THE BORE

General => The Superdeep Borehole => Topic started by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 07:53:29 PM

Title: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 07:53:29 PM
HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 10 , 2009) -- Following 2-weeks of nationwide midnight only sellouts and fan frenzy over the limited release hit thriller PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, moviegoers everywhere have been heard!

Over 1,000,000 people from around the country demanded the film play in their city by logging on to ParanormalMovie.com. In response, Paramount Pictures will release the film nationwide beginning Friday, October 16th.

Tickets for the movie will be on sale via ParanormalMovie.com by 5pm PST on Tuesday, October 13th. Those who have 'demanded it' will get the first alert when tickets go on sale.

"From the very beginning, we put this film in the hands of the fans and we trusted them to tell us where and when it should be seen. We couldn't be more thrilled by their overwhelming support and we are happy to release the film in every town - big and small," said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.

The movie Roger Ebert of The Chicago Sun-Times called "an ingenious horror film. It's so well made it's truly scary" is currently garnering 90% on RottenTomatoes.com.

To find show times and to buy tickets in your area, visit ParanormalMovie.com

... go see it, jerks! :rock

Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: MyNameIsMethodis on October 10, 2009, 07:57:16 PM
I rather go see The Road.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 07:58:41 PM
The Road isn't even in release until late next month, and was a dismal production from all accounts - I hope the finished product turns out okay.

Go see Paranormal Activity. That is, unless, you're too scared, you big sourpuss.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: MyNameIsMethodis on October 10, 2009, 08:02:08 PM
Black people don't get scared.

And i'm reading The Road now I hope the movie is good :(
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: G The Resurrected on October 10, 2009, 08:02:43 PM
movie wasn't at all scary, don't waste your money. That is unless you are taking a girl out for a date. In that case it might be worth it if she's a pussy.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 08:03:24 PM
Bullshit, when I saw it in Georgetown, I heard a big, burly black man scream like a girl after yelling racial slurs!

And he screamed like a white girl.

Movie rocks, don't listen to Garrett. Ecrofirt and I are the horror aficionados, and we give it our loving seal of approval.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: MyNameIsMethodis on October 10, 2009, 08:05:15 PM
A BIG BLACK?!

WHAT IF I CALLED YOU A JEW? HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THAT?
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 08:08:02 PM
I left out "man", but the point still stands!

... People call me a Jew all the time! :lol
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 08:09:41 PM
Time Magazine's review sums up my feelings:

Quote from: Time
If you're a horror-movie fraidy cat, know that most of the spooky stuff occurs in the bedroom, so — as with The Exorcist back in 1973 — you can steel yourself when the couple goes to sleep. Then too, you may not be scared at all by Paranormal Activity; but as you sit in a movie house you should feel some fraternal pleasure in noticing that the folks around you are preparing or pretending to be scared. And you should be heartened to realize that — in an age of YouTube, iPod and DVR, where people get their visual media one by one — watching a fictional narrative can still be a communal activity. A thousand people sit as one in the dark, as fretful and enthralled as a child hearing a bedtime story, and wondering, What happens next? No, I can't bear it! No, I have to see!

I really agree. It's been awhile since I've been to a horror film with an audience this involved.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: MyNameIsMethodis on October 10, 2009, 08:10:43 PM
Wilco whats your opinion on The Scare in Exorcist 3
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 08:11:22 PM
It is pretty awesome.

Paranormal Activity is the movie I wanted The Blair Witch Project to be.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: G The Resurrected on October 10, 2009, 08:14:10 PM
I'm just saying its not as great as people make it out to be. In the sea of horrible shitty horror movies of late it does stand out. And thats the only reason its getting such attention.

The audience I saw the movie with was a bunch of bitches. A scene early on in the film where Katie follows her bf but you dont see her till he turns the camera around. COME ON! Its not a horrible movie! It just didn't scare me or my girlfriend and that's exactly why we went to the film in the first place. To be scared off our asses, and it was a let down.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 08:16:44 PM
Even in a sea of decent horror films, this would still get attention. Regardless of whether or not it scared you, it has struck a chord with audiences and the film is very well made.

I give it my loving seal of approval, it's awesome and go see it!
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: demi on October 10, 2009, 08:19:21 PM
spoiler (click to show/hide)
http://themoviespoiler.com/Spoilers/paranormalactivity.html
[close]
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: Himu on October 10, 2009, 08:43:57 PM
YES :rock
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 10, 2009, 10:34:38 PM
Quote from: Willco on October 10, 2009, 07:58:41 PM
The Road isn't even in release until late next month, and was a dismal production from all accounts - I hope the finished product turns out okay.

It's got a few early reviews already, they were all really positive.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009460-the_road/ (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009460-the_road/)
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 10, 2009, 10:53:46 PM
That's good to know, at least.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BlueTsunami on October 11, 2009, 12:43:15 AM
Definitely want to watch this. I'll see it next week.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: Don Flamenco on October 11, 2009, 12:46:17 AM
Quote from: Great Rumbler on October 10, 2009, 10:34:38 PM
Quote from: Willco on October 10, 2009, 07:58:41 PM
The Road isn't even in release until late next month, and was a dismal production from all accounts - I hope the finished product turns out okay.

