Puntabulous

Paranormal Activity – Review

paranormalheader
Me and Michelle saw Paranormal Activity yesterday. We generally like to go to the first viewings to avoid crowds and besides two other people, we were the only ones in the theater. It was the perfect experience for a movie like this. The theater was in complete silence for the duration of the movie and it was spooky as hell. This movie is getting hyped as the scariest movie of the decade, people throwing up in the theaters, all that business. And while I can’t quite go that far, I would definitely say this was pretty damn scary.

The movie is a Blair Witch/Cloverfield type fake raw footage movie about a couple who believe they are being haunted. Well the girl believes she’s being haunted, the guy was a little annoying and skeptical about it even after all this crazy shit was going on, but that was my only complaint. I really enjoyed the idea of what they were being haunted by. They could have gone one of two ways, and they definitely went the cooler and less expected route, which I thought was great. As with all movies done in this style, it’s a bit anti-climactic since they generally have to end very abruptly, but I thought the ending was done well and suitably frightening.

The good thing about seeing scary movies during the day is that you have the whole rest of the day to get over it so it’s not like you’re going right to bed petrified. The only post movie fright I had was this morning in the shower. It’s that brief moment of time where you need to rinse the shampoo out of your hair and the soap off your face and you need to close your eyes. It’s a very vulnerable moment and this morning I tried to do it as quickly as possible.

MOVIES, REVIEWS | Craig | October 26, 2009 7:40 am

63 Comments

By adam, October 26, 2009 @ 8:03 am

I LOVED this movie … but I’ve been hearing from so many people that thought it was stupid. I feel like it’s one of those movies that people either really like, or really hate. If you really like it, you get into it and are able to forget that it’s a movie … but if you hate it, you just sit there thinking it’s stupid and silly. Glad you liked it!!
By dcm, October 26, 2009 @ 8:16 am

I always rush my way through that moment! It’s good to know that I’m not crazy. But I do it because of a(n irrational?) fear of someone having broken into my apartment and readied themselves to burst through the shower curtain and grab me.
By David from Brazil, October 26, 2009 @ 8:20 am

You guys are nuts. I love closing my eyes. It’s peaceful and it means rest. Scary movies never did it for me… I find them kinda gross while watching, then completely forget they exist. Totally agree with first viewing. Here in São Paulo the difference between first and second is brutal – the first has almost no one, the second has huge queues lining to the door.
By David from Brazil, October 26, 2009 @ 8:24 am

Sry for double post, just occurred to me. When I’m in shower I think about the “soap dropping” thing, then I remind myself there’s no one else there so that’s not going to work. See? My depraved mind doesn’t have time to think about silly scary stuff.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 8:27 am

I’m with David, except I’m curled up in the corner whimpering just thinking about seeing a scary movie. Don’t like em, uh uh. I don’t have issues with closing my eyes in the shower either. Maybe because I don’t watch scary movies. See, there is a definite upside to that.
By Polt, October 26, 2009 @ 9:01 am

I’m with Tam in the not-liking-scary-movies thing. SO I know I won’tsee this one, although I’ve heard the same things you have about it.

Oh, and Craiggers, should you ever feel the need for a bodyguard while you close your eyes and rinse the shampoo, you have but to ask. I’ll watch out for ya. I’ll even volunteer to be in the shower with you so I can fend anyone off that would try anything. Just cause I’m that kinda friend.

HUGS…
By The Infamous Dr. Para, October 26, 2009 @ 9:06 am

I keep hearing mixed reviews and it’s making me less and less interested in wanting to see it. Now, say Legion on the other hand, I’m already mapping out my buy a ticket strategy. Side note: From what I’ve heard from friends, girls seem to be more spooked by the movie and guys seem to think it was stupid.
By vuboq, October 26, 2009 @ 9:15 am

The only thing scarier than thinking someone is going to grab you in the shower when your eyes are closed is having someone grab you in the shower when your eyes are closed (Hello, Temporary Roommate with Boundary Issues. Thanks for the heart attack).

