Directed by:
Tod WilliamsCinematography:
Michael SimmondsCast:
Brian Boland, Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden, Micah Sloat, Molly Ephraim, William Juan Prieto, Vivis ColombettiVOD (5)
Plots(1)
Just as Daniel and Kristi welcome a newborn baby into their home, a demonic presence begins terrorizing them, tearing apart their perfect world and turning it into an inescapable nightmare. Security cameras capture the torment, making every minute horrifyingly real. Critics warn to "say goodbye to sleep" as Paranormal Activity 2 will haunt you long after its shocking final scene. (Paramount Home Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (3)
Paranormal Activity 2 is a carbon copy of the first one, but those who enjoy such creepy flicks like this will be satisfied. The long build-up can be annoying, given that we could surely film the same thing at home, but viewers will be rewarded for their patience. The climax is an exemplary case of scaring the viewer with minimalist means (though little is shown, it is shown impressively, with sophisticated sound).
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The chewed-up first film, costing less than three million more, has been given a prequel that doesn't offend because there’s no way it can. The rules are still the same, with the actors being more in character and more likable for it. Yet Williams' tedious stretching of every shot, which inevitably has to end with the slamming of a door (admittedly, at one point it's absolutely grandiose!) is quite annoying. And did the filmmakers really have to think of Balaguer and Plaza when creating the ending?
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I don't understand how it is possible that the second Paranormal Activity has a worse rating than the first one. In the first film, the duvet was just rising into the air and the door was slamming, and there was a lot of chatter. It was really boring nonsense. At least there is something really going on in this one, and although it's not anything special at the beginning (a pool cleaner, falling pans, doors banging again...), it gradually escalates and from the halfway point I was often staring with my mouth wide open. I also have to appreciate the clever connection to the first part. The conclusion could be better and the filler from the first half should be edited a little more, but otherwise I do not have many reservations this time. This is an obvious example that the well-known rule that sequels tend to be worse is not always the case.
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