It's got a few early reviews already, they were all really positive.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009460-the_road/ (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10009460-the_road/)


wow, I'm genuinely surprised.  fucking loved the book, hopefully the movie will be great. 
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: BlueTsunami on October 11, 2009, 12:46:58 AM
Viggo Mortensen :heart
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 11, 2009, 12:48:25 AM
Quote from: BlueTsunami on October 11, 2009, 12:46:58 AM
Viggo Mortensen :heart

Viggo :rock
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: jiji on October 11, 2009, 02:52:53 AM
Ooh, it's already playing here. Gonna try to go this weekend.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 11, 2009, 03:05:19 AM
Go in with tempered expectations, because regardless of the hype, it is not the greatest horror film since The Exorcist. It is pretty awesome, though. Take some friends, go late at night and enjoy.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: HyperZoneWasAwesome on October 11, 2009, 04:32:43 AM
Paranormal Activity is making an assload of money this weekend, with further expansion yet to happen, so prepare yourselves for the backlash gentlemen.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 11, 2009, 09:52:57 AM
They kept the lights on? Wtf? :lol

I would have demanded my money back.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 11, 2009, 02:07:58 PM
$7 million this weekend on 159 screens. That's really incredible.

Also, Zombieland is well on its way to being the highest-grossing zombie movie of all time.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 11, 2009, 02:10:24 PM
Awesome news, both films deserve it.

Those Paranormal Activity numbers are insane - Paramount has a huge hit on their hands.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 11, 2009, 02:19:23 PM
Considering that the film only had a budget of $15,000, it probably already has one of the biggest returns in movie history.  :lol

Also, to give a bit of perspective, Jennifer's Body made LESS in it's opening weekend on 17 times as many screens!
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 11, 2009, 03:20:25 PM
the budget was only 15k? g'damn.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 11, 2009, 05:08:16 PM
I don't think that effect is nearly as impressive as...

spoiler (click to show/hide)
Pulling her leg off the bed, and yanking her body down the hallway.
[close]

That part also gets my vote for most unsettling scene in a horror flick within the past decade.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 11, 2009, 05:40:58 PM
I warned you, dude. I fucking warned you. (http://www.evilbore.com/forum/index.php?topic=31937.msg941439#msg941439)

Let that be a lesson to everyone else.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Yeti on October 11, 2009, 06:04:41 PM
This movie sounds a lot like Blair Witch project to me.  :-\
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 11, 2009, 06:12:50 PM
It is a lot like The Blair Witch Project.

Except it doesn't suck.

Paranormal Activity is not reinventing the wheel, Oren Peli is merely refining a decade's worth of handheld filmmaking into one well made, entertaining horror film. Pound for pound, this is easily the best example of the "found footage" genre of cinema.

I'm not really a fan of The Blair Witch Project, and that's despite that it being a local sense of a pride. A good portion of the film was shot in the forests behind my house, in a state park just a stone's throw away and edited on the community college campus I used to attend.

Locally, it's something of a sacred cow.

... but I never really liked it. It dragged and it didn't scare, and the only thing memorable about it is the end. And in comparison, most critics cite the ending of Paranormal Activity as its weakest aspect. It's good at keeping your attention throughout and never feels cheap and silly like The Blair Witch Project.

It is the movie I wish The Blair Witch Project was.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Yeti on October 11, 2009, 06:20:02 PM
Well, I liked a lot of Cloverfield, maybe I'll give this one a shot then.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: jiji on October 12, 2009, 04:39:21 PM
I caught this last night. It reeeally creeped me out. It plays on everybody's basic fear of the dark and strange noises at home.  My hairs were standing on end throughout the whole thing. It was INTENSE. The acting felt authentic to the point that I had myself doubting whether it was 'found' footage or just actors.  And the sound design was seriously great.

I'm seeing the same kinds of "I didn't get it, it wasn't scary" responses that I saw to Blair Witch, though I don't really understand why.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Ecrofirt on October 12, 2009, 05:55:21 PM
I just left my sister a voice mail telling her that I am taking her to see this on Friday night so that she will poop her pants in the theater.
Nikki, unfortunately, refuses to go. Something about scary things not being good for the baby or some other malarkey.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 12, 2009, 06:14:09 PM
It's too bad my sister chose last weekend to return from Cornell for a brief visit with family instead of the coming weekend, or I would take her.

... Disposable White Guy, I'll take you!
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 12, 2009, 09:02:26 PM
Why the fuck would you watch this at home? :lol
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: demi on October 12, 2009, 09:05:51 PM
Because they made plenty of money already. They can afford to lose out on a $12 ticket
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 12, 2009, 09:18:40 PM
It's not about the money, but watching this on a computer screen or on your television is pointless.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: demi on October 12, 2009, 09:44:22 PM
uh huh. shill more willco.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: drew on October 12, 2009, 10:00:57 PM
Quote from: Willco on October 12, 2009, 09:18:40 PM
It's not about the money, but watching this on a computer screen or on your television is pointless.