I think I will pass on the Paranormal Activity. Not a fan of the horror genre.
By dcm, October 26, 2009 @ 9:25 am

Oh. my. God. Thanks for letting me know that that ACTUALLY HAPPENS, vuboq! Plan of attack: 1) karate chop to the windpipe, 2) knee to the nads, 3) bash head on faucet. I’m totally prepared.
By Craig, October 26, 2009 @ 9:44 am

Adam: I think some people just don’t like that style of movie. I’m a big fan though!

David: I hope you’re clumsy.

Tam: We need to get you watching scary movies! At least try one!

Polt: So so so kind of you.

Dr. Para: What are you trying to say?!

VUBOQ: Yikes!

DCM: I’ll be sure to wear protection.
By Mel, October 26, 2009 @ 9:52 am

Most horror movies don’t freak me out too badly, but after I saw “Blair Witch” I had to lock my bedroom door for three nights, until I went to Chicago on vacation and was fine. Similarly, “The Mothman Prophecies” really got under my skin, and even now I’d get goosebumps if someone whispered “chapstick” in my ear. Probably doesn’t help that I knew the town outside of Pittsburgh they used for filming in that one.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 10:26 am

Craig: I saw Poltergeist many many years ago. That was scary enough. Oddly that was my first date with my ex. Forshadowing anyone?

No one has ever grabbed me in the shower or elsewhere (not sure if that makes me sad) but I hear my Mom tell the story of when she was a kid and my uncle hid under her bed and when she sat down at night he grabbed her ankles. I think she’s still traumatized to this day. Of course he nearly peed himself laughing.
By dcm, October 26, 2009 @ 10:28 am

All of that protection would probs be too cumbersome for effective shower-assaulting, Craig, so it looks like I win. And Mel, I <3 Mothman Prophecies, but probably only ’cause Richard Gere is a severe hottie.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 11:10 am

Craig: How do you expect us to kidnap you if your rinse your hair so quickly? I guess we’ll just have to try again tomorrow.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 11:26 am

Tam: I recently watched the episode of Supernatural where the baddies grab someone from under the bed and pulled her under. I’m still trying to decide if that can work.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 11:36 am

Ryan: I think when you pass out and your heart stops beating dragging you under is possible. Although not my bed, my cat can barely fit under there. See how I fixed that possiblity? No one’s dragging me under my bed or to hell.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 11:47 am

You bring up another good point. Do most people have beds that they can fit under after childhood?
By dcm, October 26, 2009 @ 12:44 pm

If they chainsaw you into small enough slices you’ll fit. :-p
By josh, October 26, 2009 @ 12:51 pm

I love movies (feat. chainsawz)! I’m seeing this movie tonight and would have been so depressed if you gave it a craptastic review!

PS, if and when they release “Cloverfield Dos,” can we make it a Puntabulous commitment that we all go see it together?!??!
By M. Nicodemus, October 26, 2009 @ 1:09 pm

I really miss horror movies. The Mrs can’t stand them so I don’t get to see them very often, and even when I do manage to get control of the TV long enough to watch one she will turn on all the lights in the house, turn on the dishwasher, call her great-great-aunt Petunia, etc. so that she is distracted from the movie, which kinda ruins the movie for me.

The weird thing is, I love slasher flicks, and I can handle just about any kind of gruesome on-screen mutilation; unless they start ripping off fingernails. That just creeps me right out and I will spend the rest of the day with my hands balled up to protect my fingernails.

Cupcake: I could totally fit under my bed, then again at my size I can conveniently fit in any number of small places.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 1:17 pm

Great. Now I have to install anti-chain saw devices around my bed.
By M. Nicodemus, October 26, 2009 @ 1:34 pm

I am now wondering IF I were to hide under the bed and grab the Mrs’ ankles when she came by, would she divorce me, or just hide my body at the bottom of the duck pond? Hmm…
By Polt, October 26, 2009 @ 1:35 pm

Tam: I was SO totally going to make a drag me to hell reference…and then you went and did it first! Great minds think alike, eh?

