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myspark1
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- Review count2
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- First reviewOctober 22, 2010
- Last reviewJune 3, 2011
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating5
myspark1's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
First Class all the way
PostedJune 3, 2011
myspark1
from Sahuarita, AZ
Outside of the creative freedom for storytelling that a prequel/reboot gives the writers - the rather apocalyptic events of the third X-Men movie did not lend themselves easily to continuation - there is a real brilliance at work here in establishing the basic origins and conflicts of the main characters. In getting to see what really "creates" one of the main antagonists, for example, we can easily identify with the character's pain, and therefore his motivations. He becomes more readily identifiable and less two-dimensional; and, while the character is smart enough and has the perception to recognize himself as being "Frankenstein's Monster", it is our cue to understand that he is not by nature Evil, but rather someone who has been shaped that way....*very* Operatic stuff. The movie consistently works on two levels throughout: one can let it wash over his- or herself as a valid and exciting summer blockbuster - and it is most surely that, rousing, cinematic and well-staged - or one can take a deeper look at the characters and the events and perceptions that are shaping them. Great, great stuff, and easily the best film in this series. High marks for production design, as well, for getting so much period detail (costume, color, credit design, even prevailing norms in female forms!) correct. I could not have enjoyed this movie more and would not change a thing about it. Can't wait for more from this production team.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
A Worthy Addition
PostedOctober 22, 2010
myspark1
from Sahuarita, AZ
I'll open by saying that I was one of those who really, really loved PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. I thought that it used its set-up, underlying tension, sub-sonic sound effects & few physical/in-camera scares to great effect. If you are *not* of the "less is more" philosophy when it comes to horror movies, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and this new prequel/sequel/extension are probably not for you. While there is a bit more going on in Part 2, the filmmakers have hardly sold the farm and abandoned the formula that worked so well last time. We get a great deal of set up, some character interaction, and then the verite fun begins - again.
As I hinted at above, this new movie is not so much a sequel to the first as an expansion of those events, albeit at a different locale and with (mostly) different faces on hand. To talk about the plot and personages would be to give away too much. Safe to say that themes include the seeming endlessness of evil acts (or the price to pay for same), as well as a small exploration of just how far people are willing to go to protect their family. All that is "recorded" here prefigures, is concurrent with, and lastly, provides a coda to the first film. Sit down with the first film again to refamiliarize yourself with its nuances and story before watching PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 - we saw it as part of a double-feature, and it was perfect in that format.
If you can go in without expecting CGI to fill in the blanks in your imagination, this is a darn good movie. If not - well, CASE 39, DEVIL, SAW, etc. are available.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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