lewiskendell

24 May 2012

Some pacing issues keep this from being quite as good as the first movie.

Paranormal Activity 2 takes a while to get going. Which makes sense,considering the fact that it's a prequel to the first movie, and has tomatch up with the story presented there. But that doesn't change thefact that the first 45 minutes of Paranormal 2 were just this side ofoutright boring. Fortunately, the movie does eventually get into gear, and I found it tobe just about as creepy as the first. There's more of a reliance onjump scares this time around than the mystery and atmosphere of thefirst movie, but the tension is still mostly there. The ParanormalActivity "mythos" gets further expanded, and you'll see the events ofthe original movie in a new light after watching this one. If you liked the first P.A., then you'll probably enjoy this one, too.The same goes for if you disliked the first. This is basically more ofthe same, and the slow start definitely hurt it, but I still found itto be worthwhile. And yes, I'll probably be in line to see ParanormalActivity 3 when it rolls around.

rockinkettles-1

24 May 2012

Paranormal 2 Has Its Share of Scares

I went to see Paranormal Activity 2 not expecting much just as I didwith the first. It is not as good as the first but it still has it'smoments of jump scenes. Two scenes in particular will startle you whenyou least expect it. This time around the movie takes place in Katie'ssisters house. Her sister Kristy experiences the same kind of weirdnessthat Katie did at her house. A pan falls from the hanger by itself inthe kitchen. A door moves by itself and another time a door slams shut.It is rather slow at first but gradually gets better as it goes along.Kristy's daughter also experiences strange things going on but thefather does not believe in all the supernatural happenings. Theyinstall security cameras all around the house after they think thehouse is being burglarized. They soon find out of course that it is notburglars but something very sinister that is in the house because itwants something. And that something may just be what is very preciousto the family..the baby..Hunter. Also returning in part 2 are Katie andMicha because I'm sure by now everyone must know that part 2 isactually a prequel. I won't say much more than that but the writer'sdid a decent job with the story by including these two characters fromthe first movie. The family also has a German shepherd who constantlybarks because he too senses something evil in the house. There is ascene in the movie when the dog is barking and all of a sudden..let'sjust say it is creepy what happens. I'm sure there will be a part 3 inthe near future. Maybe even next year. I just hope it isn't dragged outtoo much like Saw and Friday the 13th. Maybe one more will be fine.People seem to have a good time getting scared by this sort of psychmovie and I do too. Just as long as it doesn't wear out it's welcomelike the entity or demon in the house.

23 May 2012

Amazing! Captures the first one completely!!!

This second was the icing one the cake! Not only did the director do a good job of making you not only think something other then what actually happen was the problem, but also prolong the suspense (i think on purpose) the increase the stock horror when the scary stuff came around! I also enjoyed the fact that not only did events happen in the day but also in the night. I have yet to buy the DVD/Blu ray but im about to now after seeing it in theaters and again from the Red Box lol! One main thing i love about this movie, unlike other horrors that have bloody overly dramatic violence, this movie truly displaced Dark Romanticism, which is something you really don't see any more these days in a lot of stories. I give this movie a A+

blade399

22 May 2012

More Of A Comedy Then Horror

Im gonna keep this review as brief as possible as there are a few partsworth mentioning. THE SPOILERS, I will refer to are not so much asspoilers but that depends what people think, they'll be at the end ofthe review.The 1st half of the film was awful, yeah a few jokes cracked out hereand there but that wasn't the comedy...it was the horrors sections.Nothing happened, the night sequences were tame compared to the 1st.The best thing about the film compared to the 1st was that the in the1st film the sequences weren't skipped taking all suspense from thefilm as to when something was going to happen. Then came the nighttime parts (START OF SPOILER) the part where thebaby got lifted was hilarious, made more funny by the crowd roaring inlaughter. Then when the mum gets dragged down the stairs, yes a bitfreaky at first, but during her heroic escape gets face-planted...Imean whats not funny about that!? The only scary part where no-onelaughed but jumped was when the entire kitchen just burst open, alldraws and everything....what made this better was that it happenedduring the middle of the day...for once. (END OF SPOILERS)Sooo, the film has laughs and is made better then the 1st due to itsskipped horror sequences, explanation and general cinema experiencebeing the best since....well, anything. Yet, although better then the1st I still gave it a lower score..either that means I must reduce thefirst films score or find out why and heres the answer....it wasn't asbelievable and seemed forced to be scary. Also the fact we could see asequel due to how the events planned out. (SPOILER) oh, and the Katieneck snap and ending as well as telling us WHY number one happened,kind of ruined the 1st films legacy...if you can even say it ever hadone.Cheers for reading5/10

