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2

InjuredDriverJun 29, 2023

One of the worst "found footage" movies I've ever seen. And that's all I have to say about that.

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8

ALAMLEDPJan 21, 2023

Paranormal Activity, a found footage horror film, is an eerie and thrilling story about the demonic haunting of two students in San Diego. Despite its low budget of $15,000, the film was a box office success and it's not hard to see why.Paranormal Activity, a found footage horror film, is an eerie and thrilling story about the demonic haunting of two students in San Diego. Despite its low budget of $15,000, the film was a box office success and it's not hard to see why. Using a home video camera and filming in the director's own house, the film creates a sense of realism and believability that adds to the fear factor. The technical and creative restraints used in the film, such as using a cinecam and improvised script, adds to the feeling of a real-life documentary. The performances of the lead actors, Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, are convincing and their chemistry adds to the realism of the film. Their relationship also becomes more interesting as the film goes on and adds to the thematic backbone of the film, which is about the balance of control. Overall, while the film isn't perfect, it's a strong entry into the found footage sub-genre and is best viewed with a group of friends.
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Paranormal Activity, una película de terror de metraje encontrado, es una historia espeluznante y emocionante sobre la persecución demoníaca de dos estudiantes en San Diego. A pesar de su bajo presupuesto de $15,000, la película fue un éxito de taquilla y no es difícil ver por qué. Usando una cámara de video casera y filmando en la propia casa del director, la película crea una sensación de realismo y credibilidad que se suma al factor miedo. Las restricciones técnicas y creativas utilizadas en la película, como el uso de una cámara de cine y un guión improvisado, se suman a la sensación de un documental de la vida real. Las actuaciones de los actores principales, Katie Featherston y Micah Sloat, son convincentes y su química se suma al realismo de la película. Su relación también se vuelve más interesante a medida que avanza la película y se suma a la columna vertebral temática de la película, que trata sobre el equilibrio del control. En general, aunque la película no es perfecta, es una entrada fuerte en el subgénero de metraje encontrado y se ve mejor con un grupo de amigos.… Expand

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2

imthenoobJan 19, 2023

I can understand why people may be drawn to this but it really isn't for me. First and foremost, It is incredibly overrated. So-so acting, Thin plot, and no real build-up or suspense. It relies heavily on music cues and jump scares, whichI can understand why people may be drawn to this but it really isn't for me. First and foremost, It is incredibly overrated. So-so acting, Thin plot, and no real build-up or suspense. It relies heavily on music cues and jump scares, which grow stale very quickly. Why anyone thinks this is a genuinely good movie is beyond me.… Expand

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7

Sosmooth1982Jan 7, 2023

Decent movie but could have better. They took to long for everything to start happening. They could have made it happen faster and also could have added more things happening to them, then what they showed. Otherwise just an ok movie.

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8

GiugiOct 3, 2022

First of the saga brought some innovation to the genre. Scary and very realistic given the mode of directing.

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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

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6

atabeyordekciAug 18, 2021

After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence. (6)

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0

AceFrahmJan 2, 2021

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have just created a MetaCritic account entirely for the purpose of warning you away from this worthless movie!

Both the prime protagonist and the secondary protagonist are completely flat characters we have no reason to like at all. We hope that a monster is real and eats them quickly to get the movie over with, so that we never have to watch these boring, unimportant, empty vessel non-player characters ever again. The dialogue is boring and badly written. The character's behavior & responses to each other, and their motives at each point don't make much sense, even by the standards of an F- grade horror movie, in which the audience typically expects that somebody ( even several people ) needs to make a dumb error ( or many ) in order for the plot to be contrived, justified for the "fun" that comes later. Even that doesn't happen here. Micah tries to uncover the haunting mystery for her, but Katie doesn't help or appreciate this in any way. Their supposedly intimate relationship doesn't seem to have any credible reason for existing in the first place.

