Wednesday, October 28, 2009

It's Not a Ghost....(An Admonition on Paranormal Activity)

I will do my best not to spoil too much of the movie, but I will be fair in warning all who read this: This post will probably contain spoilers. This IS NOT a traditional movie review. I am going tell you all about my experience with the movie Paranormal Activity. Some of you have asked for my thoughts because you’re not going to see the movie anyway. But for those who do not want the movie spoiled, stop reading HERE.

The movie Paranormal Activity follows Micah and Katie, a couple who are “engaged to be engaged.” Micah buys a video camera after Katie insists that there is something has followed her into their San Diego home. From there, the movie progresses, ending in the untimely death of Micah and the disappearance of Katie.

This movie has HIGH potential to carry with it a demonic force. In case you haven’t guessed, the house isn’t haunted; Katie is. You learn throughout the movie that the visitations by this demon (as defined in the movie by the psychic, Dr. Fredrichs) started when Katie was eight years old. For me, this was the first sign that she was possessed by a demon. More events occur, furthering that assumption. This movie is disturbing in that it takes place inside a normal home, in a couple’s bedroom. So, the safety of the sheets is destroyed in the fact that the demon invades the room on a nightly basis, and even goes so far as to drag Katie out of the bed and down their dark hallway.

As most of you know, I am a Christian. I do my best to view everything through the lens of Christ. I am NOT, however, about to tell you not to watch this movie, for I went to this movie with intentions of research (I wanted to see how it played in to my theories on demons and haunting, which I will share at a later date). I do, however, discourage seeing it. There is some speculation about its authenticity. Is it real, or not. Well, it is most certainly NOT REAL. The whole movie was unscripted and made to look as authentic as possible. All occurrences in the movie (footsteps, loud noises, growls, etc.) were based on actual documented events that have transpired in real life, thus enhancing the authentic feel of the film. 1

Even though it was fiction, three people that attended the 9:45 showing of Paranormal Activity with me emerged from that showing feeling cold on the inside and crying. I felt an assault on my own spirit, as well as a general concentration of violence and an abnormal presence of fear. This movie was handed to Steven Spielberg, and though he is the one who modified the ending, he claimed that the movie itself was haunted.2

You may go to this movie, and walk out laughing because you thought the acting was atrocious and the budget was too low. Or, you may emerge disturbed, frightened, and feeling an inner chill. Nevertheless, I urge everyone who reads this to BE CAREFUL if and when you view this movie, as I am not the only person (famous or otherwise) who thinks that Paranormal Activity has a connection with a true demonic force. Also, I am not trying to tell you all how to live your life. The pastor in me just had to give a bit of warning and wisdom to those who are considering viewing this movie. Also, please comment and share your thoughts or questions about what I’ve said here.

Grace and Peace

Greg

1. http://www.movieweb.com/news/NEDp9FHFHan5GJ

2. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-paranormal20-2009sep20,0,843011,full.story