2/5 stars

Picking up from where Paranormal Activity 3 left off, it helps to know the background behind this series. That said, if you’re someone who just wants to see a scary film, plot plays very little part in this sequel; scaring the audience is the main aim here, although this thriller fails to do just that.

Alex and her family allow Robbie to stay at their house for a few days when his mother is taken to hospital. Robbie is a very odd child, so of course, supernatural phenomena start occurring around the house, and it is captured via laptop webcams.

Admittedly, there are some moments of nail-biting suspense and those moments in which shadows briefly cross the camera lens causing the audience to jump. The film is filled with creepy happenings traditionally associated with the Paranormal Activity franchise, such as chandeliers swinging, chairs moving and a train set turning on by itself. Unfortunately, these are few and far between, and there are too many moments of suspense that end in disappointment, when nothing actually happens.

Special mention should go to Matt Shively, who plays Alex’s friend Ben. He provides the comic relief in the film, pulling pranks and making humorous comments throughout (“Password is ‘odd Robbie,’” “I thought it would’ve been ‘Big Ben’” “You don’t ever need a password for that – oh!” high fives self). Ben is a relatable character, possibly the only entertaining part of the film.

The film is a series of highs and lows; the energy starts to rise but suddenly dips again and it takes too long to build up to any seriously scary action. Maybe we are desensitised to the Paranormal Activity signature style, or perhaps it is simply the curse of too many film sequels; either way, even the final few scares do not pack the ‘throw-your-popcorn-in-the-air’ punch that you hope they will.

Alice Rafter