Review of The Conjuring (2013) by Lane Z — 18 Jul 2014

A rare horror, scary movie on the list! I don't usually add too many of these to the ever-growing list mostly because they're always formulaic, predictable, and just not engrossing enough to watch enough of them to enjoy, but thankfully enough convincing had me watch The Conjuring.

These kinds of movies always need dark rooms, lights off, at night and preferably with someone kinds of atmosphere. Unfortunately, I started this movie in those exact conditions but had to finish the 2nd half in the exact opposite conditions. But I removed myself from those criteria and focused on the movie itself. Aside from some up-and-down performances from most of the actors and a few silly scenes of CGI and 'action', Conjuring definitely delivered on the creeps and scares. Thankfully, director James Wan and co. decided against gore and gruesomeness, which unfortunately, is where most of this genre falls into using.

The kids for the most part make a good horror flick, but this one centers more on the adults I feel. Big fan of Farmiga and Wilson. They pull off the couple who doesn't mess around even if some of their dialogue was sometimes heavy handed. Livingston and Taylor played the convincing husband and wife of the disturbed family without actually having to do much talking. Livingston's performance was a little stiff.

As far as the plot goes, the whole 'based off a true story' trope certainly adds a bit of suspense and chills, but I felt when Farmiga's character was describing why the evil spirits and demons were haunting this specific land/house was a bit over-the-top after she kept heaping on one murder after another.

Overall, you'll hold your breath more often than not and close an eye once or twice.