The latest in the paranormal series goes from zero to scary in five minutes flat. Whereas the other films had a gradual build up, the fourth Paranormal Activity does not pansy around. As the mockery that accompanies sequels abounds, Paranormal Activity 4 does not disappoint with the scares.

The movie bridges where the second and third left off with the mysterious cult accredited with all of the demonic and poltergeist activity.

It focuses on 15-year-old Alex played by Kathryn Newton, who encounters a new little neighbor boy named Robbie played by Brady Allen.

The appearance of Robbie stirs up strange events in the house, as a creeping feeling comes about.

When he comes to stay in the house, things get real, really fast. Alex is constantly attached to her video camera, and when she starts picking up strange events, she becomes obsessed with filming everything that happens.

With the help of her love interest, Ben, portrayed by Matt Shivley, the suspense and terror she picks up from her recordings is terrifying and suspenseful.

Alex is adorable. Inside, you desperately pray nothing bad will happen to her. She was very natural on screen, and her terror was gripping and entrancing.

Ben tends to be on the cheesy side, but he offers a fair amount of comic relief and is likeable as well.

Alex’s little brother, Wyatt, played by Aiden Lovekamp, and Robbie form a pair that is the perfect combination of cute and creepy. As things progress, Robbie begins to manipulate Wyatt and introduce him to the sinister force that is Toby.

The parents, by definition of the horror genre, are clueless and unbelieving and are just very typical, but that is basically all they are there for. The parents are probably the weakest aspect of the film.

This movie is terrifying in a way a lot of movies are not. What is truly scary is what you do not see, and the forces at work.

The good, old-fashioned switch-flicking and object-shifting is mind-blowingly chilling.

As the action rises, Alex’s research provides greater insight into the cult responsible for the series of possessions and hauntings and even brings one of those consumed by a possession from another film in the series.

This film is very scary, and highly recommended for those who enjoy ghosts more than gore.

The acting is not all there, but Newton as Alex is a very strong lead. This film, though, was not made to win awards in the acting department. It was made to scare, and it accomplishes just that.

It is a constant ride of terror that never fails to surprise.

The entire audience is engaged while praying and hoping aloud that somehow, in  some way, bad things do not happen. The movie induces screams all the way until the end.