In a time of remakes and PG-13 horror, a new movie unexpectedly showered through the dull autumn breeze. Paranormal Activity, an R-rated horror movie about a couple experiencing supernatural thing in their home, has made a splash at cinemas nationwide as people flocked in droves to see this new film. However, there still persists thoughts of just exactly where this movie spawned from or disdain for this formerly unknown movie.

Entertainment sources around, such as the L.A. Times,  have extensive knowledge of this movie and its troubled, yet lucky history. Dating back to 2007, this lowly budgeted film made its presence known at a horror film festival. Since then, it has gone through high tides of decisions as to what exactly to do with this film. The director, Oren Peli, was hoping to get a wide-distribution release if a company was willing to pick up the film. The film finally achieved this dream of a wide release when Steven Spielberg saw the film and was absolutely terrified. The history should end there, but there was one other surprising twist. While Paramount bought the rights to distribute it, they wanted to release a remade version of the movie. It was not until later when the original film was screened and truly made people flee the theatre in terror that the studio scrapped the remake idea to release the original film that has been out in theaters for the past month. The only catch was that Spielberg suggested a new ending which was then filmed and used for this final, released version.

Not only did Paramount have a hit, but they knew how to distribute the film now -- calling it one of the frighting movies in years. As a result, audiences all around have gone to see the film and enjoyed it. Based on experiences, people screamed and were genuinely frightened as their hearts beat faster each anticipated second. Part of its success was attributed for its ability to create a wall of suspense. It can be described as slow, but that is the magic this movie possesses. It is reminiscent of the original Halloween from the 1970’s. While true that the film contains strong language, there is absolutely little blood or gore, and the suspense of what will happen next is what makes both movies terrifying. This is an immense strength where both of these movies try to actually scare audiences instead of going straight for shameless shock value. This movie even proved that statement when it beat the ever-extending Saw series at the box office.

Despite praises spawning left and right, there steadily remains a side of the audience that truly did not enjoy the film. One common criticism is among the fact that it was shot in the same style as another famous independent horror film, The Blair Witch Project, was back in the mid 1990’s. Audiences can be turned off from this guerilla-style shooting as  the film did not have exactly the best sound quality a movie could have. Unfortunately, the single important factor for hundreds was falling into the trap of excessive hype. An object, be video game, movie, or anything, can be hyped by hundreds of people to an immense level. This high level of hype increases the expectations of those who have not yet been able to join in on the hyped object or event. When the person can finally indulge in the hyped object, they might think less of it due to higher expectations gained from people who both experienced it firsthand and  absolutely raved on about how good the hyped object was. 

Movies and hype need each other. Movies cannot thrive without hype, but hype cannot exist without movies. It is a common Hollywood tactic to build a movie based upon audience receptions, thus creating hype for a movie. Whereas the majority of audience members buy into it, others remain critical and have fallen to the hype idea. Despite opinions on whether the movie was scary for some and bland for others, the studios are pleased with its acceptance as a legitimate movie despite the ultra low-budget filmography. Importantly, a movie must entertain people. By the majority of audience reactions, it appears as though the movie completed its goal. 

     Sprint’s new touch phone was designed to compete with the iPhone.  Many sprint customers purchased the Samsung phone upon release but the question now is, was it worth it?
     The phone has a lot to offer.  The plan that you must purchase with the phone includes unlimited data, music, navigation, web and more including Sprint TV and radio.  Fortunately, if you are on the friends and family plan, you are not required to buy the pricy service.  The downside is, if you are not, you will be shelling out $99.99 a month in bills to keep your services.
     Sprint Navigation is a convenient tool on the phone.  It certainly beats running out to buy a new Garmin or TomTom navigation device.  Unfortunately the phone often takes a lot of time to acquire the GPS signal and is typically slow to search for addresses or businesses you are looking for.  On the plus side, for people who can not afford the $99.99 a month, reports have said that navigation is so deeply embedded into the phone that you do not require the plan to use it.
     TV and radio are also a nice addition to the touch phone.  You get many free television and radio stations; however, occasionally you come across some stations that require a paid subscription to hear or watch.  If you are a person who loves television or music you are probably willing to pay for it so this service is a positive for you.
     The front menu on the phone is fully customizable as well.  Other than things like ‘web’ and ‘music’ you can add a variety of options to the phone.  You can add a button that takes you directly to where you send a text to a person you talk to often.  For example the button would say “text Nate” on the menu.  Also you can add this same feature for someone you would like to call.  This is convenient so you do not have to go into your contacts or through your messaging (which is conversation style).
     Although there is no iTunes and Sprint does not use the touch screen as innovatively as Apple, the Instinct is a good phone.  Also, if you are a die hard music listener and have all your favorite songs on your iPod and in your iTunes library, there  is a $20.00 application you can download that will allow you to have your playlist on your Sprint phone.