14 DAY TRIAL // Last year saw the theatrical release of a low-budget film that would go on to write (horror) history. “Paranormal Activity,” a faux-documentary-style movie that had already been in the festival circuit for a couple of years, was picked up for distribution by Paramount Pictures and, with the help of smart marketing by traditional word of mouth (via horror communities online), turned into a blockbuster. The sequel drops this Halloween – and fans already have a teaser for it.
“Paranormal Activity” told the story of two lovers who lived in a haunted house and decided to buy a camera to record the strange happenings that only took place at night. The film had three separate endings, one of them being made specifically by Paramount order in case the production was a hit and audiences asked for a sequel. As expected, this turned out to be the case: “Paramount Activity 2” arrives in theaters this Halloween and will again go neck and neck against the next installment in the “Saw” franchise.
Judging by the first teaser trailer, which was premiered before midnight screenings of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” the upcoming flick maintains the eerie factor, even if camerawork is now very different. There isn’t a single, man-handled camera anymore, but an entire surveillance system placed around the house, which will, of course, enable viewers to see what happens in other rooms as well. There is also a baby involved and – good news to fans of the first film – Katie seems to be back, though in a slightly different shape than before.
One particular detail that horror fans have already picked on is the fact that, in one scene in the trailer, the baby is in the crib, with its reflection seen clearly in the mirror. In the next shot, which sees Katie (presumably) standing in the doorway, the baby is no longer in its crib, but it still can be seen in the mirror. The dog that seemed to be watching over it is also gone. Audiences found this trailer so scary that they actually complained to theater bosses and some chains had to pull it from the big screen, Variety reports.
“Cinemark is pulling the trailer for Paramount’s ‘Paranormal Activity 2’ from several theaters in Texas after receiving numerous complaints that the promo was too frightening. Trailer debuted during midnight runs of Summit Entertainment’s ‘Eclipse.’ Cinemark has told Paramount it could pull the trailer from more theaters as ‘Eclipse’ opens nationwide today, should there be additional complaints,” the movie publication writes.
Below is the teaser for “PA 2” – see for yourself what the fuss is all about and, as usual, enjoy.