Saturday, December 8, 2012

Movie Review ... Paranormal Activity 4

 

paranormal-activity-4-movie-posterEvidence some viewers are gluttons for punishment is seen in Paranormal Activity 4.  Another entry in the cheaply made ‘techno-horror’ series, fans have ensured it has made buckets of cash.  Profit doesn’t equal quality however as this effort is just as lazy as the others.  Featuring multiple cameras and a cast of unknowns screaming in front of them, the only scary moment is the thought another in this dull series surfacing.

Katie (Katie Featherston) is still possessed by the demon plaguing her.  After kidnapping baby Hunter, she moves into a new neighbourhood.  There she meets Alice (Kathryn Newton) and her family.  When Katie is taken ill, Hunter is given to Alice’s family to look after.  Trouble begins brewing as the evil Katie ensures Alice lives in a state of pure hell until he is brought back into her care.

The best one can say about this outing is it’s much better than its predecessors.  Unfortunately that’s only faint praise as its concept is also its main drawback.  Using cameras to capture the spooky carry-on is ok for a short while but expanded to feature length proceedings drag.  The aimed-for scary atmosphere quickly vanishes once the film drifts into a well of monotonous repetition.  The lack of any soundtrack drags things down with the performances and plot becoming as lifeless as the movie’s demons.

Saving it from being as abysmal as the others is the use of humour and vaguely interesting story.  Occasionally there are some scares although you have to look hard for them.  Most are the same parlour tricks used in previous instalments with opening doors and falling debris a particular favourite.  Some new thrills are added ensuring audience pay attention although it’s a shame horror movies like these have once again damned an already mocked genre.

The Paranormal Activity franchise has its fans who will undoubtedly queue for this entry.  Others should steer clear of this inexpensive farrago continually in search of a spine to shiver.

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Movie Review Rating out of 10:  3

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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