"Katie" has no characterization. She is supposedly is an english major who's about to graduate and become a teacher, but we see no trace of evidence of this in her behavior or dialogue, or in the house. Very very late in the movie, she has 1 book we can't see any page text or cover of, which appears to be an untouched brand new perfect-bound book with crisp, flawless page edges & corners, and claims to be "studying", but she's seated with her feet bent up under her legs on the couch cushion, a very "I'm not really studying at all" position. She does not seem to have a literate attitude or the sensible manner that a person who intends to be a teacher must have to potentially operate any kind of classroom. We see her at a table with a small amount of bead jewelry making materials, as though she has acquired a teeny-tiny all-in-one "do it yourself" bead-ery kit. We never see her successfully use any of these materials to do so much as thread even a single bead, and the character wears no bead jewelry. "Micah" also has no characterization. Instead of "My-Kah", his name is mispronounced throughout the movie as "Mee-Kah", which is not how any americans or canadians would ever pronounce that name, unless we are supposed to understand that Micah or his parents came from eastern europe, which is NOT established by the movie. Micah is announced to us by Katie as being "interested in electronics". This is the one and only feature his character supposedly has, but the film merely shows us that he has only just bought a camera to try to get proof of the suspected haunting at the very opening of the movie, and he hasn't even thrown out the cardboard box it came in. The movie shows us that he's only just barely learning to make it record. He appears to use an old cassette tape recorder, but for all the audience knows, he's probably only just dragged it out of storage to try to record a "ghost" for the benefit of Katie, and that he hasn't used the machine for anything else. While Micah has a computer, it is not notable. It seems to exist merely for showing the audience that they review what was on the camera & cassette recordings. He is not shown to be particularly adept in any way at the use of any of these items, or to be enamored with them. This reveals NOTHING about his character traits or place in the world.

When the haunting expert pays his 2nd visit to the house, he merely states that the other ( never seen ) demonology expert isn't available, and that he himself can't stay and must leave the house immediately. This is stupid, because even in 2006, ALL human adults would simply communicate this in a phone call. Even the monster's behavior and motives make no sense, even for an ill-defined "I can do anything, I'm a demon" monster. Apparently it wants to kill, but only does that after taking demonic possession of a human host, accomplished by biting them? Why wouldn't it bite Micah instead? At least then it would occupy a body with greater physical strength. Why would it care about boring nobody Katie in the first place? It appears that the monster can drag around anyone it likes, and bite them at any time, and humans are powerless to stop it, yet it waits 16+ days to do so, for no apparent reason.

This is a bad movie. Do not watch it. You will never recover that wasted ~80+ minutes back into your life.… Expand

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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

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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

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6

IAmaMovieGeekMay 30, 2020

While this movie had it's scary and intense scenes, it overall was a little boring. 6/10.

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9

PanchogulMay 10, 2020

La primera entrega de Actividad Paranormal fue todo un fenómeno en su época trayendo de vuelta el género de Metraje Encontrado o Falso Documental, lograba asustar por aquel entonces, pero actualmente ya no causa el mismo efecto, sin embargo,La primera entrega de Actividad Paranormal fue todo un fenómeno en su época trayendo de vuelta el género de Metraje Encontrado o Falso Documental, lograba asustar por aquel entonces, pero actualmente ya no causa el mismo efecto, sin embargo, sigue siendo una de las películas más influyentes de su estilo.… Expand

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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

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0

SafeCloudNov 18, 2019

A boring movie with bland characters, cheap look and worst of all: no scares.

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1

bartcbemAug 9, 2019

I really dont understand the phenomena of this movie, I really dont. It wasn't scary, or thrilling, or even interesting on the technical level. There is nothing to remember. If anything it shows how easy people are manipulated by hype culture.

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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

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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

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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.

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0

horrorchickJun 2, 2018

I love this movie... when I'm suffering from insomnia. Put it on, and I'll fall asleep pretty easily. I have watched it over a dozen times, and I don't think I have seen the ending once. Very slow, and no scare factor.

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9

0326990qdiun123Apr 27, 2018

이 영화가 주는 엄청난 현실감과 충격이 기억에 남는다. 초반과 중반의 단계적인 전개가 지루할 수도 있지만 나는 오히려 그것이 마음에 들었다. 한 사람이 서서히 미쳐가는 과정을 적나라하게 보여주어 공포감을 더하기 때문이다.이 영화가 주는 엄청난 현실감과 충격이 기억에 남는다. 초반과 중반의 단계적인 전개가 지루할 수도 있지만 나는 오히려 그것이 마음에 들었다. 한 사람이 서서히 미쳐가는 과정을 적나라하게 보여주어 공포감을 더하기 때문이다.

