Technical
Assessment :
2
Moral
Assessment :
1.5
Rating :
V18
Paranormal Activity 4 is set five years after the original film ended when the demonic possessed
Katie and her sister’s son Hunter have gone missing after the brutal murder of his
parents. This time the events are recorded via modern portable technology which
makes it more logical for the supposed continuous filming of events.
Alex’s (Kathryn Newton) mother, Holly (Alexondra Lee)
has just decided to be a good Samaritan and look after the neighbor’s 5-year
old son Robbie, when his mother was taken to the hospital. During this time,
Alex notices weird and creepy incidents involving Robbie and her younger
brother Wyatt and records them in their laptop. Later Alex discovers Robbie’s
mother is at home and Wyatt is heard to be talking to invisible figures
insisting his name is not Hunter. However, the demonic hunting continues until
Wyatt is possessed by an evil spirit and Katie returns to brutally kill his
parents and Ben. At the end of the
film, a stunned and scared Alex is swarmed by Katie and a group of women, in
reference to the original film’s witch’s cult.
The franchise, although retaining its
reality-based attraction, has worn off its appeal with a very thin plot and
mediocre directorial interpretation. The special effects are as clichéd as the
storyline. It relies more on scare tactics rather than on solid storytelling to
justify its horror-suspense moments.
The sequel does nothing to build on the core storyline of the franchise,
neither does it have independence to be understood on its own. Performances are
weak and unconvincing. Over-all, the movie is just an unsuccessful attempt to
cash out on its predecessors’ success. Perhaps only the die-hard fans of the Paranormal movie series would find this
one worth the admission price.
Good versus evil and again the good innocent ones
are helplessly tossed aside and killed. Although the Church recognizes demonic
possessions are paranormal occurrences, it cannot be said that these are beyond
Divine intervention. What continuously triggers the demon-possessed Katie to
kill people is not logically explained.
Another disturbing idea in this film is the fact that Alex’s parents
were brutally murdered after being gracious and charitable to their neighbor.
In a way, it might reinforce the idea that charity may be rewarded with evil
and therefore should be exercised selectively.
The movie is too violent for young audiences. Theme,
language and treatment are inappropriate even for adults. Nothing can be gained
from watching this film.
