Wife and I refer to that one as “Mexican Activity”, and it’s the only one we can stomach. As an aside, why is it that all the white families in the franchise are portrayed as upper middle class and the only Mexican family is living below the poverty line? 🤔
and its the best one hands down they stepped out of the typical oh the door shut as we were sleeping bs and felt like they were actual innocent ppl going through life then got caught up in this
Thank you for praising The Marked Ones. It's such a good movie and my favorite of the franchise, and I loved the Chronicle aspect of Jesse's situation with his abilities. It's such a great film that was able to tie in all the lore of the first few films in way, none of the others after were able to accomplish.
My family is Hispanic and even though I grew up and live in the Midwest, my mom’s family and so my cousins live in New Mexico and the movie really does a good job conveying a glimpse at the culture there and I can’t help but love and root for Jesse and Hector and definitely Arturo
Yeah, but that is before you count in the MILLIONS on advertising. Which is why Blair Witch Project actually beats Paranormal Activity on being the best return on value. While paranormal activity was filmed for 20k less than BWP, there was more than twice the amount spent on advertisements for Paranormal Activity than Blair Witch Project. So yeah. $15k was spent filming the INITIAL movie, it had like 200k in reshoots and EIGHTEEN MILLION in advertising.
Here's what I found The promotional budget for Paranormal Activity was remarkably low, reflecting the film's overall minimalist production style. While the film itself was made for around $15,000, the marketing and promotional expenses were significantly higher, eventually reaching about $350,000 to $400,000 once Paramount acquired the distribution rights. Much of the marketing strategy involved leveraging word-of-mouth and online buzz. Paramount used a campaign asking viewers to "Demand It" in their local theaters through a website. This tactic, along with screenings at film festivals and a limited release, helped build anticipation and create a sense of exclusivity. The viral marketing, paired with a limited initial release to build hype, played a crucial role in the film's eventual widespread success. Ultimately, the movie grossed over $190 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable films ever relative to its cost. People will say anything 🙄
@grandsaga your rt The promotional budget for Paranormal Activity was remarkably low, reflecting the film's overall minimalist production style. While the film itself was made for around $15,000, the marketing and promotional expenses were significantly higher, eventually reaching about $350,000 to $400,000 once Paramount acquired the distribution rights. Much of the marketing strategy involved leveraging word-of-mouth and online buzz. Paramount used a campaign asking viewers to "Demand It" in their local theaters through a website. This tactic, along with screenings at film festivals and a limited release, helped build anticipation and create a sense of exclusivity. The viral marketing, paired with a limited initial release to build hype, played a crucial role in the film's eventual widespread success. Ultimately, the movie grossed over $190 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable films ever relative to its cost.
3 and Marked Ones are both easily my favorite movies in this bizarre franchise. The use of the rotating fan was really fun in 3 and then Marked Ones just going crazy with the lore and ideas was such a blast
I'll never forget going by myself to see the midnight premiere of PA 2 in a sold-out theater, and when the kitchen cabinets fly open in the middle of the day (the best jump scare in the franchise, in my opinion), this big dude sitting next to me jumped so hard that he flung popcorn all over me. A+ jump scare.
I commented the same thing lol it really rocked the theatre I was in too because most of the scares were subtle until the 3rd act and those cabinets just caught everyone off guard
Hey, I just came to tell you that there's this kinda unauthorized, loose sequel made in Japan named "Paranormal Activity Tokyo Night". It is a sequel to one of the endings of the first movie (the ending when a car crashes over Katie). And even if they don't delve into what is Toby, or witchcraft and all that (they manage it more as a spirit possession and that's all), it does work as a spin-off.
I think they could make a movie kinda like Cloverfield, seeing the attack of the possessed granddaughters from the perspective of the civilians of a big city getting attacked, as the fourth one was setting up 🤔😆🤗.
Yep, I'm dropping a comment 5 hours early, but I've not found many people with a love for this franchise that matches mine. It has an unfair reputation, and whilst there are some weaker entries, it was such a strong player back when it was first released. I'm obsessed with spooky stuff like this. Up until Ghost Dimension, it was all about keeping the entity invisible, which is almost unheard of in Hollywood horror movies; Japanese horror works so well because of what isn't shown on screen. Maybe that's why I like it. One of the creepiest parts for me is Katie standing completely still over Micah, watching him sleep for hours and hours... a simple idea that maybe doesn't pack a punch for everyone, but that just completely chilled me. Anyway, I totally appreciate you keeping the PA spirit alive in 2024. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Agreed, very if not the most underrated horror franchise. I will admit, around #6 it got a lil cheesy, but (hot take) Next of Skin totally brought me back in. I know it probably would have done better as it's own stand alone (imo) and they just slapped the PA name on it while being the only movie non canon, but it was a breathe of fresh air after GD
When I watched the most recent one I got the feeling that the script wasn’t originally meant to be a Paranormal Activity movie and then they decided to put the name on it and work in the references. I don’t know if this is true or not but I agree with you in that I think the name actually hurts the movie. I really enjoyed it, it was much better than I was expecting and genuinely creepy!
