Film Review: PARANORMAL ENTITY

It's not really all that surprising that the huge financial success of last year's hit Paranormal Activity (2009) would spawn imitators of which this film Paranormal Entity is just one. It's title not only mimics the afore mentioned film but so does much of the story and even the marketing of the film (so if you accidentally picked this film up instead of the real deal don't be ashamed).

This film concerns the Finley family in which the son Thomas (Shane Van Dyke) who decides to document his family's paranormal dilemma with the home video cameras. It soon becomes very clear that there is something living in their home that is manipulating Thomas' mother and has great sexual overtones towards his sister. Not even leaving the home can save them as the demonic force follows them wherever they go. Soon it is made clear that if something isn't done soon then all of their lives will be in grave danger.

The film with its shot on video aesthetic works for the story for the most part. There are multiple cameras used as Thomas has set up cameras in each of the family's main rooms but like most films of this type there is a lot of setup before the real demonic presence is released.

I actually enjoyed the film despite its many similarities to Paranormal Activity. I like this genre of film where style becomes part of the character in the story and not just a means for the filmmakers to show off. Written and directed by Van Dyke the film actually comes off as a nice companion film to its predecessor but may be too similar for huge fans of the original.

If you're looking for a film to break new ground this is not it but if you want to watch a fun and entertaining film then this is perfectly suitable as the cast is very likable and the film never tries to be too overly serious.