There are parts to this film that I loved and if you like a good haunted house story then The Conjuring, Directed by Insidious’ James Wan, should definitely excite you.
Based on true events, we have the Warrens; known Paranormal Investigators who are a husband and wife duo. They make a home for a malicious doll in their “haunted objects” room after helping out two young nurses who were having nightmarish situations with it. The design of the doll was tweaked to make it seem scarier for the film but if you read up on the real life Annabelle Doll it is just as freaky, if not freakier.
Lorraine and Ed Warren, played by Vera Farmiga (Bates Motel) and Patrick Wilson (Insidious), are eagerly sought out by the Perrons, a large family that quickly discover the house they have recently purchased is haunted.
The acting was really well done all around, the kids especially notable, with character Christine’s (Joey King) performance ranking the highest for conjuring fear. See what I did there? Anyway, both of the Warren’s and the Perron’s stories are simultaneously told in a way that provides a smooth transition into the connection of their lives.
I like the random ‘scares’, the hide and clap game and the doll but while none of it actually scared me I could definitely appreciate them. Especially after I walked home, got through my back gate and smelled rotting meat (true story).
I like when films show you pictures of the real people the movie is about, which The Conjuring does briefly.
The downside for me is the lady with a fondness for the backyard tree. I’m fussy with how ‘ghosts’ look and up until I saw her face and the effects used, I quite liked her. I reversed stance immediately after the specter came into focus, however.
There’s much more I could say but if you haven’t seen it I don’t want to spoil it. Bottom line is, if you like things that go bump in the night you should check out The Conjuring. I had a good time with it.
WICKED RATING: 7/10
Title: The Conjuring
Director: James Wan
Writer(s): Chad Hayes, Cary Hayes
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor, Shanley Caswell, Hayley McFarland, Joey King, Mackenzie Foy, Kyla Deaver
Year: 2013
Studio/ Production Co: New Line Cinema, The Safran Company, Evergreen Media Group
Budget: $20,000,000
Language: English
Length: 112 mins
Sub-Genre: Haunted House, True Story, Paranormal Investigators