Low key, I think The Marked Ones is the best one. It has the best pace, the most interesting characters, the coolest scares, and the nuttiest ending. As for continuing/resolving the story, I think it could be done in a video game as opposed to another movie.
Mexican Activity (what we call The Marked Ones) is the only movie in the PA franchise that has some rewatch value. My wife’s family is Mexican so the characters are more relatable than suburban basic white people.
Nice use of that Alan Wake 2 song at the end there. The first PA film definitely had credits the night it premiered. I was one of the financial backers that got it into major theaters, so my name's in the credits. I remember sitting and waiting to see it at the end.
While it is actually really goofy, you do have to respect at least the novel idea of using the Kinect as a way to “see” the ghosts and whatnot. It was definitely a unique way to go about it. Idk if for good or bad tho
Can’t believe I have watched at least half of your videos but hadn’t been subscribed yet! I like your style. A good Everyman take that doesn’t get too excited or heated.
This is my favorite horror franchise ever, I'm sad it's not as popular anymore, my whole channel is a fan channel for it and I'm trying to keep it alive. I'm glad that you also liked the Marked Ones, it's my favorite, and i love that it's something new. Also years ago I came up with a story following Ali as the main character lol. I'm glad I'm not the only one that wants that. Also the ghost dimension's opening is still shot through a camera, one of the witches picks up the camera. Also to explain the 2 Tobi's, I believe that Next of Kin is a new universe, like a remake, new timeline. Not a sequel
I absolutely love the lore this franchise has created. It is very deep, connected, and something fresh with old ideas. Sadly, I enjoy the lore way more than actually watching the films. There is only 3 of them, that I would consider decent or good movies. The rest are too slow or have no substance beyond trying to out do jump scares.
I honestly think the biggest problem of this franchise comes to the end of it (Ghost Dimension), because had that movie focused on saving Hunter before his 18th birthday (The whole 666 thing) or something like that, maybe we'd had a much better conclusion - and conection of the movies. Like, we know the reason why Katie disappered between movies PA1 > PA4 is because she got hit by the main protagonist of the Tokyo Spin Off - Hence why Hunter was taken away from her and why she had to get him back in PA4. So Ghost Dimension could finish on saving Hunter or taking this Demonic Possetion away from him, and also kill some if not most of the witches from the end of PA4 throughout it. They could also bring his cousin back to save him, as you even said it yourself, as if she had some sort of hint of where he was and what was he doing. Then maybe Next Of Kin would be like some sort of 'secondary witch base' or a story about one of them that got away and started her own linage by going back in time or some sort. The two Toby existing would feel more consistent. And all of these could work much better - and just fine - had they focused on Hunter in the end. The Grandma Witch wanted a Grandson, but her daughter wouldn't do that. Her grandkids grew older and one of then had the first boy ever since she joined the cult. So it all circles back to Hunter, conecting all PA movies to him.
In "Next of Kin" the cult was actually trying to keep Asmodeus/Toby trapped, they didn't worship it. While it did get a body back in the 80s (due to time travel), they actually captured it and put it in the girls mom. It then got free AGAIN at the end of that movie.
I’m so glad to see other people enjoyed The Marked Ones as much as I did! It was a total blast, and it actually answered a LOT of questions that 1-3 left us with. The characters were likable and made you interested in their outcome. Seeing the witches get blown to bits by a shotgun was also a cherry on top.
I think the 3rd movie could've been so much better if they ditched the found footage aspect of the series and made it in the style of a cold case documentary
Paranormal 3 was my FAVORITE one. 1) I love 70s, 80s, even 90s nostalgia and 2) that scene at the end with the Old Lady Gang of Witches that the guy walked im on and then them creeping up on the house was TERRIFYING, to me😱😱😱
you should watch the japanese ripoff/remake of paranormal activity, paranormal activity, Tokyo Night. It starts of really slow and boring, but gets really good at the end. i was suprised by how good it was. Its in a uncanon spinoff timeline.
don't forget the reason for the 4th movie, why the footage was collected. The pervy neighbour teen boy installed spyware, to see his crush change in front of the camera
"Movies that slipped away from everyone's minds." Except Mine LOL. I am obsessed with this franchise, have been since I was very little. It is very popular within my family and we watch PA every so often as tradition. I own all 7 movies.
Part of the creepiness of the original Paranormal Activity is that bland ass, generic beige, builder-grade, suburban plastic house. It's not a creepy Victorian mansion on a hill, it's not an abandoned asylum. It could be in any generic subdivision in the US. We've all been in this house. Of course, the twist is that it's not the house that's haunted anyway, but you don't know that through most of the movie, so the relatability makes it creepier. Of course we know better than to go into the Bates House, but there's nothing inherently threatening about this boring house, which makes the violation of 'home' that much scarier.
