Paranormal Activity

Seen at: Carmike 10 in Fort Collins, 10 pm on Oct. 28.

(Note: I've fallen so far behind in write-ups, I've just decided to shot-fun them all with short comments)

What a disappointment. From the hype, you'd think this was something interesting and novel in the horror genre---sort of Blair Witch Project type "reality" ghost story set in a condo. It starts out that way, and then it just degenerates, mostly because the film makers violate the "don't show too much" rule of horror. When the Ouija Board caught on fire, I just burst out laughing. By showing too much actual "activity" of the supernatural (caught on tape!), it just looks silly.

It's too bad, because the psychological basis of the horror was interesting. It's about a young unmarried couple. The "ghost" is basically a manifestation of the rage that the young feels towards her goofy forever-adolescent Postmodern boyfriend who wants to play with his toys instead of facing up to his adult responsibilities (by marrying her). He makes the situation worse at every turn, and the "ghost" gets angrier along with the woman.

If only they had played it a little more close to the vest, it would have worked. Last shot of the movie dreadfully stupid use of CGI. Too bad.

Verdict: Good premise for horror, and almost worked, but ruined with too much goofy supernatural.