Micro Review: Paranormal Activity 2

A lean, mean scare machine that lacks some of the punch of the original film but still delivers the goods. This is actually a prequel to Paranormal Activity, and it does a fine job of blending the events in this film with those of its predecessor. Audiences are treated to one of the best jump scares in movie history, the creation of a solid mythology for what is obviously an ongoing series, and Katie Featherston's tremendous rack. And yes, it's pretty darn scary at times. A Good review from this Basement dweller.

Saw creators get Insidious

The only Saw movie worth watching, in my opinion, is the first one. And I've dug what writer Leigh Whannell and director James Wan have done since. So I'm actually looking forward to their latest collaboration Insidious.

As with Saw, this was made on the cheap -- about $1 million -- and independent of any studio. The fact it's produced by Paranormal Activity director Oren Peli also bodes well. The plot: when proud parents take possession of an old house to build a nest for their family, an accident results in one of their sons falling into a coma. The tragedy doesn’t stop there when they are beset by vengeful spirits from another realm.

Insidious stars Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne and is due to hit theatres April 1. Here's the preview.

Disturbia scribe on for Paranormal Activity 3

The boys over at Arrow In the Head and Bloody Disgusting report that Christopher B. Landon (Disturbia) and Michael R. Perry are on board to write the third installment in the Paranormal Activity series.

Perry is credited with the script for PA2, which Shawn and I have yet to see as catching the new releases right away isn't our gig. But we're big fans of the original and I enjoyed Disturbia. As for the plot of PA3? No damn idea. Paramount Pictures is keeping story details under lock and key pending the film's release Oct. 21.

I don't know if I care about a third movie. Paranormal Activity never struck me as a franchise but, if they make money, then Hollywood is going to beat the idea to death.

Oren Peli, who directed the original, is back as a producer.

Paranormal Activity director to tackle Edgar Allan Poe, but not literally

Area 51, Oren Peli's follow up to Paranormal Activity, hasn't yet hit theatres but the writer/director is already lining up his next project.

He's signed on to direct the thriller Eliza Graves, based on a short story by horror master Edgar Allan Poe. An adaptation has been in the works for years with the likes of Johnny Depp, Heath Ledger and Natalie Portman attached as stars. The project is produced by Mel Gibson. Yes, that Mel Gibson.

The plot follows a Harvard grad who travels to Maine for a residency at a mental institution. It's not long before he discovers the patients have actually taken over as staff. It's bad scoobies from there on in.

I highly doubt Peli will fall back on any of his found footage tricks for this one, as the story takes place pre-video surveillance. And it will be nice to see if he can generate scares without relying on modern technology.

Scream Awards trailer for Paranormal Activity 2

While Shawn and I are rockin' it on 92.5FM CFBX Kamloops Friday night several horror fans will likely be heading to local theatres to check out the sequel to last year's hit Paranormal Activity.

We here in The Basement, including Shawn, myself and contributor Mike S, loved the shit out of P.A. and none of us can deny that it looks like a noble effort was undertaken to make a decent sequel in Paranormal Activity 2.

Below is the Scream Awards trailer for the film, which has a kicker of a final few seconds. I admit I am eager to see the film, and may even venture into theatres at some point.




Paranormal Activity 2 is directed by Tod Williams with a story by Michael R. Perry and screenplay by Michael R. Perry and Christopher Landon. The film is produced by Jason Blumand and Oren Peli, who wrote and directed the first film to perfection.