I really enjoyed The Marked one’s. The worst for me is Ghost Dimension. The first trilogy was an amazing theater events. With Marked Ones as a guilty pleasure 😂 also, I understand your disappointment with the 4th one, I still enjoyed it, but not as much as the others
Personally, if they do continue this franchise, I think it would be best for it to further the Marked Ones arc. It would be more plausible if different indiduals throughout this universe showed their stories about their experiences with the demon realm, rather than pursuing the sane family trajectory.
Maaaan. These movies are my guilty pleasure. Like I know most of them aren't good, but I do love them quite a bit. They're also the reason I enjoy the Found Footage horror movies.
I remember my older brothers making me watch the first movie when I was in the 7th grade, what really spooked me was my English teacher that year looked exactly like the lady from that movie.
In college my dorm mates and i went to see paranormal activity three on its last showing at the theater in town. Midnight. Scared us a lot because we were the only people in the theater and we sat far forward so lots of space behind us. Afterwards, they wanted to see the other movies. Id seen the first one years earlier. We went to rent the movies and cuddled up on one girl's mattress. I promptly fell asleep halfway through the first movie and they couldnt believe that i was just sleeping through the spooky stuff.
This is why I’m subbed… fantastic break down, funny nudges to the millennial experience, closing remarks to sum it all up. Thank you sir, continue your art 👍🏼
So at the end of Ghost Dimension, they travel back in time and Toby is unleashed in that timeline. However our timeline continues without that Toby resurrected. So fast forward to The Next of Kin and Toby is resurrected in our timeline now.
Yeah lmao this franchise makes zero sense, and it’s clear the studio didn’t give a F if anything actually lined up and connected well in the sequels, they knew these films are just about scaring teens with gimmicks and jump scares, low budgets and huge box office, making the story up as they go with no actual thought put into it beyond the surface. It’s cool though, these movies serve a purpose and are fun to watch in theaters or late at night with friends for some fun scares.
Thank you for this video, I was younger when these movies were coming out. I believe 3 was the first and last one I saw in theaters and kind of forgot about them. I was always interested in how they connected though. Also my name is Hunter Wyatt so I was always a little freaked out by the naming and renaming of the boy of the family when I was younger
PA 3 was the only one I saw in theaters and in general. So many years later and I still occasionally think about the oscillating fan scenes and the massive amount of dread I felt. That was when I realized how scary just waiting for a scare is.
I watched the first one at home alone before it became the massive success it would o once it was widely released. Very creepy experience! I was on a date at the cinema watching the third film and a girl sat behind me was so scared she started crying!
@@thethriftytypewriter i watched Tokyo Night after seeing your video. The connection to the series is thin, but it leans a bit more in japanese horror (duh!). Was a fun watch, but the middle part felt slow. Also i can't stand chewing noises and there's a aggravating amount of chewing noises in it
I remember watching an early release of the first movie. It had a very different ending - something to do with Katie murdering Micah off camera, and then the cops coming to the house the next morning and finding them...
I was in highschool when I saw the first one and when the guy was like it’s haunting HER and not the location messed me uppp. I was like I didn’t even know that was a possibility 😭
It would've made more sense if next of kin and the movie before it were happening at the same time and when Toby gets Samuel's body at the end it uses the doorway to then be the same body we see with the mom & little girl from the previous movie. I hope this makes sense... but that would've made for a better time line.
I always thought PA3 was so scary lol. I rlly lile the first 3 and the marked ones also got me scared while watching. I need to watch the newest one u made it sound pretty enjoyable ❤ great vid
If I remember correctly, there was so much controversy about the first film being real that Paramount had to add the disclosure at the end and was not there originally. I remember seeing it early on and there not being the warning, then other people argued that there was one after they saw it like a week or so later. but maybe its just a memory hole and I'm getting old lol
I was in high school arguing with people that PA 1 isn’t real because why would they put that in a theater. Then other kids said that it is real but some producers just tricked the theaters into showing it to make money.
Really good stuff. I was one of the few people that was actually invested in the storyline and to be completely fair, I'd become somewhat jaded by format by Ghost Dimension. As you rightly say, they needed to innovate much earlier in the series. Even Blair Witch knew not to make a second found footage film. A friend went to see The Marked and said it wasn't worth it and so I didn't go. Kinda regret that now. The reason I hadn't watched Next of Kin is because I legit didn't know it existed or how it related to the series. It transpires it basically doesn't. I still think there's a lot they can do with this franchise but they can't keep doing found footage. They recognised that with Next of Kin but not tying in to the greater mythos enough (or even advertising it) hasn't helped. Maybe a reality TV show like Real Housewives gets interrupted by paranormal activity. Or there's a ghost hunting show which encounters weird stuff. Perhaps even a dramatization of the Paranormal Activity series in the style of Netflix's "Dharma" or something could reboot it. Ultimately, the problem with the series is that the earlier films relied on suspense and tension and the later films on jump scares. The latter is the bread and butter of the horror genre these days and just made the later films like every other Blumhouse / A24 movie. If they want to reboot the series, they need to realise why people turned up to see the first few movies in force and then dropped off toward the end...
