"Blair Witch" goes to the next step

Rating: 8/10 (21 November 2009)

I knew almost nothing about Oren Peli's "Paranormal Activity" when I went to see it. It starts off a little confusing, focusing on couple Micah and Katie and their San Diego house in September and October, 2006. But then the horrific events begin, as strange, unexplained sounds appear during the night. The only clues are what the camera records as Micah and Katie sleep.
Like "The Blair Witch Project", this movie is filmed with hand-held cameras to give an authentic sense of presence with the events. Needless to say, that makes the movie a whole lot freakier than the average horror flick would turn out. And as the movie progresses, you're certain to be more and more on the edge of your seat. Maybe the end is a little silly, but how they throw it at you really catches you.
Anyway, I'm glad that I got to see "Paranormal Activity", and that it got to have a wide release. In a way, it's actually better than "TBWP", because it brings the terror into a suburban house, as opposed to the far reaches of the forest. I certainly recommend it.
So just be careful the next time that you use a Ouija board.