Paranormal Activity 2: A Miracle Sequel

For those who loved "Paranormal Activity," get ready. We now get the 2010 sequel, "Paranormal Activity 2," and the good news is that it brings the same shivers of the first film to full circle. The bad news...well, there's no bad news at all.

"PA2" follows Katie's sister, Kristy, and her family: Daniel, her husband, Ally, her stepdaughter, and Hunter, Kristy's one year-old baby. After they come home one day to find their house has been trashed and they suspect a burglary, Daniel sets up six security cameras around the house to record everything that goes on at night. It turns out that this was no burglary.

Oren Peli's "Paranormal Activity," the indie fright fest that was demanded in theaters across the nation, is one of my favorite horror films of 2009. I've only watched it twice: the first time in a theater, the second time at home. Ever since, I have been afraid to watch it a third time. It is a film that has the same horrifying impact each time you watch it.

Just months after the first film's success, rumors of a sequel started spreading. That was cause for the skeptics to flock. We know how sequels like "Blair Witch 2" can go. "Blair Witch 2" was big on budget, low on scares, and high on stupidity. "Paranormal Activity 2" could have been a big-budget bomb that completely ruined the greatness of the first film. But, no. Believe it or not, "Paranormal Activity 2" accomplishes everything the first film did. In a way, it's better than the original.

Most "PA" fans will remember the classic scenes of Katie and Micah's bedroom, and being on the edge of the seat with suspense, just waiting for something to strike. The sequel doesn't limit itself to just one room, but six areas of the house: the pool, the kitchen, the living room, outside the front door, the stairs, and baby Hunter's bedroom. The ability to have more cameras in the sequel heightens the tension much more. Once again, you are just waiting, looking at the different cameras, hoping that you will see something.

"Paranormal Activity 2" is almost exactly like the first film due to familiarity. But familiarity is part of the fun of the sequel. Just ask Dread Central.com: "Knowing what this family is up against makes things so much scarier." You WILL see slamming doors and creeping shadows, and hear rumblings and footsteps in the film's nighttime setting. But, wait. The sequel actually has more shocks than the first movie. What you see in "PA2" will scare you, indubitably.

I won't give anything away, but the sequel offers a great backstory and a wonderful freshness. You see, "Paranormal Activity 2" is more of a prequel, bringing events back over a week before the original film's incidents. You get to know Katie's family more and you're given time to care.

And like the first one, the acting in the sequel doesn't feel like acting...not at all. We get the feeling that we are looking at a real family suffer. And Katie Featherston returns in a great and effective supporting role.

Oren Peli takes the role of producer this time around, and in the directing chair is Tod Williams, who is completely uninvolved with the first film. With 3 million dollars, a slightly bigger budget compared to the $11,000 budget Peli had, Williams knows what to do. He avoids special effects and goes for the same formula of the first movie, letting the audience engage themselves in another wonderfully psychological and horrifying genre film. Be proud, Oren Peli, that direction for the sequel was in the right hands.

Now, not everyone loved the first "Paranormal Activity." So it's safe to say that if you didn't like the first film, don't see the second. However, if you're a big fan, like I am, the sequel's a match made in horror heaven. If you couldn't sleep after the first movie, if you had to keep your lights on when you were alone in your room, you ain't seen nothing yet. "Paranormal Activity 2" is the "Aliens" of the decade. Sweet dreams, everybody.

Eleven Best Ghost Stories

1) The Haunting (1963)- Four people head over to the infamous Hill House to record a little paranormal activity, and they get a hell of a lot more than they bargained for. Robert Wise crafts the perfect tale of supernatural horror that is psychologically horrifying. Not a single ghost in sight. With "The Haunting," it's all about sound effect. That banging on the door and the cackling still gives me the creeps. Perfectly cast, well-written, and flawlessly directed, "The Haunting" is THE definitive ghost story.

