared or not after all, her boyfriend seems to think the whole situation is a bit of a joke. That changes as the film progresses.
Micha is intrigued by the whole thing. He wants to capture evidence on camera; I'm not exactly sure what he was trying to do, but ultimately his motives appeared to be that he wanted to prove to his girlfriend that he was the one who had everything under control, he was the alpha male.
The entity at first is mischievous, making loud thumping noises and playing with doors. But as the film progresses and most likely due to Micha's actions it becomes stronger, until it finally gets what it wants.
The film worked for me because I had no presumption of how scary it was suppose to be. It has no gore, virtually no script, it's extremely slow at some parts and you never get to see the entity. And yet all of this combined gives the film a feel of the home-made video, that this a real couple as it what they are experiencing. It also works to intensify those few scary moments which, when they do come, do actually make you jump.
If you are looking for some scares, then this will do nicely.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
ErikTheCriticSep 26, 2018
Considering that this is a low budget movie, it's a pretty effective horror film. The only problem is that it gets boring at times when not much is happening.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
GirardOct 13, 2018
First of all, I wouldn't consider it as the scariest movie ever. I admit it gets to build a really creepy and suspenseful atmosphere that could make you anxious but that doesn't stick to the end of the film, rather it gets lost.
However, oneFirst of all, I wouldn't consider it as the scariest movie ever. I admit it gets to build a really creepy and suspenseful atmosphere that could make you anxious but that doesn't stick to the end of the film, rather it gets lost.
However, one of the most positive things that the movie has, it's that it offers a more realistic experience for the viewer, it works pretty well with building tension and doesn't show up until the last minutes of the film.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
IAmaMovieGeekMay 30, 2020
While this movie had it's scary and intense scenes, it overall was a little boring. 6/10.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
atabeyordekciAug 18, 2021
After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence. (6)
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
MatthewCOct 11, 2009
The movie has some good creepy moments, and the setup works reasonably well. But I don't understand how more people weren't completely disappointed by that ending. It almost totally ruins the entire film. I'd be more specific, The movie has some good creepy moments, and the setup works reasonably well. But I don't understand how more people weren't completely disappointed by that ending. It almost totally ruins the entire film. I'd be more specific, but I don't want to put out a spoiler. Suffice it to say that I wish I'd left the theater a few minutes before it ended.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
DanTheManOct 26, 2009
So disappointing. I had heard how genuinely scary and creepy this movie was, but it did nothing for me. It uses every ghost movie cliche in the book and is truly not creepy at all. I did like the two actors and it was well-done for a So disappointing. I had heard how genuinely scary and creepy this movie was, but it did nothing for me. It uses every ghost movie cliche in the book and is truly not creepy at all. I did like the two actors and it was well-done for a one-guy-with-a-camcorder type of movie, but I felt like I had seen all of these tricks a thousand times before. I saw it with a female friend who's an admitted wuss, and even she said it didn't scare her at all.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
KevinF.Oct 14, 2009
I'm impartial on the status of this film. I went to see it last night to shoot down all the hype it received, but I really wasn't impressed at all. Well, I'm lying. I wasn't impressed, but I wasn't unimpressed. The I'm impartial on the status of this film. I went to see it last night to shoot down all the hype it received, but I really wasn't impressed at all. Well, I'm lying. I wasn't impressed, but I wasn't unimpressed. The movie is ok. It's like Cloverfield, not good, but not bad, and it just received too much hype. I am going to say ths isn't a really good film, but hey, go check it out yourself. I give this a 5/10.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
AlucardD.Oct 25, 2009
Low-budget horror film with uninspiring script. It's just a cheap Blair Witch knockoff trying to make a few bucks off the crowd that enjoyed that movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ColinKOct 29, 2009
"Paranormal Activity" is a low-budget, amateur attempt at a raw and shocking psychological horror film. It's riveting, but at the same time, it feels like the film embodies so many horror film cliches from past attempts ("The Blair "Paranormal Activity" is a low-budget, amateur attempt at a raw and shocking psychological horror film. It's riveting, but at the same time, it feels like the film embodies so many horror film cliches from past attempts ("The Blair Witch Project", "The Exorcist", and even Japanese movies such as "Ringu" are all clearly influences on this movie). It's frightening only in the same sense that dark hallways and randomly slamming doors are frightening. Beyond that, it's really a pretty boring movie. Just a couple... being a couple... on camera. After that, it's the couple arguing a lot, they begin going insane; you've heard it all before. Typical horror movie formula. I cannot lie; when the movie is scary, it really is pretty scary. However, it's mostly... not scary. It's mostly just the drama surrounding the fragile balance of sanity among the young couple. You spend most of the time watching (pretty much) nothing happening... just waiting for some noise or shadow to make you jump out of your shorts. That's pretty much the movie. Overall, good concept, poor execution. 5/10.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