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3

drone41Feb 20, 2018

It's probably one of the interesting horror plot, but in the end you see how poor movie it is.

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10

cem12Nov 10, 2017

Una de las mejores sagas de películas de terror que he visto. Una de las cosas que mas acojona es que esta basada en hechos reales. hay tres finales alternativos, original (registro de policía), película y especial.

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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

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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

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9

FuturedirectorMar 23, 2016

A simple house with a very simple and not-thrilling-enough plot is changed drastically with a noisy story-telling that would put the audience in truly shock, unremarkable characters that just unaware form "ghosts" and, of course, a shockingA simple house with a very simple and not-thrilling-enough plot is changed drastically with a noisy story-telling that would put the audience in truly shock, unremarkable characters that just unaware form "ghosts" and, of course, a shocking contents to scare the viewers till death. A horror-film masterpiece.… Expand

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8

FilmMasterEdJan 5, 2016

When this dirt-cheap (that'd be $15,000) frightfest opened in late September for midnight showings in a dozen college towns, cynics laughed at its viral marketing campaign. Paramount Pictures asked interested parties to log on to a websiteWhen this dirt-cheap (that'd be $15,000) frightfest opened in late September for midnight showings in a dozen college towns, cynics laughed at its viral marketing campaign. Paramount Pictures asked interested parties to log on to a website and vote to get the flick into their towns. No one's laughing now. After a million-plus requests, Paranormal Activity is everywhere and raking it in ($34 million at last count). On a cost-profit basis, PA may be the year's most profitable.

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

That's it. Over a period of about three weeks in the film, the tension builds and builds and builds until the dread ties your stomach in knots. No need to say more. If ghost stories have your number, this one will get you good, proving you don't need stars and computer mash-ups to make audiences shriek at things that go bump in the night.… Expand

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10

UrbanlistenerNov 24, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A landmark in the 2000's horror films, it is, for 2009, very original, surprising and very well executed. It is based on tension and fear of the unknown. Sometimes when nothing is happening, this where you loose it because the suspense is unbearable. A shocking and unsettling experience fo it's time.… Expand

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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3

SnowDayJan 23, 2015

The word "horror" seems to be tossed around a lot in these times. If you are looking for thrill, suspense, emotion, and gut-busting excitement, just buy a laser toy for your cat instead.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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

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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.

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10

CherryxldNov 23, 2014

Paranormal Activity es una película que te atrapa con el miedo que produce mientras avanza el film. Sin dudas es una gran película de terror que entretiene y llama la atención, además de curiosa e interesante.

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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

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9

SatiricalewokNov 8, 2014

I would say that of the films I have seen, this is the best horror film of the decade. It is beautifully paced, very well acted and the scares gradually up in intensity, leaving you really very scared by the end of the movie. I think they useI would say that of the films I have seen, this is the best horror film of the decade. It is beautifully paced, very well acted and the scares gradually up in intensity, leaving you really very scared by the end of the movie. I think they use the whole found footage medium better than anyone since Blair witch, and this film had some genuine lasting scares.… Expand

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9

horcrux2007Sep 2, 2014

"Paranormal Activity" is one of the scariest movies that has come out in a long time. It puts fear into a place everyone is the most vulnerable: while sleeping. The first half of the film moves pretty slowly, but it picks up and becomes a"Paranormal Activity" is one of the scariest movies that has come out in a long time. It puts fear into a place everyone is the most vulnerable: while sleeping. The first half of the film moves pretty slowly, but it picks up and becomes a nightmarish ride until the very last scare. It's a genuinely terrifying experience that I made the mistake of watching late at night.... seriously, don't do that.… Expand

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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.