Cara Brander

21 May 2012

A nerve-wracking and tense film that will keep you on the edge of your seat or rather keep you peeking from behind your shaking hands...

I must say, to start this off, that I never intended to see the prequelto a film that had my mind worrying for weeks. However, after muchpersistence from friends, I gained the confidence to buy a ticket andsit in a cinema full of like-minded, wary 'victims' of such a tensethriller.The fact that the director chooses to use a video-camera throughout thefilm (like the first)as opposed to carefully placed professionalrecording equipment makes the film seem more realistic and believable.Which seems one of the main reasons for it keeping you so absorbed, asit is so believable.As the film progresses, the expectation of something bad going tohappen seems to keep the audience on edge throughout the whole film.This prequel is more emotive than the last.. the introduction of ahappy family with a teenager, a young child and a dog seems to affectthe more emotional members of the audience.If you have seen the first: I advise you to see this one. If youhaven't: Prepare for the 'Paranormal Activity experience', it's not forthe light-hearted. If you have an over-reactive mind: seriously, don'twatch this alone.Enjoy!

Adam Weber

21 May 2012

A Prequel in a way and very enjoyable!

Well, Tod Williams congratulations!on taking over the role of Oren Peliwho was director of the first film and re-creating that suspense filledatmosphere we all crave and hope for in films like this.Having been a huge fan of the first film and its concept I was veryanxious awaiting this release, it hit cinemas in South Australiayesterday and I was at one of the first few sessions, It was greatbecause their were only a handful of people, I wanted to view itquietly and in the pitch black dark to gain the full effect. The castwere all very solid the return of Katie and Micah fit into the plotvery well.This is actually a prequel to the first film and I liked the way theygave you a better feel for how things came to pass in the first film.The young female lead who I had seen in a couple of episodes of Jericho(tv show) carried on that creepiness that Katie's character had in thefirst film. Some very good jumps and sound effects were used onceagain, a bit of night vision work was added which we never saw in thefirst gave it another layer all together.I think its exceptional when a director can get that amount of suspenseout of a scene without any type of a musical score, bravo! It wasinteresting to hear Peli's view point on the original idea for thescript, he got it after having gone to sleep one night and woken up thenext morning to see that his washing detergent had moved over a metrefrom the position it was in the night before!! eek very creepy, everhad anything like that happen to you?? Anyone who hates on this doesn'tunderstand success or failure, the promotion on the film regardless ofwhat people think, was extraordinary (up there with Avatar) anddeserves the mass grossing it has got! so be sure to respect andpromote it.

danzeisen

16 May 2012

Could have been SO much better

I love a good horror story, and the premise behind this is a good one-that the sins of the "Father" may be paid for by the "Son." There arestrange occurrences in the household, including the house being trashedduring a supposed break in. This prompts the installation of videocameras with recorders to record events in and outside of the house.The daughter stumbles across something on the internet suggesting thatthere may be a demon in the house. This is seconded by the nanny, whosenses an evil presence. Sounds like a kind of scary premise, right?Well, that's about it- the premise is never developed. While We learnthat the mother and her sister experienced "Disturbances" when theywere growing up- we never learn what was the nature of them, only thatthey do not talk about them. We never learn if there was an ancestorthat made a "Deal with the devil," it is brought up and suggested andthe movie fleshed out with that premise just accepted. However, it isnever explored in any way- and that really makes the plot WEAK. I know it will seem a cheap shot but I will make it anyway- on the castlisting on IMDD the camera installer man is listed at the top. He gaveperhaps the most solid performance of any of the actors and actresses,so perhaps it was meant that way. Three stars is my rating- a good premise developed with a weak plot andmediocre acting only goes so far. The sad part is that this could havebeen so good, and so frightening. My gut tells me, like other reviewershave mentioned, that this was a rush job to capitalize on the firstmovie, and not an attempt at a good, memorable movie- as it is not.

