Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critics What's this?

User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 199 Ratings

  • Starring: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat, Molly Ephraim
  • Summary: After experiencing what they think are a series of "break-ins", a family sets up security cameras around their home, only to realize that the events unfolding before them are more sinister than they seem.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 23
  2. Negative: 2 out of 23
  1. Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    Oct 21, 2010
    83
    Even when nothing is happening, the often dead-silent shots tend to grow scarier the more you look at them.
  2. Reviewed by: Bill Goodykoontz
    Oct 22, 2010
    80
    It delivers its considerable moments of terror in the same way the original film did. But it does deliver.
  3. Reviewed by: Mary Pols
    Oct 23, 2010
    60
    Unlike the original, Paranormal Activity 2's pacing is uneven; it builds slowly and effectively before rushing too quickly, and at one point not particularly coherently, through the climax. But the jolts, when they come, are bigger, causing actual physical thrills and chills, at least for me.
  4. Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    Oct 22, 2010
    38
    An efficient delivery system for Gotcha! Moments, of which it has about 19. Audiences who want to be Gotchaed will enjoy it.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 83
  2. Negative: 23 out of 83
  1. Absolutely terrifying. At first I was a bit uneasy, as the first half of the movie is very slow to get into anything, but as soon as things started happening, it was incredibly frightening. There are elements from the first movie tied into it, as well, which was nice to see; they expand upon the first film, even tie up loose ends we were left with. My only critique: will not do well in a household setting, just like its predecessor. You MUST see this film in theaters. Go. Right now. I don't care if you're at work/school/prison. Right now. And I'll know if you didn't go! o_o Expand
  2. This movie is an example of how a low budget film can acheive some glory.
    It takes a little bit to get started, but by the end I was watching
    every door and shadow with horror.
    Enjoyable for fans of The Blair Witch project
    Expand
  3. The first Paranormal was a unique idea blended in with some hilarious acting and mystical elements. Sadly, most people knew what to expect from the prequel; and that's its biggest problem. It still manages to add some contingent scares, but it's not nearly as enthralling as last years surprise. Collapse
  4. 0
    **** An evil ghost that harasses families-Paranormal Activity 1 and 2 in a nutshell.

See all 83 User Reviews