By Khan Rosenberger
Although on the surface, Paranormal Activity looks like another crap shoot, like the Blair Witch Project, it is actually an interesting little fright flick. It gives you the impression at first that it going to be a sham. However, it then shocks you with many surprise scares. The film lures the viewer into a false sense of security by utilizing the tools of comedy and misdirection.

The plot of the movie begins with a young, middle-class California couple, Micah and Katie, who are being frightened by strange noises in their house. Eager to understand why, Micah sets up a night vision camera and employs many hand-held cameras. They soon learn that Katie has had some history in her life of paranormal encounters, stemming from a horrible, tragic incident in her childhood. The film eventually culminates into one haunting climax.

The most effective episodes in this movie occur during the night-vision sequences. The misdirection scenes are effective in a Val Lewton way by using the arguments between the couple to camouflage the jolting suspense that follows.

Katie, played by Katie Featheston, is an unknown actress who brings out the realism and the underlying vulnerability of her character. Micah Sloat, who portrays his character Micah, interacts with Katie’s character in a believable manner. Mark Fredricks has a small role as a psychic in the film. Even though his part is meager, he leaves a clear impression on the viewer.

Oren Peli wrote, directed, and edited the film and did an amazing job, considering it is all filmed with subjective camera with a budget of $15,000. Originally released in 2007 as an independent film, it is now seeing a huge theatrical release. During its first week of viewing, it beat Saw VI.

All in all, this film was exceptional, especially because of its budget. The viewer can see the love, dedication, and time invested in the making of this movie. Filmmaker Oren Peli is sure to become a moviemaker that will not be forgotten. He is currently filming Area 51, which is to be released in 2010.

In addition, he has a sequel to Paranormal Activity that does not yet have a release date. Actress Katie Featheston will be in an upcoming film called Walking Distance.
Paranormal Activity has one of the greatest build-ups I have seen in a long time. It is effectively executed without the use of gore and CGI, which is a breath of fresh air in a world today where everyone seems to think that these two elements are part of the art form. I encourage everyone to check out this film because it is an example of dedicated filmmaking that shows what a group of talented individuals can do with a meager budget. (Nov. 5)