2) Poltergeist (1982)- From the director of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and a story by Steven Spielberg, "Poltergeist" brings us to the suburban town of Cuesta Verde, where the Freeling family soon experience traumatizing ghostly events, including the disappearance of their 5 year-old daughter, Carol-Anne. From then on, all hell breaks loose. A perfect blend of subtle horror and tremendous "BOO!" scares, with wonderful effects(Industrial Light and Magic!), a great cast of actors(gotta love Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina), and a truly startling story. "They're heeere."

3) The Others (2001)- Nicole Kidman. Old dark mansion. Ghostly activity. Best words to describe the movie. Alejandro Amenabar's spooky "Haunting-style" tale will satisfy anybody who loves slow-burn horror.

4) The Innocents (1961)- Based on Henry James's "The Turn of the Screw," this ghost story is more sophisticated than you'd believe. Deborah Kerr stars as Miss Giddens, a nanny looking over young Miles and Flora at the Blye estate. When she begins to see apparitions around the mansion, she gets a gut-wrenching feeling that there is something that Miles and Flora are not telling her. You're not really sure what to believe after you watch "The Innocents." Are there really ghosts at Blye? Could it be the paranoia or sexual repression of Miss Giddens? It could be either. Eerie, atmospheric, and very disquieting, "The Innocents" will not let you down. It's truly one of the creepiest horror films of the 1960's.

5) The Fog (1980)- John Carpenter followed up "Halloween" with this nifty little campfire story about the island of Antonio Bay, which is struck by a surrounding fog on its 100th birthday. It is not taken seriously at first. But then it's no joke. A great build-up of suspense and horror backed up by an all-star cast and frightening music from good old Mr. Carpenter.

6) The Entity (1981)- Inspired by the real-life case of Doris Bither and based on the novel by Frank De Felitta, this is one of the more bizarre and very shocking ghost stories to appear over the years. Happily living her life with her three children, all is well with single mother Carla Moran until she is repeatedly beaten and raped by an unseen force over several nights. Psychologists can't understand what is happening, and Carla is slowly dismissed as insane. But you and I both know that an entity is attacking Carla, and the film is her struggle for survival and help. The ghostly rape scenes certainly aren't fun, but "The Entity" is a great and underrated movie that deserves more attention. Barbara Hershey is well-cast as Carla, and so is Ron Silver as Dr. Sneiderman.

7) The Amityville Horror (1979)- Another movie inspired by a true story, this film takes us to Amityville, Long Island, where George and Kathy Lutz and their three children move into the lovely 412 Ocean Avenue home. What begins as a dream come true turns into 28 days of horror. There are a couple of cheesy moments, but it's no doubt that "The Amityville Horror" is a classic haunted house movie due to its publicized story and several genuine creep-out moments.

8) The Sixth Sense (1999)- Dr. Malcolm is a child psychologist whose next patient is young Cole, who says he sees dead people. The bad news is he's right. More of a tragic ghost drama than a horror film, to me, "The Sixth Sense" was M. Night Shyamalan's breakout movie. It made Haley Joel Osment a star, and it gave us insight into why the ghosts in the film were there. Several moody and creepy moments highlight the film, especially young Osment in the red tent.

9) Paranormal Activity (2009)- Katie believes there is something in her and boyfriend Micah's new house. So Micah sets up a camera in their bedroom to film whatever happens when they sleep. The results will terrify you. Delayed for two years and finally demanded by moviegoers everywhere, this is a simple haunted house story that induces major goosebumps. Is "Paranormal Activity" for everyone? No. But for those who are into slow tension will love it. As the movie promises, it will make you afaid to go to sleep with the lights off for a long time.

10) Burnt Offerings (1976)- A super-simple "family rents house for the summer and finds that it's haunted" movie. But what makes it better than the PG-13 dreck you see nowadways are the subtle and quiet scares that build through the movie. The horror builds to a great sense of dread. Put together the star power of Karen Black, Oliver Reed, Bette Davis, Burgess Meredith, and Eileen Heckart, the direction of Dan Curtis(creator of the hit show "Dark Shadows"), and remarkable tension, and you get "Burnt Offerings." P.S. The devilish grin of The Chauffeur brings chills to the spine.

11) The Shining (1980)- Jack Nicholson with an axe. A large hotel. Some extremely frightening ghosts, including those damn twins. If you haven't seen Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece based on Stephen King's novel, watch it or be ashamed that you didn't.