Also, don’t forget the officially authorized Japanese sequel to the first film, which is actually really good. Maybe the best in the franchise. It totally destroys the timeline though because Katie dies offscreen in a car crash in that one, so it mostly gets forgotten, and nobody I talk to even knows the film exists. If you don’t mind subtitles it’s more than worth a watch, though.
I have to say that going into this franchise I never expecte to enjoy it as much as I did. *Especially* the main villain, "Toby". Never before do I think that a supernatural horror movie antagonist has been so terrifying. He's literally undefeated, which is weird to say. We watch six movies where he just wins every single time. We have funny moments with him being "the ultimate babysitter" (An age old demon literally having a tea party with Kristi is hilarious but also terrifying). And his motives still aren't fully fleshed out. Great series, I hope they continue the Toby plotline. Not whatever Next of Kin was doing (which should've been it's own thing, I don't actually think there is anything stated by the director or movie that the demon in NOK is Toby, it's just fan headcanon).
The first one I saw in theaters. It messed up myself and the audience.on the way home I got scared by a plastic bag rustling in the back seat of my car
I thought Ali was Kristy's *step* daughter/Hunter's *half* sister? I remember feeling worse for her, because "her stepmom got her dad killed." (Also, Next of Kin is my favorite *because* it's not connected, and I agree that it was just an unrelated movie that unfortunately got the title slapped on it.)
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I swear you make the videos nobody asked for but everyone wants to watch. Goat
If you like this video, foundflix did something similar, except it was more plot / explanation based :)
💯
The Marked Ones is the most underrated of the franchise. Thank you so much for giving it its flowers
Wife and I refer to that one as “Mexican Activity”, and it’s the only one we can stomach. As an aside, why is it that all the white families in the franchise are portrayed as upper middle class and the only Mexican family is living below the poverty line? 🤔
and its the best one hands down they stepped out of the typical oh the door shut as we were sleeping bs and felt like they were actual innocent ppl going through life then got caught up in this
Thank you for praising The Marked Ones. It's such a good movie and my favorite of the franchise, and I loved the Chronicle aspect of Jesse's situation with his abilities. It's such a great film that was able to tie in all the lore of the first few films in way, none of the others after were able to accomplish.
The guy with the shotgun was goated too.
My family is Hispanic and even though I grew up and live in the Midwest, my mom’s family and so my cousins live in New Mexico and the movie really does a good job conveying a glimpse at the culture there and I can’t help but love and root for Jesse and Hector and definitely Arturo
@@ericastein3926same here this is my favorite of the franchise
Right, I love the Chronicles conection my dumb ass never thought of it. Cool as hell and the acting 10/10
Same, it's such a fun movie
1:47 “…witches, cults, demons, amish people…” is such a wild line omg
The first PA being cooked on 15k is INSANE. That kind of success is enough to retire on. And then PA 2 does AGAIN on 3k? WHAT?!
Yeah, but that is before you count in the MILLIONS on advertising. Which is why Blair Witch Project actually beats Paranormal Activity on being the best return on value. While paranormal activity was filmed for 20k less than BWP, there was more than twice the amount spent on advertisements for Paranormal Activity than Blair Witch Project. So yeah. $15k was spent filming the INITIAL movie, it had like 200k in reshoots and EIGHTEEN MILLION in advertising.
No, the 2nd had a 3 million dollar budget not 3 thousand
@@nerdjournalprove this please
Here's what I found
The promotional budget for Paranormal Activity was remarkably low, reflecting the film's overall minimalist production style. While the film itself was made for around $15,000, the marketing and promotional expenses were significantly higher, eventually reaching about $350,000 to $400,000 once Paramount acquired the distribution rights.
Much of the marketing strategy involved leveraging word-of-mouth and online buzz. Paramount used a campaign asking viewers to "Demand It" in their local theaters through a website. This tactic, along with screenings at film festivals and a limited release, helped build anticipation and create a sense of exclusivity. The viral marketing, paired with a limited initial release to build hype, played a crucial role in the film's eventual widespread success. Ultimately, the movie grossed over $190 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable films ever relative to its cost.
People will say anything 🙄
@grandsaga your rt
The promotional budget for Paranormal Activity was remarkably low, reflecting the film's overall minimalist production style. While the film itself was made for around $15,000, the marketing and promotional expenses were significantly higher, eventually reaching about $350,000 to $400,000 once Paramount acquired the distribution rights.
