Author Topic: [Movie] Paranormal Activity  (Read 9626 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Space Invader

  • The Canadian Doctor Who Fanatic
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 928
  • Gender: Male
  • Also recently addicted to Survivor
[Movie] Paranormal Activity
« on: October 21, 2009, 06:26:51 PM »
With apparent massive worldwide demand and acclaim, I was a touch surprised to realize that until the night I went to see it, I had never heard of Paranormal Activity. However, the friends who bodily dragged my roommate and I off to watch it with them reassured me that it was really popular and quite good, as well as so scary that I wouldn’t sleep for days. As you can imagine, this got me excited for the movie to begin.

Basically, PA tells the story of a couple living in San Diego named Mika and Katie. Seemingly normal, their lives are shaken by a demonic presence in their house that has been following Katie around since she was eight years old. The demon does all the things you would expect, from moving objects, closing doors, making noises, and breathing on Katie. Over the course of twenty five-ish nights, the couple seeks to survive while the demon becomes increasingly more malevolent.

The movie is told through a Cloverfield-esque style, where one camera held by one of the characters or set up on a tripod records all the action. Also, PA is divided up into two basic scene types: daytime and night-time. Essentially, during the day Mika and Katie freak out and examine the footage they took of the night before, and during the night they sleep as the demon haunts, which inevitably causes much screaming and “What the FUCK!”-ing. This division of the days causes the film to have a really weird pace. One moment you’ll be watching cool paranormal stuff go down while the couple remains oblivious, and the next they’re eating breakfast and chatting about how scared they are. It works fine for the first couple of days, but by the end I was just irritated.

So, yeah, the daytime sections suck. But it’s at night where the really shit goes down, right? Wrong. For the nights what essentially happens is Mika sets the camera on a tripod and record the room at night. So, any action that takes place is about 20 feet (or looks like it) away from the camera, which I thought caused the action to be disjointed from the audience. A good horror movie should be up close and personal, but these scenes only remove you from the action.

And this is what causes my biggest beef with the movie: it’s not scary. Maybe it’s just because I’m a massive cynic, but the most I got was unnerved. Sure, for the first couple days it’s creepy, but when the big action started happening, I got bored with the distance from the action and how artificial it felt due to the camera’s placement. Also, in order to actually hit the horror parts with only one camera, the tape needs to be fast forwarded and watching people roll in bed for over for a minute and a half is not scary. And, once it hits the scares, the movie sets up a nice, eerie tone which warned you exactly when it was going to happen. So, even if the events were creepy, they were never unexpected. Furthermore, when they do hit the “big scares” (about an hour in), it’s just a bunch of horror movie clichés tossed together in a hope that is will freak people out.

But, it’s not all bad. The movie does have some cool effects and set pieces, and the plot is not terrible, just unsatisfying. The actors do what they can, but it’s not a super script either. Katie is a terrified cry baby (as you would be if you were haunted) and Mika is an unsupportive dickhead who calls out the demon (which is never a good character to have holding the camera, because he cracks jokes, which lightens the tone. BAD HORROR).

For all its shittiness, I never wanted to stop watching PA. It has some really incredible effects, and if you’re a horror movie buff you might find some thrills. However, I found myself bored and unimpressed. Skip it.

2/5
« Last Edit: October 22, 2009, 08:24:33 AM by Space Invader »
Everything can, should and will be progressive.

"The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain" - Montaigne.

I'm going to need a SWAT team ready to mobilize, street over maps covering all of Florida, a pot of coffee, twelve Jammie Dodgers and a Fez - Eleventh Doctor

Offline orcus116

  • DT.net Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 9599
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Experience
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2009, 09:08:53 PM »
activity

Offline setrataeso

  • Setlist Archivist
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3765
  • Gender: Male
  • I probably don't like you
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Experience
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2009, 09:51:26 PM »
Yeah, you messed up the title of your review.
Also, don't forget to put your review information in the archive section.

On another note, good review. And I had not heard of this movie either.
Going to see Saw 6?
NEW REVIEW: Lady Gaga - Born This Way
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=25343.0

Setra, I think that is the best statement I have read on this forum.  Very well said.

Offline yeshaberto

  • DT.net Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 8986
  • Gender: Male
  • Somebody Get Me A Doctor! - VH
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Experience
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2009, 11:02:21 PM »
read about it in another thread recently and added it to my netflix queue, but I guess it isn't available yet...sounds interesting at least

Offline Nick

  • A doctor.
  • Global Moderator
  • *****
  • Posts: 20050
  • Gender: Male
  • But not the medical kind.
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Experience
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2009, 11:11:45 PM »
Yeah, you messed up the title of your review.
Also, don't forget to put your review information in the archive section.

This.
For the best online progressive radio: ProgRock.com
For the best in progressive news, reviews, and interviews: SonicPerspectives.com
For a trove of older podcasts and interviews: WPaPU.com
Awesome Majesty Pendant Club: Member #1

Offline Dimitrius

  • DT.net Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 18218
  • Gender: Male
  • Fuckin' magnets, how do they work?
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Experience
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2009, 07:19:10 AM »
Paranormal Activity.
Joe and I in the same squad is basically the virtual equivalent of us plowing a rape van through an elementary school playground at recess.

