Is "Paranormal Activity 3" worth the money?

I have always loved horror flicks. It's the suspense... it's the "edge of your sit" action (or possibly the literal sinking in your seat)... and it's the fear that is caused to keep the viewer especially engrossed.

I remember seeing the first "Paranormal Activity" on my laptop, in my dorm room with the light on, and yet, I still jumped occasionally at scenes that especially caught me off guard. When "Paranormal Activity 2" was released in theaters, I made sure that I bought my ticket that same weekend. I was indeed satisfied.

"Paranormal Activity 3" poster ||
Courtesy of thereelbits.com

On Friday, October 21, "Paranormal Activity 3" brought viewers back to 1988 and into the young lives of Katie (Katie Featherson) played by Chloe Csengery and Kristi Rey (Sprague Grayden) played by Jessica Tyler Brown, in order to fully understand why the strange, supernatural happenings were occurring in their adult lives, in parts 1 and 2. Their mother's stepfather, Dennis (Christopher Nicholas Smith), sets up video cameras around the house, while Julie remains a skeptic. Viewers realize that Kristi's "imaginary friend," Toby, may be the root of this entire problem. We are then able to finally link the installments together after gaining the history needed.

"Paranormal Activity 3" provides the suspense, the mini-jumps every good horror flick provides and even the laughs from time to time (Because, let's be honest, when surrounded by fellow movie-goers it's easy to find the humor in certain occurrences). Young Actresses Csengery and Brown bring the vivacity the film needs and truly help to intensify those especially scary scenes. Honestly, I don't remember jumping so much during a horror film (because I usually can tell what's coming) but I was sure impressed by the intense scary scenes! The movie did not disappoint--well, until the end, that is.

The conclusion, by far, was disappointing and, without giving too much away, left room for just a bit more answers... and even questions of a possible fourth installment. It ended too bluntly for my taste (and for the many groaning viewers in the theater with me, in fact!) A good film allows for one to fill in the gaps, but this gap was just a little too wide.

Overall, Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman did an excellent job in grabbing the majority of viewers' attention throughout the entire movie, with the frightful, yet realistic, scenes and sound to draw viewers in. The joy of walking away satisfied at a movie actually worth watching? Maybe just the minority.

Have e-readers taken over? *Sigh*

Digital book readers.

• Convenient... 
• Light-weight... 
• Easy to use... 

These are just some of the general reasons why people may choose to purchase an e-reader.

Some of my "general" complaints:

• A little too convenient
• The joys of waltzing into a bookstore are becoming a thing of the past
• Umm, it's not an actual book... 
• The light weight doesn't allow appreciation for a hardcover vs. paperback
• My fancy bookmarks purchased and created, will now catch dust...
• No more "book jackets" *sigh*

Ok, so my complaints may have just cast a huge shadow over the general reasons that I previously provided... but who can blame me?

Growing up, I can't remember a time when I didn't enjoy reading a book. As a child and Night Owl, I'd constantly be reprimanded by my parents to go to bed on time. 

So what would I do? 

I'd hop into bed and hide under the covers, with a flashlight in hand of course. I'd pull out the latest "Two of a Kind" (starring Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen) or "Goosebumps" by RL Stine book and begin reading--anticipating the next page, chapter and plot. 

Kids today, now have the luxury of reading in the dark, with a book reader that is made to provide no excess strain on the eyes. How nice <sarcasm at its best>

E-readers are light-weight compared to traditional books.
Photo Courtesy of Getyimages.com

So maybe I haven't been totally fair here. It's not that I don't admire digital book readers... I do, to an extent. It's just that the old-fashioned way of reading is still in me--and that appreciation is still embedded.

Just two weeks ago I went to my favorite bookstore: Barnes & Noble. Upon entering I saw the fancy display of The Nook. So what did I do to try and lessen my animosity towards the device? I walked over to the sales rep. and asked questions about it. I wanted to give myself a logical reason why I should even continue entertaining the idea of buying a Nook.

The Nook rep. provided me with more details than I have never received before--more info than I actually inquired about. I was amazed at some of the features I was unaware about (I won't even mention it, since you Nook pros out there might start shaking your head at my lack of knowledge). But I was proud to walk out of that department, more knowledgeable about this device and just a bit more impressed. 

Impressed enough to make the purchase? No.

Ok, maybe I was a lot more impressed than I'm leading on here... I just didn't have sufficient money at the time!

Nook app: Angry Birds game || Courtesy of techrockstar.com 

I will always love reading, but I feel like once I make the purchase, the entire essence of reading will be lost in the distraction of apps like Angry Birds (my favorite game), Internet access and other entertaining features. I'll miss turning the page manually and opening a recently bought, brand new, crisp, "untouched" novel.

Seriously, that OMG-a-new-book-finally feeling is one I treasure.

I carry at least one (or maybe two) book with me, in my bag, anywhere I go. I ignore the weight of my bag... the combination of my novels and miscellaneous items adding on the pounds to my poor shoulder.

So maybe the day will come when I will make the idea of purchasing a Nook a reality. I'll still keep my complaints in mind... but I think I'll be just a tad bit satisfied when I walk out of that Barnes & Noble with my new purchase... maybe... just a tad.