Much of the marketing strategy involved leveraging word-of-mouth and online buzz. Paramount used a campaign asking viewers to "Demand It" in their local theaters through a website. This tactic, along with screenings at film festivals and a limited release, helped build anticipation and create a sense of exclusivity. The viral marketing, paired with a limited initial release to build hype, played a crucial role in the film's eventual widespread success. Ultimately, the movie grossed over $190 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable films ever relative to its cost.
3 and Marked Ones are both easily my favorite movies in this bizarre franchise. The use of the rotating fan was really fun in 3 and then Marked Ones just going crazy with the lore and ideas was such a blast
I'll never forget going by myself to see the midnight premiere of PA 2 in a sold-out theater, and when the kitchen cabinets fly open in the middle of the day (the best jump scare in the franchise, in my opinion), this big dude sitting next to me jumped so hard that he flung popcorn all over me. A+ jump scare.
I commented the same thing lol it really rocked the theatre I was in too because most of the scares were subtle until the 3rd act and those cabinets just caught everyone off guard
I made a shout when that happened. I say made because I didn't yell, I was so startled all my breath went out.
Some executive is gonna watch this and decide to reboot the franchise
Hey, I just came to tell you that there's this kinda unauthorized, loose sequel made in Japan named "Paranormal Activity Tokyo Night". It is a sequel to one of the endings of the first movie (the ending when a car crashes over Katie). And even if they don't delve into what is Toby, or witchcraft and all that (they manage it more as a spirit possession and that's all), it does work as a spin-off.
Yeah, when watching I wondered "Wasn't there a Japanese PA too?" and why he ditched that one or if he just isn't aware of it.
It’s not unauthorized, paramount officially licensed out the franchise to them to make it.
Toby getting a body is a crazy cliffhanger we’ll never get a resolution for
I think they could make a movie kinda like Cloverfield, seeing the attack of the possessed granddaughters from the perspective of the civilians of a big city getting attacked, as the fourth one was setting up 🤔😆🤗.
Yep, I'm dropping a comment 5 hours early, but I've not found many people with a love for this franchise that matches mine. It has an unfair reputation, and whilst there are some weaker entries, it was such a strong player back when it was first released. I'm obsessed with spooky stuff like this. Up until Ghost Dimension, it was all about keeping the entity invisible, which is almost unheard of in Hollywood horror movies; Japanese horror works so well because of what isn't shown on screen. Maybe that's why I like it. One of the creepiest parts for me is Katie standing completely still over Micah, watching him sleep for hours and hours... a simple idea that maybe doesn't pack a punch for everyone, but that just completely chilled me. Anyway, I totally appreciate you keeping the PA spirit alive in 2024. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Agreed, very if not the most underrated horror franchise. I will admit, around #6 it got a lil cheesy, but (hot take) Next of Skin totally brought me back in. I know it probably would have done better as it's own stand alone (imo) and they just slapped the PA name on it while being the only movie non canon, but it was a breathe of fresh air after GD
When I watched the most recent one I got the feeling that the script wasn’t originally meant to be a Paranormal Activity movie and then they decided to put the name on it and work in the references. I don’t know if this is true or not but I agree with you in that I think the name actually hurts the movie. I really enjoyed it, it was much better than I was expecting and genuinely creepy!
This is by far, my favorite movie/tv show essay channel on RUclips! Dude every video is great!
He a goat
Low key, I think The Marked Ones is the best one. It has the best pace, the most interesting characters, the coolest scares, and the nuttiest ending.
As for continuing/resolving the story, I think it could be done in a video game as opposed to another movie.
Mexican Activity (what we call The Marked Ones) is the only movie in the PA franchise that has some rewatch value. My wife’s family is Mexican so the characters are more relatable than suburban basic white people.
Nice use of that Alan Wake 2 song at the end there.
The first PA film definitely had credits the night it premiered. I was one of the financial backers that got it into major theaters, so my name's in the credits. I remember sitting and waiting to see it at the end.
VHS would be a good franchise to cover
The first one was the last movie I have been afraid watching, need to watch the new trilogy. Seen 2 and 3
Just watched vhs beyond …holy..
@@otakoman0056 that was gooooood
@@otakoman0056 I want to see that one soon
I think I've only seen VHS 1 & 2 but yes it would be so good to see this guy cover the series
1:10 You absolutely did NOT need to keep exposing yourself like that 😂
I went on dates. I went on a date . I saw one of these movies . It just kept getting worse 🤣
While it is actually really goofy, you do have to respect at least the novel idea of using the Kinect as a way to “see” the ghosts and whatnot. It was definitely a unique way to go about it. Idk if for good or bad tho
Can’t believe I have watched at least half of your videos but hadn’t been subscribed yet! I like your style. A good Everyman take that doesn’t get too excited or heated.
