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Way TOO similar to Paranormal Activity movies?

posted 9 years ago by gml_bcn
5 replies | jump to latest

Am I the only one that thought I was watching nothing but a different perspective of Paranormal Activity? Like they didn't even make a single effort and just filmed the same movie again? I do know it's the same creators, but doesn't that make it even more sad?

Let's see: Spirit chasing family member since a kid, he's still there no matter where they live, they live in a huge house with two floors, have a baby who is the first victim (and how they find out), similar photography and family characters, there's something hiding in the attic, they get help from technology that comes from the outside... Even the first house architecture is practically the same, at least on the 2nd floor.

Story full of cliches, I felt like I was watching Paranormal Activity again, maybe blended with The Orphanage and some 80s horror movies (because of when the dad goes soul traveling to his "hell" with red lights and frozen scenes, only needed some puppets with sharp teeth and mutant faces chasing him to make it 100% eighties).

I got disappointed in the middle of the film and started getting distracted, but decided to give it a chance and enjoy the creepy scenes (which were nothing but distorted music and jump scares). I have to say that I did like the ending though.

5/10

[–] resmat-1 9 years ago

You're comparing two films that are both full of cliches. Paranormal Activity only felt fresh because of its realistic use of the found footage approach and Insidious only felt fresh because of its stylish and effective blending of old ideas. Neither of them derived freshness from having a completely original story.

have a baby who is the first victim (and how they find out)

Correct me if I'm wrong but the baby only appears in Paranormal Activity 2 and Paranormal Activity 2 and Insidious were both filmed around the same time in 2010, so there's obviously no direct copying. More importantly though, putting children in jeopardy has been a staple of horror for decades because, well... it works.

similar photography

If by that you mean cinematography, I'd have to disagree.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] americanadian25 9 years ago

This film borrows more from Poltergeist than it does Paranormal Activity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVauip2djLw

[–] jpowers4667 9 years ago

I would compare PA's cinematography to Blair Witch, Cloverfield, or any found footage movie ever. Insidious actually had pretty great cinematography with 70's inspired zooms for dramatic effect. Taking inspiration from an older generation of horror films was prevalent in more ways than one.

Either way, this is comparing apples to oranges. It's like saying Halloween is the exact same movie as Nightmare on Elm Street because there's a supernatural boogeyman killing off teens. PA is demonic possession and Insidious is spiritual, induced by astral projection...which I think is a somewhat "fresh" approach.

[–] kmags84 9 years ago

Wan has really nailed down his craft for WHAT he does. You see it here and especially in The Conjuring. I love his shots through multiple doorways lined up. He slowly zooms in, your POV follows the camera, it builds the suspense and really gets you into the scene.