Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
No genre of Film is as beloved by its fans as Horror is. So its little wonder that following Furious 7, James Wan returns with The Conjuring 2. This Followup to the 2013 original reunites Wan with twin writers Chad & Carey Hayes (The Reaping). It also brings David Leslie Johnson (Orphan) nto the pack of penmen. Suffice it to say, this is a thrill ride that knows how to twist and turn.
As the story goes, in 1978 American spook sleuths Ed & Lorraine Warren were commissioned to investigate a haunting in Enfield, a borough in northern London. There a single mother and her four children were stirred by a poltergeist in their home. The mother, Peggy Hodgson, expressed to the public that her 11 year-old daughter, Janet, had been afflicted by a demonic force. The Warrens came along to confirm not only that this demon was real, but that the afflictions were extent.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as the Warrens, and their chemistry is as convincing as ever. Like the first Film, it’s not only a re-enactment of real events, it’s also romantic look at the Warrens themselves. But don’t get it twisted, this is first and foremost a Film that is set to scare its audience. In fact, one of Wan’s scariest sequences ever can be found here, when Farmiga relives a psychic attack in her character’s home.
Again don’t be afraid, afraid is what you’ll be, as Wan also brings us another of his horrifying clowns. Akin to Insidious’ red-face demon, this one comes equipped with creepy music by Joseph Bishara. It rattles the nerves, just like the blasphemous nun crafted by the Film’s talented art & make-up departments. Unsettling imagery. Disturbing Creatures. The longer we stay in the Hodgson’s home, the more it feels as though we cannot escape its grasp. Its excellent horror, proof that Wan is one of the genres most consistent voices. It’s also evidence of his voluminous creativity.
As a period piece, The Conjuring Franchise once again utilizes the talents of production designer Julie Berghoff, and costume designer Kristin M. Burke. Their efforts help ground the film in its time, just as shooting in England helps to ground it in reality. That said, rumor has it paranormal activity occurred while the team was shooting in Burbank. It’s extra eerie that the event took place on one of Warner’s most storied sound stages. To conclude, for those of you looking for a break from blockbuster season, be sure to see horrifying The Conjuring 2.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release THE CONJURING 2Â Friday, June 10, 2016.
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