bullshit
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: jiji on October 12, 2009, 10:21:23 PM
If you do, just make sure your bass is up to snuff.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: drew on October 12, 2009, 10:27:40 PM
/me pats subwoofer at his feet

anything else? :smug
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 12, 2009, 10:42:45 PM
Quote from: drew on October 12, 2009, 10:00:57 PM
Quote from: Willco on October 12, 2009, 09:18:40 PM
It's not about the money, but watching this on a computer screen or on your television is pointless.

bullshit

No bullshit, watching it on your computer or television is pointless. :lol

You might as well not even watch it.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: drew on October 12, 2009, 10:44:39 PM
explain your reasons, except for crowd reaction, hearing mc fucking fatass next to me having a heart attack isnt exactly on my list of desirables
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Van Cruncheon on October 12, 2009, 11:51:24 PM
3) young children and no babysitter
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: TakingBackSunday on October 13, 2009, 12:16:43 AM
anybody who brings children to this movie is fucking stupid.  You won't have kids at this movie.  Go to a theatre in a cool area in your city to see the movie, problem solved.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 13, 2009, 01:32:07 AM
Quote from: BrandNew on October 13, 2009, 12:16:43 AM
anybody who brings children to this movie is fucking stupid.  You won't have kids at this movie.  Go to a theatre in a cool area in your city to see the movie, problem solved.

Yeah, there were no children at the screening I attended.

... This is an audience movie, drewsy - one that benefits from a theater presentation. And unless you're a movie star, you don't have your own personal theater that can seat a bunch of people.

Also, Eric P saw it tonight and gives it his seal of approval.

Ecrofirt + Eric P + Willco = Horror Trifecta
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: TakingBackSunday on October 13, 2009, 09:32:28 AM
you're speaking to brick walls here federjew  :'(
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: AdmiralViscen on October 13, 2009, 11:49:17 AM
Maybe this movie will make Paramount enough money to go ahead and release Shutter Island when they were supposed to.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 14, 2009, 12:34:24 AM
I think you'll have fun, man.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Bebpo on October 15, 2009, 10:23:10 PM
Is this worth going by yourself and seeing it in the theater if you are a horror fan?  Everyone I know irl are pussies and wouldn't go.

Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: border on October 16, 2009, 04:12:24 AM
Saw it at midnight this evening, the first night of wide release.

Disappointed.  Story is completely threadbare - there is literally no exposition or story development beyond the first 20 minutes or so, even when there are opportunities to do so.  The characters not really likable and make poor decisions even when they are not under duress.  In the light of day once they are safe the boyfriend in particular continues to have bad judgment to the point that it is unrealistic.

I liked the rhythm of the film and I liked that there was tension in every evening scene.  I feel like there was a lot of buildup with almost no payoff whatsoever.  Once legitimately threatening things start happening the movie is pretty much over.  It's literally like 80 minutes of people being scared of banging noises and creaky doors followed by 15 minutes of genuinely creepy poltergeist-human interaction.  Once things go full tilt the movie pretty much ends, leaving you wondering what happened to the third act.

I wasn't scared, but generally I'm not scared by horror films anyway.  I like style, story, characters, etc.  I would probably rank this film well below its closest contemporaries (Blair Witch, Cloverfield, Diary of the Dead).  Even looking at horror films released this year I'd say Drag Me To Hell was better (and Zombieland if it counts as horror). 

In fact this movie is almost definitely what would have happened if you had given Sam Raimi $100 and told him that was his budget for Drag Me To Hell :)  It's a totally unfair comparison, but I'd be interested to hear Willco's decision on a Drag Me To Hell vs Paranormal Activity faceoff.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 17, 2009, 03:31:13 AM
I think comparing Paranormal Activity to Drag Me to Hell is pretty silly, my fanboy sensibilities aside. That'd be like asking me to compare Rosemary's Baby to An American Werewolf in London.

I mean, really?
 
I felt it blew away its contemporaries (ranking it under Diary of the Dead is just being a contrarian), and I disagree with a lot of your points. I felt the film easily ranks amongst the best the genre has offered in recent years, and was pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 17, 2009, 03:39:48 AM
The time lapsed clock was a great inclusion, and the film conditioned the audience to be afraid as soon as it the couple went to bed. That's just great filmmaking. I thought it was very well done, and I don't hold the minimalist plot against the film - because if anything, the lean story works to its advantage.

I would also argue that the neither individual was entirely safe during the day:

spoiler (click to show/hide)
That belief is broken when the picture is shattered, which ended up being a good, manufactured shock scare.
[close]

Oren Peli basically ran a clinic on how to make the film version of a haunted house ride, and for the most part, I think it works pretty well.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: border on October 18, 2009, 04:00:52 AM
Well my point is not that the characters are 100% safe in the daylight -- it's that even when not under immediate duress, they continue to be distinguished mentally-challenged fellows.  Most people try to second guess slasher flicks by asking dumb shit like "Why did she go in the basement?" or "Why didn't he lock that door?"  Characters make stupid choices, but ultimately you can write it off as an effect of panic or threat.  In Paranormal Activity though, people still act like distinguished mentally-challenged fellows even why they aren't being chased down by some threat. 

spoiler (click to show/hide)
Even though the ghost hunter has said not to open a line of communication with the demon.....and even though Katie has explicitly said not to go get a Ouija board....Micah still openly taunts the spirt, still grabs that Ouija board, still picks fights with Katie.  The guy is not sympathetic, not realistic -- he is just a tool for plot escolation.
[close]

I like the night vision camera and the time stamps as much as anyone, but at the same time the film-maker is literally telegraphing everything to the audience.  "Okay - time for you to be scared of some loud noises."  It's interesting, but not exactly the hallmark of a master director.  And if every film did something similar I don't think it would be as enjoyable.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 18, 2009, 11:56:42 AM
That goes without saying - if every director starting using dutch angles, Raimi's schtick would also stop being enjoyable.

