Review of Paranormal Activity (2007) by Justinm — 08 Oct 2009

I actually would like to give this a higher score, but I am inclined to keep it at a 8 because to me it is not as scary as most of the marketing material touts it to be. I say to me because since the film does deal with demonic possession, I feel half of the fear generated by the film is one of an individual's beliefs and faiths, and since I am myself an Athiest, I do not find myself terrified by it like others, possibly for that reason.

The film is terrific to watch, even though I was not scared, I was constantly entertained, and due to that it at least deserves a 7. The visual effects, though subtle, are extremely well pulled off, especially for be shot by a personal camcorder, and the acting is believable since the leads have a great chemistry and most of the script is improved.

But as a reviewer has stated above, a great deal of the tension and that the viewer feels and takes away with them is all generated by their own personal phobias, and that is exactly why this film works differently for some rather than others.