The Paranormal
Activity series is one of the few I know that seems to get more intricate
and better with each movie that comes out.
While the first was so subtle and creepy it has expanded it’s own mythos
to involve so much more than a demonic entity causing chaos. It now involves covens, cults, and new
gimmicks in each new movie.
The movie begins by showing the ending to Paranormal Activity 2. We are then introduced to Alex, played by
Kathryn Newton, a young teenage girl who is big on taping aspects of her
life. She also enjoys the joys of
Skype. Alex and her boyfriend come
across a boy named Robbie who lives across the street. When his mother is put in the hospital he is
asked to stay with Alex and her family.
Many odd things start occurring around Robbie. The main question is why?
The story is decent.
It certainly follows the main concept of the Paranormal Activity universe.
There are a few plot holes and many questions from the past movies left
unanswered but considering that, it is still a good movie that is at least
trying to bring something new to the table. You can sometimes give it a benefit
of the doubt. This movie shows just how
expansive this coven really is.
I thought of using computers to show the audience the
footage was a clever idea. It worked
well with the rest of the story so it moved the narrative along smoothly. There is a thematic element of “the boy who cried
wolf” which is really hard to work in an age where you can literally get
footage of just about anything from anything be it a camera, computer or
cellphone. Still, the movie pulls off
this feat and it works out well. The
ending felt a bit rushed which is a shame because it really is an interesting
movie and I want to know more.
Paranormal Activity 4
is worth seeing if you are a fan of the rest of the series. It brings some new plots twists that were not
expected. While not terrifying, it does build on the other movies well. If anything, it makes me wonder where it’s
going to go from here. It’s at the very
least worth a matinee or a rental.
Good review. While the first two follow-ups at least attempted to give us something new and create a mythology, part four is bereft of ideas and rehashes moments from both its precursors and classics of the horror genre. I didn’t hate it, but it definitely didn’t take me by storm.
ReplyDeleteEach movie at least trys to give a new reason to be at the camera. Whether you buy it or not is up to you. They always add new gimmicks like the xbox dots or the fan in the last movie. I just don't get what people are expecting. Each film has revealed a bit more of the nature of this entity in it's Lovecraftian plan. It isn't the best one in the series. It is still any interesting chapter at the very least.
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