Paranormal Activity 4

The Paranormal Activity series hits the wall hard with this ineffectual and frequently interminable entry, as filmmakers Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman follow the franchise’s established formula to an almost unconscionable degree – with the familiarity of the narrative exacerbated by an excessively deliberate pace and a complete lack of tension. The storyline, which predictably details the exploits of a random (and hopelessly bland) family that begins experiencing spooky happenings, doesn’t progress the overall mythology of the series one iota, and it’s clear that the entire movie, scripted by Christopher Landon, could’ve been condensed into a five minute prologue in front of an actual sequel. (It’s rather telling that the only wholeheartedly entertaining portion of Paranormal Activity 4 is its action-packed and refreshingly over-the-top final stretch.) And because the novelty of the franchise’s modus operandi has long since worn off, the film’s creepier moments, for the most part, are unable to pack the visceral punch that one might’ve anticipated (eg people levitating, swinging chandeliers, random jump scares, etc; it’s all stuff we’ve seen countless times in the first three installments). Joost and Schulman’s dogged insistence on maintaining the status quo ultimately confirms Paranormal Activity 4‘s place as a seriously superfluous piece of work, and one can only hope that the series finally moves in a new direction – perhaps the direction promised by the climax of both Paranormal Activity 3 and 4 – that jolts this franchise out of its palpable doldrums.

*1/2 out of ****