MOVIE REVIEW: THE CONJURING 2

Director James Wan brings this supernatural thriller to the screen with another real case from the files of renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren.. Reprising their roles, Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson star as Lorraine and Ed Warren, who, in one of their most terrifying paranormal investigations, travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.

Director: James Wan

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Frances O'Connor, Madison Wolfe, Simon Delaney

Release Date: Jun 10, 2016

Rated for terror and Horror Violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 13 min.

Genres: Horror

Review:

The Conjuring 2 is a strong if slightly forgettable sequel that doesn’t have the same bite as the first film.  James Wan continues to prove he’s one of the stronger directors in the horror genre as he runs through a series of tried and true horror tropes.  In the hands of lesser directors these tropes would feel tired and come off as ineffective.  Wan is capable of finding the perfect tenor of a sense to set up scares which jolts the audience even though most of them know its coming.  While its director and cast are strong, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are just as committed to their roles as the first tie around, there’s a strong sense of familiarity with the story.  The majority of the film plays out exactly as expected with few surprises in store save for a random Elvis impersonation from Patrick Wilson.  Personally, I’d love to see this franchise continue with Wilson and Farmiga but it’ll need some slightly fresher material to keep it’s bite.    

B