The smartest thing Oren Peli(Paranormal Activity creator) could have done was not treat this sequel like a separate event, instead choosing to build on the established story. This time around it's not a mere dating couple plagued by a demonic presence, but a close-knit family of four. Not just any family, but that of Kristi, sister of Katie, the spirit's tormented victim the first time around. The initial shock doesn't come with a loud crash or a house shattering boom, but with the seemingly innocent arrival of Katie into their home for a poolside visit. Is she a demon still? What's her purpose for being there? I don't really want to give it away, but let's just say that the sequel is more tightly woven into the first film than anybody could have ever expected. It's a master stroke of genius, as it establishes Katie as a continual force in the same way as Jason Voorhees and Freddy Kruger.
Much like the first film, things start getting creepy in the most minimal of ways. The dad, a bit of a blowhard with a sophomoric prank streak, sets up HD security cams in the house after a convenient break-in. They've just had a baby, a boy named Hunter, and spare no expense to keep the house monitored. Their daughter, Ali, is a free spirited gal who is extremely close to their superstitious maid, Martine. The family has a protective German Shepherd, Abby, that guard's Hunter's room like a sentry. Immediately by throwing a helpless child and a dog into the mix, the sequel ups the sympathy factor by ten, and the dread by a million. When pots start falling mysteriously, and doors begin shutting, it's only a matter of time before the demon is going to make a move for the child, and the anticipation of the attack is as gripping as ever.
That's where Paranormal Activity's strength lies. It's in playing with our pereceptions, by making us agonize over the silliest of things. An open window. An overhead chandelier. A gust of wind or a ripple in a pool are all signs of evil, or at least they are in our minds. To that effect, the sequel is just as effective as before. In fact this is probably more of a slow build, and the characters are instantly more likable than Katie and the annoying Micah. The problem comes in the finale, where all that tension we've spent 80 minutes building to is released in an anti-climactic flurry of violence. Brutal to be sure, but doesn't have the "Holy crap!!" punch of the first film's conclusion.
Fans of Paranormal Activity will likely find themselves locking their windows and doors again this time around, too. While not innovative in any way, the sequel compares favorably to the original in all the ways that matter, firmly establishing this as a heavy hitting horror franchise for possibly years to come.
