The best non-Asian Ghost Story I've seen, and one of the best Horror films in history!!!

Rating: 10/10 (1 April 2013)

This has actually been the second time I've watched this film. I remembered it was excellent and terrifying, I just didn't remember how much! Now I've seen it again so I could review and rate it, and even though I remembered the twists and the ending, it still scared the living daylight out of me!
I usually start off with the build-up and the story, but in this case I'll save the best for last. The acting has been absolutely excellent by the entire cast! I've especially enjoyed the slight and subtle comic relief by Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson as Specs and Tucker. They give a few seconds of comic atmosphere, enough to give us a breather from being absolutely terrified, and not enough to spoil the overall sensation of utter fear. Speaking of utter fear - the cinematography and sound effects have also been excellent, right on the spot for a Ghost Story Horror sub-genre. So far the scariest ghosts I've seen have been in The Ring and The Grudge, so I'm a big fan of the Japanese way of portraying a ghost. In this case - the macabre style spirits have really frightened me, especially the "frame-cut" shots where moment second they are expressionless and then suddenly they smile a neurotic deranged smile.
Now for the best part - the story. The build up is a little slow and slightly empty of event to the point of boredom, but becomes packed with fear and thrill at just the right time, proving that patience pays off. As for the story - in one word, wow! During the past years, at least from my experience as a devout Horror freak in general and a huge fan of Ghost Stories in particular, in such films the main focus is on the haunting's physical manifestations (moving furniture, shattered light- bulbs, doors opening/closing suddenly etc.) and/or on the ghost itself. Very few screenplays have a truly genius, original and horrifying story (with the exception of The Haunting in Connecticut where the story is original as it is brilliant). In Insidious, however, the screen writing has been, in my opinion, flawless. Almost perfect. An original and simply excellent idea, using Astral Projection as the connection to the world of spirits. It's been long since I've been so impressed. I'd like to shake the hands of writer Leigh Whannell and director James Wan for creating one of the best Horror films in history.
Now for some criticism, or what this time I call "why I'm not giving Insidious a perfect 10". Without giving any spoilers - I just want to say I was very disappointed with "the demon" that's mentioned towards the middle... the way it's visually portrayed is so banal, so obvious and unoriginal, and that's very obvious in such a film where the main idea is as original and superb as it is. Why use such a cheap and terrible overdone design? Simply a shame... However, that's the one and only thing I didn't like. EDIT: I've just now looked at the overall rating here, and I'm furious. So I'm going to do what I feel is right, be subjective, and rate it 10 for justice's sake. Shame on the IMDb raters for this film!!!
All in all - I think Insidious just might be the best non Asian Ghost Story I've ever seen. I can't recommend it enough. I'm a grown man and an experienced Horror fan, and I don't scare easily. And yet, Insidious will give me nightmares. Don't you dare miss out on this one!