Now Playing

Here's a look at the new films I saw this week including a new documentary that should be on everyone's Top 10 list in 2010.

Paranormal Activity 2

Starring: Brian Boland, Sprague Grayden, Katie Featherston, and Molly Ephraim

Synopsis: Here is where I am torn — I applaud the filmmakers for not taking the cheap and easy road in making these films, but I didn't like the film all that much. I generally like the horror genre, I have since I was young. But I can't stand what has happened to the genre for the most part. The recent wave of horror films — yes, "Saw" franchise I am looking at you — have been fairly graphic and depressing, but they haven't been all that scary. A great horror film builds up suspense. It's not about how graphic what you see depicted is, it's about how afraid you are of what you haven't yet seen or what's coming. That is something that "Paranormal Activity" understands, and the sequel continues that trend. I just didn't find the execution of the film all that unnerving. The filmmakers do a decent job of staying true to the original premise, building on the story, and offering a deepening of the film's mythology. I also liked the way they found to make the sequel different, yet similar to the first film. While I didn't find the resolution or ending all that shocking, it was an interesting twist. Of course, they keep that hidden camera feel by playing up the idea that this is all a true story — and there may even be some in the audience that think that's true. The performances are all fine. I still like Featherston, who was the star of the first film, and Grayden, Boland, and Ephraim did a nice job in the sequel as well. In concept this is a strong idea, and while it might work well with some audiences I didn't find it particularly compelling or frightening. But it's still a lot better than the gore factory that is most mainstream horror films.

Rating: R for some language and brief violent material.

Verdict: Two stars.

Waiting for Superman

Directed by Davis Guggenheim

Synopsis: I wrote about this movie on Tuesday, so I won't belabor the points too much. This film is easily one of the best, if not the best, film I've seen in 2010. It's also the most important. This documentary focuses on the education system — the flaws in the bureaucracy, the students who are effected, and the educators that are working hard to provide alternatives. It's beautiful and painful at the same time. The stories of the students are heartbreaking, the work of the educators like Geoffrey Canada is inspiring, and the problems within the system seem daunting. But it is incumbent upon all of us to get out there and help be part of the effective change. That is the ultimate, hopeful message of this film. As for me, I think any time I reflect on the education system, I will remember the stories of the five students featured in the film — Anthony, Daisy, Emily, Bianca, and Francisco — and the millions like them that deserve better. Fixing the education system is an investment in our future, and the time is now.

Rating: PG for some thematic material, mild language and incidental smoking.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.