dizzycNov 16, 2009
As was already stated, most of the action was shown on the trailer. not much else happens. i suppose its worth seeing at least once but its not a movie i would purchase or really reccomend to other people.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
HarveyB.Oct 26, 2009
Paranormal Activity is one of those "Cam-Reality" Hollywood flick like Cloverfield except this one is scary in a horror sense. It does a good job of keeping the chills coming and I was surprised at how long the film lasted. Go with some Paranormal Activity is one of those "Cam-Reality" Hollywood flick like Cloverfield except this one is scary in a horror sense. It does a good job of keeping the chills coming and I was surprised at how long the film lasted. Go with some friends and I think you will enjoy this more.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
ERG1008Aug 19, 2010
Couple have weird goings on in house, decide to set up a camera to capture odd happenings on film, lunacy!
Hand-held camera jump fest which doesn't add that much in the way of originality to the genre.
One or two scary moments but let down byCouple have weird goings on in house, decide to set up a camera to capture odd happenings on film, lunacy!
Hand-held camera jump fest which doesn't add that much in the way of originality to the genre.
One or two scary moments but let down by silly stuff. If I heard a massive noise downstairs in the middle of the night,the first thing I'd grab wouldn't be a video camera & then continue filming whilst my girlfriend went bonkers.
Thought the ending undid a lot of the work & tension that the rest of the film had built up. The alternate ending, albeit a lot more blunt, fitted better.… Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
All this user's reviews
5
Execute_Order_6Nov 25, 2010
I tried to get into it, but i just couldn't. It's not scary. The only truly scary scene is the scene where they hear a loud noise downstairs
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
TBDOPEY22Feb 22, 2011
I didn't care for this at all. It was a very poor movie with alot of hype. This must have scared alot of people who don't like scary movies. It was very chopped and not put together good. If you can see it free,it maybe worth a look, but ifI didn't care for this at all. It was a very poor movie with alot of hype. This must have scared alot of people who don't like scary movies. It was very chopped and not put together good. If you can see it free,it maybe worth a look, but if you have to pay for it don't.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
ScarTissue1990Mar 19, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is okay, not "the scariest film I have ever seen" but, the end where the body flies to the camera did make me jump a little. But, I wouldn't really watch it unless someone made me..… Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
All this user's reviews
5
MarickJan 12, 2015
Paranormal Activity is an American supernatural horror, released in 2007. The film follows a young couple, Katie and Micah, who began to be hunted by a supernatural power in their home. They use a camera or to register wierd events , tryingParanormal Activity is an American supernatural horror, released in 2007. The film follows a young couple, Katie and Micah, who began to be hunted by a supernatural power in their home. They use a camera or to register wierd events , trying to find out what haunts.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
Arthur_S_PoeApr 4, 2015
I'm actually not a fan of horror movies. They mostly make me laugh, which is why I tend to by picky of them. This one was supposed to be good. It really was. The hype was there, the comments were mostly good and the marketing part certainlyI'm actually not a fan of horror movies. They mostly make me laugh, which is why I tend to by picky of them. This one was supposed to be good. It really was. The hype was there, the comments were mostly good and the marketing part certainly did it's job. But... it was mediocre at best. It has a dash of originality to it and if you're not so cynical towards the genre as myself, also a dash of reality but... that's it. It's just another horror movie with a feeble plot, horrible acting and scenes that are interesting at best, but far from scary. I wouldn't suggest watching it unless you're a hardcore horror fan because you probably won't be able to find anything interesting within the movie. Also... the 'Based on a True Story' tag is bull...… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
5
kyle20ellisMar 28, 2022
While not a fan of found footage films, there are exceptions out there. There are also examples of good horror films. After putting off watching 'Paranormal Activity' and its sequels due to the divisiveness being so extreme both ways, theWhile not a fan of found footage films, there are exceptions out there. There are also examples of good horror films. After putting off watching 'Paranormal Activity' and its sequels due to the divisiveness being so extreme both ways, the decision was made to watch them all to see what the fuss was about.

