The Paranormal Activity series-Part 1:Paranormal Activity

Rating: 6/10 (6 October 2016)

Despite having heard about it for years I have never got round to seeing a title from the main series in the Found Footage genre.Looking for a Horror movie that a friend could enjoy,I spotted the first film in the series on sale in a local DVD shop,which led to me getting ready to finally uncover the paranormal activity.
The plot:
Since she was 8 years old Katie has felt an evil presence around her.Moving into a new house with his girlfriend, Micah decides to keep a video camera running in order to capture any paranormal activities taking place. Initially having serious doubts over Katie's claims,Micah begins to experience Katie's paranormal activity.
View on the film:
Writer/director Oren Peli sends the Found Footage genre into the Haunted House, (which thanks to this beating Saw VI at the box office,helped to start a new wave a Haunted House movies) as lingering silences are broken by icy creeks and sleight of hand special effects.Shooting the entire title in the Found Footage format, Peli stops the presentation from becoming grating,by surrounding Katie and Micah's house in grainy shadows where the paranormal lurk.
Whilst keeping Micah obnoxious for a bit too long, (for someone whose lover is being stalked by someone/something,Micah is more concerned about the quality of his recordings!) the screenplay by Peli takes advantage of the domestic setting to give the horror an eerie, mundane atmosphere,as Micah & Katie's boyfriend/girlfriend arguments are punctured by the full force of the paranormal.Joined by a strong- willed Micah Sloat,the pretty Katie Featherston does very well at showing Katie slowly crack,as Micah and Katie record the first paranormal activity.