Ariel Schulman | Scott's Film Reviews-1,425 + Reviews posted so far!!!

Catfish-2010

Director Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Starring Henry Joost

Scott’s Review #489

Reviewed October 2, 2016

Grade: A-

I loved Catfish (2010) which is a hybrid movie/documentary.

I know some people were disappointed with the twist towards the end, but I thought it was interesting and made the film quite compelling- a surprise ending, if you will.

The shaky documentary-style filming adds to the intensity.

The plot revolves around a young photographer, Nev (Nev Schulman), who strikes up an online Facebook friendship with an eight-year-old artist- very risky, yes, but they discuss art and paintings.

They chat regularly.

Nev lives in New York City, while Abby lives in Michigan.

Nev’s brother Ariel is shooting a documentary and thinks it would be perfect for the pair to drive to Michigan and meet Abby.

Once they do, they are in for a surprise as the web of circumstances that follows makes the film creepy, eerie, and mysterious.

I do not want to give any more away, but Catfish (2010) is an interesting, well-thought-out story, which is a true case.

The presentation of the film is wonderful.

Paranormal Activity 4-2012

Director Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Starring Katie Featherston

Scott’s Review #424

Reviewed June 19, 2016

Grade: B

Circa 2012, and at this point in the Paranormal Activity film franchise (with part 5 on its way) one pretty much knows what to expect.

To me, the plot is almost secondary.

In the story, the newborn from the first installment is now aged 7 and living next door to the family at the center of the film.

The entertaining aspect of these films is the camera angles and occasional scares that sporadically follow.

The ending to Paranormal Activity 4 is effective and a bit scary.

The original Paranormal Activity (2007) was a huge hit and novel idea at the time (though The Blair Witch Project in 1999 originally did the hand-held videotape) and was a water-cooler movie.

I’m not sure how much life remains in the franchise, but for fans of it and horror fans seeking some good thrills, this one is worth checking out.