HUGS…
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 1:59 pm

I have this image now of some bad guy trying to get his victim under the bed and repeatedly try to jerk them under while they whomp against the side because they are too big. Finally he just has to say “fuck it” and give up.

Nico: I’m thinking duck pond.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 2:04 pm

Tam: Being a bad guy is harder than it looks in the movies. Real bad guys don’t have set designers and writers to make their cool yet convoluted plans go off without a hitch. Sometimes, the victim rinses his hair in 10 seconds instead of the 20 seconds required for the plan, and you are left without a plan B.
By jere, October 26, 2009 @ 2:06 pm

The last movie to scare the bejeesus out of me (other than Glitter, of course) was The Blair Witch Project – mostly because I was living in the middle of nowhere, Alaska at the time and spent lots of time living on the edge of a tundra forest bigger than most East Coast states.

The only scary shower moment I ever had was when the power went off in the middle of my shower and there were no windows in my bathroom. I made quite a mess trying to turn off the water, cover my nekkidness and open the door at the same time.
By M. Nicodemus, October 26, 2009 @ 2:09 pm

Anyone else watching Dexter? I just saw the first episode this weekend and I am really intrigued, is the rest of the series good?
By josh, October 26, 2009 @ 2:10 pm

The scariest shower moment I remember having was with an ex of mine and involved his inability to procure an erection. Lame-O.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 2:14 pm

jere: That’s why you need to practice being blind.

M. Nico: The first season of Dexter was probably the most emotionally compelling thing I’ve seen on television. After the finale, I felt complete catharsis. The later seasons are still good.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 2:15 pm

Nico: I’ve heard lots of people rave about Dexter but I’ve never seen it myself.

Josh: Frightening, truly frightening.
By dcm, October 26, 2009 @ 2:36 pm

@Josh: Let’s hope there were no chainsaws involved in *that* horrifying debacle.
By jere, October 26, 2009 @ 2:49 pm

Josh is obviously lying. Okay, guys, raise your hand if you think there’s any chance that you could be in a shower with Josh and stay limp.
By M. Nicodemus, October 26, 2009 @ 2:58 pm

*raises hand* wait, you were asking for volunteers to test out your “shower + naked Josh = erection” hypothesis right?
By Craig, October 26, 2009 @ 2:59 pm

Is Josh turning into the new Dave S? He shows far less skin, but that doesn’t seem to stop everyone from wanting to fuck his brains out.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 3:08 pm

I just want to feed him a sandwich.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 3:18 pm

Was Dave S. the new Craig?
By dcm, October 26, 2009 @ 3:21 pm

It might be nice to feed him…yeah, yeah, a sandwich, yeah, that.
By Craig, October 26, 2009 @ 3:24 pm

Yeah, not that I’m bitter about it or anything.

::grumble grumble::

I mean, this is my blog and all, but I don’t mind.

::grumble grumble::
By john, October 26, 2009 @ 3:33 pm

Josh: Do you mean procure or produce?
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 3:54 pm

Craig: Do you want a “sandwich?”
By Craig, October 26, 2009 @ 4:00 pm

Desperately.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

You guys are making my sandwich comment all perverted. Sigh. I should have known better. ::pout::
By vuboq, October 26, 2009 @ 4:31 pm

mmm. sandwiches.

am also now wondering about produce/procure … Mr. Trashy, give us the details.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 4:32 pm

Tam: Yes, you should have. Michelle M. could have warned you if she wasn’t busy moving.
By josh, October 26, 2009 @ 5:24 pm

Craig: “Fuck my brains out?” You’re such a romantic!

