Paranormal Activity: It’ll scare the sh!# out of you
I know I said before that I would not waste my money on the new movie “Paranormal Activity”. I think I said something to the lines of me waiting for it to come out on video and put it at the bottom of my Netflix queue. Well like I previously stated, I have to eat my words.
I finally got a chance to watch “Paranormal Activity” at a midnight screening in Hollywood, CA. I have to be honest, it was one of the most terrifying movies that I’ve seen in a long, long time. My god….
The show started at around 12:01 am. In which at exactly 12:01 am my girlfriend leans over and kisses me and whispers the “Happy Birthday” song. I couldn’t think of a better way to bring in my new birthday year.
OK, back to the movie.
I think the overall expectations of it being like the “Blair Witch Project” were not met. In a good way. The movie focuses on the paranormal activity that a young couple from San Diego, CA experience. They take it upon themselves to “handle” the situation. The husband catalogs every moment of it with a hi-def camera.
I don’t really want to give too much details about the movie, but I can describe what I felt and the reactions of those strangers around me.
I’ve only really been honestly terrified of one movie in my entire life. I think everyone has had a bad experience with “The Exorcist”. Not only was this movie a major controversial piece when it came out in the states, but it was also banned from several countries back in the 70s. Something so horrific had never been seen on screen before. The whole issue of demonic possession was introduced to a lot of the American audience through the silver screen and masterfully tailored to play on everyone’s fears. It was and still is a very controversial, but most 
importantly, scary movie. The last time I saw this I was 22 at the time and alone in my apartment in Culver City, CA. For some bizarre and unknown reason to me, I figured that I wanted to watch “The Exorcist” from start to finish alone in my place. I went to BlockBuster video and rented the movie and grabbed some snacks. When I came back home, my roommates were away so I had the place to myself. I turned off all the lights and put in the DVD. I don’t know what I was thinking.
I got to the part where Linda Blair’s character (Regan) starts to moan and contort her body, clawing up in the air and the image of a demon/Devil appears behind her. Shit. I turned that TV off so quick and turned on all the lights to my place. Left my snacks there and opted to leave my pad and go get a coffee or something. Anything to get out of my place.
That was fear. Something no other movie has done to me and millions of other people. At least for me, most horror movies are not scary. They seem all like slasher films with excess blood, serial killers and booty. Which I don’t really mind, but you know…
It’s been a long time since a movie has reached that level of terrifying effect that “The Exorcist” had on me. the “Blair Witch project” was close. But only because I knew nothing about this movie. My cousin just told me it was a true story of a film that was found. That’s all. I came out of the theater mortified.
“Paranormal Activity” re-introduces that fear that “The Exorcist” first brought to movie goers.
If this movie does well, I think most major Hollywood producers will have a new set height to match or beat. Most modern horror films are so saturated with cheap “loud noises” through out the movie that it makes it difficult to watch. If it’s not loud , obnoxious noises, then it’s filled with so much computer graphics that real horror fans like myself quickly become disengaged.
Most modern horror films like the latest “Friday the 13th” or “Halloween” or any of the “Saw” movies are geared towards attracting the young crowd. Those of 14 to 21 years of age. So for the rest of us who grew up with movies like “The Exorcist”, “The Car”, “Duel” or the original “Halloween” these new movies are at best something to talk badly about with friends over coffee.
“Paranormal Activity” has introduced a new genre of horror. Well maybe not new, but very crafty. It shows you that with imagination, and good acting, you can produce what the critical thinkers really crave. A good movie produced by talented directors, talented writers, talented actors with no need of large computer rendering farms crunching away all night just to generate blood exploding out of Michael Myers’ victims.
I must say that throughout this movie, I was really scared. I mean, I know that it’s just a movie and not real; but being that I read and write about this stuff almost daily I got a sense of what it is to be on the other end of a dangerous haunting. I think that is what scared me the most. The possibility of.
Scene from Paranormal Activity
Even the people around me were visibly uncomfortable. Some were fidgeting around, others making sullen jokes just to break the suspense of the movie. Many times I wanted to revert back to my childhood moments when I would cover my eyes when a scary part was happening. I don’t think I’ve ever heard so many gasps and screams at a movie before.
As far as the accuracy of the hauntings and the technicality of it, it was pretty much on the spot to my knowledge of the field. When you read reports of demonic hauntings you get a feeling that what ever is going on is not a walk in the park. I think “Paranormal Activity” does a great job at translating the horror a person could go through in such cases.
