Arguably one of the best horror sequels ever made

Rating: 9/10 (22 September 2013)

Insidious Chapter 2 is arguably one of the best horror sequels ever made. It keeps the elements that made the original so successful intact, while introducing the audience to new/ different pieces to freshen it up.
While watching the film I could really see how The Conjuring educated Wan in how to set up horror scenes for more effective delivery. Just like there was "Hide and Clap" (children's game) in The Conjuring, he introduces "The Can Telephone" to set up quite the satisfying scare towards the middle. I really appreciated this prop coming in at the end as well.. His movies have such a creative / playfulness in scare manifestation. His team now has an inexhaustible element to continue to play with. Maybe this will even become his signature style of scare?
This was an effective sequel as well because it deepens and expands the story simultaneously. We get to see what happens seconds later after the first film, while going into Josh's past.. I so enjoyed seeing scenes from the first film reevaluated too.. This is reminiscent of great sequels such as Back to the Future Part Two and Harry Potter 3.
So overall, this is a great film. Wan and his team keeps getting better and better at their craft, developing and playing with new ways to scare, while staying within their signature style. The film in the end comes to a very satisfying conclusion..
As much as I loved this film, I really hope it ends here. They did such a great job avoiding sequel pitfalls, I'm not sure a third film would be as successful..
They end it where hope and dread meet. Is there any better place to be?