Which movie was better, 'Paranormal Activity' or 'Paranormal Activity 2'?

I watched “Paranormal Activity 2” for the first time the other night, and I can safely say that this horror movie follows closely on the heels of the original when it comes to creepiness and “jump moments.”

Directed by Tod Williams and written by Michael R. Perry, “Paranormal Activity 2” was released at midnight on Oct. 22, 2010 and was a huge hit in the theatres. Shot on a budget of around $3 million, the movie went on to post gross revenues of over $176 million.

To fully appreciate “Paranormal Activity 2,” you should watch the original “Paranormal Activity” movie, which was released in 2007. Both movies employ highly realistic footage that is said to have been pieced together from home videos shot by the characters in the film. “Paranormal Activity 2” employs heavy use of footage from home surveillance cameras that the characters have installed after what they think are a series of burglaries.

“Paranormal Activity 2” includes characters that appear (and don’t survive) in “Paranormal Activity,” and the events in “Paranormal Activity 2” take place in a parallel story line with the first movie, including events before and after those in the original film. Those of you who have seen both movies will know what I’m talking about. Those of you who haven’t, just watch the movies.

“Paranormal Activity 2” won’t knock your socks off with big name actors, mostly because the movie’s presented in such a way as to make you think that the events in the film really happened. The cast includes Brian Boland, Molly Ephraim, Katie Featherston, Seth Ginsberg, Sprague Grayden and Micha Sloat. Featherston and Sloat also starred in the original “Paranormal Activity” movie.

Those of you who have enjoyed both of the “Paranormal Activity” movies, will be pleased to hear that production has already begun on “Paranormal Activity 3,” which will likely be released on Oct. 21… just in time for Halloween.

As I mentioned earlier, “Paranormal Activity 2” includes more than a few “jump moments,” that is, moments that will make even the hardiest of horror movie veterans jump in their seats. Those of you who have seen this movie will agree, I’m sure.

One question that always seems to arise in discussions about these movies, among people who have seen them both, is this: Which one did you like better, the original or the sequel? That’s a difficult question to answer, and I’d like to hear your opinion on the subject. If you had to pick a favorite, which one would it be and why? Let us know in the comments section below.