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2

scythe8808Apr 28, 2014

With all of the hype about how scary the film is, I finally watched this movie alone in the dark and it was so boring. The characters were dumb. The acting was terrible. The scares were so bad. It's just loud noises and doors opening andWith all of the hype about how scary the film is, I finally watched this movie alone in the dark and it was so boring. The characters were dumb. The acting was terrible. The scares were so bad. It's just loud noises and doors opening and closing. Are you **** kidding me? The last 10 minutes of the movie is the only thing worth watching. Very disappointing.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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3

Viper8787Apr 28, 2014

A pretty dumd and stupid movie and to me seems like a waste of time. It did scare me but I am not a big horror movie fan so i really didn't enjoy this one. I never really wanted to see it but I ended up watching it anyways. I have never seenA pretty dumd and stupid movie and to me seems like a waste of time. It did scare me but I am not a big horror movie fan so i really didn't enjoy this one. I never really wanted to see it but I ended up watching it anyways. I have never seen any of the other ones and I never plan on watching those ones either.… Expand

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10

lukechristianscApr 27, 2014

"Paranormal Activity is a suspense horror film ". the thing that was the problem is that micah's camera was the problem it was causing the demon to be powerful with the negative energy thanks to him there gonna be dead. Grade A

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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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.

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10

MuddsjrJan 19, 2014

in short, Paranormal Activity is simply a terrifyingly ingenious roller coaster of a film that proves that horror films are far better when less overdone and more simple.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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1

SovereignlolDec 27, 2013

This must be the most boring "horror" movie i've ever seen. It pretty much sucks. It's not scary, it's not exciting, there is no action, there is no good story. It's pretty much terrible

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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1

LilyNDec 8, 2013

Take bad actors, a low cost camera, an audience who "was among the first to experience" this new horror phenomenon and then... well, nothing happened.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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1

Trev29Nov 30, 2013

An absolute failure of a horror film. Not even remotely scary or interesting. The premise of using the camera to film everything is stupid, and the annoying acting by the main "actors" just make this a terrible movie on all levels.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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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

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

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1

csw12Oct 9, 2013

Paranormal Activity gets a 1 for one scare, a one for originality, and a 10 for being completely and utterly pointless. The movie goes no where and accomplishes nothing, while you watch two people complain and pretend to be scared onParanormal Activity gets a 1 for one scare, a one for originality, and a 10 for being completely and utterly pointless. The movie goes no where and accomplishes nothing, while you watch two people complain and pretend to be scared on everything little thing that sounds strange.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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

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4

moonman1994Aug 6, 2013

Although suspenseful Paranormal Activity is not scary. It was impressive for the budget but that's about all that was impressive about it. The acting was good but the camera work was more annoying then innovative and the story line was justAlthough suspenseful Paranormal Activity is not scary. It was impressive for the budget but that's about all that was impressive about it. The acting was good but the camera work was more annoying then innovative and the story line was just plain boring.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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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

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3

KivaJun 10, 2013

This movie was lame and bad. The sequels are much better and scarier. This film didn't offer to me nothing and it's a pity as the story is well-written. I think it's similar to the blair witch project. Not a horror film. I don't understandThis movie was lame and bad. The sequels are much better and scarier. This film didn't offer to me nothing and it's a pity as the story is well-written. I think it's similar to the blair witch project. Not a horror film. I don't understand again the critic's reviews… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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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

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9

jonathanminh22Apr 24, 2013

This movie is good, it does deliver scares, and i'm still obsessing with it, and while i watch the movie, i did jump out of the chair sometimes. So it is worth to watch, despite a little bit boring beginning

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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1

