Everything I said and felt about the under-appreciated The Conjuring in July 2013 holds true for The Conjuring 2 – it’s GOOD and scary. Trust me, even if you “don’t like horror movies” (one of my mantras), these merit an exception, thanks largely to a combination of intriguing true story, creepy suspense, and top-notch acting.
In The Conjuring 2, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as renowned demonologists Lorraine and Ed Warren (the New England couple who rose to fame in the 1970s investigating the Amityville Horror case). As the movie gets underway, Lorraine wants to take a break from channeling ghosts for a while because she’s had a vision of her sweet hubby Ed getting killed on the job. But then duty (and the Church) calls, and the Warrens are talked into going to London to investigate claims that a single mom and her four kids are being terrorized by malicious spirits in their home.
Now I’m as skeptical as they come, but it’s really hard not to like the Warrens and the family at the heart of this paranormal journey. It’s also near impossible to sit through this flick without the occasional gasp or urge to jump out of your seat. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter what you believe. The film is a satisfying supernatural thriller that is more Poltergeist than Saw III. Don’t let the ‘horror movie’ aspect – or the R rating — scare you off. It’s fine for older teens and most adults.
Sweet dreams.