The film Paranormal Activity by Oren Peli has been touted as the "scariest movie of all time," and when you leave the theater, the images leave you sleepless for weeks. Yes, I agree that this is a frightening movie, but is it the scariest ever? I'm not quite willing to give it that title.  With all the hype surrounding the film, I expected it to be so horrifying that I would have to run out of the theater after the first 15 minutes, or if I was brave enough to endure the film I might have to be committed to an insane asylum afterwards! But, that wasn't the case. I simply expected a little too much, especially with all the excitement the media had played upon it.  If this was a film that I'd never heard about, I would have appreciated it much more. I'm not saying that it's not scary...it really is! I'm just saying that it's not the "scariest of all time," as the hype would have you believe.

With the usage of low-budget effects, and the mockumentary style, this film frightens audiences with the slow build-up of its ghostly tale.  Ten years ago, The Blair Witch Project scared audiences with its "is it real" vibe.  Paranormal Activity is shot in that same fashion, but a little less nauseating, and much more terrifying. Like The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity pretends to be a documentary footage in first-person narrative that was lost, but now found.  This adds to the hinted horror that is seen.

The entire movie focuses on only two characters, Micah and Katie. A psychic the only other character, is seen twice in the film for a total of only 10 minutes. The setting takes place in a two-story suburban San Diego home of the two main characters. Katie is a sweet and down-to-earth 20-something-year-old, who claims to be plagued by ghosts or demons since the age of 8.  Micah, on the other hand, is an obnoxious, camera wielding, 20-something day trader, who is determined to catch the ghostly spirit that has been following Katie on film. In the beginning of the movie, Micah and Katie are seen as this playful couple who decides to document all the eerie events that have been happening in their home. However, once night falls, this comforting looking home turns into a nest of horrific events. As Micah becomes more energetic and enraged about the ghost, that's when Katie's terror begins to rise.  Every night becomes worse. When they seek help from a psychic, he gives them startling information that the supernatural events that have been occurring at night isn't from a human ghost, but from a demonic spirit out to get Katie.

Those who are anticipating blood and gore will be disappointed with this film. Paranormal Activity relies on the imagination of the audiences. Oren Peli's simple style of carefully placed lighting to create a disturbing atmosphere, and the "BAM! BOOM!" moments, is what will make movie watchers jump out of their seats. The haunting build-up of the story to its climactic event is definitely something that will make you scream. 

What makes Paranormal Activity a fright fest is the premise of the film. Many religious groups believe in demons, spirits, possession, and exorcism. Many that watch this film feel that it may actually come true or that people have already experienced this type of weird, frightening phenomenon.  It's not like a killer zombie with a hockey mask, or a 3-foot-tall, red-headed, murderous doll. This is basically the "devil" out to get you.

In some ways, buying in to all the hype is what may deter you from completely enjoying this film. Watch it with no expectations at all. It may not be the "scariest ever," but it's definitely in my top ten horror movie list. If you want to be psychologically thrilled, this is the movie that will give you the scare that you crave. 

By Roz San Juan