MarkMusicMar 25, 2013

I CANNOT BELIEVE ALL THE HYPE. "One of the best horror movies of all time". Who the hell came up with this. I was in the theater sadly and somebody jumped at one scene. I literally got up during the movie, (because you could get up go to theI CANNOT BELIEVE ALL THE HYPE. "One of the best horror movies of all time". Who the hell came up with this. I was in the theater sadly and somebody jumped at one scene. I literally got up during the movie, (because you could get up go to the bathroom, get food, play a game, talk on the phone, and have your friends come to the movies, that could've been 1:00 hour long and nothing literally what have happened.) And said nothing was scary. I do admit I like the independent films and low budgets like, Spring Breakers A+, ATM B+, Dangerous B-. All great but Paranormal Activity wasn't one bit scary. I wasn't scared, I didnt jump, my friends never jumped. PA is extremely over-hyped, it didnt even scare 1 time. When i saw this movie I was hoping to be scared s*****ss but it really didnt scare me has "Blair Witch Project" did I dont recommend this movie at all! IT SUCKS! (the 1 is because the couple in the movie acted really good throught the film). Frankly, I'm disappointed. I spent some time looking into this film before seeing it, and had pretty much figured that all the negative reviews were from the impatient who wanted your typical Hollywood horror film. I had hoped the general critical reception was correct, and I would enjoy a slow-paced, tense horror film. I was very, very wrong. Like so many other reviewers, the main issue is that almost nothing happens. In the entire 1.5 hours, you are treated to some total of 3 minutes of 'the paranormal', and roughly 92 minutes of terribly predictable dialogue, bad acting, and well-beyond-stupid character action. It's a shocking waste of time with little to no horror value at all. Factually, there were roughly 100x more laughs than screams when I saw the film. I'm just surprised nobody walked out on it, as I've heard this is a fairly common occurrence, and I'd be lying if I denied the thought crossed my mind.… One of the worst films I have ever seen. I was very hyped for this movie, and haven't been this disappointed since the first Saw. First off this movie is in no way scary it was suspenseful but it lead nowhere. You sit there for the entire movie wanting to be scared, waiting for it, and it never happens. It was tremendously boring, after a while the suspense is gone and the bumps just get old. The final twenty minutes I was sitting there calling exactly what was going to happen next with perfect detail. People were leaving the theater laughing or complaining, NO ONE was scared. Terrible waste of an evening. Just because it was different then you're average slasher or haunted house flick doesn't mean it was better, just one hour and forty minutes of boring, predictable, garbage. I'll be honest if this were a YouTube series like 10 minutes to 15 minutes long It would probably be like a 7-8. But for a full blown 1hr 45mins. If you truly were a horror fan and a so-called "Looking for something ACTUALLY SCARY OR GOOD" then Paranormal Activity would be terrible for you you'd be better off watching Alice in Wonderland, thats scarier then this. The animated one and the live action johnny depp one.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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0

WargearsMar 18, 2013

The only thing scary about this movie is how hollywood was able to dupe everyone into wasting their time and money on a crappy, overhyped, and borefest movie.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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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

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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

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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

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3

cameronmorewoodNov 12, 2012

Quality wise, it's YouTube on the big screen, and bad YouTube at that. Scare wise, it's laughable.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

4

MetalMovieNerdNov 6, 2012

I am not going to be one of these people who jump on the band wagon and say this movie is bad. But in this case, this isn't a good movie. Its watchable but its not a good movie. And the most unfortunate thing is that critics love the majorityI am not going to be one of these people who jump on the band wagon and say this movie is bad. But in this case, this isn't a good movie. Its watchable but its not a good movie. And the most unfortunate thing is that critics love the majority of the film except the ending. Are the just stupid? The last half-an-hour is the only time the movie is scary and where something happens! The last third? And what does the first two thirds offer? Doors opening and closing and be sheets being lifted up and down. That isn't scary, that's just stupid. It not only wastes the film it was shot on, but it wastes my time as a viewer. Granted there are moments but most of the eventful scenes don't happen until the end of the film. Its a shame a good idea was wasted on bedsheets and doors moving.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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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

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4

chemicalreaperOct 12, 2012

A terrible film with contrived and forced 'scares.' 99.9% of the film is non-eventful, leading up to the "big" scare at the end of the film: three seconds of scare for 85-and-a-half minutes of build-up. To be honest, the US release trailersA terrible film with contrived and forced 'scares.' 99.9% of the film is non-eventful, leading up to the "big" scare at the end of the film: three seconds of scare for 85-and-a-half minutes of build-up. To be honest, the US release trailers were better and scarier than the film itself.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

