Paranormal Activity
By now, you've probably heard the story behind this movie: made two years ago for $15,000; hawked to every major Hollywood studio; picked up by Steven Spielberg, who suggested some significant changes (including a new ending); and released to huge box office success in the US, following a clever marketing campaign.
It arrives in the UK on the back of a lot of hype - which no film can possibly live up to! So, will you be disappointed? Yes. Is it the scariest movie ever made? No.
But it's still a pretty effective horror flick, reminiscent of 'The Blair Witch Project'. Like its predecessor, 'Paranormal Activity' claims to be based on real events, the concept is simple, the film is shot point-of-view with a handheld camera, and the director spends a great deal of time building the tension: the better part of an hour passes before anything actually "happens," but you're on the edge of the seat the whole way.
There are some really creepy moments, but, having seen both versions, I prefer director Oren Peli's cut. It's more subtle - and the original ending, while less dramatic and shocking, is far more disturbing.
A problem shared by both cuts is the character of Mika. He's such a jerk and completely devoid of sympathy. How is the audience expected to believe that ANY woman would agree to move in with him...?
