Review of Paranormal Activity (2007) by Anna R — 19 Oct 2013

Terribly overhyped. Saw it because our church-lock in youth group members were dying to watch it, and it was great for 12-13 year-olds, many of whom believe a lot of the idiotic nonsense in the movie "really happens" anyway. The one good thing about this movie - my kids and I had some great jokes for years after, making fun of how stupid the entire premise was. It's one of those movies that occasionally makes you jump, but mostly makes you laugh because the plot development is so disconnected, illogical, and ill-conceived you can't help but ridicule it.

For example, if you ever: 1) locked yourself out of the house; 2) saw a door move on its own; 3) saw a pendulum lamp swing on its own; 4) heard a creak or bump in your house 5) had a dog bark because it wasn't on the side of the door it wanted to be on - look out! That's "paranormal activity," and something weird is going to happen to you. Oh, and don't forget - evil spirits just LOVE to vacuum your pool! WOW - that's so creepy!

Mix in some vague, convoluted story about someone wanting to possess the young newlywed who can't act, and then it makes perfect sense that everyone will be terrorized and eventually attacked! Because, of course, if one person is wanted, all need to die.

On the other hand, this movie is a great Stupid-O-Meter. Ask people you know: "Did you like _Paranormal Activity"? If they say they did, they're at least pretty stupid. Then ask, "Do you think things like that really happen?" If they say they do, they're REALLY stupid. Thanks, _Paranormal Activity_!