Saturday, October 20, 2012

Paranormal Activity 4


Title:        Paranormal Activity 4
Year:        2012
Genre:      Supernatural Thriller

Type:        A-Movie
Run Time: 88

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Amazon Movie Link

 
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Trailer


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Synopsis

The Paranormal Activity film series continues with this fourth entry from Paramount Pictures and returning directors of the previous film, Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman.

It has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in.

Detailed Synopsis
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Personal Thoughts

Paranormal Activity 4 (directed by Henry Joost, and Ariel Schulman), is the fourth installment of the Paranormal Activity series. The film (released on October 19, 2012 in the United States) takes place five years after the events of Paranormal Activity 2.

Paranormal Activity 1 ended up becoming a worldwide sensation when it hit the box office back in September of 2009. Since then, every year, a sequel has been released in the month of October, giving us something to look forward to around Halloween time. Each film employs similar tactics for scaring viewers, and each film provides insight into the overall story. As the fourth and latest installment of the series, PA4 sticks closely to the format and formula used by its predecessors. Ghost-like shadowy figures, voices, noises, things that move, possession, demonic symbols, and more. 

If you've seen a lot of paranormal themed found-footage films, then you probably already know just how monotonous they can quickly become. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all -- is the impression some people may be left with. Back in 2009, Paranormal Activity 1 captivated audiences (my wife and myself included). It wasn't the first or best found-footage film we'd ever seen, but something about it grabbed our attention. Well three years, four films later, we still consider ourselves fans of the series, but have no problems admitting that things have become a bit stale, and repetitive. 

In truth, PA4 offers nothing new under the sun when it comes to originality. PA4 is a bit monotonous (the same old same old). PA4 isn't the scariest Paranormal Activity film -- and PA4 doesn't completely make sense. But despite all of its flaws and shortcomings, I still found myself having a very fun and entertaining movie watching experience. It was dark, the theaters were packed, and we had our large sized drinks and popcorn.




Just to reiterate; Paranormal Activity 4 has many flaws, and is by no means a great movie. But even though it wasn't great, my wife and I still managed to enjoy it, simply because it ended up being exactly what we knew and was expecting it to be. Though we had fun, and were entertained, we still had a few hangups and issues with the films storyTypically, when doing movie posts, I try to avoid spoilers. however, in this case, I have a few spoiler-syle questions that I believe must be asked. Posted below are three questions that I have.

Question 1) After kidnapping Hunter, and killing Kristi and Daniel (murders caught on camera -- videos that I'm sure would have been thoroughly investigated by the police), wouldn't the cops be hot on Katie's trail? It seems she's able to go about her business, and move into nice suburban neighborhoods without anyone recognizing her mugshot. Something like that would probably make national news.

Question 2) At the end of PA2, possessed Katie, walks away with Hunter, shortly after slaughtering Kristi and Daniel. Now 5 years later (in 2011) how and why did possessed Katie, allow Hunter (now called Wyatt) to be taken and adopted into a family, only to have to go and get him back?

Question 3) Who was the other adopted kid (Robbie), that was under the care of Katie? Where did he come from, and how does he fit into the overall story?




Is Paranormal Activity 4 Scary?

To me no. To my wife yes. If the other Paranormal Activity films scare you, then this one probably will too. If these types of movies typically don't scare you, then this one probably won't either. Everyones different!

In closing: Paranormal Activity 4 (like most other films) will not be for everyone. Some will love it, some will hate it, some will be entertained by it, while others will think it couldn't be more boring. I guess the best way to described is, "To Each His Own".  If you like these kind of movies, your expectations aren't too high, and you're watching it to be entertained, then you'll probably have a good time. But if you're hoping for a masterpiece, and expecting to see a film on par with some of the scariest movies of all-time, then you may be in for a major letdown.

I believe PA4 could have been so much better, and I also believe the films in general, are gradually getting worse. But with that said, I was still entertained enough to hope they continue making more in the future. 

**Special Note** On September 14, 2012 (his 48th birthday), actor Stephen Dunham, who played the father in Paranormal Activity 4, suffered a heart attack. He died in Burbank, California.



Review
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What I liked:

- The characters / chemistry between the actors
- The Ending
- Some of the scary scenes 

What I didn't like:

- Parts of the story
- The movie felt monotonous (same old same old)
- I was expecting it to be a little more scary
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My Ratings

How good was it:             

How scary was it:        
 

How much did I enjoy it:



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Paranormal Activity 4 Extras:

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1 comment:

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