By Francesca Toscano
The first Paranormal Activity movie was a horror phenomenon, cited as the first “realistic” horror film to be released in the last few years. When the sequel premiered, similar praise followed. However, I found that Paranormal Activity 2 was exactly like the original: boring, safe and painfully unrealistic.
Paranormal Activity 2 is more of a prequel than a sequel, giving exposition to the original instead of following a plot line of its own. The basic plot of the films is a series of ghosts and spirits attempting to attack certain members of a family, as dictated by an ancient legend. However, viewers spend the first hour and 15 minutes of the movie watching ghosts move various items inconspicuously around the house. I wake up every day thinking I left my room keys on my desk but find them on my MicroFridge, and I have never once considered supernatural activity.
Suddenly, the movie took a turn for the “scary” when the paranormal creatures began messing with the lives of the residents. As the audience screamed when a baby levitated in the air, I had to stifle my laugh. The baby floated in thin air for a few seconds, and then was peacefully returned to its crib. Even my fellow theatergoers who were screaming a mere few seconds before responded in a unanimous “WTF?”
Finally, as the movie concluded, the action began to unfold. The sound of people screaming and necks snapping woke me from my blank gaze, but instead of being frightened, I was elated that there was finally some violence. I cheered as the lead characters were flung downstairs and brutally attacked, but before the fear could finally be aroused in me, the credits started rolling.
I am far from a horror junkie and would much rather snuggle to a romantic comedy than fear for my life during a horror flick. However, Paranormal Activity 2 could not even frighten the least of horror-tolerable moviegoers. Although illogical towards the end, maybe the praise that the films are realistic is justifiable: Real life is not very exciting.