Paranormal Activity: Review By new-moon-night

By chance of Paranormal Activity arriving in Toronto, I went to see it with my friend after a day of halloween costume shopping. We got the midnight showing, having a few drinks to pass the time.

I am not one for horror movies, but recently, I have slowly been gaining tolerance to them. This movie proved how tolerant I am of them, but also is a testament to good film making.

Similar to Blair Witch Project, the film is entire shot with a hand held camera purchased by a couple living together to doc*ment strange phenomena that has been occurring since they moved in. As it turns out, the girl, Katie, has been haunted by a demon since she was 8 years old.

They film themselves as they sleep, fast forwarding in surreal time lapses, bits between occurrences. Sometimes a noise, sometimes a moan, sometimes, lights turning on and off by themselves. And sometimes... invisible forces dragging you across your home by the ankle.

The film is a constant build of energy, generating it's pace from the interactions during the day, and the growing occurrences during the night.

Micah and Katie love each other, it is blatently obvious. But as Katie gets frustrated with Micah's camera, and Micah's accusations of her not telling him about the demon, the negative energy builds, to a horrific point.

Quite honestly, I don't review films I don't enjoy. This is a film I could gladly watch a second or third time in theatres. Someone vomited 5 seats over from us... It was either the movie or some bad c*cktail.

In either case, though not a gore fest, or sick imagery, Paranormal Activity is the beginning of a new age in modern horror films. It will make you reconsider those creaks you hear at night as you sleep.