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The Conjuring 2 (2016) - Movie Review


The Conjuring 2 is a sequel to the conjuring (2013), once again directed by James Wan, and is about another case of the warrens where a family in England is being terrorized by a supernatural force. I loved the first one, and this one is probably even better.

There are two parts to the story: One being the family being haunted, and the other related to the warrens. And they were intertwined really well. James Wan once again proves that he is the master of this craft in the current times. While the setting is nothing new, it is the execution that sets it apart and somehow makes it feel fresh, and terrifying. 

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their role as the warrens, the monster hunting couple, and their chemistry has only been improved over the last film. Both delivered great performances, especially Patrick Wilson. Another great performance was from the girl who was being tormented and she did a terrific job, and carried a lot of this movie.

The best compliment one can give about a horror movie in my opinion is that you cared about the characters, and this did just that. I felt bad for the family, and especially the girl. I cared about the warrens and I didn't want anything bad happening to them. You know a horror movies is great when it does that.

Also, I loved the fact that the movie didn't do the usual long slow build up of supernatural occurrences, and the ghost being shy and all till the climax. After the opening, movie jumps right into the scary stuff, and the ghost was bold AF. I just loved that. 

It also felt like James Wan has learned from his previous experiences and has improved his craft. The sound design was fantastic. The use of music was perfect. And the cinematography, WOW. This is a beautiful looking film. The camera angles, the lingering shots and long takes, it all made for a great watch. The pacing was really tight too, I mean the duration is long for a horror film but it went by so quickly. And while there are jump scares, they were properly used. 

My main complaint with the movie was how the crooked man moved. The combination of real live movements and CGI enhancements made for a really wonky feel, that felt too cartoon-ish and definitely didn't belong in the movie. It always took me out of the moment. Gladly, there wasn't much of him in the movie, and whatever scene there was, was short. 

The Conjuring 2 is the best horror movie I have seen in years. It gave me genuine creeps. Good horror sequels are very rare as it is, but a horror sequel that might even surpass the original is unheard of. GG James Wan, GG. 

8.5/10
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