1:10 is when I officially decided to subscribe💀
This is my favorite horror franchise ever, I'm sad it's not as popular anymore, my whole channel is a fan channel for it and I'm trying to keep it alive. I'm glad that you also liked the Marked Ones, it's my favorite, and i love that it's something new. Also years ago I came up with a story following Ali as the main character lol. I'm glad I'm not the only one that wants that. Also the ghost dimension's opening is still shot through a camera, one of the witches picks up the camera. Also to explain the 2 Tobi's, I believe that Next of Kin is a new universe, like a remake, new timeline. Not a sequel
I absolutely love the lore this franchise has created. It is very deep, connected, and something fresh with old ideas. Sadly, I enjoy the lore way more than actually watching the films. There is only 3 of them, that I would consider decent or good movies. The rest are too slow or have no substance beyond trying to out do jump scares.
@@JoeGrizz1yI love the lore too
Thanks fam for putting in work on this franchise 🙏🏾 I also have a sweet spot for Paranormal Activity
Patiently waiting 😅
I'd love to see you cover The 100 and Dexter!
Dude, you make the best video essays. Thank you for all of the variety and how in depth that you go ❤
Man I absolutely hated the dad in the second movie
I honestly think the biggest problem of this franchise comes to the end of it (Ghost Dimension), because had that movie focused on saving Hunter before his 18th birthday (The whole 666 thing) or something like that, maybe we'd had a much better conclusion - and conection of the movies.
Like, we know the reason why Katie disappered between movies PA1 > PA4 is because she got hit by the main protagonist of the Tokyo Spin Off - Hence why Hunter was taken away from her and why she had to get him back in PA4. So Ghost Dimension could finish on saving Hunter or taking this Demonic Possetion away from him, and also kill some if not most of the witches from the end of PA4 throughout it. They could also bring his cousin back to save him, as you even said it yourself, as if she had some sort of hint of where he was and what was he doing.
Then maybe Next Of Kin would be like some sort of 'secondary witch base' or a story about one of them that got away and started her own linage by going back in time or some sort. The two Toby existing would feel more consistent.
And all of these could work much better - and just fine - had they focused on Hunter in the end. The Grandma Witch wanted a Grandson, but her daughter wouldn't do that. Her grandkids grew older and one of then had the first boy ever since she joined the cult. So it all circles back to Hunter, conecting all PA movies to him.
I remember seeing PA1 as a child and having nightmares for YEARS
In "Next of Kin" the cult was actually trying to keep Asmodeus/Toby trapped, they didn't worship it.
While it did get a body back in the 80s (due to time travel), they actually captured it and put it in the girls mom. It then got free AGAIN at the end of that movie.
In occult/ demonology states a demon can split it essence up
Dude you deserve so many more subs. You give really solid takes on cinema and present it in an awesome way
I’m so glad to see other people enjoyed The Marked Ones as much as I did! It was a total blast, and it actually answered a LOT of questions that 1-3 left us with. The characters were likable and made you interested in their outcome. Seeing the witches get blown to bits by a shotgun was also a cherry on top.
The date joke in the beginning where you moved past it but just kept going back was 10/10 btw
I think the 3rd movie could've been so much better if they ditched the found footage aspect of the series and made it in the style of a cold case documentary
THIS!!!! I said this exact thing to my friend afterward I’m so glad someone else agrees. It would have really would have freshened the franchise up
Paranormal 3 was my FAVORITE one. 1) I love 70s, 80s, even 90s nostalgia and 2) that scene at the end with the Old Lady Gang of Witches that the guy walked im on and then them creeping up on the house was TERRIFYING, to me😱😱😱
Great video, great analysis. Would love to see you do a top 10/20 list for your all-time favourite horror movies
As a kid I didnt know all the films were connected. Rewatching much later, it was a revelation. It's really an interesting story.
you should watch the japanese ripoff/remake of paranormal activity, paranormal activity, Tokyo Night. It starts of really slow and boring, but gets really good at the end. i was suprised by how good it was. Its in a uncanon spinoff timeline.
This series needs a proper finale
So much stuff happened and no real ending to most of it
don't forget the reason for the 4th movie, why the footage was collected. The pervy neighbour teen boy installed spyware, to see his crush change in front of the camera
So happy to see so much love for The Marked Ones, in the video AND this comment section! Easily my favorite of the series.
"Movies that slipped away from everyone's minds." Except Mine LOL. I am obsessed with this franchise, have been since I was very little. It is very popular within my family and we watch PA every so often as tradition. I own all 7 movies.
Part of the creepiness of the original Paranormal Activity is that bland ass, generic beige, builder-grade, suburban plastic house.
It's not a creepy Victorian mansion on a hill, it's not an abandoned asylum. It could be in any generic subdivision in the US. We've all been in this house.
Of course, the twist is that it's not the house that's haunted anyway, but you don't know that through most of the movie, so the relatability makes it creepier. Of course we know better than to go into the Bates House, but there's nothing inherently threatening about this boring house, which makes the violation of 'home' that much scarier.