NixySep 27, 2012

For most people, this film falls into one of two categories: slow, boring and unimaginative or absolutely terrifying. I found myself falling into the latter category. For me, this film kept my attention throughout. Filmed a little like 'TheFor most people, this film falls into one of two categories: slow, boring and unimaginative or absolutely terrifying. I found myself falling into the latter category. For me, this film kept my attention throughout. Filmed a little like 'The Blair Witch Project', it has an air of realism about it that other, CGI orientated films often fail to provide. However, if you prefer fast pacing and more 'in your face' thrills, then this film is not for you. It is undoubtedly fairly slow in terms of introducing the horror; several nights go by when very little, if anything, is 'caught' on camera and things which are caught are small and easy to miss altogether. As the film progresses, the activity picks up but it still does not fall into the 'horror' genre in the traditional sense. I found this film absolutely terrifying for the same reason that I can get scared by books: the horror aspects are not explicitly thrust into your face but instead are left to your imagination, and in this sense, 'Paranormal Activity' is psychologically disturbing without the 'jump out of your skin' moments you get from other horrors. I found the pace of the film perfect for what it was trying to achieve, suspense, which in my opinion is what this film does best. You are never shown exactly what it is that's meant to be haunting the couple which, for many, is the worst part simply because it is then left entirely up to you to create an image in your mind or to predict its next action. Thus, if you happen to possess an over active imagination, chances are this film will make you terrified of anything that goes bump in the night for several days after watching it.

The reason this film did not quite get 10/10 from me is firstly because I absolutely hate alternative endings. I think a film should have, and stick to, one ending so the fact that this film has 2-3 (can't remember exactly...) I really don't like. Also, there is a message at the beginning of the film claiming that it is entirely police footage, something else that I find particularly irritating. Very few people are dim enough to believe that that statement has any basis in reality whatsoever before you even begin to question the logic behind our emergency services releasing footage for entertainment purposes. It's something that's been done several times before and it immediately puts the film into that 'oh look, shaky home video footage, how exciting' category before the first scene has even began. But taking those fairly minor points aside, this film is definitely worth a watch and far superior to the second and third film.… Expand

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9

elreader46Aug 19, 2012

When you see this movie, you will see how unimportant sleep is. Although parts of this movie are freaking scary, other parts just come off as lame. Overall the acting is very good, but most scares just come off as suspense.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

vini1904Aug 14, 2012

The story can not be interesting enough and this style of film ever explored before, here shown tiring and boring look through the camera home. The performances are not convincing and has no holes are observed the franchise as a whole.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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

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9

charlieW24Jul 14, 2012

Proves that the silence, the darkness, the sense of dread in films is scarier than any monster movie, or any horror that shows the ghost/demon. In the whole time that I have watched films I've never been so on edge over what may happen next,Proves that the silence, the darkness, the sense of dread in films is scarier than any monster movie, or any horror that shows the ghost/demon. In the whole time that I have watched films I've never been so on edge over what may happen next, there is probably more silence than speech in this film, but how scared you actually are takes away from that. The positioning of the camera is perfect, letting us basically everything occurring in the house in one shot. But the scariest part of this film by a mile is the aftermath of watching, the psychological fear playing on your mind as you try to sleep and begin to panic, when I fall asleep what next? It really is a film that you won't forget, it may not be perfect in scripting or acting , but it will go down as one of the scariest films in history.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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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

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10

BeanbeanzMay 7, 2012

I don't get how people can dislike this movie. It wasn't a predictable horror movie, you know where girls be tripping in the woods and crap. This movie legitimately made me jump numerous times. Not something most horror movies can do to me.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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

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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

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3

TTW107Feb 11, 2012

The reason this came up so unbelievably short for me is because there was sooo much hype right before it hit theaters. The hype obviously did the job because I went to see it in theaters, there goes ten dollars I could've used to buy two oldThe reason this came up so unbelievably short for me is because there was sooo much hype right before it hit theaters. The hype obviously did the job because I went to see it in theaters, there goes ten dollars I could've used to buy two old good dvds at wal-mart. But anyway literally nothing in this movie was scary at all until the very last minute and even then its not like I jumped or was freaked out, it was just the only time anything exciting happened. When the credits hit and the crowd full of stupid people were gasping and scared, I was left with a blank expression on my face and ten dollars poorer.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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3

skafastJan 6, 2012

I expect a horror film to be tense, terrifying, and have some climax moments; and from what I've heard this was exactly what I was going to find in Paranormal Activity, but all that I found is that it isn't a horror film at all: it tries toI expect a horror film to be tense, terrifying, and have some climax moments; and from what I've heard this was exactly what I was going to find in Paranormal Activity, but all that I found is that it isn't a horror film at all: it tries to scare you, tries to have any plot, but all you get is a boring experience; and when I discovered it, I began with some nonsense laughs because it was the only thing that could keep me awake during the session.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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 Ã¢less is moreÃ¢?(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 Ã¢less is moreÃ¢? 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: Ã¢I wish I would have thought of this!Ã¢?