I disagree vehemently that he is telegraphing everything to the audience; you've missed a lot at what is at work. Not only does Peli condition the audience that nighttime is scary and daytime is safe - which he ultimately uses to his advantage - the timestamps create an element of tension. It's very well done and there is a great deal of thought put into it.

I said in my first review that you can nitpick character motivations to death, and you certainly can, but the film is so immensely enjoyable that those thoughts should hang in the back of your mind. I say "should", because I think it's obvious you just weren't digging the experience.

As for your specific example, I think I can say with a degree of confidence that most folks know people that stupid (or stubborn, rather). I actually do know of someone that has attempted to do the same thing under similar circumstances. Mika may not be sympathetic, but I disagree that he is necessarily unrealistic.

Do a lot of decisions made fly in the face of common sense for most people? Sure - but most people would've left the house or the girlfriend on the third or fourth incident. You wouldn't have a movie.

Like I said from the get go, the movie is pretty much a cinematic haunted house ride and its flaws are apparent as such. None of these "found footage" films are supposed to stand up to repeat viewings or in depth analysis - they're just rides.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 18, 2009, 01:40:06 PM
Paranormal Activity absolutely EXPLODED this weekend.

$20 million, bringing it's total gross to $33 million.

WOW.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 18, 2009, 01:40:48 PM
It's still a limited release too.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 18, 2009, 01:46:21 PM
Quote from: Willco on October 18, 2009, 01:40:48 PM
It's still a limited release too.

Yep, still on just 760 screens.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Ecrofirt on October 18, 2009, 02:07:18 PM
I took my sister to see it last night at the local theater, and she was going absolutely nuts by the end of the film. Terrified out of her mind.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 18, 2009, 02:09:30 PM
 :lol
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: border on October 19, 2009, 02:23:18 AM
Quote from: Willco on October 18, 2009, 11:56:42 AM
I said in my first review that you can nitpick character motivations to death, and you certainly can, but the film is so immensely enjoyable that those thoughts should hang in the back of your mind. I say "should", because I think it's obvious you just weren't digging the experience.

While I was watching the movie I wasn't really nitpicking motivations, though I was pretty certain that Micah was a douchebag who I couldn't wait to see bite it (and his offscreen demise kinda lacks catharsis, as long as we're on the subejct).

The main thing that actually bothered me in the viewing was the lack of story or explanation or mythology or anything.  Consider the demonologist, the message from the Ouija board, the website chronicling another demon-haunting........it's like they built in these hooks for a story to exist, but then completely ignore them.  If "amusement park ride" is the bar you are setting then yeah, I guess this movie has about as much entertaining exposition as Disney's Haunted House ride (without the cool walls sinking in thing :)).
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 19, 2009, 02:46:43 AM
It's a "found footage" film, looking for a strong narrative is futile. It only exists to create the illusion of real life events, not to unfold a complex story. It's merely a tool used to prop up tension.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: border on October 19, 2009, 06:15:14 AM
This is sounding a little like the Transformers Defense, i.e. "Because this film is of this genre, you need to lower all expectations to zero."

I don't see why a "found footage" production has to have poor-to-nonexistent mythology or narrative.  I enjoyed the way Blair Witch's mythology tied in to the actual film, and liked hearing all the weird theories and ARG stuff surrounding Cloverfield.  I haven't seen The Last Broadcast, but it sounds like they at least put a little more work into mythology.  It's not the equivalent of demanding a Shakespearean narrative arc out of GI JOE -- a solid story is not something that has to be thrown to the wind for the sake of genre (though admittedly realism might have to be tossed aside).

More to the point though, why even include the Ouija board and the demonologist and the website if there wasn't going to be any resolution to those threads?  Is it just padding so they can justify a 90 minute theatrical release?  Is it a tease?

Someone that takes Paranormal Acitivity more seriously might argue that there is something a little more intellectual going on --- that the whole movie is about teasing us with small-scale unelaborate scares and red herrings, and then denying us the payoffs we want as a means of commenting on the genre or on life itself.  Or maybe the narrative taunts us in the same way that Micah taunts the demon, thereby increasing the audience's bloodlust in the same way that Micah increases the demon's bloodlust.  The viewer becomes the villain (see also: Funny Games). 

