With the late ought’s explosion of television shows like “Ghost Hunters” and “Destination Truth” (both courtesy of the sensationalized SyFy channel) the masses have turned to an obsession with ghosts, haunting, and the afterlife. Fledgling filmmaker Oren Peli came up for the idea for the “Paranormal Activity” series after experiencing unexplained events in his own home. The 2010 installment, “Paranormal Activity 2” continues to unravel the story of the series.
Each of the movies are presented in a unique fashion; its intent not to be a fiction movie like most other horror films, but rather a “real life” glimpse of actual events captured and replayed via surveillance cameras and other assortments of recording media.
The series began in 2007 when viewers were introduced to a young couple; Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) as they moved into a new house in a lavish San Diego suburb. Katie claims that since childhood, an evil presence has been stalking her, and she now believes it has followed her into the new home. To record any potential nighttime activity, Micah sets up a camcorder in the couple’s bedroom, which succeeds in proving that Katie’s fears are real.
Released in 2010, “Paranormal Activity 2” is in essence a prequel to the first movie. This time the story follows Katie’s younger sister Kristi (Sprague Grayden), her husband Daniel (Brian Boland) and their daughter Ali. After a burglary in the house, Daniel installs security cameras throughout the home, which inadvertently capture more ghostly happenings. Katie and Kristi further discuss the haunting they each experienced as children and more of the overall plot is revealed.
I’ve been in lust with Sprague Grayden since the TV series ‘Jericho’ and she makes a perfect compliment as Katie’s feisty younger sister. She and Featherstone are both beautiful in unique ways, and play off each other perfectly. Husband Daniel is the typical alpha male, financially successful and determined to rationalize every spooky occurrence in the home.
The characters are not meant to be movie stars, but simply regular everyday folk with whom we are watching and experiencing the events with. The casting for the first two installments of the series has been perfect in harnessing this much needed attribute.
Because of the supposed reality of the found footage presentation, the grainy film and lack of a soundtrack or score add to the overall anxiety. Slowly changing security cameras and single shot mounted recording devices render the viewer on edge as the tension and terror escalate. As you watch, you’ll wonder exactly what goes on in your own home or bedroom when no one is around.
What’s great with “Paranormal Activity 2” (as is the case with the original) is that you never really see anything other than shadow play or doors opening and closing on their own. The movies contain little to no gore and proves that the darkness, and the unknown, can be far more terrifying than a knife wielding madman. As you watch the footage with the time and date stamp running in the corner, you sit and wait for the activity, knowing something is coming but you don’t know when. Like its predecessor, its short and flow very quickly.
Another great facet of “Paranormal Activity 2” is that the backstory is explained succinctly and efficiently from the start. Though it would behoove the viewer to watch them in order, the movie can also stand alone as is, and make for en effective frightful film.
I am a big fan of the “Paranormal Activity” series, and the second installment offers another scary and well created movie to watch.
by – Matt Christopher
