Amazon Holiday

Friday, October 16, 2009

Paranormal Activity

(Guest Review by Russ)

Q: What’s the movie about?


A: A young couple moves into their new house and decides to record the paranormal activity that seems to be escalating as time goes by.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Mark Fredrichs, Amber Armstrong

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! Hey folks, it’s Halloween and time to be frightened, so if you’re searching for a scare-guarantee then look no further than this. With not a drop of blood, serial killer or ghostly figure anywhere in sight, Paranormal Activity uses suspense and our fear of the unknown to create a movie-going experience that will scare the pants off you.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Yes. Micah Sloat is goofily charming and funny as the boyfriend most girls will want as their protector and husband.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: That depends, do you usually cry when you discover that you've just crapped your pants?

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Best Film Hollywood Could Never-Ever Make in a million years? (But I give Dreamworks credit for buying it and releasing it as is, instead of remaking it with Megan Fox and some star from Gossip Girl.)

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Astonishing. Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat (as “Katie” and “Micah”) are tasked with bringing an ‘everyman’ anonymous quality to their characters and relationship and they almost succeed a little too well. This is all supposed to play out as if watching the found-footage of a real-life average couple that went through something extraordinary and there isn’t a false moment to be found in their performances. The fact you’ve never seen (or heard of) these actors before is a condition of making this film work, but I don’t think Katie and Micah will stay anonymous for very much longer.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: This entire movie is shot from the POV of a digital camera either sitting on a tripod or being carried around by one of the leads, but while that might sound annoying in a sea-sick feeling kind of way, thankfully it's not. It also proves how much more there is to directing than how the director moves the camera because the straightforwardness and documentary-like feel of it only enhance the creepiness. Oren Peli, the director-screenwriter may not have had a lot of resources in making this movie but he still manages to ratchet up the tension and suspense in ways that can only lead to the conclusion that he’s a gifted director with a bright future.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: This movie is so natural in the way it unfolds, it’s easy to forget there even was a script. The conceit of Paranormal Activity is to make you feel as if you’re watching the equivalent of home-movies, but the sequence of events that unfolds is masterful in how it creates escalating fear that never lets up and makes for one of the most rewarding movie-viewing experiences you can hope to have in 2009.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: In case I haven't made this completely clear: this movie will scare the s**t out of you!

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/paranormal-activity/33046/main

Back To Top
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

1 comment:

Reel Whore said...

This was such a good movie, wasn't it? I still can't believe it was made for so little, yet has made so much money!

I'll be curious to see how all their careers evolve from this.