We’re getting pounded with a snowstorm in Colorado right now and I escaped today for a couple of hours to go and see the top movie at the box office this week, Paranormal Activity at the AMC theater in Highlands Ranch, CO. There were three other people in the theater with me, so I wasn’t completely alone for this film. Not that it would matter, but in case you were wondering. The Fandango website at Paranormal Activity describes the movie as follows:

“A haunted house makes no secret of the fact it’s not pleased with its new tenants in this independent tale of supernatural horror. Katie (Katie Featherson) and Micah (Micah Sloat) are a twentysomething couple who’ve just moved into a new home in San Diego, CA. Katie has an interest in the paranormal and believes that malevolent spirits have been following her since childhood, though Micah is not so easily convinced. However, after several nights of loud noises and strange happenings, Micah starts to agree with Katie that some sort of ghost may have followed them to the new home…”

The Review
Paranormal Activity is a mockumentary as they call it, which is a film like The Blair Witch Project where amateur film makers try to capture real life events with their video camera. Paranormal Activity touts itself as being a true story about a demon that is haunting a girl and her boyfriend. It even opens up by thanking the family and the San Diego Police Department and ends talking about the police related to the ending of the film.

I think that’s what made this film scary for people because you actually believe that the movie is a true story, like The Blair Witch Project. It’s also why many people didn’t like the film though because when they find out that it’s not true it ticks you off that you’ve been duped into believing it to be true. Nobody likes to be lied to and I think that’s the main problem with this film because it really looks like it’s a true story and it’s done extremely well.

In fact, a friend of mine called me and said, “John, you have to go and see this film. It’s super scary.” Of course, for this person and myself there is a much larger reason for this film to be scary than most people because we have both had real-life experiences with the supernatural. In particular, we have both had encounters with wicked and evil spirits.

Getting back to the film though, I liked it, even though it wasn’t a true story. The language was really bad and when the guy started taking God’s name in vain, you knew it wasn’t going to end well for him. I thought that it accurately conveyed the dangers of playing with the supernatural, especially antagonizing and communicating with the demonic.

I have met a number of people in the Occult (hidden knowledge) over the years, read their articles or heard them speak, who are deceived into believing that they are communicating with “Spiritual Masters”, “entities”, “aliens”, “ghosts” and other familiar spirits, often using a spirit board, while failing to realize that the Devil and his horde are the Masters of Deception. Many people involved in the occult will emphatically claim, “A spirit board will not bring evil spirits!”, but when you probe a little deeper they will say, “Well, unless of course, you really believe that they will…”.

The Dark can make people believe they’re talking with a dead family member, friend, ghost, etc. when they are really communicating or entertaining a demon. Demons are more than willing to let you believe a lie and mess with your theology. Many of these same people will believe in aliens, ghosts and entities, but completely discount demons – go figure.

The film had a little bit more of an impact for me and my friend than most people based on our personal life experiences. I have to recommend it, if you’re up for a scary movie. Partly because I think it shows how “modern man” can easily dismiss the supernatural or think that they are above such primitive beliefs, and in this case, to their own peril. However, be forewarned that the language is bad.

It’s boring at times and it has the “reality” show feel that will frustrate a number of viewers. It’s not for everyone for sure, but it did $22 million at the box office, so apparently quite a few people liked it. By the way, if you want to read a wild story about a former Marine’s experience with messing around with a ouija board, click here.
John – *** Worth The Trip
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Auto Consultant – John Boyd: The Cool Car Guy

John is an auto consultant with JFR & Associates in Denver, Colorado. Find his consignments at CoolCarGuy.com. He can help you save time and money on any make or model, new or used, lease or purchase – nationwide! Call or email John about your next vehicle! jboyd@coolcarguy.com

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