16 May 2012

Back to basics

I grew up with Poltergeist, the Omen, The Shining, Amityville Horror, etc. Special effects hadn't even been invented yet. They were never intended to create a huge empathy for the characters. The plots themselves were minimal and spared you from too much depth. They were simply filmed to make you jump and have that girl next to you hold you tight. This movie took me back old-school and that's why I liked it. Those who go deep in discussion about all this movie lacks are probably also dissatisfied that they don't find a diamond in a tootsie-roll pop. It's a scary movie. That is all and it's wrapper has no false advertising.

sam_aj_01

10 May 2012

Creepy and deeply disturbing...

Me and my friend went to see this in the cinema today, since it wasonly a preview the cinema was packed! This I thought would make theexperience more enjoyable... I was wrong.Literally through-out the whole film there were people screaming whenone of the actors in the film would open the front door, it was jumpybut it was very off putting with people chewing, talking and evenlaughing at bits in the film, we're all entitled to our own opinion butit really ruined the experience... Just when everything falls silentyou get ready for something and then the people behind you go "I'mscared" or "Oh my, look the DOOR IS OPENING", yes we can see forourselves but shh! I suggest you see it in the cinema as the qualityand visual impact of the film is terrifying, but perhaps at a laterdate when it is quieter and less crowded.The original created more of an impact because it was different, inthis film we knew what to expect but that was covered up with adifferent storyline and a few extra jumpy moments.Superb acting in the film, it was too life-like in some cases that tookaway that cinematic effect making it all too weird and disturbing...I think the idea that not knowing what was going on a lot of the timewas scarier... Not a miss for horror fans!

KineticSeoul

10 May 2012

There is at least a bit of stuff going on this time around but its still a bland horror move

Some reviewers claim you have to use your imagination for a movie likethis. But this movie tries to go in a realistic approach to all thesupernatural stuff going on and it fails in that level. The first"Paranormal Activity" was bland with it's characters and not veryrelatable. This time the characters are at least somewhat relatable andthe direction isn't all that boring to the point where it's almostunwatchable. But that isn't really saying much since I didn't like thefirst one in this franchise. There is plenty of horror movies that isdone with a shoestring budget that is much superior and way better thanthis. Maybe this isn't the type of movie I enjoy or something but Ijust wanted it to end after a few minutes in and all the way throughit. This movie also tries to connect with the first "ParanormalActivity" but it doesn't connect very well and seemed a bit forced in.The development of the family in this movie seemed a bit drawn outalthough it's relatable but the character decisions in this doesn'tmake any sense sometimes. Which takes a lot away from the realism of itall. The scenarios are even more non believable with all the weirdstuff going on and the ghost/demon in this comes off more childish thanactually scary. I mean it's nice to see at least something going on butmost of the time it's just arguing about what is going on and later atnight appliances just moving around and that sums up most of thismovie. So yeah the ghost/demon just comes off silly just toying withappliances and crap constantly than intimidating. This is a typicalhorror movie that is very generic and predictable. With the father ofthe family not buying into supernatural stuff and always in denialuntil it's too late. The only thing that is different is how the familyis videotaping what is going on in the house. Just very slightly betterthan the first one but not by much at all.4.2/10