'Paranormal Activity' is one of those very divisive films where you can sort of see why it was hyped up positively, at the same time one can totally see why it wouldn't appeal to all. For me, 'Paranormal Activity' was nowhere near as good as the hype and wasn't really for me, but it did have its moments and redeeming merits so can't be as hard on it as most negative reviewers have been (not so much as to attack anybody who liked it).

There are times where there was a genuine sense of dread and tension, heightened by some creepy lighting and eerie if effectively low-key sound effects and noises. The ending may have been a little overblown somewhat, but was also gut-wrenching and the scariest the film got. Some of the occurrences are suitably ominous.

Katie Featherston is pretty good and brings some normality to the proceedings, while Mark Fredrichs provides the one memorable supporting contribution.

Micah Sloat however is disadvantaged by an underwritten and annoying character with zero development and acts blandly and obnoxiously. The rest of the supporting cast are forgettable.

While there are some good scares here, more so than given credit for by those who didn't care for it or disliked it, they didn't come consistently. Too many of them suffered from being far too predictable and veering on the ridiculous. The lack of music was a brave choice but while it was appreciated to not have anything overbearing what was going on parts did cry out for some scoring of subtle eeriness.

Unfortunately, too much of 'Paranormal Activity' drags badly, with downtime scenes that are ridiculously and dully written with lots of cheese and no substance, a big problem for a film with a good deal of that. Dialogue is poor and the storytelling relies on atmosphere to work but is paper thin to the point of non-existence elsewhere. Really didn't care for the excessively unfocused and gimmicky camera work either.

In conclusion, not as good as the positive hype and not worth losing sleep over, but while the less than positive reviews are understandable some of the extreme negativity is over the top to me. 5/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
MovieMasterEddyApr 3, 2016
“Paranormal Activity” is a crudely made, half-clever little frightener that has become something of a pop-culture sensation and most certainly the movie marketing story of the year. Midnight showings in college towns and then in big cities,“Paranormal Activity” is a crudely made, half-clever little frightener that has become something of a pop-culture sensation and most certainly the movie marketing story of the year. Midnight showings in college towns and then in big cities, announced through minimal, viral publicity, have generated frenzied word of mouth and long lines at the box office.

And now, to capitalize on this success, Paramount is giving the movie, written and directed by Oren Peli on a minuscule budget of $10,000, a full commercial release. Starting today, you can see it during daylight or dinner hours. It won’t be the same, though. At the midnight screening I attended last weekend, by far the most entertaining thing about the movie was the audience.

“Oh no. Oh hell no.” That was a stocky gentleman in the row behind me, whimpering as a door swung open on-screen. There was a lot of screaming later on — when, for example, the same door slammed shut — and also laughter, both anxious and mirthful. There was, above all, the sense of a communal, half-clandestine good time that is all too rare in an age of corporate entertainment. I was on the job, and also chaperoning a teenager, but I felt as if I’d snuck out of the house and broken curfew.

By any serious critical standard, “Paranormal Activity” is not a very good movie. It looks and sounds terrible. Its plot is thin and perforated with illogic. The acting occasionally rises to the level of adequacy. But it does have an ingenious, if not terribly original, formal conceit — that everything on-screen is real-life amateur video — that is executed with enough skill to make you jump and shriek. There is no lingering dread. You are not likely to be troubled by the significance of this ghost story or tantalized by its mysteries. It’s more like a trip to the local haunted house, where even the fake blood and the tape-loop of howling wind you have encountered 100 times before can momentarily freak you out.

The film starts abruptly and never leaves the nondescript house in San Diego where a young couple is dealing with an unusual problem. It seems that Katie (Katie Featherston) has been troubled by intimations of a supernatural presence, which her boyfriend, Micah (Micah Sloat), has decided to capture on video. He rigs up a camera in their bedroom, which starts to pick up things that go bump in the night.

During the day, he and Katie argue about what to do, and their quarrels occasioned some interesting relationship advice from members of the audience. Half expressed the strong conviction that Micah should get as far away from that crazy shrew as possible, while the other half thought she should throw that idiot and his camera out of the house. Instead of seeing a couples therapist, they briefly consult a psychic (Mark Fredrichs), who can’t really help other than to provide the movie with a flimsy pretext for keeping poor Katie and Micah at home.