But your position is that this is a rollercoaster meant to defy analysis, critique, etc.  So why are there these plot points leading nowhere?  If it's a rollercoaster, then the red herrings are the equivalent of having a long, slow steep vertical climb that you think is going to end in a steep vertical drop.....but then concluding the track with nothing but a slow horizontal straightaway.  If you want to streamline your rollercoaster, why not dispense with the teases and just give us more steep drops?  I guess you could argue that budget is a concern, but having a limited budget strikes me as all the more reason to make your non-scare non-action sequences more compelling.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 19, 2009, 11:17:28 AM
Quote from: border on October 19, 2009, 06:15:14 AM
This is sounding a little like the Transformers Defense, i.e. "Because this film is of this genre, you need to lower all expectations to zero."

No, it's just a fact when dealing with "found footage" films - they're not meant to be powerful narrative films. By their very definition, they're meant to mimic real-life, and real-life does not lend itself to lengthy exposition and complex narratives.

This is like complaining about the storytelling of a YouTube video of an earthquake.

Quote
I don't see why a "found footage" production has to have poor-to-nonexistent mythology or narrative.  I enjoyed the way Blair Witch's mythology tied in to the actual film, and liked hearing all the weird theories and ARG stuff surrounding Cloverfield.

There's just as much of a "story" in Paranormal Activity (albeit the mythology is stronger in Blair Witch, a lot of it built up from the Internet), and you cite stuff not included in the movie as evidence of a strong story in Cloverfield?

C'mon.

You're entitled to your opinion, and I can certainly see where character decisions might rub you the wrong way, but don't get testy because of the format. So you didn't like the concept - big whoop.

And yes, I measure films on what they are trying to be, not what I want them to be. It's obvious that this film is aiming to be a spook house ride and it succeeds at that.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 19, 2009, 11:26:02 AM
Also, I will take an asshole boyfriend (which contrary to your opinion, do exist) over the entire cast of Cloverfield and The Blair Witch Project, who not only lacked common sense, but were by and large, very annoying.

And this is coming from someone that liked Cloverfield...

(... but would probably fast forward the first thirty minutes.)
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 19, 2009, 11:52:46 AM
Quote from: Willco on October 19, 2009, 11:26:02 AM

(... but would probably fast forward the first thirty minutes.)

Yeah, I would too.

It's only 85 minutes long and the first 20-25 minutes are some stupid party.  :lol
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Mupepe on October 19, 2009, 12:50:59 PM
I'd really like to see how you could pull off a found footage film with a truly fleshed out narrative and not breaking that 4th wall completely down.  If they did it, most of the people currently complaining would just end up complaining about "how convenient they found that/caught that on film/they were there/etc"

the lack of narrative is one of the charms of this genre IMO.  I know enough to creep me out, that's all that is needed.  The need to over explain every little thing is something that really destroys the creative imagination of the audience.  It's something most of us think we want and in the end, our own imagination can come up with a million more scenarios that are ultimately more satisfying than what can really be fleshed out in a less than two hour film that's presented in such an inhibiting genre.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BlackMage on October 19, 2009, 01:23:48 PM
I saw this the other night and I would like to say the main chick in the movie has some fine ass titties. ::motorboat
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BlackMage on October 19, 2009, 01:31:20 PM
Quote from: mojovonio on October 19, 2009, 01:28:58 PM
You could fuck her face. Between her two chins.

thats not nice. she could lose a few pounds but she was cute.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BlackMage on October 19, 2009, 01:41:48 PM
Quote from: mojovonio on October 19, 2009, 01:34:33 PM
You don't have to set your standards THAT low.

I'm actually quite picky.. which is probably why I don't have a girlfriend  :'(
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BlackMage on October 19, 2009, 01:44:14 PM
Quote from: mojovonio on October 19, 2009, 01:43:35 PM
Aw, its ok. But hurry, breast reductions are getting popular!

thats a FILTHY lie!!!!  :maf
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Ecrofirt on October 19, 2009, 02:31:39 PM
I've got to tell you all honestly, that Katie girl was totally goddamn bonable.
Beautiful girl, beautiful.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BlackMage on October 19, 2009, 02:36:20 PM
Quote from: Ecrofirt on October 19, 2009, 02:31:39 PM
I've got to tell you all honestly, that Katie girl was totally goddamn bonable.
Beautiful girl, beautiful.

see this man has good taste.. i mean look at his wife.  :drool
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 19, 2009, 02:37:32 PM
Quote from: Ecrofirt on October 19, 2009, 02:31:39 PM
I've got to tell you all honestly, that Katie girl was totally goddamn bonable.
Beautiful girl, beautiful.

That's the girlfriend, right? All I did was stare at her dirty pillows the entire film.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: BlackMage on October 19, 2009, 02:45:04 PM
Quote from: Willco on October 19, 2009, 02:37:32 PM
Quote from: Ecrofirt on October 19, 2009, 02:31:39 PM
I've got to tell you all honestly, that Katie girl was totally goddamn bonable.
Beautiful girl, beautiful.

That's the girlfriend, right? All I did was stare at her dirty pillows the entire film.

do you have me on ignore or something?!
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: border on October 19, 2009, 07:10:54 PM
Quote from: Willco on October 19, 2009, 11:26:02 AM
Also, I will take an asshole boyfriend (which contrary to your opinion, do exist) over the entire cast of Cloverfield and The Blair Witch Project, who not only lacked common sense, but were by and large, very annoying.

