'Paranormal Activity 2' is a chilling movie experience.


$10,000 can take you a LONG way. In 2009, 'Paranormal Activity' proved that. On the aforementioned budget, the film went on to become a box office smash, and even managed to make an impression on the critics. Using the same camera technique (known by some to be the "found footage" genre) that skyrocketed films like 'Blair Witch Project' and 'Cloverfield', 'Paranormal Activity' used precision-balanced build-up and tension to achieve the ultimate jump-out-of-your-seat moments. And as it turns out, audiences loved it. Based on the success of the first film, the filmmakers have decided that throwing in a few more bucks (and a few more scares) will ultimately equal a few more million bucks. But does this sequel live up to its predecessor?

Plot Synopsis (Possible Spoilers Below):
The film opens in September 2006 (which is a month before the events of the first film). Daniel Rey along with his wife, Kristi; daughter, Ali; toddler son, Hunter, and their dog, move to Carlsbad, California. A burglary happens a few days later, however. Though nothing is stolen, the family is shaken. To stop future occurences, a number of security cameras are installed that will record everything on a DVR. After they hire a Spanish-speaking nanny to look after Hunter, she informs them that there is something wrong in their house and performs prayers, which greatly annoys Daniel, who ultimately decides to fire her. He soon regrets this decision as more strange and frightening incidents occur, with Ali concluding, after doing some research, that their house may be possessed by a demon.

Now this film is also quite intertwined with its predecessor, as Kristi is actually Katie's (from the first film; also makes several appearances in this one) sister. At about the same time things start kicking off in the Reys' home, things are already quite escalated in the home of Katie and Micah. All in all, the connections work quite well. The film is very well edited.

But is this film scary? Does it offer the chills that its predecessor did? Surprisingly, it does. It actually goes a little overboard with the thrills and scares. Whereas the first film was very patient, and was not hesitant to keep audiences waiting for a scare, 'Paranormal Activity 2' is eager to get the audiences to cower next to their significant other...and keep them there. The film starts off quite slow and tense, but after the first act, the breathing room is minimal inbetween scares. Am I saying this is necessarily a bad thing? No. But does it shame the concept of build-up? Maybe a little. But the scares are undeniably well-filmed, which makes the entertainment value overshine the fast pace at which the spine-tingling moments are released.

All in all, this is a scarier film than its 2009 predecessor. While it may not ultimately be a BETTER film, it is still the choice recommendation I provide if you are simply looking for a reason to get some cuddling action on your movie date (at home obviously, as the film has long since left the cinemas). It is not, by definition of the word, cliche, but it undoubtedly carries familiar elements of horror. But for all its flaws, this movie is well worth your time and your personal space (as your girlfriend will be taking it; or if you're a girl, you won't want any space).

Final Consensus: In many ways, 'Paranormal Activity 2' is inferior to its predecessor. However, it also outshines the former film via more thrills and more edge-of-your-seat scares.

3/4 Stars