Review of Annabelle: Creation (2017) by Ryan H — 10 Aug 2017

It's very predictable, and as a result only truly frightens through some sporadic jump scares. The film also takes itself too seriously, even while in the midst of deploying multiple horror clichés-e.g., having an unknowing individual slowly walk over to some ominous thing in real time (which is explained to be a result of a character's polio, though for some reason she loses her polio after getting possessed. I didn't realize this film employed magic also), possession through weird oral discharge (which, for some reason, has become a thing in recent supernatural horror films), and the presence of a ham-fisted, impromptu explanation for an antagonist's comeuppance.

It was also very similar to last year's Oujia: Origin of Evil in its overall atmosphere, aesthetic, demon design and method of possession. In fact, Lulu Wilson stars in both films. That movie's slightly better, and Wilson delivers a much better performance in that one, but I wouldn't go out of my way to see either.