Except I saw the movie with a theatre full of douchebag meathead boyfriends and judging by how scared shitless they were by a movie about a ghost, I would probably wager that they would not start fucking around with an actual ghost.  I guess the problem though is that he's just unsympathetic, not unrealistic.  Could a person that might act as he does exist?  Yes, but you can say that about even the most poorly crafted characters I'd think.

Quote from: Willco on October 19, 2009, 11:17:28 AM
No, it's just a fact when dealing with "found footage" films - they're not meant to be powerful narrative films. By their very definition, they're meant to mimic real-life, and real-life does not lend itself to lengthy exposition and complex narratives.

Quote from: Rob Thomas on October 19, 2009, 12:50:59 PM
I'd really like to see how you could pull off a found footage film with a truly fleshed out narrative and not breaking that 4th wall completely down.  If they did it, most of the people currently complaining would just end up complaining about "how convenient they found that/caught that on film/they were there/etc"

I don't think I'm really asking for a grand narrative -- just some fleshing out.  It wouldn't have killed the movie to have had the demonologist show up and explain some stuff.....nor would it have ruined anything to have Micah properly decipher the Ouija board message or dig deeper into the website chronicling the previous haunting (shit he already does some exposition from those demon books).  As I asked earlier, why include that stuff at all if you aren't going to do anything with it?
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 19, 2009, 07:16:53 PM
I don't think any of those elements were pointless inclusions, but they went as far as they needed to go. I could address your criticisms on a line-by-line basis, but our fundamental disagreement will almost always come down to a lack of narrative. I feel Peli setup the film as much as he needed to, and let the sounds and tension do the rest. You don't.

I will say that the entire movie is told through a handheld, meaning your getting snapshots of someone's life. It's impossible to ask for much more. I don't think you would have been satisfied unless they brought the camera out of the house, and at that point, you're getting away from the purpose of the film and an introduce all the meaningless bloat that plagued both The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield.

Its lean, minimalist story only serves to increase the tension, going into detail about demons and such would only ruin that.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: bork on October 19, 2009, 08:07:10 PM
[youtube=560,345]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5euQamE69Eg[/youtube]

There you go, guys.  The final word.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 03:56:42 PM
yay!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: demi on October 21, 2009, 06:46:38 PM
Cool downloading now. Will watch on my big screen tv with surround sound.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: TakingBackSunday on October 21, 2009, 09:03:50 PM
I don't know how downloading it and watching it by yourself would enhance it either.  Make some friends and see it in the theaters you fucks.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 21, 2009, 09:09:14 PM
demi doesn't have any friends.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 09:11:48 PM
seeing horror movies at home in the dark >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> in a theater. always.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 21, 2009, 09:13:04 PM
Nope, you're wrong.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 09:15:32 PM
there's nothing scary about being in a giant auditorium with tons of people around you. being at home, in a dark room is much more conducive for being scared.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 09:17:54 PM
the only time i've ever been remotely scared by a movie is when I watched [REC] at midnight on my computer. headphones on, all the lights off. scary.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: demi on October 21, 2009, 09:25:35 PM
Wow that movie was awful. I'm glad I didnt pay for it.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: TakingBackSunday on October 21, 2009, 10:51:16 PM
you're the world's worst troll
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: border on October 21, 2009, 10:57:12 PM
Quote from: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 09:15:32 PM
there's nothing scary about being in a giant auditorium with tons of people around you. being at home, in a dark room is much more conducive for being scared.

Yeah, I'd argue that there is a greater likelihood that an audience will completely fucking ruin this film for you than there is a chance that they will somehow enhance it.  My audience was not particularly rowdy, but there were still douchebags making dumb jokes and comments......idiot girlfriends narrating events and asking stupid questions.  My personal pet peeve is when something unclear or mysterious happens and some stupid idiot has to immediately ask what is happening.  eg:

**Katie is catatonic, curled up on the ground and clenching something in her hand tightly**
Girl 3 Seats Away (at normal speaking volume):  "What is she holding?"

Me (in my fantasy): "Holy shit you dumb fucking cunt, maybe if you'd wait 5 seconds before blurting out a stupid question that half the theatre hears, just maybe the movie would show you the answer!"

**camera cuts to reveal Katie's hand opening, she is holding a crucifix....Dumb Girl exits auditorium in tears**
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: TakingBackSunday on October 21, 2009, 11:19:41 PM
Then you live in Fucksville.  Find a place or theater with cool people.  My local one is in a college neighborhood, and I haven't experienced that tardedness here at all.  Inglorious Basterds was an awesome experience seeing it in a big theater.  The uncomfortable shifts during the last scene, hoo-boy.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: border on October 21, 2009, 11:23:52 PM
People are just like that with horror movies.  Never had any such problems with non-horror stuff that I've gone to see.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 11:34:26 PM
Quote from: BrandNew on October 21, 2009, 11:19:41 PM
Then you live in Fucksville.  Find a place or theater with cool people.  My local one is in a college neighborhood, and I haven't experienced that tardedness here at all.  Inglorious Basterds was an awesome experience seeing it in a big theater.  The uncomfortable shifts during the last scene, hoo-boy.

comparing seeing a horror movie in a theater to seeing an action/drama? you're not too bright.


