Critic's Grade: A-

Finally, a true horror movie worth seeing. Paranormal Activity is an ingenious work of terror shot for under $15,000 back in 2007 by amateur filmmaker Oren Peli. Internet buzz and the sensation of amazing critical reviews allowed the film to become the #1 film in America this weekend with $22 million, making this one of my favorite pieces of box-office news all year. Not only is this film worthy of being #1, but it made Saw VI bomb with $14 million. Oh happy days.

For me, horror films today are too cheesy, bloody, and quantitative (hence my glee over Saw VI's underachievement in ticket sales). This is why I am so glad to see a film like Paranormal Activity achieve success critically and commercially. Starring two unknown actors named Micah Sloat and Katie Featherston, the movie is an 86 minute exercise of a young couple being terrorized by paranormal activity in their new suburban home. The film becomes increasingly horrifying as each act heightens the couple's fears. It begins small: Doors move on their own, loud bangs are heard, and an unexplained force begins to drive the couple to insanity. The movie is all build up to an ending that literally had me gasping for air.

Goosebumps are unavoidable, paranoia will ensue, and if your seeing Paranormal Activity in a theater (which you should), expect the screaming of numerous individuals. Think Blair Witch set in your house, but with a much stronger this-could-be-real vibe. Whether or not you believe the film's stunts, it's an excitingly worthy addition to the horror genre. Paranormal Activity is not about plot, story, or violence, but rather a technique in displaying the scariest ways to frighten a moviegoer. Using this as its goal, the film succeeds, considerably.

All Reviews by Casey Lamarca [Home page]
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