Paranormal Activity 2

Brian Boland, Sprague Graydon, Molly Ephraim, Katie Featherston

Directed by Tod Williams

Rating: 4 stars

A prequel to the first Paranormal Activity, this second film gives us a little more insight to the demon haunting sisters Katie (Katie Featherston) and Kristi (Sprague). In the first Paranormal Activity, we are spooked by a demon with no explanation as to why it's bothering a nice, suburban couple. All we know is that when Katie was young, something "paranormal" seemed to be going on in her household that her sister noticed too. In Paranormal Activity 2, we find out why the demon goes to Katie. After first "disturbing" Kristi, the demon moves on to Katie (which we see in the first movie). In a desperate attempt to get his wife back to normal after being in a "possessed" state, Daniel (Brian Boland) has no choice but to consult someone who would know how to fix this. It comes down to passing the "disturbance" to a blood relative and that relative happens to be Kristi's sister, Katie.

I would give this movie five out of five stars. Though slow at first, the director, Tod Williams, has to build up the storyline. However, when the "paranormal activity" starts to act up, it is a scare that will leave you shaking. First it starts subtly, with the pool vacuum always ending up outside the pool by morning, and doors opening wider. As Kristi and her step-daughter Ali (Molly Ephraim) start noticing something strange going on the activity gets worse. Doors slamming, people being dragged by an unseen force, pots falling from hooks and kitchen drawers simultaneously slamming wide open are enough to make you jump in your seat and cower. Paranormal Activity 2 is so well made that while you're watching it, it feels real. Almost as if you could go home and find that it's happening to you.

This is a great example of a suspenseful horror film and perfect for nights at home when you want to be spooked. Paranormal Activity 2 gives you the sense how not even during the day can you feel safe. Involving a one-year old also brings something different to the feel of realism, showing this could happen to anyone. [SPOILER:] Having Hunter -Kristi's baby- be the possible target of the movie (he doesn't get hurt!), makes it a little bit scarier. For example, did you notice how at one point during the movie you couldn't see Hunter's reflection on the mirror?

Paranormal Activity 2 is a great scare and ties up the loose ends from the first film. Like where did Katie go after murdering Micah? But leaves you asking, where did she take Hunter? I hope there will be a third movie -a final installment- to resolve this paranormal phenomenon once and for all. Paranormal Activity 2 proved to be a success and not a flop like some sequels are; though I'm not really sure how a third Paranormal Activity would play off. I would recommend seeing this movie if you like a good thrill and enjoy being spooked. If you get scared easily or are superstitious, I would stay home and watch a comedy or something else a little light-hearted.

Coincidence or not? As I was driving home after seeing this movie, the license plate in front of me said "Hunter 1". Scary...

Moulin Rouge!

Ewan McGregor, Nicole Kidman, Jim Broadbent, Richard Roxburgh

Directed by Baz Luhrmann

Rating: 5 stars

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

Though Moulin Rouge! is a tragic love story between a prostitute and a penniless writer, don't write this story off just yet. When Christian (Ewan McGregor) meets Satine (Nicole Kidman), their love is doomed from the start. By accident, Christian becomes the writer for a play, "Spectacular Spectacular". While Satine plays the lead, she is promised by her boss, Harold Zidler (Jim Broadbent), to sleep with the Duke (Richard Roxburgh) on opening night. However, Christian and Satine fall in love and try to keep their relationship a secret. Soon it becomes evident to everyone what's going on but the Duke remains oblivious and in the dark. The couple is forced to end their relationship before the Duke can find out. The Duke plays an important role since he is supplying the money to re-build the Moulin Rouge into a theater. This does not stop them and opening night arrives by the end of the movie, full of surprises.

I would give this movie five out of five stars. Though Moulin Rouge! may seem odd the first time you watch it, watch it enough times and you will love it too. Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman each have amazing voices and sing their songs quite astonishingly well. Who knew they could sing? This just makes you fall head over heels for these characters. It's hard not to fall in love with them, singing along to Ewan McGregor's "Your Song" as well as the duo's "Come What May". Baz Luhrmann did a great job with this film.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. I can watch this movie over and over again. I watch this movie so many times a year; whether I'm feeling sad or happy, this beautiful movie brings the characters to life. The soundtrack is on my iPod, it's a great way to listen to "Elephant Love Medley", as well as the other songs, without having to watch the whole movie all over again. Especially if you're out of the house and have a craving for some Moulin Rouge! You can play the soundtrack and follow the movie in your head with each song.

Give Moulin Rouge! a chance. Personally, I'm not into musicals but Moulin Rouge! is a great exception. The songs they sing are a variety of tracks from Elton John to Madonna to U2 to the Beatles as well as many other famous artists. This is a movie you have to see at least once in your life. One unforgettable quote from this movie I want to leave you with that is so true when it comes to real life, "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."