Insidious' James Wan dips his feet into the haunted-house genre once again with this New Line Cinema production depicting the real-life tale of the Perron family, who claimed to have been terrorized by a series of ghosts. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson star as paranormal investigators who achieved notoriety from their investigation into the Perrons' house. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
Director: James Wan
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor, Joey King
Release Date: Jul 19, 2013
Rated: Sequences of disturbing violence and terror.
Runtime: 1 hr. 51 min.
Genres: Horror
Review:
The Conjuring is a well acted, well directed horror film that takes it’s time building scares. James Wan directs his film like an homage to 70’s horror films, it borrows heavily from The Exorcist, The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist. Like Insidious, Wan builds up the tension by setting up a chilling atmosphere that’s filled with wonderfully set up moments all done with interesting camera work. Unlike Insidious, the final act doesn’t falter with cheesy monster effects. The final reel is a goose bump inducing horror show that delivers the goods. Impressively, this is all done with very little blood or even cursing, it’s a master class in restraint. The cast is solid but the characters, the Warren’s in particular, are under written. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson shine throughout while creating a palpable and believable loving relationship. Personally, I wish we’d seen a tad more of them and their back story but since this is considered a franchise starter it maybe something we’ll see down the road. Let’s hope the quality stays just as high in future installments.
B+
I think I am going to have to check this out. It seems to be good horror and one of those that shoudln't be missed. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt's one of the better films out there Jordan, totally worthwhile.
DeleteI loved the fact that Insidious turned to cheesy humour but I am so glad to hear that The Conjuring remains serious.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of blood won't bother me but the cursing might. What the rating? Sometimes PG-13 horror feels overly watered down. I will give James Wan the benefit of the doubt though.
Cannot wait to see this - I would have swapped The World's End with you in a heartbeat!
K :-)
Insidious is like 2 different movies, I liked it but it kind went counter to what he'd set up so perfectly. This one is perfectly crafted.
DeleteI think there are a few curse words here but nothing major or out of place!
I absolutely loved it!
DeletePatrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga were great. It was genuinely scary and quite stressful in places!
I liked that there wasn't much gore and in the end I didn't notice that there were very few, if any, curse words.
Can't wait for The Conjuring 2..... and Insidious 2
K :-)
Same here K, I can't wait for the next installments of both. James Wan is really making a name for himself.
Deletewell, this seems harmless enough. i should go check this out.
ReplyDeleteIts really well constructed Candice, I think you'll appreciate it.
DeleteAnother spot on review! Glad everyone seems to agree that this movie is badass.
ReplyDeleteIt's an excellent film, really happy with this horror entry!
DeleteGood review Dan. I had a good time with this and even though I wouldn't have considered myself scared, I was definitely happy when I left.
ReplyDeleteDitto Dan, it was all very familiar but it was very well done too.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that this is the only horror movie this year that I am actually interested in.
ReplyDelete-James
Far and away one of the better made horror films in recent memory.
DeleteIt blew me away completely!
ReplyDeleteReally wonderfully done throwback horror film!
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