Paranormal Activity 2

After the success of Paranormal Activity—an ultra-cheap supernatural thriller cannily marketed into a major genre hit—this follow-up was inevitable, piggybacking onto its predecessor in terms of both style and narrative. The original film focused on Katie and Micah (Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, who reprise their roles here), a couple whose home is invaded by a demon, prompting Micah to document the nighttime intrusions with a video camera. Here the spotlight shifts to Katie's sister, Kristi (Sprague Grayden), husband Daniel (Brian Boland), and their family, who begin to experience poltergeist-like phenomena, leading them to install security cameras (as well as to record home video footage). Like its predecessor, Paranormal Activity 2 avoids the graphic gore common to other contemporary horror movies in favor of shocks that leave much to the imagination. But while loud noises and slamming doors still elicit jumps, these effects are decidedly less scary the second time around. Although the script ultimately presents an explanation for what is happening by briefly alluding to Katie and Kristi's childhood, director Tod Williams' film ultimately feels like a contrived sequel to a surprise hit. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include “Found Footage” (4 min.) and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a small extras package for a so-so sequel.] (F. Swietek)