MovieChat Forums > Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014) Discussion > Was a refreshing change from the last tw...

Was a refreshing change from the last two PA films......

posted 11 years ago by moviefool09
11 replies | jump to latest

I thought it was really smart and original to depict a low-income Latino family as the centerpiece of this film, a demographic you don't see very often at the movies. That, alone, made this a unique shift in the series.

Thought the first 45 min. or so were very strong. I even found the "Simon Says" electronic toy to contribute a creepy moment or two, although some obviously find it unintentionally funny. I think those moments have what the *best* parts of the Paranormal Activity series strive to be: low-key, creepy, without any effects, mostly left to the imagination.

The last part of the film gets very silly and it loses a lot of its suspense. A shame, since it started off very promisingly.

"You're telling me the future is video and not film?"

[–] tkip19 11 years ago

Pure garbage, this latest installment. Can't believe how this series has become campy and repetitive. And they ruined the ending of PA1 by using this silly time travel angle so that we see Hector in their kitchen.

[–] moviefool09 11 years ago

On the contrary, this is the first PA film since the first to have some sort of originality and a break from the norm. However, agreed that the ending of this one is dreadful and does disrespect the ending of PA1 as well, in doing so.

"You're telling me the future is video and not film?"

[–] jl-riley 11 years ago

Ignore the haters.

When I saw this movie I wasn't expecting it to be better than it's predecessors and wasn't discouraged from the low IMDB rating. I just took it for what it was. The moment you start nitpicking and looking for reasons to hate it while watching is when you lose enjoyment. I actually found it more creepy than the 3rd and 4th PA. I also like how they chose not to shoot 90% of the movie indoors filming a lot of scenes away from the apartment complex.

''If it bleeds, we can kill it.''

[–] fakeslashdash6 11 years ago

If you enjoyed it that's great for you.
Personally I fell asleep. I mean that literally, I actually had to rewind it because I realized I fell asleep and wanted to see if I missed anything (I didn't)

I loved the previous movies (last one a bit less) but the main thing that's great about them is that feeling of suspense. If you don't focus entirely on the film, you'll miss all those tiny little things (objects moving, wind blowing, etc)

This movie? None of it what so ever.
The shaky cam was annoying in fact it reminded me a lot more of other movies like Grave Encounters or Chronicle (hated both) and that includes the cheap and horrible special effects. Like what the heck was the deal with him suddenly appearing flying in the middle of the room?

And Time Travel?!? Seriously?

[–] jl-riley 11 years ago

Is there anything about the actual story you disliked? You've commented on the visuals, effects and shaky cam but nothing on the actual story.

''If it bleeds, we can kill it.''

[–] moviefool09 11 years ago

Jl-riley, couldn't have said it better myself. You kinda have to "go with it" on a film like this and enjoy it for what it is. If you're expecting an Oscar-caliber film, you'll be disappointed.

I think this PA installment achieved its goal, at least for me. I found the setting and characters to be very unique this time around and I found myself more fascinated in their family dynamic and the goals of the kids. What lead the valedictorian to rise above his humble upbringing, etc? How has he remained friends with the other kids? Now, throw all these kids in the middle of this creepy story and it becomes even more interesting. I agree with you that having many of the scenes set outside was a nice change from past PA films. In these films, there's a certain safety in being outside and I thought it was interesting how the danger outside still exists (gang members, etc). These kids face danger no matter where they go, because of the circumstances and neighborhood they live in.

Just a subtle thing that many might not have picked up on.

"You're telling me the future is video and not film?"

[–] jl-riley 11 years ago

Yep, I love movies that pull you into a false sense of security where the characters are away from the haunted house and out in a crowded place.

A good example is in the end of the 1st segment in V/H/S where the guy is running out the room from the big eyed lady, runs outside towards people but doesn't get very far.

''If it bleeds, we can kill it.''

[–] moviefool09 11 years ago

Do you recommend V/H/S? I read about it but have never seen it.

"You're telling me the future is video and not film?"

[–] jl-riley 11 years ago

Yes if you like PA and Grave Encounters you'll love V/H/S. The 2nd one is worth a watch too.

''If it bleeds, we can kill it.''

[–] moviefool09 11 years ago

Thanks for the recommendations!

"You're telling me the future is video and not film?"

[–] 11 years ago

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