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Rating: 3 Flicks Review:

This seemingly unnecessary sequel to last year’s huge-grossing horror, assembled from “found footage”, appears nothing more than a blatant cash grab. While that is almost certainly the case, Paranormal Activity 2 is nevertheless a surprisingly effective follow-up that replicates the creeping dread of the first film and deftly builds on the original storyline.

Presented in the same archival manner as Paranormal Activity and wrapping around the events of its predecessor, this is thankfully neither a retread nor a huge narrative stretch. Instead, by focusing on the sister of Katie from the first film (who is woven in herself), the filmmakers have come up with a clever way of connecting both together – one that doesn’t rely on a new family moving into the original house or similar, yet unconnected, events of the paranormal kind taking place elsewhere.

There’s certainly a sense of déjà vu, and Paranormal Activity 2 doesn’t do much to build upon the style or setup of the original, but with last year seeing pacing and an escalation in tension used to creep audiences out, it isn’t unreasonable or undesirable for new director Tod Williams to use the same bag of tricks.

The film is enhanced with a few more effects shots, if occasionally let down by its cast, who don’t quite maintain the found-footage conceit for the duration. But those that enjoyed (or were terrified by) last year’s effort would be well-advised to head back into theatres again.

By Steve Newall, Flicks.co.nz