YOU may have read or seen the hype about Paranormal Activity, the US horror movie that cost $15,000 to make and is well on its way to collecting more than a $100 million at the US box office.

Well, I am sorry to inform you that this is one of the most disappointing films I have seen all year.

I was fully expecting a relentlessly scary and eerie horror that would have me literally hiding behind my seat.

Alas no — unintentionally, it is one of the funniest movies of the year and the audience I watched it with obviously felt the same way as they were laughing, tittering and giggling for its 90 minute duration.

The story of a couple who buy a camcorder to record the haunting of their house is highly reminiscent of other vastly superior movies like Poltergeist but the hammy acting and corny lines literally ruin the tension and potential horror.

The ending is so obvious you could see it coming a mile away.

Paranormal Activity is in cinemas from Wednesday and is a 15 certificate.

MARTIN Freeman of The Office fame and Ashley Jensen of Extras star in the delightful family film, Nativity, which is a real crowd pleaser and a perfect festive movie for the whole family.

Primary school teacher Paul Maddens (Freeman) is being charged with the biggest challenge of his life — mounting the school's musical version of the Nativity.

Competing against the posh local school for the honour of best reviewed show in town, the stakes are raised when Paul idly boasts that his ex-girlfriend Jennifer (Ashley Jensen), a Hollywood producer, is coming to see his show with a view to turning it into a film.

The only trouble is they haven't spoken in years.

This very simple premise is beautifully played out for the duration of the movie and the city of Coventry provides the backdrop for the movie as Paul's group showcase their talents in the confines of the city's famous cathedral.

A host of famous TV folk including Alan Carr, Ricky Tomlinson, John Sessions and Pam Ferris feature in cameos alongside the two principal leads but the real stars of the movie are the school children who were all cast from local schools in Coventry.

They literally shine in both the comedy moments and the song and dance numbers.

This is simply a very wonderful and endearing film and a perfect way to start the festive season.

Nativity is in cinemas from Friday and is a U certificate.