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Paranormal Activity 4 frightened its way to the top off the box office chart scaring up 30.2 million dollars. While that was good enough for first place, it was far below expectations – Paranormal Activity 3 brought in 53 million in its debut a year ago. But don’t feel too bad – the new film only cost 5 million to make.   The rest of the top 10 played out as follows:

1. "Paranormal Activity 4," $30.2 million
2. "Argo," $16.6 million
3. "Hotel Transylvania," $13.5 million
4. "Taken 2," $13.4 million
5. "Alex Cross," $11.8 million
6. "Sinister," $9 million
7. "Here Comes the Boom," $8.5 million
8. "Pitch Perfect," $7 million
9. "Frankenweenie," $4.4 million
10. "Looper," $4.2 million

(Liberal Arts – IFC Films – Rated PG-13)
A brilliant cast and a good script highlight Liberal Arts. Josh Radnor stars, writes and directs – and does an admirable job in this somewhat smug but enjoyable comedy. Elizabeth Olsen shines once again, and Richard Jenkins can turn in this kind of wonderful performance in his sleep.
Allison Janney has a blast playing against type, but the highlight of the film is Zac Efron who plays a sort of burnt out prophet and provides the biggest laughs. His take is dead on. It’s pleasant, enjoyable fun. 4 Stars Out of 5

(Paranormal Activity 4 – Paramount – Rated R)
While it follows the same tried and true formula, Paranormal Activity 4 manages to dust up some scares and chills in the last half hour or so. I got goose bumps more than once. But, get ready for a mild spoiler…there will be a Paranormal Activity 5. Stay until the end of the credits and witness a puzzling sequence that tells us there will be more. My main beef with the film is the formula…the “found footage” movie that features a lot of nothing until the end. I found myself looking at my watch timing when the scares would begin. Next time, how about a FINAL Paranormal Activity that is actually scary for the whole film? 3 ½ Stars Out of 5

(The Imposter – The Indomnia Group – Not Rated)
You know right from the beginning what The Imposter is about. The documentary tells the tale with interviews and re-enactments in a standard tensionless way. But a twist in the last third makes it interesting and downright provocative. You wonder who is getting conned…the people in the film or the audience? 3 Stars Out of 5

(Alex Cross – Summit Entertainment – Rated PG-13)
Tyler Perry is too wimpy and too doughy to be believable as a tough detective-slash-psychologist in Alex Cross. He’s just been making chick flicks for too long. His character is too perfect – he’s a perfect father, a perfect husband, a perfect detective –it’s kind of annoying. Then there’s a nearly unrecognizable Matthew Fox who has lost so much weight he’s scary. He turns in a creepy, reptilian performance as the killer. He looks like he’s made of wire and sinew. He is the best part of the movie. Too bad it couldn’t have been a better one. Overall, it is a standard issue cop drama sandwiched between too many stupid parts. And Tyler Perry is more convincing in a dress. Maybe Madea should have played Alex Cross – she’s a lot more macho. 2 Stars Out of 5

For Bob's past reviews and more, go to bobrichardsmoviereviews.com.