AND I WANT SAMMICHES and not just of the cockmeat kind. I also lurrrve turkey y cheese or a grilled veggie on baguette every now and again. Derriciouz!
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 5:27 pm

Yay! Josh is here to keep me company while all the East Coast people travel from work to home.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 5:51 pm

Or maybe not . . .
By josh, October 26, 2009 @ 6:17 pm

Don’t worry Cup’N'Cakez! I’m here! I just got distracted making fun of old whorez from high school with a former classmate!
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 6:20 pm

Yes, poor Michelle, stuck moving boxes and couches and things. Ick.

I’m here, for a few minutes while the dinner cooks. I did buy things to make sandwiches at the store after work. You guys got me side-tracked.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 6:21 pm

Josherz! I lost touch with whorez from high school. I only keep up with the cool people.
By josh, October 26, 2009 @ 6:22 pm

Oh, I lost touch too and no nuffin’ about the people they’ve become. That’s what makes it funnier judging them!
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 6:24 pm

Tam: I’d feel bad about Michelle except that I just went through that by myself.

What are you making? I’m planning on making spaghetti tonight. I love making my own sauce now that I realized how easy it is. It probably would horrify Italian grandmothers, but it’s good enough for my Northern European ass.
By vuboq, October 26, 2009 @ 6:25 pm

Hm. at my school the whorez were the cool people. Everybody wanted to be like us … er … um … I mean, them. Yeah. them.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, October 26, 2009 @ 6:25 pm

Time for group meeting. Boo.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 6:37 pm

We’re having chicken breasts in some kind of sweet and sour sauce from a jar (the saving grace of working mom’s everywhere) rice and green beans. I tried to make a “real” dinner tonight since last night was cereal and toast.

My sauce comes out of a jar too. Sometimes I get really exotic and had ground beef. Woohoo.
By Tam, October 26, 2009 @ 6:40 pm

I actively avoid people I went to high school with. If I didn’t want to talk to you in the last 15 years, I don’t want to talk to you now. Luckily I live 3000 km or so away from my high school so it rarely comes up. I was one of the cool kids (aka partyers) then I moved on.
By Mel, October 26, 2009 @ 9:01 pm

I’m having leftover quiche for dinner tonight, ’cause I’m supposed to be frantically slaving away on some homework I thought I had another week or so to work on but found out is due tonight.

This is a study break, honest.
By Polt, October 26, 2009 @ 9:15 pm

So….let me see if I got this right…we want to feed Sassy josh a sandwich while we fuck his brains out in the shower….or is that just me?

Tam: I had a can of chicken corn soup. Oh yeah, my culinary skills with a can opener and a microwave know NO bounds!

I avoid most people I went to school with for the same reasons Tam mentions. And you may be surprised to know I was NOT a whore in high school.

HUGS…
By Enrico, October 26, 2009 @ 10:51 pm

This is the best comment thread ever and I somehow missed out! Booo.

Paranormal Activity was not scary at all. Unless you’re younger than 8 years old, you have NO reason to be scared. I slept very soundly that night.

Josh: Why are you telling peepz my business?! >:|
By josh, October 26, 2009 @ 10:59 pm

Well Enrico,

I thought it was not really scary, but just a little anxiety-provoking. It was like a thrill ride…Medusa at Six Flags kinda thrilling.
By Oz, October 27, 2009 @ 1:45 am

You wrote “Me and Michelle” again just to aggravate me, didn’t you?

I screamed at the end. And I *never* scream, especially in movies. So I call that a win.

Also, I don’t think it would have been as good if the boyfriend wasn’t a total douche.
By Michelle M., October 27, 2009 @ 9:42 pm

We’re going to see Paranormal Activity on Friday! Yay! And I’m so glad I’m not the only one who has that moment of fear in the shower. Who knows what will be standing there when you open your eyes!

*I don’t care that everyone is done commenting on this post. I must add my 2 cents.