Continuing the "tradition" of screening the Conjuring films, the Los Angeles Film Festival had a special screening of the second movie in the franchise, The Conjuring-2, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The star studded screening was attended by the cast including Patrick Wilson, Vera Fermiga, the producers and the director James Wan. Also in presence were the real family, on who the film is based on.
After a welcome and introduction from Stephanie Allain (president of the LA film festival), the producers brought the director James Wan on stage. He introduced the movie stating how excited he was to return back to his love, horror films (he directed Furious 7 earlier). And how he wanted this movie to be different, but real, inspiring from the last Conjuring film. We also talked to Patrick Wilson he shared his excitement about the film, and his role. A fun fact - He's an East Coater, and our neighbor from Montclair, NJ. He gave his love to us East Coasters!
So, what makes The Conjuring movies more scary, is the fact that they are based on supposedly true stories. It raises the stakes for most people. So we see test after 7 yrs from the first film, Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are almost struggling to continue in their profession. People do not believe them, Lorraine is having demonic visions which are pushing her to stop. But they still want to keep helping people in need.
This leads them to Enfield in London, where a family needs there help. The Church asks them to go investigate, and find out if it's true or a hoax. The house in this family seems possessed, terrorising the 3 kids and their single mother. But it's not sure if is real or made-up by the kid. Or if is just a spirit, or something a lot more dangerous. The stakes get higher and the drama gets bigger!
It's good to see the Ed & Lorraine team back, and they are back in action. There is interesting drama there as well. Both Patrick & Vera give wonderful performances and make their characters believable. Frances O'Connor makes the role of a scared single mother, very beilievable. Madison Wolfe is amazing and the other kids give a brilliant performance. The movie is well cast with good performances.
But the true magic is in direction, camera work and the sound-music. James Wan, returning to the franchise, keeps the movie fresh. It's not your usual jump cuts, jumpy music, shocks, and makeups etc etc. This movie keeps it real. Emotions are strong, camera zooms in & out smoothly, and no sudden loud noises to scare you. Instead, the movie builds its tension through great scenes and amazing scenery. The editing could be little tighter at places, and the first half seems to stretch a little. But for the most part, James has kept the movie moving, building tension and concern for characters, culminating the story to an appropriate climax.
SO... If you are not into horror or scary film, you may stay away from this movie. But if you are into horror and scary films you should definitely watch it!