Horror is a very personal genre. It's better to see it with a smaller audience in a more confined location. Being in a giant crowd kills the tension completely.

Action movies are great for audiences because you want to have the big swooping reactions from everyone. It adds to the experience.


but hey, if you prefer seeing it in theaters then whatevs. i would never go see a horror movie in theaters. ever.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 21, 2009, 11:37:25 PM
Quote from: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 11:34:26 PM
Horror is a very personal genre. It's better to see it with a smaller audience in a more confined location. Being in a giant crowd kills the tension completely.

Disagree completely.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BlackMage on October 21, 2009, 11:54:17 PM
personally i'd rather see PA at home in the dark by myself so i can jerk it to Katie's melons.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: border on October 22, 2009, 01:12:20 AM
Quote from: Willco on October 21, 2009, 11:37:25 PM
Quote from: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 11:34:26 PM
Horror is a very personal genre. It's better to see it with a smaller audience in a more confined location. Being in a giant crowd kills the tension completely.

Disagree completely.

The only horror films I've seen in theatres recently were Paranormal Activity and Drag Me To Hell, and people in the audience talked almost completely all the way through them.  If someone is disrupting an action film or drama it's pretty easy to tell them to shut the hell up.  When it's 5 or 6 groups of people it becomes a good deal more difficult to combat since you just look like some bitchy stick in the mud.

OTOH I can't think of an action/drama/genre film in the past few years where there were loud or disruptive audience members that weren't almost immediately called out.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 22, 2009, 01:16:51 AM
When I went to see A Serious Man [latest Coen brothers movie] there were only like seven people in the whole room. But there was this one guy that laughed really loud at a lot of stuff. I didn't mind it too much because he laughed at pretty much the same stuff I did.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Joe Molotov on October 22, 2009, 01:37:43 AM
Quote from: Willco on October 21, 2009, 11:37:25 PM
Quote from: fistfulofmetal on October 21, 2009, 11:34:26 PM
Horror is a very personal genre. It's better to see it with a smaller audience in a more confined location. Being in a giant crowd kills the tension completely.

Disagree completely.

I saw The Ring in a packed theater, and it was the best horror movie experience of my life. You could almost literally feel the tension in the air, everybody was on the edge of their seats and jumping at every single thing. It wasn't as good or as scary when I saw it again at home.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: border on October 22, 2009, 02:26:49 AM
I don't deny that a good audience can make a movie even better -- but right now I think your odds of getting a good audience are pretty bad.  You can roll the dice and maybe luck out on an early matinee during school hours, but it's worth remembering that with a movie like this you only get 1 shot.  To paraphrase a popular dandruff shampoo ad campaign, you never get a second chance to see a good horror film for the first time.  If assholes and goofballs ruin it for you on that first viewing, then it doesn't really matter if you can see it in peace on DVD....it won't have nearly as much effect if you see everything coming.  If you have a good home theatre setup, I'd advise that you buy a ticket, walk out, and go download the DVD Rip.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 22, 2009, 03:08:49 AM
It's odd that you'd bring up Paranormal Activity and Drag Me to Hell, both films that I saw in theaters that benefited from the audience immensely. Disposable White Guy and I had the time of our lives during Drag Me to Hell because of audience reaction.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: border on October 22, 2009, 07:27:11 PM
Drag Me To Hell was kinda my fault a little bit, since I saw it on the wrong side of town....so to speak [/Borys]
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BobFromPikeCreek on October 24, 2009, 09:55:45 PM
I just saw it, but apparently the ending in the version I saw is different from the theatrical version. In the one I saw
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Katie murdered Mica and then got shot by the police
[close]

Kinda lame. Hope the other version's is better.

Oh, and Katie was pretty hot aside from some weird neck fat she had going.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 24, 2009, 10:18:23 PM
Quote from: BobFromPikeCreek on October 24, 2009, 09:55:45 PM
I just saw it, but apparently the ending in the version I saw is different from the theatrical version. In the one I saw
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Katie murdered Mica and then got shot by the police
[close]

Kinda lame. Hope the other version's is better.

Oh, and Katie was pretty hot aside from some weird neck fat she had going.

Yeah, you're watching the screener, you dirty pirate.

That was the original ending, Green Man. Spielberg and some of Dreamworks finest thought the film would benefit from a more traditional "shock" ending. He was right.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 24, 2009, 11:26:27 PM
multiple endings? i downloaded the movie so i saw the
spoiler (click to show/hide)
cop ending
[close]

i read about the other one tho
spoiler (click to show/hide)
some CGI shock face ending?
[close]
.

sounds lame. glad i downloaded it.

movie wasn't really scary. it was tense and there were a few jump scares, but the "day-time" stuff was really boring. i was sitting here waiting for the bedroom scene so i could see something interesting. best part of the movie was the
spoiler (click to show/hide)
very first "major" event. when the giant BOOM occurred and swaying chandelier.
[close]

6/10
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Phoenix Dark on October 24, 2009, 11:37:17 PM
How could something be considered one of the scariest films of all time if it only "works" in a theater? Stuff like Alien still makes me uncomfortable, and The Exorcist is still creepy regardless of where I am

I'm more curious than in a critical mood. Many of my friends say it's good to ok, but all say it's scary
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 24, 2009, 11:42:13 PM
I really don't understand how seeing a horror movie in a theater can be scary. Where does the tension come from? The fear? You're in a crowd. You're completely safe. Being alone or_mostly_alone and in a dark room makes you feel vulnerable. How can I feel scared when I know I'm going to walk out to a car in a little while? It's such a detached experience. Whatevs.

