Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
Jeffery Higa
Executive Director, Hawaii’s Plantation Village and The Haunted Plantation
Where and with whom did you see the movie? Given the reputation of the Paranormal Activity films, everyone was too scared to come with me. I had to watch this film alone, which I don’t recommend.
Overall, what did you think? It was better than I thought it would be. Also, it was intentionally humorous at times, although it seemed like I was the only one laughing. Even though it ends up like you’d expect, they draw out the story pretty well with punctuated surprises.
Without giving away the ending, what was one of your favorite scenes? My favorite scenes are always the ones that surprise me. In one scene, after a typical horror movie trope, a person who you wouldn’t expect was revealed. Everyone in the audience gasped. That, and the possessed Simon (electronic) game.
On a scale of one to four stars, what would you rate this film? ★★★ Better than the more recent Paranormal Activity films, but not as good as the original.
What did you think of the cinematography? Truthfully, the “found footage” genre is supposed to look like a handheld camera. Sometimes the shakiness of the camera was a distraction, and occasionally I wished the camera would be more steady.
Was the message/theme clear? Theme? There are themes in horror movies? The message for all horror movies should be: Don’t go down into the basement alone, look behind you and curiosity (literally) kills the cat.
Did it remind you of any other works of film? It reminded me of the Blair Witch Project, The Last Exorcism and the first two Paranormal Activity films.
To whom would you recommend this movie? Horror fans who like the Last Exorcism or the first couple of Paranormal Activity films.
Did any of the actors stand out? The cast is almost entirely Hispanic. I liked that it portrayed Hispanic kids and young adults as normal American kids rather than all gang members or illegal aliens or something stereotypical like that.
Did you identify with any of the characters? It’s sort of a “bro” buddy film, so as a dude, I could relate to all of the actions that the young men were taking – even some of the stupid and cruel things they did in the early part of the film.
Did the soundtrack contribute significantly to the film? Ha! I didn’t notice the soundtrack. The groans, screams and gasps from the audience were what I really noticed.
Would you buy this movie when it comes out on DVD? I don’t buy DVDs, but I would certainly stream it on Netflix or Amazon to watch again.
What’s your favorite movie snack? Is there another answer other than popcorn?
On a different note, what’s new with you? Last year, 2013, was Haunted Plantation’s biggest year ever! Haunted Plantation 2014 is promising to be even better. We’ve toured the U.S. visiting other haunted attractions and have many new things in store for this Halloween.
Look for a Ghost Story tour in the summer as a prelude to our 2014 haunted events.
