‘Paranormal Activity 2’

Another View

 The first ‘Paranormal Activity,’ written and directed by Oren Peli, took audiences by storm with its innovative camera work, simplicity and horror appeal. With a new director Tod Williams, and Peli as a producer, ‘Paranormal Activity 2’ achieves success by following the same formula as it predecessor.

Serving as a prequel, ‘Paranormal Activity 2’ links lovable couple Micah and Katie, from the first Paranormal Activity, to a new storyline. The plot follows Katie’s sister, Kristi, along with her husband Daniel, her stepdaughter Ali, and her toddler Hunter as they face their demonic past.

 

Unlike in the first film, most of the film’s shots are not captured on a hand held camera. After their house is ‘broken into’ and trashed despite all doors being locked, Daniel decides to install several security cameras throughout the home. These cameras serve as the main audience perspective, giving optimal view into the living room, pool area, front door, kitchen and of course, Hunter’s nursery.

 

The film takes its time, building a nail-biting suspense that slowly grows over the nights, beginning with a few creeks and eerie moments. Kristi begins to warn her sister and family that something ‘doesn’t feel right,’ just like when she was a child. All of this leads up to the first night of true terror. On the twelfth night, a big bang occurs while the family is sleeping, bringing forth the beginning to several restless nights.

 

The nights go on and tension builds, not only with the demonic presence, but also within the family. Daniel, being the macho figure, has no use for any talk about demons or ghost and disregards the present danger. Even after Ali, a lively and funny teen, has the front door close and lock itself behind her, Daniel just blames the wind. After the 15th day one can’t help but question why any sane person would stay in such a house. Soon enough, audiences feel hopeless as Kristi is being dragged down the stairs by an invincible force, echoing the same frightful scene with Katie in the fist movie.

 

Each night gets the audience more and more anxious to see what will happen next. Fortunately, director Tod Williams follows Oren Peli’s style of suspense keeps the audience interested. However, Tod fails to brig any creativity to the project. With the addition of a few new characters, ‘Paranormal Activity 2’ follows the same structure as the first. Even to the extent of similar money shots seen in the first movie.

 

The actors do a great job of playing a seemingly normal family, giving the sense that this could happen to anyone. Unfortunately, the exciting ending couldn’t redeem the familiar scenes found in the first film. Anyone looking for the same thrills and gasps as the first ‘Paranormal Activity’ will get just that, but with little variation.

 

bagarcia@syr.edu

Published on November 1, 2010 at 12:00 pm