Abnormally Great

Not since the Blair Witch Project has a horror flick been marketed as ingeniously as Paranormal Activity. Released nationwide this weekend, solely because of online demand from fans, Paranormal Activity is making a killing at the box office -- already grossing more than 1,800 times its paltry $11,000 budget. The film's styling and tone draw obvious and warranted comparisons to Blair Witch, but Paranormal Activity is far to superior to its 10-year-old predecessor.

The two-hour fright fest is set exclusively in the San Diego home of Micah Sloat and Katie Featherston. The movie begins with Micah purchasing an upscale video camera, so he can record the noises and sounds that Katie claims have haunted her since age eight. The scares start slowly, but they build as Micah ignores Katie's fears and encourages the supernatural happenings.

Some will say that the film's pacing is too slow, but that's what makes it so great. Paranormal Activity draws you in as you begin to understand Katie and Micah's relationship. Once the film has you hooked, it preys on your instinctual fears and vulnerabilities, making the fear that much more palatable.

Like summer hits District 9 and (500) Days of Summer, Paranormal Activity is one of the recent quality films, made on a modest budget, that has deservedly struck gold at the box office. If anything, Paranormal Activity proves that horror films can scare up a whole lot of dough, without all the blood and guts.

Grade: A-