Paranormal Activity

Made with a meager budget of $10,000, “Paranormal Activity” might possibly be another massive box-office hit as the “Blair Witch Project.” With no theatrical trailer or even beginning or end credits, the film has mostly been spread through the web and by word of mouth. And with it being labeled “the scariest movie of all time,” the movie has an excellent chance of succeeding.

Micah and Katie are engaged and live together in a rather large house. Micah’s a day trader, and Katie’s a college student in hopes of becoming a teacher. It isn’t long before they begin to hear noises throughout their home. After consulting a psychic, he tells them that it isn’t a ghost, but rather a demon. Through his questioning, Katie reveals to have gone through paranormal experiences since her adolescent years. The psychic informs them that he is unable to help, but advises them to consult a demonologist.

Because of Micah’s hotheadedness, they delay calling the demonologist, instead relying on their brand-new video camera to catch any paranormal activities. They record their everyday activities and place the camera in their bedroom to record any suspicious activities throughout the night while they sleep. While I won’t give away spoilers, let’s just say that the demon does make his presence known in subtle and not-so subtle ways.

No doubt this is a mediocre movie. If marketing hadn’t so clever, this movie might have become a small cult hit. However, not using actual movie clips in previews requires viewers to enter the theatre blindly and with heightend senses of anticipation. The camera work is rather effective and realistic. Thankfully, the couple isn’t completely horrible with the filmmaking, so the camera remains pretty steady.

Any potential viewers should take note that the film depicts an average couple who seemingly go about recording their normal lives. With that said, the first half or so requires extraordinary patience, since the film moves agonizingly slow. When things finally pick up, it helps to relieve some of the boredom. Perhaps I’m too desensitized, but I didn’t feel “Paranormal Activity” was even close to being the scariest movie ever. The latter half of the film does contain a good number of genuine scares, but the rest felt long and drawn-out.

Offensive Content

While this is a horror story, the offensive content is mild, if compared to the modern gore that has dominated the horror genre. The film could have easily been rated PG-13 if not for the cursing. The “f” word is used over 35 times along with another 14 uses of profanity. The Lord’s name is profaned 11 times, including at least one GD.

There’s very little violence to speak of, and this is to the filmmakers’ credit. I will not go into the specifics in order to not ruin anything for potential viewers. There are no sex scenes or nudity. The couple briefly discusses sex and turn off the camera before sleeping together. It is then turned back on, and Katie is shown under the sheet.

Since the film deals with demons, an Ouija board is used in order to communicate, and a psychic is consulted. While these two things are abominations to God, they are accurately reflected with a reaping of horrible consequences. Micah was warned not to use an Ouija Board, since it would open a door and allow the demon to enter. This is wise, and there are plenty of verses that warn of completely avoiding evil. The Lord made it clear his stance of consorting with mediums and spiritualists. In Leviticus 20:6, God warned,

“I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists…”

Scripture also clearly supports the existence of demons. While they are powerful, they tremble and are submissive to the name of Jesus Christ. In James 2:19, he wrote, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder.” Aside from being a sin, consulting with mediums can be extremely dangerous for one’s walk with Christ since many mediums claim to believe in God. If a person claims to believe in God, yet also claims to speak with the dead, Christians should stay away. In Isaiah 8:19-20, it reads:

“When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”

I do not personally recommend the film. However, if you’re looking for a horror movie with very little amounts of sex and violence, then you might like “Paranormal Activity.” Please keep in mind that the film deals with true evil and demons. In addition, there is excessive cursing and profanity.

On a positive note, this movie is accurate in its disapproval of trying to deal with demons by one’s self. For those of us who have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, demons cannot touch us, since the only thing that has the power to truly rebuke them is the name of Jesus Christ.

Violence: Mild / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Minor

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