The Lambert family learn their struggle with the supernatural is far from over when a long-buried secret plunges them back into a terrifying world of darkness. Director James Wan reteams with screenwriter Leigh Whannell for this horror sequel starring Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, and Ty Simpkins. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: James Wan
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Ty Simpkins, Jocelin Donahue.
Release Date: Sep 13, 2013
Rated R intense sequences of terror and violence, and thematic elements.
Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.
Genres: Horror
Review:
Insidious Chapter 2 continues an incredibly strong streak for director James Wan. The first Insidious was an exercise in mood and atmosphere which faltered in the last act. The sequel is incredibly similar, it’s first 2 acts are a relentless series of scares, perfectly set up to deliver jolt after jolt. In an impressive feat since he doesn’t break any new ground. Instead he just continues to perfect the process much like he did in this summer’s The Conjuring. Horror fans will find plenty of nice little nods to classic genre films like Suspiria and Poltergeist. The third act suffers a tad from some of the more outlandish elements at play. It’s not as extreme as it was in the first and Wan keeps the film on a more even keel this go around. Insidious Chapter 2 is helped by a rather smart, time bending script which will have you revisiting scenes from the original and viewing them in a new light. Additionally, it’s not as overly serious as The Conjuring. We get nice comedic breaks in the tension to give us a moment to breathe. The returning cast is strong. Rose Byrne shows us she can take her frantic level to eleven and Patrick Wilson reminds us he can be kind of creepy. The door is left wide open for another sequel but James Wan’s recent announcement that he’s leaving the horror genre kind of dulls any excitement.
B
Completely agree! I found it to be pretty scary and ALMOST as good as The Conjuring.
ReplyDeleteI'm somewhat excited to see what he will do with Fast and Furious 7 now.
I was very impressed with it as well. Thought it was a very strong sequel, I'm really disappointed he's given up on horror though.
DeleteI didn't know that he gave up on it outright! That's pretty sad. I thought he was just transitioning for one Fast and Furious. Tis a shame!
DeleteYep, he'd said he was done with the horror genre after spending the last 13 years in it, said he was ready to move on.
DeleteGood review Dan. I didn't really care for the first one, but compared to this movie, it seems like a freakin' piece of art. Well, sort of.
ReplyDeleteLOL, yeah I if you didn't like the first one this one wasn't going to win you over.
DeleteSince James Wan's the Conjuring is the better movie and that I have not seen the first Insidious, I will probably just watch the Conjuring instead. Now that you mentioned Poltergeist, I should probably give that a watch sometime since it is a classic.
ReplyDelete-James
The Conjuring is a very good film. Both Insidious films are good but not as good as The Conjuring. Highly recommend Poltergeist.
DeleteInsidious2 was great although not as good as Insidious!
ReplyDeleteThe development of The Further and the timetravel element was a bit odd but I suppose I liked how it tied in with the first film.
The door is open for a sequel but I think the Lambert story is done. It felt like Specs and Tucker were just angling for a spinoff the entire film
Overall I was far from disappointed!
K :-)
Think your right about Specs and Tucker, it seems like the series would follow them if it moves forward. I'd be content if it ended here though.
DeleteLove the original, as well as almost all James Wan flicks, though I admit the trailer for I:C2 looked mediocre to me. Wait and see - we get to see it in October.
ReplyDeleteYeah I didn't think much of the trailer either but I ended up being impressed with this sequel.
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