In the end of it, I heard many people say that it was one of the scariest movies that they have ever seen. As they stood there wide-eyed. Others would say that it was “stupid” and boring. Saying that it was too slow and didn’t show enough of the “ghost”.
I just looked at them and then turned to my girl and gave her that “what rubes” look. I think these are the people who would enjoy “Hostel 5″ or whatever part they are up to now.
Like I told my girlfriend on the ride home, people don’t have imaginations anymore. You have to pretty much be as detailed and gruesome as you can without actually dumping a corpse out from the screen to actually stimulate the sensitized audience nowadays. These people expected more action and ghosts running about to hold down their attention. I’m guessing they know of only what Hollywood tells them. That hauntings consist of portals opening up and demons running out from them, or houses with toilets and sinks filling up with snakes and spiders or some outlandish thing like that.
Overall, I have to say that this movie was really scary. It was what horror movies should be, or aspire to be when they grow up. The age of big budget Hollywood props is over. There’s a new standard set on the horror genre, and I couldn’t be more happy to welcome it home.
Written by Javier Ortega - javier@ghosttheory.com
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Thanks for giving you thoughts on the movie! I’m definitely going to see this one.
And happy B-day!
Sweeet…I’ll check this when it comes out. Good article BTW. Happy B-day too!
Thanks for the review Javier. Now I’ve gotta check this one out!
I want to see this film. Hey FYI, we have a documentary coming out this mo th it’s called Montgomery house the perfact haunting. Unlike Paranormal Activity, ours is truly a real life documentary. Enjoy. I do enojy reading your articles!
Thanks for the Birthday wishes guys!
It’s a fun movie to watch
@Patty Valdez:
I just saw the trailer for the Montgomery House movie. Can you tell us more about this? What kind of evidence will it show, what type of haunting it is and where the movie will be shown?
Thanks!
-Javier
Hi Javier,
Thanks for visiting SSPRI.org. The footage collected is amazing! Several EVPs, and visual hits. Sorry for sounding vague, but there was so much happening it’s hard to describe in writing. You really need to experience the documentary. I know this must come off as a bit of a teaser, but it truly isn’t. You can go to the documentary’s website, http://www.Montgomeryhousehaunting .com.
As far a release date, and location that is being determined by a survey on the website.
Thank you again for visiting our site.
Patty
South Sound Paranormal Research
Saw the movie last night and it was creepy! Have to admit had trouble sleeping. My mind was screwing with me!
WOW, COMPAIRING THIS MOVIE TO THE EXOCIST…I GOTTA SEE THIS…I HAVE’NT SEEN ANY COMIN ATTRACTIONS FOR THIS MOVIE…LOOKS LIKE HOLLYWOOD IS LISTENING TO THE PARANORMAL “COMMUNITY”…THE REASON WHY I SIAD THAT IS BECAUSE “THE 4th KIND” COMMING OUT IN NOVEMBER….IF YOU GUYS HAVENT HEARD OF IT YOUR IN FOR A TREAT…ITS BASED ON “FACT’ YES I SAID “FACTS” ITS ALL CAUGHT ON FILM…THE ACTORS ARE PLAYING REAL PEOPLE,,,WELL ONCE YOU SEE THE TRAILER YU’LL UNDERSTAND WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT… http://WWW.THE 4th KIND.COM
OHH I FORGOT..AND THATS FROM A “BROOKLYNS” POINT OF VIEW
Javier – Your review was spot on. Saw it last night and have not been that scared in a movie since I was 10. I took my wife and she gave me grief for giving her nightmares. H’wood definitely needs to up their game now.
i wonder if skeptics will enjoy it.
granted, i haven’t seen it – but when i watched the trailers i laughed and rolled my eyes.
probably not the reaction they were seeking.
WHOO HOO!!! Finally a movie that’s actually scary! Happy Birthday!
It certainly looks entertaining!
Bellaboo, why on earth do you visit this site?
Wouldn’t you prefer a nice factual true crime blog or maybe even a science site?
@Everyone
Thanks for the birthday wishes.
The movie is definitely worth seeing. If you like horror movies, this one is well done.
Let me know what you guys think if you do see it.
