The Conjuring 2 is directed by James Wan, who is also the director of the first one. He, along with partner writer Leigh Whannell created of the "Saw" movies (he directed the first three movies), and "Insidious". He also directed the revenge action thriller "Death Sentence", and surprisingly helmed the 7th Fast and Furious movie; "Furious 7".
The Conjuring 2 is written by Carey Hayes, Chad Hayes, Wan and David Leslie Johnson, and stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprising their roles as paranormal investigators and authors Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film follows the Warrens as they travel to the United Kingdom to assist the Hodgson family, who are experiencing poltergeist activity at their Enfield council house in 1977.
I would have thought initially that horror sequels were not as effective as the original; Insidious 2, The Exorcist 2, Jaws 2, and Poltergeist 2 were tagged as awful, bad idea sequels. The idea of a Conjuring 2 was actually initially tagged as a bad idea because the first movie was a tremendously magnificent horror movie that easily embeds itself amongst the great horror classics. To risk tarnishing its integrity with as sequel was actualy being frowned upon, and regarded as just a cash-grab.
But then when it finally hit the international screens, it surprised the naysayers.
The sequel ups the ante by introducing a more emotional investment with its main characters. Not to say that there was no such thing in the first movie, this new one just makes the possibility of loss, paranoia, and defeat a part of the movie. Such new element makes you get onboard and makes you genuinely worry about these characters with whatever happens to them.
The angle of skepticism is also one thing that is highlighted in this movie. And it gives us a glimpse as to why it is not easy (for the Church) to acknowledge ghost and paranormal occurences.
What is also especially unique about this movie is that, just like the first movie, it acknowledges the power of faith in God. The essence indeed of demon possession and exorcism stories is that faith in God is a strong element to exorcise demonic possession. So, it's pretty fair to say that this movie is partially and arguably a religious movie. Just dont bring along your grandmother if she is faint of heart.
If we were to take a possible pet peeve for this sequel is that, compared to the first move, this one is able to use a bit more technical visual effects. Unlike the first which was more practical effects.
All in all, the film is still a solid, scream-inducing journey. The Conjuring 2 is a superb horror masterpiece that cripples all pessimistic expectations. It succeeds in being as haunting and terrifying as is the first movie. [
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