Best Movies To Watch On Halloween Night!

As All Hallow's Eve 2010 approaches, I, HorrorMovieBuff, have decided to make another list. Put on that costume, pop that popcorn, and pig out on that awesome candy. These are the best movies to chill your spine on Halloween.

1) Halloween(1978)- Now, this one is a no-brainer. "Halloween" is a movie I watch constantly, whether it is or isn't October 31st. John Carpenter's classic tale tells the story of the masked murderer Michael Myers returning to Haddonfield to stalk Laurie Strode and her friends. Damn creepy, with a terrifying villain, a perfect music score, and flawless acting from Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, and the ensemble cast. I've said it enough. "Halloween" is THE horror film that will last forever.

2) The Exorcist(1973)- Okay. This is one of the scariest movies of all time, no doubt about it. William Friedkin directs this Satanic frightfest about a 12 year-old girl posessed by the devil and the priest and exorcist that try to save her soul. Not only unbearably eerie and shocking(Love that 360-degree head turn and Linda Blair's disgusting language), but also an intense drama that takes a look into the tragic and tortured life of the priest and the pain that he goes through. If you haven't seen "The Exorcist," then you're not even a horror fan. This is pure horror!

3) Psycho(1960)- Your mother would be ashamed of you(pun intended) if you didn't watch this classic. Alfred Hitchcock orchestrates one of the perfect and essential thrillers that will leave you terrified to take a shower.

4) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(1974)- It's so much more than just a slasher film. Director Tobe Hooper sparked his career with this truly disturbing horror film about five teens that come face to face with backwoods cannibals, led by chainsaw-wielding, skin-ripping Leatherface. Known for being the bloodiest movie of all time? I don't think so. Tobe Hooper lets your imagination go to work, which leads to the graphic thoughts that the movie will leave you with. Clasutrophobic, horrifying, and not fun at all. But it's definitely a classic!

5) A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)- Listen to the nursery rhyme, and then tell me that it doesn't creep you out: One, two, Freddy's coming for you. Three, four, better lock your door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again. Wes Craven's 80's horror masterpiece gives you good reason to not go to sleep.

6) The Omen(1976)- Another Satanic tale that is smart and eerie. Ambassador Robert Thorn adopts a baby in Rome after his wife, Katherine, has a miscarriage. The child seems to be doing well until he's 5 years old. After that, the Thorn family's life is all downhill from there. Do us all a favor: When you give birth and name the kid Damien, check his scalp for any signs of the Antichrist. P.S. "The Omen" has the best decapitation ever put on film.

7) Jaws(1975)- It's flawless! Perfect casting, perfect direction, and a horrifying and iconic musical score. Thank God that mechanical shark didn't work.

8) Rosemary's Baby(1968)- Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse buy a new apartment at the Bramford, which leads to all hell breaking loose. Mia Farrow's performance is amazing, showing emotions of paranoia, innocence, and fear. It's a classic film, period. The cradle still rocks.

9) Night of the Living Dead(1968)- Several people lock themselves into a halfway house that is soon to be surrounded by flesh-hungry ghouls. One of the first real zombie movies that, even though it was made on a low budget, still looks extremely well-made. George A. Romero offers up lots of social commentary that just make the movie more controversial and out there. "They're coming to get you, Barbara..."

10) Friday the 13th(1980)- The movie that invented the gory slasher genre that you see so often. Betsy Palmer is to die for as Mrs. Voorhees. Ch, ch, ch. Ah, ah, ah.

11) Child's Play(1988)- Tom Holland directs the story of Karen Barclay and her son Andy, a boy obsessed with Good Guy dolls. He owns the pajamas, the sneakers, all kinds of memorabilia. Andy's birthday is coming up, and Karen surprises her son with his very own Good Guy doll. His name is Chucky, and he swears that he and Andy will be "friends till the end." That is, until a person gets killed, and Andy becomes a suspect. But Karen knows who the real suspect is...Chucky. The doll is alive, and mighty pissed off! I know, I know. It sounds like an ultra-sleazy B-movie. But "Child's Play" is a very dark horror film with great acting, especially from Brad Dourif as the voice of Chucky, and one uber-creepy doll.