0:48 sources: trust me bro
My favorite movies!!!! I have watched them all hundreds of times. I can’t wait for this!!!!!
Love logging in and seeing a video! Thank you
I really enjoyed The Marked one’s. The worst for me is Ghost Dimension. The first trilogy was an amazing theater events. With Marked Ones as a guilty pleasure 😂 also, I understand your disappointment with the 4th one, I still enjoyed it, but not as much as the others
Next of Kin has a kinda cool concept from what you explained, I might check it out
Personally, if they do continue this franchise, I think it would be best for it to further the Marked Ones arc. It would be more plausible if different indiduals throughout this universe showed their stories about their experiences with the demon realm, rather than pursuing the sane family trajectory.
Have a good weekend everyone! 😊
great video! i liked your “dates” “date” “trip with mom” jokes. those were funny! i too enjoyed the latino family movie the most as well.
Maaaan. These movies are my guilty pleasure. Like I know most of them aren't good, but I do love them quite a bit. They're also the reason I enjoy the Found Footage horror movies.
Fun fact: If you requested the movie to be played in your town, you got your name put into the end credits of the DVD version - as I did.
I remember my older brothers making me watch the first movie when I was in the 7th grade, what really spooked me was my English teacher that year looked exactly like the lady from that movie.
In college my dorm mates and i went to see paranormal activity three on its last showing at the theater in town. Midnight. Scared us a lot because we were the only people in the theater and we sat far forward so lots of space behind us. Afterwards, they wanted to see the other movies. Id seen the first one years earlier. We went to rent the movies and cuddled up on one girl's mattress. I promptly fell asleep halfway through the first movie and they couldnt believe that i was just sleeping through the spooky stuff.
What’re they gonna call it? Paranormal activity: emergency contact?
The mom date joke at the start was really well structured and timed
This is why I’m subbed… fantastic break down, funny nudges to the millennial experience, closing remarks to sum it all up. Thank you sir, continue your art 👍🏼
I like how the marked ones tied back to the first PA as being what caused Katy to scream and ultimately kill Mica
So at the end of Ghost Dimension, they travel back in time and Toby is unleashed in that timeline.
However our timeline continues without that Toby resurrected. So fast forward to The Next of Kin and Toby is resurrected in our timeline now.
Yeah lmao this franchise makes zero sense, and it’s clear the studio didn’t give a F if anything actually lined up and connected well in the sequels, they knew these films are just about scaring teens with gimmicks and jump scares, low budgets and huge box office, making the story up as they go with no actual thought put into it beyond the surface. It’s cool though, these movies serve a purpose and are fun to watch in theaters or late at night with friends for some fun scares.
Thank you for this video, I was younger when these movies were coming out. I believe 3 was the first and last one I saw in theaters and kind of forgot about them. I was always interested in how they connected though. Also my name is Hunter Wyatt so I was always a little freaked out by the naming and renaming of the boy of the family when I was younger
Honestly this guy's videos are addicting to watch and rewatch idk why lol
The marked ones is underrated!
This is the best breakdown/timeline for all of paranormal activity.
Great video, love hearing your thoughts on this franchise.
And can’t wait for TWD season 9 retrospective.
PA 3 was the only one I saw in theaters and in general. So many years later and I still occasionally think about the oscillating fan scenes and the massive amount of dread I felt. That was when I realized how scary just waiting for a scare is.
I watched the first one at home alone before it became the massive success it would o once it was widely released. Very creepy experience! I was on a date at the cinema watching the third film and a girl sat behind me was so scared she started crying!
That date bit was amazing 😂😂
Ghost Dimension is so freaking divisive, man. I liked it, especially when I thought #5 was the film that jumped the shark.
I always thought that the third one was the best by far. The pacing is excellent it has a bunch of lore. It's just the most fun
Hahah oh Matt - don’t tell them I took you to the movie!! God I love your channel.
Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks Marked Ones is one of the best in the franchise.
It's just so entertaining
As a Latina that movie is just soo good and relatable 😂 we all have that one bruja in our lives
oh, did you leave out Paranormal Activity 2: Tokyo Drif....Night deliberately?
I talked about the ones that came in the blu ray box set
@@thethriftytypewriter i watched Tokyo Night after seeing your video. The connection to the series is thin, but it leans a bit more in japanese horror (duh!). Was a fun watch, but the middle part felt slow. Also i can't stand chewing noises and there's a aggravating amount of chewing noises in it
Please do V/H/S next
I remember watching an early release of the first movie. It had a very different ending - something to do with Katie murdering Micah off camera, and then the cops coming to the house the next morning and finding them...
I was in highschool when I saw the first one and when the guy was like it’s haunting HER and not the location messed me uppp. I was like I didn’t even know that was a possibility 😭
These movies are amazing and genuinely some of the only horror movies that were able to genuinely terrify and put dread in me.
