Sometimes a film gets released to the press the day before it opens.  And during those times, I feel like I’m doing a disservice by simply cranking out a review at 11:59 (what?  That’s a good Blondie song.  Check yourself.)  And yes, I understand that most folks consider all of my reviews a disservice, but roll with me for a sec.

Tonight I’ve decided to do something a little different.  A question and answer session about the newest film in the Paranormal Activity franchise — wait for it — Paranormal Activity 4.  I’ll be asking the questions the typical moviegoer may ask (at least the typical moviegoer I always end up sitting in front of in the multiplex), and I’ll answer with just as much respect.  Onward!

Q: Paranormal Activity 4?  Srsly?
A:  Yes.  Seriously.

Q: But didn’t they do a hundred of them already?
A: No they didn’t.  Paranormal Activity 4 means that they’ve only done 3 prior to this one: PA parts 1  , 2  and 3.  Simple math.  And thank you for your question, Congressman Ryan.

Q: So what, is it scary or something?
A: Yes, it’s scary, and something.  It’s an interesting….

Q: Hah — you said “interesting’!  That’s critic-speak for it sucks.  I could totally do your job.
A: Well, it’s not the best entry in the series (my personal fave is PA2), but it holds up well against the first three that went before.  This go-round the film’s story feels a bit “been there, done that’.  However, the use of Skype, iPhones and laptop cameras makes the found-footage genre-that-is-fast-becoming-a-cliche feel fresh.  Not fresh enough for me to highly recommend it, but good for a thumbs-up to people looking for Halloween hijinks.  Oh, and there are a couple of really cool effects that made me sit up and take notice, nice breaks between trudging through ’til the groovy final minutes.

And yeah, you could probably do my job; the pay is awesome btw.  YOLO!

Q:  Who gets killed this time?
A:  You mean what’s the story about this go-round?  In Paranormal Activity 4, the story focuses on a family that happens to live across from good ol’ Aunt Katie and her “little boy”.  It’s been 5 years since she killed her sis Kristi (could they at least have given these girls names that aren’t so damn homonymic?) and walked away with Kristi’s son Hunter.  When Katie ends up in the hospital for a few days, the nice neighbors take in little “Robbie” for a few days.  Hilarity ensues.

Q: So, they all die, right?
A:  Glad to see that everyone’s up for high art.  And no, I’m not telling you the ending.  But if you’ve seen the first three films you can pretty much guess what happens.

Q: I knew it!  But if it’s the same thing, why see this one?  Any particularly gruesome deaths that would be cool to check out on the big screen?
A: Yeah, it’s more of the same.  And it even feels like the film itself is getting sick of telling this story.  But then at the last 20 minutes things start to heat up.  You have an idea of what’s going to happen, but there are a few delightful curve balls.  There’s also great use of new technology, like the Kinect sensors, that give this installment a “focus or you’ll miss it” feel.

Q: So what you’re saying is that it’s old cow.
A: Pretty much.

Q: Will we get to see Kristi & Dan, or Julie & Dennis?
A: No.  They’re still dead, and they continue to be dead in this one.

Q: Is there any gore?
A: Not really; did you think the first three were gory? Then you will/won’t think this one is.

Q: So…tell me again why I should see this?
A:  If you’re a horror junkie, someone who wants a Halloween treat, or a completist that is dying to know where the PA mythos is headed, by all means.  Folks that haven’t seen the first three films, or who are sick of found-footage, should probably not bother.

Q: Speaking of the continuing story, any more info on why this is all happening to the family of Katie & Kristi?
A:  There’s a hint here and there, but nothing definitive.  Real PA mythology addicts — and anyone who loves a good after-credits scene — should stick around for the credits to unspool.  There’s an interesting tidbit afterwards that sets up the next movie nicely.  And you know there’ll be a next movie.  (However, you may want to dust off your High School Spanish.  Just sayin’.)

Q:  Any nekkid in this movie?
A:  Oh for cryin’ out Pete.  And no.  You can get that free on the internet, kid.

So, to wrap it up, Paranormal Activity 4 is more of the same, and that wears a bit during the first half of the film.  But with fresh takes on new technology and hints of answers-yet-to-come, it’s a definite go-see for all Paranormal Activity fans.  Anyone else?  Hey, it’s Halloween month.  You could do worse; the Netflix Instant Streaming queue is full of films that make this look like Shakespeare.