Rating:  

Paramount Pictures.

Written by: Michael R. Perry, based on characters created by Oren Peli.

I have no idea how to review “Paranormal Activity 2″, a spoiler of a film from start to finish. Its mere existence requires an explanation of how the film connects to its 2009 counterpart (REVIEW) and yet, I fear that providing those details may take some of the shine off of a film equally as engrossing and as intense as its predecessor. And one that I happily admit jolted me in its final minutes.

For those who have seen the first entry in what is now undoubtedly an annual franchise, allow me to say that Katie and Micah are back in this installment. How and why? Well, far be it from me to reveal the approach that screenwriter Michael R. Perry and director Tod Williams (The Door In The Floor) have concocted in telling this particular story. Just understand that it all (mostly) makes sense and answers quite a few questions for those buying into the mythology of these characters and the supernatural occurrences documented in the first film.

“Paranormal Activity 2″ predominantly focuses on a different family, Kristi and Daniel (Sprague Grayden and Brian Boland), with Daniel’s teenage daughter, Ali (Molly Ephraim), and their newborn son, Hunter, living with them. As anyone who has seen the marketing is well aware, the family also have a loyal watchdog, Abby, and in an interesting angle, a Spanish housekeeper, Martine (Vivis), who seems more in tune with the strange happenings as they start to unfold than anyone else present in the house. To say anymore might go too far, except I will offer that Katie and Kristi are related.

Building on Oren Peli’s impressive $15,000 debut feature, “Paranormal Activity 2″ gets a bigger budget ($1.0M), larger cast, and moves to a giant house. When a perceived burglary attempt ransacks the family home, Daniel hires a crack security team to retrofit his home with 7 closed-circuit cameras, which run 24/7. The use of the cameras throughout the house provides a different level of anxiety to the bizarre and unquestionable happenings within the house. There’s a cadence and rhythm to the film very similar to the first, almost as if the producers are trying to establish the “Paranormal Activity” style as a brand.

The brand does need some fine-tuning though. At times, like with the first film, things take almost too long to get going. I could easily make a case that if one character had done something rather obvious, this film would have no reason to exist. So, assuming we go forward with a “Paranormal Activity 3″ in 2011, these stories of unsettling calm during the day and unbearably intense and frightening happenings at night will wear extremely thin. For some, I hear it already has. And yes, it might be rather shameless that Perry and Williams utilize the two iconic symbols of worry – the baby and the dog to earn a cheap pop. Additionally it should be noted that much of the pre-release imagery and footage, from the viral marketing to the numerous trailers and clips which have been released, are not anywhere to be found in the final product.

And yet what I return to again and again is the idea that the filmmakers understand the how-what-when-where-and-why with regard to makes the scariest of movies work and work well. The notion of what might be under the bed, in the closet, around the corner, or in that other room is infinitely more intimidating and arresting than the blood and gore which passes for horror and suspense nowadays. There is an organic element to all of this which captivates and freezes a crowd in its tracks. I have never encountered so much tension and anxiety in a theater before. Curse words were flying, people turned away and could not watch, and the mere presence of certain characters, sounds, and title cards developed into a near-Pavlovian response with my audience.

As a film series, “Paranormal Activity” may be teetering on a slippery slope of jumping the proverbial shark. This second installment is legitimate, solid filmmaking and the reaction it brings out in people is genuine and true. And like I said above, I held out for as long as I could. But those last 15 minutes? They got me too.

Should I See It?

For me, the final 10-15 minutes of this film are much more frightening and scary than anything that proceeded it. So, prepare yourself.

The rare follow up movie that does not require you to have seen the first film beforehand. In fact, it has a rather clever arc that will not push out those people who missed or skipped the first film.

Fans of scary films will have their wishes delivered. Despite a slower start, this film brings it and for so many in attendance, this was a “cannot stay in my seat or bring myself to watch this” type of experience. Honestly impressive to be a part of and witness.

Come on, you have to find out what happens to the baby and the dog, right?

Those who did not like the first edition of “Paranormal Activity” are not going to like this either. Very similar in style and tone to the first.

You worry that you cannot handle this. I mean, it is just a movie and it is not real but after seeing a theater of 400 “Twilight” attendees collectively shriek and mutter “Ohmygod” over and over for a 30-second teaser this summer, I think this might be too intense for some viewers. Be warned.

You need gore and excessive blood in your horror movie to find true enjoyment.

Although I urge you to watch the movie to understand how it all plays out, babies and dogs in potential peril can be a dealbreaker for people. Email me if you need a spoiler!