-Javier
I don’t even like to think about The Exorcist. That and the original Jaws scared the crap out of me (for different reasons of course)with the exception of some of the old time movies of golden era.
Blair Witch did nothing for me. I think it was because I spent a great deal of my youth in the woods. The tree line was just about 50 yds from my door. We had a cool two story cabin a couple miles back in the mountains. I’ve been deep in the pitch black night time woods on many occasions and have had some strange things happen. From dealing with packs of wild dogs to being shot at in the middle of the night to seeing strange people just strolling thru a mile back in at midnight. I think that’s why the fear of the forest had little effect on me during the movie.
As for PA, it likely will not scare me as I likely won’t see it. Hey! I’m not too proud to avoid pissing my pants.
PA finally came to Cleveland today, so I went and saw it. I was pretty happy with it, it was creepy as hell! I wasn’t too happy with the ending though, I think they could’ve been a little more vague about it, which would’ve been creepier, IMHO. Worth seeing!
I saw this during the whole “see it now, because after this, it goes to dvd!” time line of 9/25. Drove 5 hours to see it at a midnight showing in Madison. It was awesome, lol, the theater was very active, and there were some pretty intense moments. I agree with the ending. They should have just left you there, but the “credits” ruined the crap out of it for me. I would have been fine without that.
Nevertheless, I liked the “actors”, the psychic made me howl the second time he showed up, and all around it was well worth the drive and the money. I am going to see it again this weekend with my wife, now that it has expanded everywhere.
We saw the movie over the wknd. I loved it! I can honestly say that was the scariest movie I have ever seen! I walked out of there saying ‘I don’t know if I could ever watch that again’. LOL
Most scary movies have the potential to be really scary but always cross a line, making it literally unbelievable.
But this movie, if you believe in that realm at all, is very believable. Which is exactly why it’s so scary!!
I agree with the other guys on the ending, but I still loved it!
Desi
Wow, this movie was great. With the exception of the very, very end, this movie had me melting on my movie seat, covering my face! I’ve never seen The Exorcist. I don’t ever want to see it. My mom saw it when it came out and it really messed her up along with her goddaughter. She, her goddaughter, actually got possessed after watching the movie.
One movie that scared the crap out of me was Jaws. It frightened me so much that I won’t ever go into the beach again. the Blair Witch only had me in suspense. It was more suspense and anguish watching that movie than fear. The Ring scared the crap out of me, but it was more because of the people around me yelling and screaming that scared me more. But this movie got me good. I was literally scared out of my ass! The silence was too hard to bear. The acting was on point and I really did feel their fear as well. I got home kind of scared wishing my room wasn’t on the other side of the house. I really enjoyed the movie. It’s been a while since I’ve been scared and this did it. Go watch it.
Karloz,
That’s funny that you mentioned that the suspense of the theater being quiet was brutal. When I went, some people around me started making these shrieking noises…I guess they couldn’t handle the suspense.
It’s definitely worth seeing it.
-Javier
Great review, Javier! Like you, the scariest movie up to seeing PA was The Exorcist. I saw it for the first time at the age of 11. It was truly terrifying and still is. The only thing I would highlight is the role the audience plays. Don’t get me wrong, PA would be impossible to watch at home…but watching it with people who were screaming, walking out, looking terrified, and resting with their faces in their hands really amplified the entire fear factor. I walked out shaking all over. I went to see it alone and went home alone. After 1 week, I am still not sleeping well at night.
Amanda,
Thanks.
That’s exactly how most people described the movie.
The first night, I slept with my feet tucked in the covers.
-Javier
Hey Javier,
I saw it last night. It scared the hell out of me…so well done.
My brother in law covered his eyes for the last 30 seconds of the movie.
Have you seen the preview for “The Fourth Kind”? I wonder what the actual story is behind that one.
G
Hey Patty Valdez,
Do you think your documentary will make its way to Chicago? I watched the trailer on your site. It looks great!
Glynis
Glynis,
I won’t lie..I did cover my eyes on the last few seconds as well
It was well done.
The movie “The Fourth Kind” is based on a collective encounter of the fourth kind with extraterrestrial beings, in Alaska. There has been reports done this these cases over the years.
I’ll write up a post on this movie and case soon.
Keep and eye out.
-Javier
Ok, so I took my daughter and her best friend to see it last night after touring a college campus that she is interested in attending. I had not heard of this movie, but they said they wanted to see it. So we went.
