The Conjuring 2 Review – Movie Reviews By Chris
Director: James Wan
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Frances O’Connor
Genre: Horror
Rating: R (MA15+). Terror and horror violence.
Running Time: 134 minutes (2 hours 34 minutes).
Release Date: 9th June 2016 (Australia), 10th June 2016 (USA, India).
The Conjuring 2 revisits the world of Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farming) Warren- paranormal activity investigators and lecturers. They’re stuck in a period when the world is throwing their incredulity of their occupation at them, and combined with a haunting premonition that Lorraine has of Ed’s demise, leads them to retire from ghost investigations. Meanwhile in London, Peggy Hodgson (Frances O’Connor) and her 4 children begin to experience a demonic presence communicating through daughter Janet (Madison Wolfe). Terrified and overwhelmed, the family resort to employing the help of the Warrens, who are reluctantly plunged into the dangerous world of demons and ghosts. But with no definitive evidence of the ghost’s presence, the Warrens, along with friends, family, and the media begin to question just how real this threat is… Chaos, manipulation, and uncertainty ensues as the Warrens tackle their most frightening case yet…
Now, I must say I was reluctant to see this movie, because I obviously get scared by horror movies (dur) and the only sessions were at 9:40pm every night… But, I knew my audience would want it, and so I gritted my teeth, and stepped into the movie theatre. I hope you guys know the sacrifices I make for you!
But I walked out of the theatre very impressed. I don’t have LOADS of horror movie experience, but what I do know is that most of them have one priority only- to scare the audience. While this was definitely present in this movie, I was pleasantly surprised at how layered and intricate the plot and characters were. Australia’s own James Wan directed this movie and I must give a standing ovation for the job he did here. Bravo. I don’t think I trust many other horror directors aside from him. The cinematography of this film was genius and flawlessly executed, and was probably the scariest part of the movie! The use of wide shots and a slowly panning camera back and forth from a source of horror was brilliant! And this was fantastically complimented by the set design, extensive use of props, and the eerie and enigmatic lighting. Roughly half the time something would emerge from the darkness or from behind the props, while the other half of the time, nothing would happen, but the anticipation was what scared viewers. I would not be surprised if Wan or the cinematography team were nominated for an Oscar. Look out for the scene where Janet is being interviewed by Ed Warren- the camerawork really shines there, you’ll know what I mean.
And that wasn’t the only source of fright for viewers. It just didn’t stop throughout almost the entire movie. By the end, however, it kind of lost its initial effect. Maybe I just became more acclimatised to it. And of course I have to address the biggest cliché plot convenience in all horror films- walking TOWARDS the source of the horror. Why? Just why? There was one scene however when an entire family, after being scared enough, sprinted out of their house to the neighbours next door. I thought ‘that was the most sensible thing anyone has done in a horror movie’. Anyway, to the plot! I did like the spin they put on that the whole thing could be a hoax concocted by a bored girl (which was an element present in the true story of this case), and exploring that from different perspectives. It’s something that the world deals with all the time- skepticism. And that element was used deftly in a plot twist that invigorated the storyline when it needed it most. For those wondering, the actual events of this case are dramatised significantly to make the finished product. I’ve seen the real evidence, and I’m still not convinced that any of it was real. The poignant tone at the end of the Conjuring movies is something that I both hate and like at the same time. Yes, it gives the franchise some originality, brings some themes to the table, and makes the plot more intricate, but at the end of the day, this is a HORROR MOVIE. I want to walk out of the cinema shaking, but the ‘and they lived happily ever after’ takes some of that away. That’s where I feel a franchise like Paranormal Activity trumps The Conjuring.
The cast has familiar faces Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, with new guys Madison Wolfe, Frances O’Connor, Lauren Esposito, Benjamin Haigh, Patrick McAuley, Simon McBurney, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Simon Delaney among others. Not many horror films have names you might recognise. Farmiga’s and Wolfe’s performances were the stand-outs in this movie, with the ensemble cast performing valiantly as well. Wilson and his character were a bit too fearless for me. I loved Wilson and Farmiga’s cute chemistry. It was a nice, light element to bring to the table. Speaking of, genres included action, horror, thriller, mystery, and romance, while themes were family, unity, incredulity, and the media. The costuming and production value was done well, and special effects were fine except for the ‘Crooked man’ sequence (contained animation)- not sure I liked that very much…
The running time was pretty long, but it felt like a journey because of the character development and how I was engaged. The soundtrack and sound editing was effective in the way it was intelligently used, and a sequel is definitely possible- the Warrens have a fair amount of source material to draw from. You don’t need to have seen the original or Annabelle to enjoy this one, but you will have a greater appreciation of it if you have.
To conclude, it could be improved through less of a happy ending- even if it’s just one shot at the end or the possibility of a reawakening force, and more thriller elements- in terms of the villains credibility- to really solidify the fear in the audience. But, I judge a good movie on how it stimulates emotions, and there were definitely some emotions brewing inside me!
Rating: 8.5/10
Hahaha, yes this movie is pretty scary, but you will be reassured by the happy ending. Enjoy!
I’ve only watched the first film and it scared the crap out of me so I’m not that eager to watch this one. But having read your review (and I am a sucker for happily ever afters) I might go and watch this one. The end might make me not have nightmares before I sleep.