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 Ã¢ParanormalÃ¢? 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

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9

SachiNov 17, 2011

Paranormal Activity is a freaky movie, the movie will likely scare the crap out of you. The movie is shot with a cheap camera with a small budget but it is still very scary. The plot is well done but not the greatest, the acting of theParanormal Activity is a freaky movie, the movie will likely scare the crap out of you. The movie is shot with a cheap camera with a small budget but it is still very scary. The plot is well done but not the greatest, the acting of the characters is great but the thing about Paranormal Activity is that it's scares are actually very creepy. After watching this you will be afraid of your own house for a while. The flaws are that the plot can get clunky at times and the dialogue can be somewhat moronic at times but that's all right. Overall Paranormal Activity is a great movie that will scare the life out of you, there are flaws that stop it from acheiving greatness but it is still a worth watch. It is by far the scariest movie I have seen. Breakdown for "Paranormal Activity": Presentation: 9.0, Plot: 8.5, Acting: 8, Dialogue: 8, Lasting Appeal: 9. Score: 8.5 out of 10 "Great"… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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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

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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

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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

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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

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10

IAmPhongNguyenOct 16, 2011

Paranormal Activity is smart, scary, suspenseful and surprisingly funny! It builds up the big finish but along the way to it, there's a bit of "Oh, what the f**k!" or "Did that just happened?" This films proves that there's no need for anyParanormal Activity is smart, scary, suspenseful and surprisingly funny! It builds up the big finish but along the way to it, there's a bit of "Oh, what the f**k!" or "Did that just happened?" This films proves that there's no need for any horrid creature to be generated on computers but a creative story and your imagination. So, think of this as a rollercoaster ride!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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9

VRossiOct 13, 2011

One of the best I've seen. The opening was a bit boring for me. But I liked how it had no "boo!" kind of scene which I find very silly. The way the movie gets creepier slowly overtime gave me goosebumps. And it's also one of few horror movieOne of the best I've seen. The opening was a bit boring for me. But I liked how it had no "boo!" kind of scene which I find very silly. The way the movie gets creepier slowly overtime gave me goosebumps. And it's also one of few horror movie that got me gasping. Beautifully done.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

kingshahidOct 12, 2011

This movie was given a 3 star rating for its comedy. As a horror or thriller movie it fails miserably especially considering we're in 2011. This felt like a movie made that could have been made and become popular in the 90's. This would beThis movie was given a 3 star rating for its comedy. As a horror or thriller movie it fails miserably especially considering we're in 2011. This felt like a movie made that could have been made and become popular in the 90's. This would be useful to a psychology student to watch and see the neurotic behavior of an individual who believes they are being chased by a ghost - but the fact the movie was called paranormal activity and had unexplained events - it fail's to even make that category. The only way I can see this movie having had any effect was in a theater with large sound-effects of door's screeching and big bangs. Lagged to an extreme. I have a hard time understanding how this movie became popular or critically acclaimed - now that's paranormal.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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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

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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

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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

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3

solutions10Sep 8, 2011

Pretty bad for a Blair Witch copy. Incredibly boring, poorly acted, downright stupid, and somehow presumes that its audience believes in the occult, and that any of this can actually happen. Blair Witch at least kind of made sense, so itsPretty bad for a Blair Witch copy. Incredibly boring, poorly acted, downright stupid, and somehow presumes that its audience believes in the occult, and that any of this can actually happen. Blair Witch at least kind of made sense, so its home-video vibe tended to work more often than not; Paranormal Activity makes zero sense, making it stupid. Well, if you don't believe in the occult, you're going to have a real hard time finding any scares here, as what passes for scary here often amounts to nothing more than a door slamming or some inexplicable footsteps, followed by our two main characters essentially looking at each other and going, "Dude, holy **** and then that's often followed by the girl quite reasonably panicking while her boyfriend makes sure she panics as much as possible in his attempt at a Best Douchebag Oscar. and characters you probably could not care less about. The two people in the house have the depth of a petri dish, and you never have any reason to feel anything for them at all, particularly the boyfriend, who you will want dead. If I were a poltergeist, I'd go straight for him, because well, **** him. But I digress: Nothing that happens here is believable in the slightest, making its home-video theme worthless. You end up with something that's sort of like a video game: Something happens at night that freaks out the girl and/or the guy, they can't find anything (naturally), then the next day they try to "work it out" and talk about it in a way that might make sense if you dropped out of rehab just to see this film, but for everyone else, we're left baffled at their reasoning and "solutions", showing that our protagonists not only are unlikable, but they're also mildly retarded. It goes on like that for about 90 minutes, and then that's it.

