Paranormal Activity

Sean P Kelly · 10-26-2009, 12:07 PM

Now the film is in wide release, I thought I would make a topic for it.

I actually saw it in a midnight screening about 2-3 weeks ago and I thought it was absolutely terrifying.

Of course, it seems that the mainstream audience is more polarized on the film, some saying it's scary and some saying that it sucks.

I would have to estimate that the backlash is probably based on the mainstream audience being constantly fed gorefests such as My Bloody Valentine, Final Destination, and Saw that they are conditioned for horror films to be more visual than atmospheric.

Take this quote from the "Last Movie You Watched" topic:

Quote:

Originally Posted by CodenameV

I saw paranormal activities with CL today. Cheap scares, although it did have atmosphere going for it. It was more funny than scary. But I was probably the biggest wimp in the theatre when it came to the scary parts. xD

Yeah the film did have "cheap" scares, considering the film cost only $11,000 to make. I personally thought the haunting scenes were really well done, considering the budget and the film has the realism factor going for it.

Personally, I thought the film was more successful than (the similar) The Blair Witch Project at being a truly scary "found footage" type film.

I probably can't convince the mainstream audience made up of mostly young teens that this little independent horror films is probably ten times better than nearly every so-called horror film released this year.

However, you do have to agree that is is amazing in this day and age that a film can still be released in (very) limited release and go on through word of mouth to top the box office a month later.

CodenameV · 10-26-2009, 01:16 PM

Repo! The Genetic Opera pulled a similar feat, becoming one of the most famous movies that people know nothing about. But I never bought into the supernatural phenomena, so doors creaking and magic footsteps had little effect on me. There was nothing I thought of as genuinely scary, just shocking and unpleasant. I know reviews on this movie are polarized, and I guess I'm on the other side of the fence on this one.

And if it's coming across that I'm one of the mainstream people who loves gorefests, that is not me. I can barely stomach the milder slasher films... as CL can probably testify to. xD

**Valigarmander** · 10-26-2009, 01:35 PM

I've heard some people say it was the scariest thing ever, while others have said it was a bunch of cheap scares. Judging from what I've read about the movie, I'd probably end up in the latter category.

So for now, I'll skip out on seeing it. Maybe when it's released on DVD, though.

Sean P Kelly · 10-26-2009, 01:44 PM

^ Actually, I would recommend that if you see it at all, see it in theatres, late at night.

Vgfian · 10-26-2009, 03:31 PM

I would like to see it honestly.
I like the idea, and think it has great potential.
But no moniez. D:

Joker · 10-26-2009, 03:47 PM

I support small Indie films even the ones that sell out to major distribution labels. Besides I liked Blair Witch Project....I was high at the time but I digress.

Sean P Kelly · 10-26-2009, 04:13 PM

^ I like it too

10-26-2009, 01:16 PM	#2
CodenameV Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mudkipland, CA Gender: Posts: 215 Thanks: 43 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Repo! The Genetic Opera pulled a similar feat, becoming one of the most famous movies that people know nothing about. But I never bought into the supernatural phenomena, so doors creaking and magic footsteps had little effect on me. There was nothing I thought of as genuinely scary, just shocking and unpleasant. I know reviews on this movie are polarized, and I guess I'm on the other side of the fence on this one. And if it's coming across that I'm one of the mainstream people who loves gorefests, that is not me. I can barely stomach the milder slasher films... as CL can probably testify to. xD Last edited by CodenameV; 10-26-2009 at 01:16 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

10-26-2009, 01:35 PM	#3
Valigarmander The Bee's Knees Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The land of rain and trees (Oregon) Gender: Posts: 29,755 Thanks: 1,649 Thanked 5,700 Times in 2,580 Posts Blog Entries: 20	I've heard some people say it was the scariest thing ever, while others have said it was a bunch of cheap scares. Judging from what I've read about the movie, I'd probably end up in the latter category. So for now, I'll skip out on seeing it. Maybe when it's released on DVD, though.

10-26-2009, 01:44 PM	#4
Sean P Kelly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,789 Thanks: 19 Thanked 58 Times in 46 Posts	^ Actually, I would recommend that if you see it at all, see it in theatres, late at night.

10-26-2009, 03:31 PM	#5
Vgfian Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Listening to Seeking 7 Seven and giving out free hugs. :) Gender: Posts: 6,862 Thanks: 2,433 Thanked 398 Times in 311 Posts	I would like to see it honestly. I like the idea, and think it has great potential. But no moniez. D:

10-26-2009, 03:47 PM	#6
Joker Lord of Vampires / God of Vengeance Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: The Planet of Eternal Darkness Gender: Posts: 11,117 Thanks: 3,273 Thanked 580 Times in 364 Posts Blog Entries: 6	I support small Indie films even the ones that sell out to major distribution labels. Besides I liked Blair Witch Project....I was high at the time but I digress.

10-26-2009, 04:13 PM	#7
Sean P Kelly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,789 Thanks: 19 Thanked 58 Times in 46 Posts	^ I like it too