"You're listening to WKNJ 90.3fm and this is Sara Ramirez with your latest Movie Reviews Update!
The Activity is back!
The lives of a suburban family begin to endure new and strange things that start to occur after a young boy and his mother move into their neighborhood. It’s been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter. Alex, the daughter (and her boyfriend Ben) decide to install hidden cameras around the house to catch these events – but when the young boy Robbie has to stay for a couple of nights due to his mother’s accident, the strange occurrences become habitual.
See, I was a huge fan of the first two films—I couldn’t wait to sit and squirm with the rest of the crowd in the movie theater whenever the “Night 1…” titles came on the screen. But after the third instalment people like myself were pretty “satisfied” with it being the last and FINAL Paranormal Activity. But, we were wrong. And then came:
Paranormal Activity 4:
Now, all Found-Footage films, including the Paranormal Activity franchise, The Blair Witch Project (1999), and Cloverfield (2008) carry similar traits. Shaky camera-work, “realistic” dialogue between characters, more lack of camera focus, dreadful confessions to the camera, and so on.
Paranormal Activity 4 was no different from its last installments; directed by Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost, who were also responsible for the last feature, Paranormal Activity 3. Sure, this one involved a completely different family. But, without spoiling anything, it all (of course) ties in in the end.
Major props go to Max Shively who plays Ben, the lead’s boyfriend in the film. His performance really carried a lot of the scenes—practically
them with his humor.
What didn't work? yeah-- a lot. Out of the gazillion “jump-scares” this movie takes by the reins, a couple of them were pretty creepy. I would pay close attention to the beginning of the film. If missed, it might leave you a bit confused later on.
Now, what also didn’t work—you could have guessed it. The plot. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil! But, as a Halloween treat, this film isn’t too refreshing. I understand the fascination of “What’s not there scares the hell out of you” series, but, a little bit of story line does help. I get the home-made video thing too, but, it’d be clever to allow the audience members time to connect with the characters– actually feel sorry for them and their unfortunate happenings. .
Overall, it’s a fun time. I wouldn’t mind going with a group of friends to see this in theaters—but if I knew beforehand, I’d probably invest in a matinee—hey, maybe just Redbox-ing it.
This is Sara with your Movie Reviews Update WKNJ 90.3FM Kean University."
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