A very worthy sequel that delivers thrills and chills in spades

Rating: 7/10 (7 June 2014)

After surviving the traumatic ordeal from the first movie, the Lambert's are hoping for a fresh start. Renai (Byrne) is interrogated by a detective over the supernatural events that took place in the first movie. Renai moves the family into her Mother's (Hershey) house, hoping to leave the past behind. Renai suspects that her husband Josh isn't himself. Renai is haunted by a malignant supernatural force, Josh is battling demons of his own. With the help of Elise's partners, Specs & Tucker, Renai must save her husband before it's too late.
As a fan of the original, I didn't really see the need for a sequel. It ended things too darkly for a sequel to be necessary. That being said, I was still somewhat psyched to see it. Much to my surprise, this sequel was very entertaining in many ways. It stays true to the terrific atmosphere that served the first movie so well. This is old-fashioned suspense at it's finest, and who better than James Wan at the helm? The man is a true visionary, and knows how to make you squirm in your seat. He uses great tactics such as doors slamming, eerie sounds, and some terrific mind games. James always had a trick up his sleeve, and forces you to use your imagination. One thing this sequel has going for it more than the first are the ghosts themselves. The mother of Parker Crane (The Lady in White) (Very well played by Danielle Bisutti) gave me the willies and was one of the reasons I had trouble going to sleep after I watched this movie. James Wan did risk making the ghosts over exposed, but he knows just the right times to use them. I'm not scared easily, but this movie definitely made me uncomfortable to go to sleep after I finished watching it. On the downside of things, this sequel does go the typical sequel route. It has to be bigger and badder, much less subtle than the original. Also, I thought the finale ran a little too long. It tried to throw in too much at once and I felt it lessened the impact a bit. It got a bit too simple and lazy, unrealistically tidy as well. The ending paves way for another sequel. To be perfectly honest with you, I'm not sure I like where this series is heading if the ending is any indication. The acting is exceptional. Patrick Wilson's plight is one of the reasons this sequel was as efficient as it was. His character is forced to delve much deeper than the original, having much more to play with. I enjoyed his storyline a lot. I loved how he pulled a Jack Nicholson from the Shining in the finale as well. Rose Byrne is fabulous and a very strong heroine. I was on her side the whole way. Lin Shaye and Barbara Hershey don't have as much to do, but shined when they were on screen.
This sequel exceeded my expectations and then some. It isn't quite as good as the first, story isn't strong enough. As far as scares are concerned, this sequel outdoes it. Despite some hiccups here and there, this sequel is well worth the watch. You'll find many things to like if you're a horror fan
7.5/10