‘Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones’ Review: The Best in the Series

Research has proven time and again that raza loves a healthy dose of cucuy at the multiplex. So, perhaps it was a bit of cynicism that inspired Paramount Pictures to chase the mighty Latino dólar by tailoring the fifth installment of its “Paranormal Activity” to this specific demographic. To be frank, it is hard not to be prepared for the worst when such projects announced. But, when “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” was finally revealed to its first audiences in December, what emerged was a crowd-pleasing effort that was easily the best in the series.

First introduced by filmmaker Oren Peli in 2007, the legend of Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) as depicted in “Paranormal Activity” has inspired countless pretenders with its deviously simple narrative structure. Audiences witnessed a normal couple being menaced by a demonic presence as captured by a series of cameras strategically placed throughout their suburban home. The found footage then offered a horrific finish, with Micah being murdered in the most cold-blooded fashion. To date, Katie remains at large and the demonic spirit that’s possessed her has shown no signs of being sated. Three films later, said demon is revealed to be the central force of a coven of witches, something that has involved Katie’s family for years.

With “The Marked Ones,” the legend spins-off to reveal a wider conspiracy that reaches a Latino enclave in Oxnard, California. It is now 2012 and best friends Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) and Hector (Jorge Diaz) are enjoying their post-high school summer. With Hector capturing their escapades on a new camcorder, their exploits turn mysterious when a murder occurs in their neighborhood. Intrigued, the boys break into a neighbor’s apartment to discover a ritualistic altar that surprisingly includes a picture of Jesse. As more unexplained events transpire, Jesse discovers he possesses near-superhero powers that are growing with intensity. But a more sinister truth becomes apparent once it is revealed that Jesse has been “marked” to become the vessel for a demonic entity. What ensues is a rapid-fire descent into evil that threatens the lives all around him.

Highbrow critics are already downplaying the entire concept as pandering for dollars to inject life into a weakening franchise. That may be true of the whole found footage concept of the “Paranormal Activity” films, which is as stale as an old box of Gamesa cookies. Yet, the decision to spin-off the series into a more ethnic direction has proven to be an inspired one. Thanks to the Latino focus, a layer of warmth and authenticity represented by its winning cast actually offers audiences a reason to care about the characters for once. That alone separates “The Marked Ones” in a very positive manner.

The banter between Jacobs and Diaz, as well as the rest of the supporting cast, infuses the film with real humor at the start. Their lively energy works wonders for the franchise, adding a credible layer of normalcy that was always a bit awkward to establish in the previous films. It is here where the Latino vibe works best, showcasing a family dynamic and a physical environment that are credible, detailed and respectful. Yet, it is not a concept that will alienate a non-Latino audience. (Suffice it to say, however, Latinos will find much to enjoy in the little cultural details from slang to physical gestures to the excellent sight of the homies storming the witches compound. You may have to go to confession for enjoying yourself too much.)

Surprisingly, once the scares start growing in intensity, the impact on the lives of these characters slowly turns “The Marked Ones” into less of a genre film and more of a compelling drama with a supernatural theme. The final act is a whopper of an ending that dovetails beautifully into the overall “Paranormal Activity” mythology, opening the door to a final chapter that may offer fans true closure at last.

True, January is never a good month for film. In the wake of holiday and Oscar-bait overload, studios tend to dump their most banal titles into the fray with little or no fan fare. We are talking about demons and possession here, but “The Marked Ones” may be a game changer. Director-screenwriter Christopher Landon was tasked with a great challenge, to find new life in a franchise that has been copied one too many times. It may have been a cash grab dressed as a filmmaking experiment. But, credit Landon for having the guts to offer an important segment of the moviegoing audience a chance to see itself reflected on the big screen in a manner that’s authentic. And with its highly entertaining mix of spine-tingling drama and fear, “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” bears the mark of a winner, indeed.

“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones” is in theaters now.