A lean, mean scare machine that lacks some of the punch of the original film but still delivers the goods. This is actually a prequel to Paranormal Activity, and it does a fine job of blending the events in this film with those of its predecessor. Audiences are treated to one of the best jump scares in movie history, the creation of a solid mythology for what is obviously an ongoing series, and Katie Featherston's tremendous rack. And yes, it's pretty darn scary at times. A Good review from this Basement dweller.

The boys over at Arrow In the Head and Bloody Disgusting report that Christopher B. Landon (Disturbia) and Michael R. Perry are on board to write the third installment in the Paranormal Activity series. Perry is credited with the script for PA2, which Shawn and I have yet to see as catching the new releases right away isn't our gig. But we're big fans of the original and I enjoyed Disturbia. As for the plot of PA3? No damn idea. Paramount Pictures is keeping story details under lock and key pending the film's release Oct. 21. I don't know if I care about a third movie. Paranormal Activity never struck me as a franchise but, if they make money, then Hollywood is going to beat the idea to death. Oren Peli, who directed the original, is back as a producer.

Surprising no one, Paramount Pictures has announced Paranormal Activity 3 will be in theatres Oct. 21, 2011, making it the heir apparent to the Saw franchise as the seasonal horror film of choice. The film will face-off against Steven Soderbergh's thriller Contagion starring Matt Damon. It should be noted that Damon's last film, Hereafter, opened opposite Paranormal Activity 2 and got its teeth kicked in. Saw distributor Lionsgate hasn't given up on releasing a horror flick at Halloween and will release Dibbuk Box a week after PA3 opens. What the fuck is a Dibbuk Box? Paranormal Activity 2 had the highest opening weekend gross ever for a horror movie, $40.7 million, but the final total will fall short of the first film's $107 million. Still, it's performing well and above am average release for the genre. No word yet on what the plot of PA3 will be. Given that Shawn and I have yet to watch PA2, neither of us can offer advice.

While Shawn and I are rockin' it on 92.5FM CFBX Kamloops Friday night several horror fans will likely be heading to local theatres to check out the sequel to last year's hit Paranormal Activity. We here in The Basement, including Shawn, myself and contributor Mike S, loved the shit out of P.A. and none of us can deny that it looks like a noble effort was undertaken to make a decent sequel in Paranormal Activity 2. Below is the Scream Awards trailer for the film, which has a kicker of a final few seconds. I admit I am eager to see the film, and may even venture into theatres at some point. Paranormal Activity 2 is directed by Tod Williams with a story by Michael R. Perry and screenplay by Michael R. Perry and Christopher Landon. The film is produced by Jason Blumand and Oren Peli, who wrote and directed the first film to perfection.