Offline Space Invader

  • The Canadian Doctor Who Fanatic
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 928
  • Gender: Male
  • Also recently addicted to Survivor
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2009, 08:25:47 AM »
My bad.
Fix'd
Everything can, should and will be progressive.

"The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain" - Montaigne.

I'm going to need a SWAT team ready to mobilize, street over maps covering all of Florida, a pot of coffee, twelve Jammie Dodgers and a Fez - Eleventh Doctor

Offline Zeltar

  • Posts: 7784
  • Gender: Male
  • Have a drink, it'll make me look younger.
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2009, 11:10:29 AM »
I finally saw this last night and I gotta disagree with you. I thought it was a damn good movie. Honestly, it didn't scare me as much as I thought it would until the last 15 minutes or so but even then, it was still entertaining. The tension/release thing was really good, they built the creepy scenes up very well. My only problem is the ending was pretty unsatisfying but I'd definitely see it again, if only to see how scared my friends get. 3.5/5 for me, but I'd give the final 15 minutes a 4.

Offline Space Invader

  • The Canadian Doctor Who Fanatic
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 928
  • Gender: Male
  • Also recently addicted to Survivor
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2009, 12:19:19 PM »
I though the ending bit was the worst part of the movie, and you're right, super unsatisfying.

Maybe I'm too cynical/critical for my own good......
Everything can, should and will be progressive.

"The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain" - Montaigne.

I'm going to need a SWAT team ready to mobilize, street over maps covering all of Florida, a pot of coffee, twelve Jammie Dodgers and a Fez - Eleventh Doctor

Offline setrataeso

  • Setlist Archivist
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3765
  • Gender: Male
  • I probably don't like you
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2009, 04:31:29 PM »
I though the ending bit was the worst part of the movie, and you're right, super unsatisfying.

Maybe I'm too cynical/critical for my own good......

Yes. I know you. You are too cynical.
I remember when we came out of watching Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and we both thought "That wasn't so bad. It was OK". Then, I mention how I found the triple-waterfall segment to be too ridiculous for me, and you go blasting into a rant about how much the movie sucked. Then you said you liked it.
So yes, you are cynical. And package-like. But that's a different story.
NEW REVIEW: Lady Gaga - Born This Way
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=25343.0

Setra, I think that is the best statement I have read on this forum.  Very well said.

Offline Space Invader

  • The Canadian Doctor Who Fanatic
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 928
  • Gender: Male
  • Also recently addicted to Survivor
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2009, 04:54:32 PM »
 >:( >:( >:(
Everything can, should and will be progressive.

"The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain" - Montaigne.

I'm going to need a SWAT team ready to mobilize, street over maps covering all of Florida, a pot of coffee, twelve Jammie Dodgers and a Fez - Eleventh Doctor

Offline 73109

  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4999
  • Gender: Male
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #11 on: November 01, 2009, 05:43:37 PM »
I thought it was horrible, I expected to get the crap scared outta me and nothing...nothing.

Offline setrataeso

  • Setlist Archivist
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3765
  • Gender: Male
  • I probably don't like you
NEW REVIEW: Lady Gaga - Born This Way
https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=25343.0

Setra, I think that is the best statement I have read on this forum.  Very well said.

Offline Space Invader

  • The Canadian Doctor Who Fanatic
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 928
  • Gender: Male
  • Also recently addicted to Survivor
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #13 on: November 01, 2009, 07:03:55 PM »
I thought it was horrible, I expected to get the crap scared outta me and nothing...nothing.

Thank you sir!
Everything can, should and will be progressive.

"The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain" - Montaigne.

I'm going to need a SWAT team ready to mobilize, street over maps covering all of Florida, a pot of coffee, twelve Jammie Dodgers and a Fez - Eleventh Doctor

Offline Perpetual Change

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 12264
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #14 on: November 01, 2009, 10:56:04 PM »
Great review. I've been considering seeing this, and now I don't have to  :tup

Offline Marvellous G

  • Posts: 2335
  • Gender: Male
  • I'm not sure on the avatar swearing policy...
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #15 on: November 02, 2009, 12:43:59 PM »
While I agree with all of the points that you made, me and my friend who are seasoned horror movie watchers actually got 'properly' terrified for the first time ever at a film whilst watching this, to the point where we were considering pausing it as it was so intense. I'd give it a 4.5/5, and it would be higher if not for the admittedly slow opening. Sure, it's good to have a very slow buildup, but only if it is at least mildly interesting. But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Offline Tick

  • It's time to make a change
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9762
  • Gender: Male
  • Just another tricky day for you
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #16 on: November 02, 2009, 01:50:36 PM »
This movie sucked badly. The most over hyped movie of the decade. Terrible. :tdwn
Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi


Offline Gwii

  • DTF Zelda Avatar Club
  • DT.net Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 2339
  • Gender: Male
  • There's so much more to see in the darkest places
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #17 on: November 02, 2009, 04:39:28 PM »
This movie sucked badly. The most over hyped movie of the decade. Terrible. :tdwn
My Soundclick Page

I can just sense Gwii hiding in the bushes with a knife between his teeth.