Marked Ones is 11/10 for me.
It would've made more sense if next of kin and the movie before it were happening at the same time and when Toby gets Samuel's body at the end it uses the doorway to then be the same body we see with the mom & little girl from the previous movie. I hope this makes sense... but that would've made for a better time line.
I always thought PA3 was so scary lol. I rlly lile the first 3 and the marked ones also got me scared while watching. I need to watch the newest one u made it sound pretty enjoyable ❤ great vid
I had no idea they all told a connected story. That makes them way more intriguing to me now
If I remember correctly, there was so much controversy about the first film being real that Paramount had to add the disclosure at the end and was not there originally. I remember seeing it early on and there not being the warning, then other people argued that there was one after they saw it like a week or so later. but maybe its just a memory hole and I'm getting old lol
Have you ever done a review on the sinister movies?
I would love a breakdown and timeline explanation like this but for the SAW movies.
I was in high school arguing with people that PA 1 isn’t real because why would they put that in a theater. Then other kids said that it is real but some producers just tricked the theaters into showing it to make money.
The marked ones and the third are my favorites with huge difference! The first one, 2nd and 4th make me want to go to sleep 😴
The guy who played the step dad 'Dennis' in 2 has a pretty large body of credits to his name
Honestly, while some are definitely better than others, I’ve liked them all no cap
You should cover the Mission: Impossible movies sometime in the leadup to M:I 8 in May!
Really good stuff. I was one of the few people that was actually invested in the storyline and to be completely fair, I'd become somewhat jaded by format by Ghost Dimension. As you rightly say, they needed to innovate much earlier in the series. Even Blair Witch knew not to make a second found footage film.
A friend went to see The Marked and said it wasn't worth it and so I didn't go. Kinda regret that now.
The reason I hadn't watched Next of Kin is because I legit didn't know it existed or how it related to the series. It transpires it basically doesn't.
I still think there's a lot they can do with this franchise but they can't keep doing found footage. They recognised that with Next of Kin but not tying in to the greater mythos enough (or even advertising it) hasn't helped.
Maybe a reality TV show like Real Housewives gets interrupted by paranormal activity. Or there's a ghost hunting show which encounters weird stuff. Perhaps even a dramatization of the Paranormal Activity series in the style of Netflix's "Dharma" or something could reboot it.
Ultimately, the problem with the series is that the earlier films relied on suspense and tension and the later films on jump scares. The latter is the bread and butter of the horror genre these days and just made the later films like every other Blumhouse / A24 movie.
If they want to reboot the series, they need to realise why people turned up to see the first few movies in force and then dropped off toward the end...
Next of kin was cool as hell. I love it as much as the first one, and Im so glad you felt the same way.
I’d love to see you cover the Rec series or Hell House LLC. Those are two of my favorite found footage horror movies along with Grave Encounters.
Also, don’t forget the officially authorized Japanese sequel to the first film, which is actually really good. Maybe the best in the franchise. It totally destroys the timeline though because Katie dies offscreen in a car crash in that one, so it mostly gets forgotten, and nobody I talk to even knows the film exists. If you don’t mind subtitles it’s more than worth a watch, though.
didn’t watch all the ones after PA2 because i just assumed they’d all be the same lol thank you, i’ve been enlightened
I have to say that going into this franchise I never expecte to enjoy it as much as I did. *Especially* the main villain, "Toby". Never before do I think that a supernatural horror movie antagonist has been so terrifying. He's literally undefeated, which is weird to say. We watch six movies where he just wins every single time. We have funny moments with him being "the ultimate babysitter" (An age old demon literally having a tea party with Kristi is hilarious but also terrifying). And his motives still aren't fully fleshed out. Great series, I hope they continue the Toby plotline. Not whatever Next of Kin was doing (which should've been it's own thing, I don't actually think there is anything stated by the director or movie that the demon in NOK is Toby, it's just fan headcanon).
Funnily enough cuz of your supernatural reference.
The blonde chick in the 4th one actually had a reoccuring role in supernatural lol
I wish there was someone or something fighting against Toby to make anything matter
I think one of the most interesting things about this franchise is that there are TWO different Paranormal Activity 2’s.
The first one I saw in theaters. It messed up myself and the audience.on the way home I got scared by a plastic bag rustling in the back seat of my car
In the 3rd you don't see him changing the tapes because it's VHS and it doesn't record when you change the tapes so it kinda makes sense
I thought Ali was Kristy's *step* daughter/Hunter's *half* sister?
I remember feeling worse for her, because "her stepmom got her dad killed."
(Also, Next of Kin is my favorite *because* it's not connected, and I agree that it was just an unrelated movie that unfortunately got the title slapped on it.)
pls keep this up. i love the paranormal activity series and it goes off the rails in the later movies