Review of Paranormal Activity (2007) by Todda. — 07 Nov 2009

_Paranormal Activity_ is best at couching the supernatural in realism. While certainly fitting and skillful, the actors are not your generic, hard-bodied, Hollywood starlets, and they seem likable and benignly plain.

The movie similarly forgoes sensationalized digital scares and the tired butchery of films like _Saw_ for a clever and effectively balanced mix of harrowing shocks that accompanies the subtle and steady breakdown of the lead characters.

At times, Katie and Micah may seem to make foolish decisions, but even that contributes to the authenticity of their performances. How well would someone adjust to the fact or even entertain the idea that a haunting, something that betrays all reason, is happening in his or her own home? Not well, of course.