"Hereafter," "Paranormal Activity 2"

October 28, 2010|by Marcus at the Movies

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — For this week’s flick-or-treat, Marcus reviews two movies he calls a double screecher: Clint Eastwood’s “Hereafter,” rated PG-13, and “Paranormal Activity 2,” rated R.

“Hereafter” isn't really scary, but the subject matter of contacting the dead through psychics certainly fits into this month’s theme.

“Give me your hands."

"I don't even do this anymore.”

George, a psychic played by Matt Damon, tells people that throughout “Hereafter.”

“I'm just going to stop you.”

“Candace.”

“OK, Candace -- I don't do readings any more.”

Eastwood layers multiple characters and storylines, jumping back and forth between them before ultimately bringing them together.

The first is a French TV anchor, who is on holiday in Hawaii and is caught in a devastating tsunami. She dies clinically but is revived, and it changes her life in a major way; her TV job gets pushed aside as she starts writing a book.

“So you think I really experienced something?”

“Oh yes: I think you experienced death.”

There's also a young boy who has lost his twin brother.

“I recognize you: you're that psychic.”

“I have news for you. I don't do it any more.”

But George’s former manager -- his brother, played by Jay Mohr -- not only thinks he not only should do it again, but has a duty to do so. That’s why he sends desperate but unwanted clients George's way.

“And?”

“And what?”

“Did you do it?”

“What?”

“The reading. Did you do the reading?”

“You still don't get it, do you?”

The only thing “Hereafter” lacks is emotion. There are bits and pieces, but when talking about losing loved ones, the movie loses something without it. There's a little in one scene, where someone George meets in a cooking class wants a reading -- which we’ve long since learned he doesn't do any more.

“Would it be OK if I told you the answer was no?”

“You don't even know what I was going to ask.”

“Yes I do.”

Like I said, “Hereafter” isn't scary, but a provcative, and interesting subject. If you do want scary, let me suggest “Paranormal Activity 2.”

Done in home-camcorder and security-camera style, this sequel is perfect if you like scary moments without the violent-and-bloody slasher approach. It will definitely get you ready for Halloween, as well as the truly scary day two days later -- Election Day.

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