A sequel to the mega-grossing, much-hyped, low-budget thriller that tracked the haunting of a young couple caught on handycam surveillance.
After experiencing what they think are a series of "break-ins", a family sets up security cameras around their home and start capturing some increasingly spooky and sinister occurrences.
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
The first movie delivered already a total unrealistic and primitive storyline this one is so farfetched; it?s more a comedy sleeping pill mixture than a horror.
i though it was wayy better than the first one wen i was watching the first one at the movies i was asleep on my cherr but paranormal activity 2 was awsome it had wayy more scary bits in it expessially wen the cuperds and evrything goes flying arournd and wen u see katy behind the dad
I saw P. 1 and thought it a weak story line. Why did she want to stay in the house, why was she the one to sleep by the door...the unbelievablity went on forever. Get the Fourth Kind that is extremely scarry and true.
I liked that it explained how the first movie took place and brought in the original characters. BUT. It took waaay too long to get started. To the point where you're just sitting there *wanting* something to happen.. Whereas in the first film, you're hoping for the opposite! I enjoyed it for what it was, but was just another typical sequal.. Never as good as the original.
Ahhhhh, I got such a fright by that first bit!
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 21st Oct 2010.
Release date: October 21st 2010.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