12) Scream(1996)- Scripted by Kevin Williamson and directed by master of fright Wes Craven, "Scream" is one of the perfect Halloween party movies. It offers up a healthy dosage of horror, comedy, and drama. A year after Sidney Campbell's mother has died, people begin to get phone calls from a serial killer, whose knowledge of horror movies is pretty diabolical. After one girl gets murdered, it becomes a game of cat and mouse for Sidney, the tabloid with a heart Gale Weathers, dumb but sweet Dewey Riley, and Sidney's friends from school. If you're a horror cinephile, get some friends together and have a ball with this nifty and clever horror classic that is filled to the brim with awesome movie references.

13) The Evil Dead(1981)- The ultimate "cabin in the woods/demon posession/slice and dice" flick. Watch it.

14) The Silence of the Lambs(1991)- FBI newbie Clarice Starling is assigned the case of capturing and killing serial killer Buffalo Bill. But first, she must get the info she needs from an intelligent madman(pun intended), Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter. The Academy Award-winning film is argued about whether or not it is a horror film. For me, it is. And it's a masterpiece. It builds slowly, but once you're 15 minutes in and you meet our good pal Hannibal Lecter, you'll be creeped out instantly. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are the perfect creepshow duo. And Ted Levine is so unbearably frightening as Buffalo Bill.

15) The Haunting(1963), Poltergeist(1982), and The Shining(1980)- I've publicized about these movies enough. They're three movies that will keep you up long after the night is over.

The Other: Subtle and Suspenseful Psychological Horror

"Holland...where is the baby?"
-Niles Perry, in a whisper

Some of the best horror films were from the 70's. Some of them were disturbing and weird, like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," while others were so suspenseful you could hardly bear it, like "Halloween." But there's a film from 1972 that is different from those..."The Other."

The story takes place during the Great Depression at Pequot Landing at a country-side house, home of the Perry family. Niles and Holland Perry are two twins that do everything together. But after cousin Russell dies, horrible accidents and problems plague the Perry family. Could Niles or Holland have something to do with it?

Directed by Robert Mulligan, director of "Summer of '42" and "To Kill A Mockingbird," has brought to us one of the creepiest psychological horror films of the 70's. It's probably the most psychological a horror film can get. The horror here is so subtle and quiet, it brings a chill up the spine.

The cast features famed stage actress Uta Hagen as Ada, Niles's grandmother. Hagen gives a radiant performance. Diana Muldaur plays Alexandra Perry, even though she is not in the movie much of the time. You'll even catch a young John Ritter in his first movie role. But the real show-stealers here are the Perry twins themselves, played by Chris and Martin Udvarnoky. They give awesome performances for the one time they ever made a movie. The character of Holland is an unnerving character, and Martin Udvarnoky fills the role with zest and frightening flavor.

"The Other" is based upon a novel by actor-turned writer Thomas Tryon. Tryon has written the script for the film version, and in a way, he improves upon his book. The movie is actually better for once in a long time.

If you're patient and you love slow-burn horror/thrillers of the 70's, take the chance and watch "The Other." You'll be glad you did. The whispering of the Perry twins will leave an imprint on you long after you've watched the movie.

Piranha 3D Is A Gleeful Fish Tale!

We've seen plenty of "Jaws" rip-offs in our heyday, maybe even too many. Joe Dante's 1978 answer to "Jaws," a movie called "Piranha," was a truly delightful cult classic with cheesy acting, hilarious special effects, and copious amounts of nudity. After the success of "My Bloody Valentine 3D," we now get another remake..."Piranha 3D!" Well, maybe I shouldn't call it a remake since it is very different from the original film. But what matters is that this film was a blast!

The plot's really cliched, but wonderfully executed. It is Spring Break in the small town of Lake Victoria, and the horny, drunken teenagers are flocking for the party. When an earthquake occurs, releasing hundreds of thousands of piranha from the unknown depths of the lake, Sheriff Julie Forester and her crew must fight to stop the danger that the teenagers are in.

