As the series of Paranormal Activity movies continues, this current incarnation is more of a spin-off. Although still in the form of a ‘found footage’ film, events are not contained to one set location, nor are the contained to one family or group.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones follows Jesse as he begins to experience a number of strange, seemingly supernatural incidents. He investigates further, finding himself possessed by a malevolent entity that is now putting his family, friends and neighbours at risk.
The film feels as if it is trying too hard to capture the fear of unknown supernatural powers of the first film, and although there are several scenes designed to frighten, they feel very formulaic and thus fail at their purpose.
Fans of the series will no doubt flock to see this, as it does indeed change things up as far as prey for evil entities goes, but could also lose fans through such as change as well.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones is a found footage horror, with mediocre scares, likely to appeal to fans of the series alone. It opens 24 January 2014 in South African cinemas.