Review: The Conjuring 2 (2016)

                 

   
             'The Conjuring 2' Isn't Double The Scares But Is A Worthy Successor

                    Even if the liked the first film more, I still have to say thank goodness, we have a horror sequel that actually works!
       
        Story:
       The Conjuring 2 continues the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) who are called upon to Britain to investigate a demonic poltergeist terrorizing a working class family.

       Ups:
       I'll first delve into the acting by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The two of them have recaptured the same chemistry that was present in the first one and make you want to root for them in the end and see them fight the demonic evil because these two actors are so likable and believable in their roles. One actress that I'd love to give a shoutout to is Frances O'Connor as the mother in the haunted family. I thought she was brilliant as the stressed-out mother trying to hold her family together while making sense of what is happening around her.

      Another thing I really liked was the cinematography by Don Burgess. I loved how in a lot of the scary scenes, he never cuts away from the horror right in front of you. One of my favorite sequences is when Ed is talking to the evil spirit while he's in the body of one of the girls in the family. As the camera focuses solely on Ed and at first on the girl, the girl becomes more out of focus in the background and the spirit possessing her becomes more technically visible even if he's all blurry in the background.

    Downs:
    While the movie does have its fair share of scares, some of the scary sequences went on for a little too long and even as I was already tired when I walked in the movie, I still kept trying to stay awake during those extended sequences. I also thought the climax at the very end was a little rushed. There was a bit of suspense because of a certain plot poing that takes place during the middle of the picture that I won't give away. But towards the very end, the final battle still felt quickened.  

    Consensus:
    Overall, The Conjuring 2 is a flawed yet worthy and well-served sequel to its predecessor. The two lead actors are good like they were in the last film (and as always), the cinematography helped heighten the terror and suspense, and overall, it's a good fun ride to see in theaters. You can see it alone or bring someone else in case things do get too scary.

Grade: B+