We were sitting in a theatre full of college students, and honestly I could barely stay awake except for the noises coming from the audience. It seemed very slow to me, and I thought to myself, are you serious? this is one of the scariest movies? But The Exorcist didn’t even really scare me though. Nightmare on Elm Street? That’s a diff story. I still can’t sleep at night if I see a sweater that looks like Freddies’. I guess maybe because of the whole sleep twist,my dreams have always been very vivid to where I have a hard time in them and actually ask myself while in them sometimes if this is real or a dream, and wake up remembering all the details. so to me that scenario is very plausible. but anyway,with PA I was one of those semi “rubes” minus the wanting to see more ghost that Javier mentioned. It freaked my daughter and her best friend out. I left the theatre rolling my eyes thinking that I was glad it was only $5.
Went back to the hotel we were staying in for the night. Daughter and friend went to sleep. I stayed up a little longer playing on my laptop then decided to turn in myself. Got in bed, turned the light off, Laid there for a few minutes, not a thought about the stupid movie…, Then felt this really icy cold chill on my left leg.
Did you know the iphone has this really cool free app that works as a nightlight? Doesnt shut off til you shut it off in the morning.
I saw the movie yesterday and had to sleep with the lights and tv on that night. Pretty scary movie but it didn’t terrify me as much as the excorcist.
And another thing. I was surprised nobody mentioned the excorcism of emily rose on here as a scary movie. Was it just me who had nightmares and insomnia for 6 months after seeing that movie?
Dragged to watch against my will, I found this movie quite silly.
Then again, I don’t believe in ghosts or demons and I recognize dramatic BS for what it is.
interesting review here:
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/swift-blog/748-woo-in-review-paranormal-activity.html
I saw the movie and it was AWESOME. I actually believed it was a true story. The movie still plays in my head. I can’t get over it and I can’t seem to sleep in the dark anymore…lol
Javier Ortega—thanks for telling us your experience of the movie. Interesting read.
I saw PA at the 12:15 am showing on Halloween and I’m still a little freaked out. What did it for me was about 10 minutes into the movie one of my friends leaned over to me and said that the couple reminded her of me and my husband. So the rest of the movie I pictured us as the couple. I walked out of the theater shaking and found it hard to sleep the past couple of nights. I also have a very new awareness of the opening to our attic and check it often!
Glynis in Chicago,
you can go to www. Montgomery house haunting.com to order a DVD. I should let everyone know, our paranormal group South Sound Paranormal Research did not recieved any type of payment for making the documentary, nor will we from any DVDs sold. The director of the film is the only person getting any type of payment. SSPR had the investigation, and my personally knowing the director, she asked if she could follow us during the investigation. The evidence that SSPR collected is in noway doctored or enhanced! We burn straight to DVD. Interviews and all other content is that of the films directors and not assocatied with South Sound Paranormal Research. Thanks for asking. Patty Valdez Co-Lead SSPR
I have to say this movie SUCKED!!!! I wasnt the slightest bit scared and didnt understand how anyone could be… I mean the guy doing pretty much the most STUPIDest shit he could and on top of it doing NOTHING when his wife gets RIPPED out of bed by a Deamon? ya fucking right…Sorry I am being completely honest when i say this movie didnt scare me at all.. Too ridiculous Ive seen more realistic and scarier paranormal shit on ghost hunters lol…this movie was LAME.
My cousin made me watch this with her, and I thought it would be some dumb movie that was super lame. But, the boringness actually makes this movie more scary. It’s super rare for me to be scared of a movie. If you are not scared in the theatre, you will definitely be scared in your bed! It also makes you wish you didn’t have an attic. :/
well, i have had experinces like this story….the paranomal acti..
i moved to my new house and i have been waking up to noises, i told my mom and everybody and nobody would beleive that i was hearing nosies
the noseies were foot steps running on the ceiling and and knocks beside me when i go to sleep
i am the only one who would hear them, and i have been seeing stuff walk across my bedroom door in the shadows. and they look like reguarler people. My cat when he first moved here, he was hissing at the walls but for some reason he is used to them now, sometimes i would here them and sometimes not. My brother made me check my attic so i wouldnt be scared anymore, but when i went up there…….it felt like somethings not right, cold, creepy…….i wanted to get out, so i did and that same night my brothers lamp, something ran across it. just to tell you I AM NOT LYING!!!