Much Improved

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2014)

I'm a cynic, I saw this movie with no expectations. I said "let's rent Insidious 2 just because we watch all horror movies no matter how bad and this is the only one we haven't seen yet".
I genuinely dislike the first.
I disagree with the top review that if you liked the first you'll like the second - it is true, but that's just a given! Blatant remark. But if you DIDN'T like the first I think you'll find the second makes up for some of the disappointment.
I went away from the first just a bit bemused. I think it was the fact what you don't see is scarier to me than what you do and this movie seemed to want to show you the demon without living up to any expectations. If you're going to reveal something that's ominously lurking in the shadows it's a brave move and you have to match the fear of when it couldn't be seen... I found the whole thing anti-climactic and I swore off seeing the second before I knew it was going to be made.
The second however has actually entertained me throughout. I cannot lie. It's still not funny where it's supposed to be and they still reveal too much of the shadow lurkers, but it's compensated by a much better story and pace. It feels more like a horror movie instead of a joke...