If you remember the film "Snakes On A Plane," you'll remember that it was great because it didn't try to be something it wasn't. "Piranha 3D" is in the vein of that film. It knows what it's supposed to be, and that's probably why it works so well. It is made like a good, old-fashioned B-movie from the 80's, and is unapologetically gory, hilarious, and it offers the most nudity in a horror film in years.

I said it before. "Piranha 3D" is extremely violent, and it's not sorry for it. When the piranha attack, it's full-on and once the carnage starts, it never stops! It had more blood than "The Evil Dead," and "My Bloody Valentine" combined, and that's a rarity. The one sequence that you'll be anxious to see the most is the Spring Break massacre scene. It goes on for a long time, and the violent nature of it makes you squirm and laugh at the same time. For the gore-hounds who love their horror movies with lots of red stuff, you've hit the jackpot when you go to see this movie.

As many critics have said, there is so much nudity in "Piranha 3D" that it will knock a kid into puberty. I'm surprised that it got away with so many boob shots, especially in 3D. Wait until you see the "underwater ballet" sequence.

The cast is filled with A-list actors who know how to have a good time and not take a horror movie so seriously. Elisabeth Shue is great as Julie Forester. You wonder how in the world an Oscar-nominee like her got into this movie. But Ms. Shue knows how to have fun, and she gives a good performance in this movie. You will also catch Ving Rhames as the deputy, Adam Scott("Step Brothers") as Novak, Christopher Lloyd(a riot!) as Dr. Goodman, Steven R. McQueen as Jake, "Gossip Girl" Jessica Szohr as Kelly, and Jerry O' Connell as Derek Jones, the exploitative porno director who will stop at nothing to get his footage. And here's a surprise, a slut that you care about. British model Kelly Brook plays Danni, one of Derek's Wild, Wild Girls. There's the rule that if you drop your top in a horror movie, you're dead. Sure, Brook's character is a slut, but she is able to make a nice and innocent conversation with Jake in one scene, and she gains your sympathy quickly. Oops. Did I mention that Richard Dreyfuss opens the movie? God, I love his cameo! He literally plays the exact same character he played in Jaws, wearing the same outfit, singing the same song, and, in every sense of the quote, "needing a bigger boat."

For the first time in a while, the 3D is excellent. Now, this is what I expect from 3D. If you're going to make a movie about a school of carnivorous fish, I want the piranha flying in my face, gore in my face, boobs in my face, etc. The movie never shys away from the 3D gimmick, and I love it for that.

"Piranha 3D" is directed by French director Alexandre Aja, known best for directing "High Tension" and the remake of "The Hills Have Eyes." This film is extremely different for a person like him, knowing how disturbing and serious his previous horror films have been. Aja truly impressed me with this movie, giving so much energy and life to it.

Now, "Piranha 3D" is not for everyone. Many will think of it as the stupidest horror film in years. Not true. The movie is smarter than that, and is knowing of what its audience wants to see. If you want a horror film that will be remembered as THE definitive B-movie of the decade, then you've found it here. "Piranha 3D" is the most entertaining horror film of the year so far.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers: Is The Remake Better?

1956: the year of the pod people. That year, the film "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" was a huge hit. While goofy at times, it certainly sparked controversy and relation to Communism at the time. Then, there's 1978, 22 years later. And famed filmmaker Philip Kaufman revived the classic story for the modern 70's audience. Does the remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" work? Yes. In fact, I think it might work better than the original.

A group of people begin to discover weird changes in their surroundings, starting with Elizabeth Driscoll. Something's up with her boyfriend Geoffrey, and she doesn't know what it is. That's when a flower is introduced to health department investigator Matthew Bennell, Jack Bellicec and his wife Nancy, and famous Dr. David Kibner. It's a pod flower unlike anything that has ever been seen before. Then, everybody begins to change. Couples suspect their family or husband or wife of not being who they really are. Something terrible's going on in this town, and it's happening to everybody. They're here...and you're next!

