...depends on what you are looking for in a movie.

Rating: 5/10 (31 October 2009)

If you are looking for a film that does ANYTHING other than scare you, you won't like Paranormal Activity. This is not a thinking man's film. I spent the entire film telling myself that I would be reacting to the situations in a completely different manner than the characters did (like most sub-par horror movies.) Also, some of the actual "incidents" didn't make a whole lot of sense either. However, there can be an enjoyable experience in watching this film.
Think of it as a haunted house. I went into a haunted house once and in one room there was a bed and a TV with static. The next room was a church setting. That doesn't make sense. It isn't realistic, but it's done that way to maximize the scares. If you approach Paranormal Activity the same way as you would a haunted house (not expecting an impeccable plot and and a whole lot of realistic acting) you may find yourself enjoying the movie a lot more.
Even if you drop your expectations in plot and acting, this film may or may not be scary based on what makes you squirm. This film makes you jump, it has you searching the screen for what happens next and it has a very eerie/evil atmosphere. It does not have a genius directing deep tension and creepiness within a well written plot.
Go see it if you want to have fun and goof off with friends. DO NOT go into this as a film connoisseur. You will be disappointed.
If I were to rank similar films... 1) Blair Witch (scared the crap out of me, but only good for one viewing.) 2) Paranormal Activity (lots of fun, but left me wanting more.) 3) Cloverfield (the most unique of the bunch, but not very scary.) 4) REC/Quarantine (the most pointless remake of all time, the original didn't do much for me either.)
Is it just me, or is this sub-genre of horror films full of underachievers.