A Worthy Horror Sequel That's Somewhat Different

Rating: 9/10 (13 September 2013)

With Insidious, James Wan and Leigh Whannell introduced us to the Lambert family, who were being tormented by beings that existed in a realm called The Further. Dalton, one of two sons of Renai and Josh Lambert, can create an astral projection of himself when he sleeps. With the end of the first film, the family thinks it's all over and they can finally settle down. But when more dire and disturbing happenings grip the family, they soon figure out that Josh, who ventured into the Further to save Dalton, is not really Josh, but an evil spirit that will do anything to live again.
James Wan is the master of the horror film. Yes, The Exorcist is a classic, as is Alien and Psycho, but every horror movie James Wan has directed are anywhere from good to phenomenal, especially with his other film this year, The Conjuring, which set the bar for future horror films. Insidious Chapter 2 I would not compare to The Conjuring because, well, it's not based on a true story and it is a sequel. This does not mean, though, it is any less disturbing or frightening. With a few nods to Stephen King's The Shining (Josh looking like a completely insane father out for blood), Insidious Chapter 2 felt like a roller-coaster of intensity. The acting was top-notch, especially newcomer Steve Coulter, who plays Carl, an old friend of Elise. Patrick Wilson was just downright creepy here, being possessed by the Bride in Black. Like the first film, the musical score was unsettling, frightening and memorable (if you saw the first movie, you know the theme well). The production, the set pieces were all fantastic, with the hospital being a very, very haunting addition, adding to the already eerie atmosphere. The script was very good and well-written, with a surprisingly great balance of some witty comedy from Specs and Tucker, and terrifying scares.
Insidious Chapter 2 I would say, is neither better nor worse than the first chapter, because the story is more grounded, acting as more a psychological thriller than a supernatural horror film. But with how the film ends, they can easily make Chapter 3 that can end this horror series before it becomes like Saw and Paranormal Activity; having sequels that get worse and worse as it goes.