Offline Space Invader

  • The Canadian Doctor Who Fanatic
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 928
  • Gender: Male
  • Also recently addicted to Survivor
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #18 on: November 02, 2009, 05:18:17 PM »
We might have some controversy here!
Edit: But I'm glad people agree with me.
 ;)
« Last Edit: November 04, 2009, 01:29:44 PM by Space Invader »
Everything can, should and will be progressive.

"The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain" - Montaigne.

I'm going to need a SWAT team ready to mobilize, street over maps covering all of Florida, a pot of coffee, twelve Jammie Dodgers and a Fez - Eleventh Doctor

Offline Global Laziness

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 3231
  • Gender: Male
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #19 on: November 02, 2009, 05:29:31 PM »
The tension/release thing was really good, they built the creepy scenes up very well.

I'd tend to disagree. I felt that there was far too much release in relation to tension. I'm not the kind of guy who gets freaked out by horror movies, but even so, I felt that the movie was far too light-hearted to establish much fear in the audience.
Quote from: Jamesman42
Global Laziness: Speaks for Canada
Quote from: black_floyd
I walked down a spiral staircase in 19/16 in honor of Tom Sawyer and now I'm in crutches.

Offline Tick

  • It's time to make a change
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9762
  • Gender: Male
  • Just another tricky day for you
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #20 on: November 04, 2009, 12:42:08 PM »
We might have some controversy here!
But I'm people agree with me.
 ;)
What ? :justjen
Yup. Tick is dead on.  She's not your type.  Move on.   Tick is Obi Wan Kenobi


Offline glaurung

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 4466
  • Gender: Male
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #21 on: November 06, 2009, 01:37:44 AM »
This movie was more about the suspense you feel when your watching the nighttime scene waiting for something to happen. If you were looking for more action you are watching the wrong kind of movie. Even so, I think the movie is still just okay.
Cole: "Ow I just got hit in the balls"
Me: "How?"
Cole: "Well you know when you try to scratch your balls, and you scratch too hard?
I'll admit sometimes I want to listen to Dragonforce.

Offline skydivingninja

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 11593
  • Gender: Male
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #22 on: November 17, 2009, 08:47:14 AM »
Horrible movie.  I agree with pretty much all your points.  I do like how Micah held the camera the way a normal person might actually hold it, but all the cliches were too much for me.  You've got the terrified crybaby girl (understandably so), check.  You've got a wisecracking dick of a boyfriend who does all the stupid shit he's not supposed to, check.  You've got a spiritual specialist who knows exactly what to do because in horror movie land these people are actually for real and not hacks, check.  Then you've got the demon who has no real reason for haunting said crybaby, check.  Just wasn't scared at all.  Creeped out a bit sometimes, but never scared.  The ending sucked balls.  If you look up the other two original endings (the theatrical one was suggested by Spielberg), then you'll find them to be much better/creepier.

Spoiler:

In one ending, after Micah is killed downstairs, Katie just sits next to the bed in a catatonic state.  In the other, she slits her throat in front of the camera after killing Micah.

Offline Space Invader

  • The Canadian Doctor Who Fanatic
  • DTF.org Member
  • *
  • Posts: 928
  • Gender: Male
  • Also recently addicted to Survivor
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #23 on: November 17, 2009, 08:52:29 AM »
I like option two the best.
Also, before we went some friends sat me down and made me watch the trailer.
And guess what? I figured out the ending from the TRAILER!
Talk about lame.
Everything can, should and will be progressive.

"The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain" - Montaigne.

I'm going to need a SWAT team ready to mobilize, street over maps covering all of Florida, a pot of coffee, twelve Jammie Dodgers and a Fez - Eleventh Doctor

Offline ZachyDou

  • Keyboard wizard in training
  • Posts: 376
  • Gender: Male
  • "Haha... Yeah..."
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #24 on: November 17, 2009, 05:43:50 PM »
Thats terrible.

Offline Global Laziness

  • DTF.org Alumni
  • ****
  • Posts: 3231
  • Gender: Male
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #25 on: November 18, 2009, 04:51:04 PM »
Thats terrible.

Yeah, it really made things anti-climactic.
Quote from: Jamesman42
Global Laziness: Speaks for Canada
Quote from: black_floyd
I walked down a spiral staircase in 19/16 in honor of Tom Sawyer and now I'm in crutches.

Offline yeshaberto

  • DT.net Veteran
  • ****
  • Posts: 8986
  • Gender: Male
  • Somebody Get Me A Doctor! - VH
Re: [Movie] Paranormal Activity
« Reply #26 on: November 23, 2009, 11:30:36 PM »
wow, just finished it...it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be, but amazingly done.  the acting and script and circumstances made it insanely real.  very well done!