SchOCKTOBERfest Day #2-4: Weekend of Horrors

It was perhaps one of, if not the best weekend for the horror movie genre and fans alike. Paranormal Activity galloped into AMC 25 on Thursday and stampeded out of the city. The film sold out all Friday and Saturday midnight screenings, with wait lines twice as long as the one I stood on Thursday night. Zombieland, one of the best horror/comedies I've seen since Slither, tore the competition to shreds over the weekend chopping its way to the #1 spot!

Thursday night. Waiting in line for Paranormal Activity

Due to the growing popularity of Paranormal Activity, Paramount is looking to expand and revisit markets starting October 9th. For more information go to Paranormal Activity Demand Competition. Additionally, the success of Zombieland has already generated buzz about a sequel.

SchOCKTOBERfest Day #1: Paranormal Activity

And so begins SchOCKTOBERfest, and I couldn't have picked a better movie to kick it off with - Paranormal Activity. Directed by Oren Peli. A happy couple, played by Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, is haunted by a demonic spirit.
I was debating which midnite creature feature I wanted to see this evening - Paranormal or Zombieland. I opted for Paranormal because I knew that it has been making its way through major U.S. cities under a limited engagement. Additionally, after watching the trailer I felt this film would not transfer well with a home viewing. I was right. This film needs to be seen in a movie theatre to fully experience it.
The scares are thoroughly organic, there is VERY little use of CGI. The film relies on ambient sounds and higher level amateur acting to carry it through. And it does so commendably.
You can say the film is a scary movie for the YouTube generation. Paranormal is reminiscent of such films as The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Exorcist, The Entity, and Poltergeist. Of course, Blair Witch immediately comes to mind while watching the film. The gradual build of suspense and tension is EXTREMELY effective - just as in Blair Witch. One could argue that Oren Peli used the Blair Witch structure to bring forth Paranormal - and it certainly works as a well executed homage!
Again, this film is playing weekend limited engagements in major U.S. cities. Check out the film's official website to find out if it's going to be in your neck of the woods. You can also demand the film come to your city! A very important note of information is that the film is only scheduled for midnight screenings, which actually adds to the suspense!
Link: Paranormal Activity Official Website