The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist is once again directed by James Wan and stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as the real life demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren as they finish their investigation on the infamous 'AMITYVILLE HOUSE' and moving into foggy England to check on the increasingly disturbing activity happening at a small home in England. Lorraine also begins to experience more vicious visions that predict her husbands own death.
This movie is AMAZING! Wow, just when I think James Wan can't top himself, he does it in spades. Yes, we get the same fantastic scares and brilliant atmosphere that are always around with him, however 'The Conjuring 2' brings actual human feeling and grounded realism that it makes those scares and world so much better than before. You feel Ed and Lorraine's love for each other and their genuine desire to help those who are being tormented by the evil forces at work here. The Hodgson Family themselves are also so wonderful. You feel so much for them, they are not generic cardboard horror cutouts, they are as real on the silver screen as they are in the here and now. I was always hoping for the horror and torment to just end for them, only to be disappointed again and again (As quoted by Ed in the film, demons like to 'kick you when you're down').
The hauntings themselves are quite the large spectacle, even when the simpelist things are happening such as a chair putting itself back in its place at the dinner table. The demon effects in here are really something (The Crooked Man is a favorite of mine) and really sell the horror well, though most are pretty obvious that CGI has taken the place of practical effects from the first film. That is a slight disappointment, those who know me know I like to complain a lot about that. Even so, the effects are all well executed and are used only when needed. James Wan is also the only horror director today I can think of who does not use 'cheap jump scares'. Rather, every time he does a jump scare, it ALWAYS has a payoff. What I mean is, instead of a trashcan falling over, or a cat jumping out, we always get a ghost/demon popping up, making the scares actually scary and worthwhile instead of lazy and annoying. (LOUD NOISES ARE NOT SCARY!).
While I do believe 'The Conjuring 2' far and beyond outshines its predecessor, there are some aspects that others may not enjoy. The film's length was a common complaint I heard from a couple of people in the audience, which is true for a horror film (almost 2 1/2 hours is too much for most fans of the genre nowadays). This is something I thought I should bring up despite it not bothering me, it is a caution of sorts. Many other people found the film kind of soft/bland as well (I heard someone say they wanted someone to die, since it was a horror film). This is more of a criticism towards those viewers, as a film that is based on a true story should have informed them enough of the fact that this is real life, for the most part. It is not 'HOSTEL' or James Wan's 'SAW' film, this is reality not fantasy.
I'm sorry this sounds so much like the original film's review, but I can't help it that it's better than the first film, but it's just the plain truth. Despite the criticisms from the audience (complaining about a 'free' screening by the by) I would check this one out for yourself. Genuine horror is the stuff that has realism to it. It doesn't come from gore, nor does it come from your Freddy or Jason, it comes from the real world. Whether you believe in demons or not, this film gets under your skin just seeing people's faith, and the innocence of youth being challenged and destroyed by this malevolent spirit. 'The Conjuring 2' is real horror, and a real treat.
'THE CONJURING 2' GETS AN:
(A+)
PROS:
-The Story
-Genuine Feelings and Heart From Characters
-Real Horror At Its Finest
-Characters Feel Like Real People
-More Developed
CONS:
-Length may bother some
-Some common horror tropes are used often
-May bore some
Let me know what you'd rather see reviewed first? 'Now You See Me 2' or 'Warcraft'? Let me know on Facebook or in the comments below.
Thanks again to Warner Brothers, the CW, and The Promenade Cinema 14 for this special early review.
All images are property of Time Warner/Warner Brothers/New Line Cinema
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