Last week's US box-office figures suggested that a changing of the guard is under way in the world of horror. After defying critics' lack of interest for six years, the latest Sawfilm drew in the smallest wad since the first film's release.

Meanwhile, after being on release for five long weeks,

Paranormal Activity

, a terrific low-budget shocker that screened as the surprise film at the IFI’s recent Horrorthon festival, finally bludgeoned its way to No 1. This is something that, despite taking $250 million worldwide, the superficially similar

Blair Witch Project

never managed.