coldstick

*Very Minor Spoilers* I've seen a lot of controversial movies, including films from the darkest recesses of France and Japan. It takes a lot, and I mean a LOT to shock me. So let's cut to the chase: A Serbian Film is the most shocking I've seen to date and lives up to every inch of the hype. It makes Eli Roth's films look like Disney animated musicals in comparison, and will WRECK any viewer who is even the slightest bit sensitive to violence and/or rape. (Consider yourself warned!) Having said that, the film is more than just shock value. It is satirical, well acted and competently directed, not lazy or cheap looking at all.

Not recommended for the average Joe, but highly recommended for horror buffs.

Yes, the visuals in Avatar are awesome. I saw it in 3-D and agree that it looks amazing.

Unfortunately, it still isn't that great. In fact, it's the most over-hyped and overrated movie of the year. Anyone wanting more than special effects (intelligence? god forbid) is not going to have fun at this movie. I suspect that the more movies you've seen, the less Avatar will impress you. Of course, even the critics (inexplicably) think this is the greatest thing since canned spam, so perhaps I'm wrong.

The biggest problem with Avatar is that its story is mind-numbingly generic, mediocre, unoriginal, predictable pap. It's Ferngully with better special effects. There weren't any twists or surprises here to engage or interest me in the slightest, which made for a dull and sometimes extremely boring film. The film's fans claim that "every story has already been told" and therefore we shouldn't criticize it. But that's nonsense. If no new film ever had any suspense, people would quickly stop watching them.

And then there's the running time. At 80 minutes, Avatar might have been tolerable. At 162, it's an endurance test. Especially with the lame characters and recycled story.

Honestly, I don't think I could even sit through this bore a second time.

*Very mild spoilers* Let's get a few things out of the way. First and foremost, this is not really a movie designed for mainstream audiences--I predict it will disappoint many (or even most) of those going to see it. If you are unable to tolerate anything other than the conventional Jerry Bruckheimer type film with digital monsters, gore, etc. then save yourself the trouble and stay at home. If you're planning on seeing this, you probably have at least some idea of what this film is like (Blair Witch + haunted house). Needless to say, it is foolish to pay to see a movie you already know you will hate.

Nonetheless, Paranormal Activity is a definite success as far as I'm concerned. The characters are totally believable, the build-up is excellent, and the pacing is perfect. Whether or not it will make you "jump" in your seat depends on how well you take horror films. I almost never jump in my seat (this film included), but was still able to appreciate the suspense and sense of dread created by the "night" scenes. When I was 12 years old or so, I was scared to death of being home alone in my house, especially at night. Every small creak in the floor boards meant that a possible stranger was there, in my mind. Obviously, I've long since grown out of that mindset, but PA helped bring it back a bit! The movie isn't so much "scary" as it is just plain creepy. I'm glad they went with the "demon" angle, because a ghost just wouldn't have been as eerie.

If there's any downside to the movie, it's that it ends somewhat abruptly (perhaps just a hair more information would have made it more satisfying) and feels a little short.

Aside from that, I greatly enjoyed the film and am not sure how much more I can write about it without giving stuff away. If it sounds like your cup of tea, give it a go!