I'm pretty critical of todays horror films (nothing can compare to the classics/ stephen king, etc), but I actually thought that the first paranormal activity was a pretty decent film. I did however find the acting to be somewhat unbelievable (literally, I didn't believe that it was the "real" footage it claimed to be). Overall I thought it was a well played out idea of a film. It wasn't too over-the-top with effects, which made it even more realistic and scary. I haven't seen the second film yet, and I don't plan on it. I can't watch scary movies anymore. Freaks the hell out of me.