I expected this remake to be a failure. Fortunately, it isn't. In my opinion, the original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is a good film, but it can't escape total silliness. That's not what I look for in a horror film, or at least a sci-fi horror. The remake of "Invasion" was everything the original wasn't. It trades in goofiness for straightforward chills. The sense that the Body Snatchers could be anybody, either your mother or father or best friend, brings extreme effect to the viewer. And there's plenty of scares and unnerving elements throughout the film to keep you attached to your seat.

A-list actors give amazing performances in this film. Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Veronica Cartwright and Jeff Goldblum play their parts so well, it's as if they're not even acting. They portray their characters as real people in a situation too terrifying to describe. And hooray for Leonard Nimoy, who finally steps out of his "Star Trek" roots. He can't be remembered as Spock for the rest of his life, and he proves that while playing Kibner.

The 1956 version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is reccomended. However, the 1978 remake is essential. It's scary, it's atmospheric, and most of all, effective. The sound that comes out of the pod people's mouth will remain embedded in your mind long after you watch the film.

Pet Sematary: Not Your Average Stephen King Movie

I've seen all of the Stephen King movies. Some are amazing, and some aren't. Personally, my favorite time of Stephen King was the 70's-80's era. That was when King films were scary and uncompromising. One of my favorites is 1989's "Pet Sematary," a film that is unlike any Stephen King movie out there.

Louis Creed, his wife Rachel, and their two children, Ellie and baby Gage, move to a house in Maine that brings on the idea of the American dream. But it's not at all what it's supposed to be, according to their friendly neighbor Jud Crandall. Beyond Louis and Rachel's house lies a path to the Pet Sematary, a graveyard filled with dead pets buried by broken-hearted children. After Rachel and the kids go on vacation, Louis faces a problem with the family cat, Church, after he is hit by a truck. Jud leads Louis to a farther path after the Pet Sematary, a path to an Indian burial ground. And before Louis knows it, Church comes back to life. And after the tragic death of Gage, Louis can't bear to live with his son's death anymore, and decides to bury him at the Pet Sematary. Bad idea.

Out of all the Stephen King movies, I think "Pet Sematary" is his darkest tale. It's a gritty, disturbing, violent, and unnerving film that is, at times, painful to watch. Not that it's a bad thing. This is a great horror film, through and through.

What does Jud mean when he says "Sometimes, dead is better?" When he says this, we understand that death is a powerful thing, something that we can all relate to. Months after Gage dies, Louis just refuses to let him go. He needs to realize that you can't bring people back to life. And if you do, you're taking things too far.

One of the scariest elements of the movie is what happens after the cat or the child is buried at the Pet Sematary. We think that Gage is happy when he comes back. But the truth is what comes out of the burial ground isn't Gage. It's something different and evil. As it is mentioned several times in the movie, "the barrier was not meant to be crossed."

The acting in this film is quite good. Dale Midkiff's performance as Louis is subtle and heartbreaking as you know that he can't comfort his daughter and he is slowly losing his mind after traveling to the Indian burial ground. "Star Trek" alumni Denise Crosby does well as Rachel. Gage's death brings on horrible memories from her childhood, mostly about her dying sister Zelda. You feel awful about what is happening to her, and you gain Crosby's sympathy instantly. Fred Gwynne's portrayal of Jud is a little bit goofy, but you gotta love him. I mean, he's Herman Munster. Let's talk about little Miko Hughes as Gage. He's just a baby in this film, and it's almost like he didn't need direction. That's how good he is in this movie. It still creeps me out when I hear him laugh.

George A. Romero was supposed to direct the film, but that job went to Mary Lambert, who I believe was a better decision. Many male viewers believe that women cannot direct horror films. But Lambert proves them wrong with intelligent direction and perfect understanding of the plot.

Will you be creeped out by this movie? Absolutely. Will you be grossed out? It's impossible not to be. But the gore is just the cherry on top for "Pet Sematary." This film is all about disturbing and scaring you. It's such a dark story and one of Stephen King's best. Everything about this movie, from the character of Zelda to Louis's loss of sanity, will scare you. And you will discover that sometimes, dead truly is better.