Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

This supernatural horror-thriller—the fifth entry in a highly successful, low-budget franchise—is a bit different from its predecessors: instead of being set in a haunted house in middle-class WASP-y suburbia, the story shifts to a working-class Latino apartment complex in Southern California and features an ethnically diverse cast of characters. Jesse (Andrew Jacobs), a recent Oxnard High School graduate, awakens to find an odd bite mark on his arm. Before long, he discovers that he now has some extraordinary powers—including the ability to levitate himself and others—along with inexplicable mood swings. These mysterious experiences coincide with the sudden death of his downstairs neighbor, reclusive Anna (Gloria Sandoval), whom many suspect was part of a coven of witches performing Santeria blood rituals. A curious Jesse and his friend Hector (Jorge Diaz) peeked into Anna's apartment after the police left, unearthing her collection of occult artifacts and documenting their discoveries with Jesse's new camera. When Hector and Jesse's sister, Marisol (Gabrielle Walsh), become increasingly concerned about Jesse's transformation and increasing inability to control his violent temper, they consult Ali (Molly Ephraim), who recognizes the telltale symptoms of demonic possession. Writer-director Christopher Landon tries to introduce new elements—notably the sinister use of the electronic Milton Bradley game Simon, which begins answering yes/no questions like a Ouija board—but ultimately this is a so-so chiller in the increasingly tired “found footage” genre. Optional. [Note: Blu-ray/DVD Combo set extras include both the unrated and theatrical versions of the film, “Found Footage” deleted scenes (11 min.), and bonus digital and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for this unremarkable franchise entry.] (S. Granger)