Directed by James Wan
Written by Carey Hayes & Chad Hayes & James Wan (screenplay and story) and David Leslie Johnson (screenplay)
Cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Frances O’Connor, Simon McBurney, Madison Wolfe, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Simon Delaney, Franka Potente
Soundtrack: Joseph Bishara
Despite not being a major horror aficionado, I have to admit, I dug 2013’s ‘The Conjuring‘. The very end was a little unsatisfying, but, on the whole, the movie was effective and, most importantly, I was into the characters and what was happening. I don’t particularly believe in ghosts myself, but I am interested by the concept of ghost hunting, so a movie that utilizes that subject matter is a good fit for me. Also, props to any movie that makes you feel fear in the daylight.
‘The Conjuring 2’ is similarly based on (which is to say, highly embellished) the case files of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, this time focusing on the so-called “Enfield Poltergeist” in Greater London in the late-1970s (although the extent of the Warren’s actual involvement in Enfield is questionable).
Nevermind all that though, because the only question that really matters here is how ‘The Conjuring 2’ stands up to the first movie.
I’m sorry to say, it falls well short.
‘The Conjuring 2’ has many problems. It’s too long, it doesn’t leave enough to your imagination, and one twist in particular doesn’t work because the filmmakers never truly committed to it in the first place. In short, the movie’s a bit of a mess.
The one major positive thing I’ll say about it is they did nail down the late-70s time period from a production design standpoint. All the sets, props, costumes, and hair and makeup look great and feel real.
Other than that though, the movie’s not really worth your time, and it’s not worth my time to do a detailed analysis. So, unless you just really like jumpscares or are a James Wan completionist, I recommend you skip this one.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