Did your sheets move last night? Review of Paranormal Activity

Yes, it may be that i am behind in the times. It has been several weeks now that Paranormal Activity, this years offering of Blair Witch proportions, has been scaring audiences across the states. And last night, I finally had the opportunity to see it, and can now weigh in my opinions along with the numerous other reviews out there, which have been bipolar, if anything. Is this film the scariest in recent film memory? Did it flop? Was the male Micah hairy or smooth? I will answer all...

I had the pleasure of seeing the film at Chelsea Clearview Cinemas in the heart of Chelsea, NYC. As i was at the ticket counter and showed the box office guru my special screening pass (it was one of those passes that allows the audience to be filmed for commercials so look for me, lol)a woman next to me turned to me and said "Oh you shouldn't see that. My best girlfriend saw it and went into palpetations. They need a warning on that one." I smiled, apologized for her friend, and made my way into the theatre. Now, if that was part of the marketing campaign, then production company Blumhouse, along with distributers Paramount, Dreamworks et. al, really want this film to succeed. I must admit that the woman's sincerity in her warning was effective. And, already being in a state of heightened alertness, (it is Halloween week, and i have been watching MSNBC'S Manson Family, Jonestown, and other ditties for research into my next artistic endeavor), I'll admit it. I took the bait...

The theatre darkens. Previews play...let us begin the review!

There are no opening title sequences. No closing titles either. Which is refreshing! By now we all know the story. Young Couple Kate and Micah live in their posh new house in San Diego. Kate is going to school to earn her English Degree (she wants to become a teacher) while Micah is a Daytrader. How, with those careers, they can afford the house, with pool in backyard, etc. is beyond me. But it makes a nice setting for what's to follow.

The film opens from the lens of a video camera that Micah just bought in order to help prove, and capture the paranormal activity in the house that Kate has been experiencing on film for evidence. He also has an EVP recorder, and other goodies. It looks like his daytrade job isn't going well so he may be preparing to join TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society). Katie, however, is not so thrilled about being filmed, of course.

Right of the bat, screenwriter/director Orin Pelli, sets up the conflict between the two young lovers, whom, i admit, are very well cast and commit to their roles with nothing but gusto. And koodoes to Mr. Pelli for casting a hairy man for his male lead!!!! Please don't shave Micah Sloat! The revolution needs you...

So, they set up the camera and record while they sleep. And this is where the fun begins. doors, lights, powder, sheets, noises, bangs..its all there to savour, and done exceptionally well.

Kate brings in a psychic to help her and he informs her that he deals with ghosts, which is not the case. She herself, having had experiences since she was eight, is haunted by a Demon. he Can't help her.

Micah, trying to be the man of the house, and hiding behind the camera, attempts to find out the identity of the entity, using whatever means he can, and again, fanning the flames of conflict between himself and Kate.

When things begin happening in the day, that's when you know things have gone to far. I have always been a fan of fright in the daytime. For example, Reverand Kane walking down the sunny sidewalk en route to the families house and singing his spiritual in Poltergeist II: The Other Side...spine tingling! When it begins happening in the daylight in PA, I was elated!!!

Kate puts in very strong moments of 'sleepwalking' and fear, and in response, Micah pulls out all the stops as her counterpart.

I will not spoil the ending of the film, but it's pretty effective. We know by the time it comes, that things won't end happily (how could they, hello, theres a demon in the midst?), and the end gives us what we've been waiting for!

I say go see it, in the theatre. Half the fun is seeing the other audience members react. All in the dark theatre, sharing the same moments. Seeing it in Chelsea was the perfect locale as well.

All in all, it was really good. As i was having a drink at Rawhide, the bartender commented: "It must have been good if you're still thinking about it". And i smiled. I was still thinking about it. Which is refreshing.

Happy Halloween week everyone!