Horror Movie Review: Paranormal Activity

I went into Paranormal Activity a bit grumpy. I’ll admit, it was just one of those nights. I had a bad attitude and merely looking to pass the time, although I had been wanting to watch Paranormal Activity for some time.

I usually don’t watch movies in the theaters, and it was the same with Paranormal Activity. I like the comfort of my home—the ability to push pause. So, I turned off the lights and began watching.

Dogs sleeping on the floor.

Wife sleeping upstairs.

Drink in hand.

Volume up.

As I said, I was in a grumpy mood. Within the first five minutes, I began criticizing the movie.

Bad acting.

Bad dialogue.

Not that scary.

But, wait a minute . . .

Um, what’s she doing?

Why is she just standing there looking at him?

That’s not right . . .

What!!! A demon can pull you from bed??

I think it was at this point I called the dogs onto the couch. They did so hesitantly, as I don’t normally allow that.

Paranormal Activity was really good, especially for a low budget movie. I fully support someone going-it-alone, and the makers did a fantastic job. The story was a bit of a re-hash, but as you know, I don’t mind such things. The plot wasn’t completely original, but that didn’t matter. My only real criticism was the dialogue—it was loose, and I think the actors could have practiced more. I think they were given leeway, to try to sound natural . . . it worked, for the most part.

I will say one thing about the characters ( a couple in the early stages of living together): The guy sure was loyal to his girlfriend. I’m not sure how many men would have stuck around. And it wasn’t like they could just leave the house to escape the demon, because it followed her.

Talk about baggage!

All in all, I have no complaints. Paranormal Activity was scary. It made me jump a few times. It made me cringe even more. It had a good ending and overall I recommend this movie.

I’ll add this: Demon stories always creep me out. The problem with demons is simple: you can’t shoot them. You can shot serial killers or axe-murders (although in the movies, this is not always the case). Still, you have a reasonable chance against something living. Hell, it is possible to even shoot an alien if so inclined, but not a demon, my friend.

They are an entirely different story.

-Vincent Hobbes