Oh, did I talk about the ending? Yeah, if you saw this in theaters or otherwise saw the theatrical ending, prepare for the biggest disappointment since Orbital's "farewell album". What happens is not only something that's been done before and better in Flash webseries (those who've seen it, you know what I mean), and is completely insensible and utterly impossible in every single manner, but they even try to offer an explanation that steps out of the realm of ridiculous and right into the realm of being completely retarded.

There is a little hope, however. You may or may not be aware that there are somewhere between twenty and 1500 alternate endings, all of which are better than the theatrical one. Chances are, you have the edition that includes the one single alternate ending. Do it. This alternate ending they didn't use in theaters, most likely because it made more sense, does in fact make some semblance of sense. It's not perfect, and still doesn't explain much of anything, but it's definitely better than the theatrical ending, and magnitudes more satisfying. Go for it, believe me.

Since you're waiting for the ending during this entire film (for your own personal reason, no doubt), I'll give the alternate ending version a 6. The theatrical version gets a 3. Since I'm not really rating the film on an alternate ending, I have to go with the 3 here. Just keep in mind that you can make it watchable with a little help from the DVD or Blu-ray.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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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

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0

LannistersAug 30, 2011

Well .... is THAT supposed to scary us? There was nothing to be afraid of. I mean what's the point of this movie? After 30 minutes i was already bored (nothing happening + boring characters) and the next hour wasn't any better!

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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0

NazguleroJul 24, 2011

The first time I dozed off was after eight minutes, Then at intervals of about five minutes. The problem with this movie is that there is absolutely no story, no meaningful dialogue, just nonsense banter all the time. The bad audio makes itThe first time I dozed off was after eight minutes, Then at intervals of about five minutes. The problem with this movie is that there is absolutely no story, no meaningful dialogue, just nonsense banter all the time. The bad audio makes it really hard to understand. What a disappointment...… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

JfiloJun 20, 2011

This movie did what I expected: scare my butt off! Idk why the reviews from the users are so low. This is totally worth it. Something I would like to watch again.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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2

moviegrabbagJun 12, 2011

Blair Witch 2007! Just as boring and juts as lame. The whole movie is just slow and boring. If I wanted to watch two people sit around and talk I would have just talked to my wife instead of watching this lame movie. The acting in this movieBlair Witch 2007! Just as boring and juts as lame. The whole movie is just slow and boring. If I wanted to watch two people sit around and talk I would have just talked to my wife instead of watching this lame movie. The acting in this movie was just horrible. The lead actress Katie Featherson is just unconvincing about 80 percent of the time and the boyfriend Micah Sloat is actually an agent for movie so his acting ability is that of a 10 year old. Also the boyfriends actions were not that of a concerned lover but rather a complete and unemotional douche bag... you know like an agent. Just watch the blair witch project instead they are basically the same movie anyway.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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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

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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

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1

gamefriekFeb 26, 2011

What the hell were the directors and writers thinking? This movie had so much potential to be great, but it flopped badly. The story is of a couple that has weird things going on in their house. The whole beginning of this movie was just theWhat the hell were the directors and writers thinking? This movie had so much potential to be great, but it flopped badly. The story is of a couple that has weird things going on in their house. The whole beginning of this movie was just the two of them going "Whoa, did you feel/see that?". The only decent part of that whole 90 minutes was the ending. It was the only part that actually made me feel suspense, but only just a little bit. This movie was a complete waste of money that should have never been made.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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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

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