Caps Fan

07 May 2012

Ho-Hum Sequel

The first "Paranormal Activity" was genuinely scary because it wassomething of a novelty. It had few characters and kept the audiencewaiting for its thrills, building up slowly, but inexorably, towards ahorrifying conclusion. Much of its impact comes from the suspensegenerated by having most of its events take place, slowly, at night.The sequel provides some of the background, and a brief codicil, tothose events and uses the same approach - it was even filmed in thesame house. However, it really takes things too far. or maybe not farenough. The shocks are fine when they come, but we are kept waiting WAYtoo long for them. Along the way, we are treated to too many shots ofthe same things, particularly that wretched pool cleaner. These peoplemust have the cleanest pool in San Diego.The real problem, though, is with the characters. Worst is the mainmale character, Daniel (Brian Boland), who is basically a jerk. Hisskepticism comes to seem pigheaded rather than rational. At a crucialpoint, when his family is dissolving into chaos, he chooses to leavethe house to go to a business meeting. Most reprehensibly, when thetruth of the situation is clear even to him, he resolves it by foistingthe whole problem onto someone else.The consequences are fatal for them, but Daniel does get hiscomeuppance in no uncertain terms just afterward, At that point, Iactually cheered.Rating: A disappointed 5/10

07 May 2012

More of the Same, Which in this Case is a Good Thing

Saw the movie today, on Halloween appropriately. I agree with the general consensus. If you liked the first one you'll enjoy the second, which has elements of both a prequel and a sequel. In fact, if you didn't see the first one then I strongly urge you to do so before watching PA2, else it will likely make little sense to you.The lovely and talented Katie Featherston returns in a diminished but nevertheless essential role. But the main story revolves around her character's sister and brother-in-law, who have recently been blessed with a healthy baby boy. Problem is, there's some THING that has a strong interest in the new arrival and starts to raise some literal Hell regarding it.Most of the elements that made the first movie distinctive are in place again. Everything is shot from the perspective of well-placed camcorders and security cameras. We get to see a little more action this time, as the Entity that haunts this unfortunate family shifts into high gear. There are several "gotcha!" moments where eerie stuff happens just as things begin to calm down.The infant isn't harmed in any way. I was very glad for that; that would have been crossing the line. I can't say the same for the adult cast members, but it is a horror movie after all.Nothing really to complain about for me, as I thoroughly enjoyed the first film and found this one to be very much in the same vein. I did find it a little slow to get going. There were also some of the quintessential "god, these people are stupid!" moments when you find yourself shaking your head, thinking that folks this dumb deserve what they're getting. But the script does an adequate job of tidying these up and making the climax believable enough.Note to my fellow males: we get to see Katie in a bathing suit this time, definitely a nice image. Enjoy!

dee.reid

06 May 2012

Nothing really new, but it does have its moments

Tod Williams's "Paranormal Activity 2" is a sequel of sorts to"Paranormal Activity" (2007). But actually, it's really more of aprequel, because "Paranormal Activity 2" actually takes place bothpartially before, and during, the events of its 2007 predecessor. Likeits predecessor, this film details the supernatural events taking placein a middle-class suburban home and a family's slow realization thatsinister forces have taken up residence in their house. These forcesgradually make themselves known to the family, in on-camera footagerecorded by the house's security system (which they installed after asupposed "break-in"). This film is nothing really new when compared towhat ultimately took place in the first movie. However, I will award"Paranormal Activity 2" some points for the fact that it does have somegenuinely creepy moments that are sure to linger in memory (check outthat scene with the baby alone in the crib) for a long time afterward,and for the way that it is actually able to create a continuity withevents in the first "Paranormal Activity." All in all, "ParanormalActivity 2" is a decent sequel that brings nothing new to the table,but does have a few genuinely unsettling moments to keep you on theedge of your seat.6/10

Ruddaga2

05 May 2012

One of the Funniest Movies Youll See All Year!

First off I'll start by saying I hated the first Paranormal Activity. Isaid the marketing department deserved 10/10 for their efforts... atmaking a 3/10 movie look scary and terrifying. The second movie iactually enjoyed a little bit more because it had the addition of theawesome character.. That is the pool cleaner. The pool cleaner waseasily the best actor in the movie.. and has more screen time then mostof the other characters. The second best actor was the dog. He actuallydid a good job of setting the mood and story. This movie is not scary. I jumped once during it and I don't count areal quiet scene during the day.. followed by an extremely loud bangand explosion on the screen to be genuine horror.. just a cheap scaretactic.The only bit i enjoyed was the ending... When the sister/demon from thefirst one punches the main character in this one and takes the baby.