Further plot summary is beside the point. Weird stuff continues to happen, and Mr. Peli shows a measure of ingenuity in producing scares out of the simplest imaginable effects. You see no monsters, very little blood and nothing you don’t anticipate, and yet it all has some impact. A number of horror movies, from “Blair Witch” to “Diary of the Dead” to “Cloverfield,” have used make-believe amateur footage, but “Paranormal Activity” does so in a way that is rigorously sloppy, almost convincing you that this is a poor doofus’s record of his girlfriend’s harassment by a demon.

But the suspension of disbelief ultimately depends on the late-night crowd. In a sparsely attended theater, or at home on DVD, the creakiness of the film would be much more glaring, and its lack of subtext and visual polish would mute its modest, fleeting pleasures. It works best when it comes out of nowhere, because that’s, in the end, where it goes.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
JLauSep 25, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Girl is haunted by a poltergeist whilst her boyfriend tries to film it, spends the film ignoring everything she says and then gets himself killed.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
4
gggOct 22, 2009
Its not terrible, but it's not just bleh., wait to see on dvd. there are way better movies screening today.
0 of 2 users found this helpful
4
RyanS.Jan 3, 2010
It's like a cheap version of Drag Me To Hell. Except that actually had humor; this has boredom. The hour and a half that it took to watch this felt like twice that. And the ending sucked.
1 of 2 users found this helpful
4
StanDNov 28, 2009
What's the big deal? Why are all the critics so ga-ga over this boring film? Doesn't come close to living up to the hype. It's a great concept, but in reality this film is very uninteresting. There's not a single moment What's the big deal? Why are all the critics so ga-ga over this boring film? Doesn't come close to living up to the hype. It's a great concept, but in reality this film is very uninteresting. There's not a single moment of true suspense let alone horror. Nothing remotely scary, and the ending is predictable from the beginning, but the last shot was cheesey and amateurish. This is really for kids who like to be scared when told to be so, something for the DVD player on a night when there's little else going on...… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
DerekP.Jan 12, 2010
It may have been the ridiculous hype, or it may just have been my preference, but I found Paranormal Activity incredibly...average. Almost painfully so. I got a few chills, but I was never fully frightened and the film just didn't have It may have been the ridiculous hype, or it may just have been my preference, but I found Paranormal Activity incredibly...average. Almost painfully so. I got a few chills, but I was never fully frightened and the film just didn't have enough story to tell.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
IanHJan 23, 2010
First of all, if you are looking for a real scary movie, don't look for paranormal activity. There are only two genuinely scary parts, and one is shown on previews. The movie is only scary to those who don't watch scary movies. A First of all, if you are looking for a real scary movie, don't look for paranormal activity. There are only two genuinely scary parts, and one is shown on previews. The movie is only scary to those who don't watch scary movies. A door slam scared the crap out of people in the TV ads for the DVD. It's not scary, it's more like well-written suspense. The movie delivers enough depth to be a cut above other "scary" films, and I? have to say the acting is pretty good. Still, if you're looking for a real scare, look elsewhere.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
PerrySOct 12, 2009
Not a single scary moment in the film. The most exciting moment of viewing the film isn't even viewing it, but walking into the theater riding high on the hype---oh yeah and it ending.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
JimmyOct 17, 2009
This is waaaaaaaaaaaayyyy overrated and is the farthest thing from being the scariest movie. It got so mind numbingly boring watching the exact same camera angle with only minor variations on what happened next. I groaned every time it went This is waaaaaaaaaaaayyyy overrated and is the farthest thing from being the scariest movie. It got so mind numbingly boring watching the exact same camera angle with only minor variations on what happened next. I groaned every time it went to that notorious angle that will be engraved in your mind permanently. The male character is extremely unrealistic instead of him saying "Holy ****, a ghost in the house! Let's get the hell out of here!" he is like "Hmmm doors close by themselves, my girlfriend is getting injured, I could die... How about stay for the rest of the month?" What? Does he want to challenge the demon to a boxing match or something? There is no plot the whole movie is like "Oh my god what happened how did that get there blah blah blah". The ending... Could it have been any worse??? Like did they just rip it off from one of those "Footage of Ghost" videos on Youtube? On the movie poster it says something like you won't fall asleep after watching this movie. Well I'd fall asleep for sure if I watched it again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
Page:
More From This Movie

68 Critic Reviews

5.9 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 72 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL