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
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
9
BrandonG.Oct 12, 2009
a very well made movie that delivers. I felt it lived up to the buzz and hype.
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
0
GregG.Oct 11, 2009
What in the world is going on? Are all of these positive reviews about the same movie? Are we all talking about the same thing? How? I'm...flabbergasted; that's the word most appropriate. What at all was scary about this movie? What in the world is going on? Are all of these positive reviews about the same movie? Are we all talking about the same thing? How? I'm...flabbergasted; that's the word most appropriate. What at all was scary about this movie? I'm not one of those sado-masochistic weirdos that watches House of a 1000 corpses or whatever. Just an avid movie buff. I honestly don't get it. A few noises and bumps and all of a sudden it's the scariest move for 20 years? The whole appeal of films in general is that they tell a story that even though may be false is still exciting enough to get you involved and believe. This movie does the opposite, it takes a story that isn't true and then through some weird ideas tries to make it seem real as a documentary. If this is cinema then G-d help us.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JGOct 11, 2009
The movie is predictable but you still are waiting at the edge of your seat for the next thing to happen. Let's just say the entire theatre was silent when the movie ended scared to move.
1 of 1 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
9
JohnOct 11, 2009
Loved it. Super scary. To respond to Justin M, I am also an Atheist and found it extremely scary. The film does not include anything that would be considered "religious". When they attempt to describe Demons, the only thing they really say Loved it. Super scary. To respond to Justin M, I am also an Atheist and found it extremely scary. The film does not include anything that would be considered "religious". When they attempt to describe Demons, the only thing they really say is that they are "not human". Being religious or not really has no impact on your like or dislike for the film.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
AdamCOct 11, 2009
Scared the heck out of me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JamesFOct 11, 2009
The fact that not much happens during most of the film yet was able to make my heart beat really fast every time they went to bed, is a testament to the fact that the filmmaker actually has some talent. While i liked Blair witch i feel that The fact that not much happens during most of the film yet was able to make my heart beat really fast every time they went to bed, is a testament to the fact that the filmmaker actually has some talent. While i liked Blair witch i feel that this completely understood how real people that may or may not believe in ghosts would react. I see this director actually doing something substantial with his success.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
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
10
RayP.Oct 10, 2009
The low budget only adds to the frighteningly realistic feel this movie has. A genuinely scary movie which does a great job of slowly building the tension, and plays well on the fears of anyone who has even the slightest thought that there The low budget only adds to the frighteningly realistic feel this movie has. A genuinely scary movie which does a great job of slowly building the tension, and plays well on the fears of anyone who has even the slightest thought that there may be a spirit-world.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
ChuckG.Oct 10, 2009
This is possibly the SCARIEST movie I have ever seen. I don't scare easy, in fact the original Halloween was the last time.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
0
EricOct 10, 2009
This movie is slow moving, low budget version of the Blair Witch Project. Let down on all levels... Save your money. This movie is a rental at best.
0 of 5 users found this helpful
10
BernardSOct 9, 2009
Agree with Andrew B. One of the scariest movies I've seen in a long time. Better than anything Blair Witch related.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
AndrewB.Oct 9, 2009
It took me 13 years to find a movie that didn't just illicit cheap "jump scare" tactics like so many horror flick today--I've been searching all these years for a movie that would build suspense to a boiling point and then unleash It took me 13 years to find a movie that didn't just illicit cheap "jump scare" tactics like so many horror flick today--I've been searching all these years for a movie that would build suspense to a boiling point and then unleash hell that would leave me secretly terrified for weeks. This is that movie. Thank goodness someone still has talent to make movies like this.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this 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
10
AlexOct 8, 2009
One of the scariest movies I have ever seen. And like many have said before me, I could not sleep at all last night after seeing it.
1 of 1 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
9
BenjaminT.Oct 6, 2009
I have not been this creeped out by a movie since The Sixth Sense. I really enjoy horror movies, but usually just because of how absurd they are and how comical that makes them. I got shivers down my body several times during this film and I have not been this creeped out by a movie since The Sixth Sense. I really enjoy horror movies, but usually just because of how absurd they are and how comical that makes them. I got shivers down my body several times during this film and memories of scenes haunted me for the next few nights. A very good movie that hopefully will be getting wide release soon (maybe in time for Halloween?)..… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
ShaneBOct 5, 2009
Scary, scary, scary!!
1 of 1 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
BrandonWOct 3, 2009
Amazing work and truly frightening. I just got home from seeing it not too long ago and I hope I am able to sleep at some point. Definite classic
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
JenniferK.Oct 2, 2009
Slow but realistic and sets the tone of believability. This could be your friend or neighbor and you'd believe it too. The end was worth the wait through the sluggish dialogue. The last 30 minutes are terrifying, goosebumps for another hour.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
LeeHOct 2, 2009
Like others have said, a slow build up but well worth it. I have not truely been scared after seeing a movie in quite some time, and this movie was just the fix I needed.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
JordanS.Oct 2, 2009
The scariest and most entertaining horror film in a couple of years. Amazing work, especially considering their $15,000 budget.
1 of 2 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
9
IanH.Sep 27, 2009
Scariest movie I've seen in years.
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
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
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