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I just got back from seeing this movie. Absolutely recommended. I think it's the scariest film I've ever seen.
There's one great scene: if you haven't seen the movie, don't read the spoiler--
Katie is pulled from her bed and down the hall her second-to-last night. The scene is so unexpected and her screams so genuine, the hairs on my arms and neck were at attention and I was honestly on the verge of tears. Spectacular.
EDIT:
Just caught the original 2007 ending to this film thanks to YouTube; in my opinion it's much better than the theatrical ending, and I'm kinda bummed Paramount changed it :-/
It's a great movie. I've seen it twice so far, in fact, and I agree. It's one of the best horror movies I've seen in a Long Long time.
It's also inspired one of the new monsters in Pathfinder #29, just so ya know. :-P
Seeing as it beat Saw \/\/hatever #, I thought it might be good to check out. Twice James? Glad you found the time to get out to the theater :)
And there were a few plot holes (there is only one demonologist in that big of a city? Really? The dude doesn't think something's up with his girl when she has a personality shift at the end? When a demon tells you not to perform an exorcism on it do you: a)listen to an evil spirit or b)not listen to the malicious spirit?).
But it was a pretty good movie. All the hype is going to make people get their hopes too high, though.
Tell me when we get to the scary part...
I've only seen the original cut of the film and not the one playing in theaters but, as a lifelong connoisseur of horror films, I didn't think anything about this movie was in the tiniest bit frightening (admittedly, I might be a little jaded in my opinion of what is scary.)
I will say it was very well made for its meager budget and it should serve as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers (so long as it doesn't inspire them to create a bunch of terrible knockoffs,) but it really isn't that great of a movie. The acting is fine and the plot is pretty simple, but it's really just sort of average once you get past the hype.
I will also say that the ending in the original cut of the film is hilarious, and I don't think anything Spielberg and his cronies might do with the theatrical version could be any better than...
Also, the demon's footprints sort of reminded me of duck feet so that was pretty funny.
Ok, I just rented this movie. I was completely disappointed.
It was not scary in the least. At best, in was annoying, because of the obvious way the characters where being *placed* so the BBE could get them.
The best part was when she was grabbed by the leg and dragged out of the bedroom. I thought that was cool, but disappointed by the complete lack of pay off -- some ultra violence by the BBE would have been nice there.
I won't even talk about the potential money the characters could have made with the footage of paranormal activity. They could have their own TV shown on Sci-Fi! LOL
Rated YAWN, for I'm glad I only paid $1.06 to rent this.
I have seen my share of horror movies over the years. This one, although interesting in a pretend-this-is-a-real-thing-and-not-a-movie kind of way, was not all that scary really. Not bad, but hardly one of the greats.
The next part might be a spoiler or it might not, but better to be safe I guess.
I can understand his attitude before he finally realizes this whole demon-thingy is actually real, but after that not only does he not contact someone with more knowledge on the subject -say, a demonologist, a priest, a Ghostbuster, an RPG-player even- but he proceeds to try and deal with it himself? Good grief...
As far as the boyfriend goes. I think he appears like a moron, because he is a moron.
There are people that just don't believe in this stuff. They don't believe it even while it is happening right before their eyes. They take it as an occurence that is peculiar (at every instance), but later disbelieve the actual event to be anything other than something that can be explained in psychological terms. They are drawn to repeating the experience because they feel a thrill at seeing a contradiction to what they understand. These people are hoping to find the man behind the curtain running the smoke and mirrors.
It would not have been such a big deal if that were the case. But, from what I can tell at least, the guy actually does believe after some point (and far as I can remember, it does not happen at the very end, when it would have been too late), which makes the way he acts and tries to deal with the whole thing even more idiotic. But, morons will be morons I suppose. Heh...
Unfortunately, the best, scariest and most unexpected scene is now de-spoilerized: thanks, Tensor.
To those who saw it at home and didn't like it, I'd be willing to bet you meet one or more of the following (this has happened to me on several occasions--my dislike of the film is often self-inflicted):
1- Watched it under the worst environmental conditions (daytime, windows open, birds chirping, kids playing in the next room, spouse cooking dinner, neighbor mowing the lawn, etc.
2- Paused it multiple times, getting up and down to carry out other tasks.
3- (related to number 3) Actually did something else while 'watching' the movie--surfed the internet, did your homework, talked on the phone, cleaned the house, etc.
4- Began the movie with the determination you absolutely would hate it, wouldn't be scared by it, would find it stupid, etc.
5- (related to number 4) Watched the movie and deliberately refused to 'suspend your disbelief,' picking apart every action, dialogue, and effect.
6- (and this is often the most difficult one to avoid) Began the movie with too much foreknowledge--everyone has already told you the story and described the 'best' parts.
Now, the second worst way to watch a movie is in a theatre full of jerks, and I wonder if those who saw Paranormal Activity in theatre and hated it were privileged to see it in this way--with a bunch of asshats. I was spooked by BWP the first time I saw it--Korea, an Army theatre, and I was one of five people in the place, all of us older, and none of us even aware of the movie before walking into the theatre (we had no foreknowledge and no expectations; I think I really enjoyed The Matrix for these same reasons).
I went three days later to see it again, but this time, I knew exactly what to expect, and the theatre was filled-to-bursting with young, rowdy infantrymen who laughed and catcalled and farted at all the wrong moments. Since that second viewing I have fairly despised the film, and I can imagine the same thing happening with Paranormal Activity.
I loved this movie! Creepy Creepy Creepy!
I highly recommend it! You do have to suspend your disbelief, but isn't that the rule for nearly every movie?
The movie does not betray it's internal logic. It is well crafted. I think the characters are consistant and are realistic.
Andrew, I think we just need to realize that these young pups do not appreciate what is Really good. :D I think I officially sound like my father!