But this movie wouldn't have been scary in any context. It was 1 minute of jumpy scare tricks then 15 minutes of boring day-time drama, then 1 minute of jumpy scares... rinse and repeat for 80 some-odd minutes. 
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: OptimoPeach on October 25, 2009, 12:02:38 AM
I really don't understand how seeing a horror movie at home can be scary. Where does the tension come from? The fear? You're at home. You're completely safe. Being in an audience or sizable group of people is contributory to an atmosphere of palpable suspense and foreboding. How can I feel scared when I know I'm going to tab out of my media player and jerk off to lolis in a little while? It's such a detached experience. Whatevs.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 25, 2009, 01:02:35 AM
Quote from: Phoenix Dark on October 24, 2009, 11:37:17 PM
How could something be considered one of the scariest films of all time if it only "works" in a theater?

Because it's designed to be nothing more than a thrill ride - literally - and you're comparing it next to actual films. The Exorcist and Alien are examples of great screenplays that came together with a great crew, well rounded casts and talented directors.

It should be compared to The Blair Witch Project, [REC] and Diary of the Dead - not legitimate classics.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 25, 2009, 01:13:49 AM
comparing this to REC. smh
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 25, 2009, 01:15:25 AM
I agree, it's much better.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: fistfulofmetal on October 25, 2009, 01:18:47 AM
theres like maybe 5-10 minutes of stuff in this movie that can be construed as "scary". the rest is just you watching an annoying couple argue. so boring.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Great Rumbler on October 25, 2009, 01:25:08 AM
Friday estimates:

Paranormal Activity - $7,600,000
Saw IV - $7,000,000

:rock
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: BobFromPikeCreek on October 25, 2009, 01:45:25 AM
Quote from: Willco on October 24, 2009, 10:18:23 PM
Quote from: BobFromPikeCreek on October 24, 2009, 09:55:45 PM
I just saw it, but apparently the ending in the version I saw is different from the theatrical version. In the one I saw
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Katie murdered Mica and then got shot by the police
[close]

Kinda lame. Hope the other version's is better.

Oh, and Katie was pretty hot aside from some weird neck fat she had going.

Yeah, you're watching the screener, you dirty pirate.
Hey. I wanted to give them my money but they didn't want to give me the opportunity. I pay for my movies when people let me.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BobFromPikeCreek on October 25, 2009, 01:51:14 AM
Oh, and I'm with FFM on the setting debate. Alone and in the dark is much creepier than a big public theater with screaming teenage girls.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: TakingBackSunday on October 25, 2009, 11:09:58 PM
About to go see this in the theatres.  Hope it's fairly packed.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Ecrofirt on October 25, 2009, 11:58:12 PM
How does the screener version of the movie work? Is it the exact same cut, but with multiple endings? Is it the cut that was originally screened in theaters in 2007? I'm interested in seeing the 'original' ending.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Ecrofirt on October 26, 2009, 12:43:24 AM
Quote from: dcharlie on October 26, 2009, 12:26:19 AM
Quote
How does the screener version of the movie work? Is it the exact same cut, but with multiple endings? Is it the cut that was originally screened in theaters in 2007? I'm interested in seeing the 'original' ending.

yeah, it's the original ending - no alternatives shown.

Felt a bit... i dunno... too long? A little unclear?
From what i read, the new ending seems much better.

I wonder why a screener would go out with the non-theatrical ending... Weird.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: The Fake Shemp on October 26, 2009, 01:29:04 AM
Because it was the original screener that Dreamworks let folks view internally.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: TakingBackSunday on October 26, 2009, 02:07:29 AM
Movie rocked  :o
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday
Post by: Ecrofirt on October 26, 2009, 02:09:12 AM
Quote from: Willco on October 26, 2009, 01:29:04 AM
Because it was the original screener that Dreamworks let folks view internally.
Rapscallions!
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Ecrofirt on October 26, 2009, 02:11:38 AM
Also: The screeener definitely has different scenes than the theatrical.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
they just showed the Diane girl bite her arm off!
[close]
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: BobFromPikeCreek on October 27, 2009, 08:02:42 PM
Ok, just saw theatrical ending. Honestly, I liked the screener version even more. The ending to the theatrical version seemed like cookie-cutter shock horror, which this movie totally wasn't about.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Beezy on October 31, 2009, 12:34:53 AM
Overrated movie. Black Dynamite should've blew up, not this boring POS.
Title: Re: Yay! Paranormal Activity gets a million demands, goes nationwide next Friday!
Post by: Dickie Dee on November 01, 2009, 12:29:38 PM
The theatrical version (from what I've read :teehee) seems to have made a few good choices - shuffling a few sequences, downplaying the reluctance to get an investigator after it's clear it was out of their hands), but the ending sounds out of tone with the movie and more a setup for PA2: The Unexplained Knockening