Daniel C.

04 May 2012

holly crap what a chity movie.

I think that some people who gets scared by this movie might be toosensitive or fearful to pretty much anything out there. Seriously, likethe first one this is pure garbage halfway into the film and I waswondering why everybody call this film scary at all. 45 minutes intothe film and nothing happened. There was one scene that lasted about 5minutes and it was nothing but a shot of this retarded couple sleepingthrough the night and the only thing that happened during the night wasthat the bedroom door moved about 5 inch. That freak you out people?This movie is pure garbage. For real...I turned it off close to an hourinto the movie. I rather watch wedding videos of people I don't evenknow. The only scary thing about this movie is that they actually havea third one and most likely a bunch of mentally handicap people willsoiled themselves over a freaking curtain moving back and forth....andthey wont shut up about how scary this it. Save yourself the time anddo not watch this.

itstheapril

04 May 2012

Ehhhhhh

Just got back from the midnight showing. I'm not sure what to vote onit. The first movie could've done without this one, I was hoping for anew method of scares instead of the same ones over and over again(bangs, creaks, etc). Too much happened in a short amount of time andit wasn't as "realistic" as it could be when it came to the resourcesand options these people had. If I had a security system installed inmy home and weird s**t was happening I'd look over the video.. Therewere red flags here and there and the father was nonchalant abouteverything. I've got to admit that I am a fan only because I believe inthese type of things and I haven't seen a movie franchise made likethis before. Totally different experience. Anyway, how was your movieexperience like?

JANDCSCOTT_23

04 May 2012

Liked more than the first

I just saw this this afternoon and I have to say, I really loved it. Iam one of those people who just goes into the theater and takes themovie as it comes. I absolutely love the slow build-up because it madethe jumps even more intense. I think that I said "Holy S***" more than5 times and actually gasped out loud several times. I know that peoplethink that the self-filming is out, but I really enjoy it. I think thatpeople who watch shows like Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters willactually really like this film. The idea of the unknown is absolutelythe most terrifying thing and the ending of this movie was amazing. Idid not see the transference coming and was completely shocked. Go seeit - again, if you like ghost/demon videos.

john

03 May 2012

PLEASE DONT WASTE YOUR TIME!!

The first one may have been ok but this one sucked. There were about 5 minutes it didn't suck. 90% of this movie is slow down time which I was hoping was plot buildup or something. I was wrong, it was just filler so you could get to the part where she gets drug down the stairs. then some people die and it ends. when the screen goes black it's over, don't wait the minute it takes for the credits to roll. That was just insulting, making me think that just maybe it wasn't over yet.

JenniferBaxter

01 May 2012

Great scary fun

The audience jumped, and begged for it to be less scary. A really funnight out that must be seen in a cinema, otherwise you're just a bigscaredy-cat. I purposely avoided trailers for this because I didn't want any of thestory spoiled and I can safely say I wasn't disappointed. Top notchacting, especially the younger sister - I hope we see more of her onthe big screen in future.The original is better but this is a class act too and some very spookymoments.One scare in particular is worth the ticket price alone.Go see it!

01 May 2012

A boring movie that wasnt fun even when drunk

Im the kind of person that likes just about every movie even if they arent any good. I own well over 700 dvd's and about 100 blu-rays so when friends invited me out to see this movie in theaters I figured why not? I love the horror genre and the trailers made it look plenty creepy.Well I wasted my money. The movie is basicly an hour of nothing happening then small oddities occur followed by about 10 min of weird "scary" stuff and then its over. The movie is just a bore and its sad because it had potential. I dont really see how anyone could enjoy it. My description above is accurate. 95% of the movie is NOTHING and the last 5% is suppose to be scary but its just not. Right as things start to get where they should be the movie just ends.