Valak Morghulis

Rating: 7/10 (18 June 2016)

The Warrens are back with a new case to solve and a new demon to cast out. The Conjuring 2 reunites us with Ed and Lorraine Warren 6 years after the events of The Conjuring, This time the Ghostbusting dynamic duo are called to Enfield England to help a family of 5 in what would become the longest recorded paranormal case in history. Following the previous films three stages of possession the film escalates perfectly and unfortunately for Ed and Lorraine, they have become targeted by this demon as well.
The return of the Conjuring also sees the return of Director James Wan, back to the series and the horror genre after directing 2015's Fast and Furous 7. Wan knocks it out the park yet again with this horror movie sequel. The tension is unbearable, the imagery is horrifying and the film is scary as f*ck. This film puts Wan's tension building ability to the test and Wan rises to the occasion, making several scenes borderline unbearable to watch. The Conjuring 2 wouldn't be as good as it is if James Wan didn't direct. The film proves once again why James Wan is the best horror director working today.
The acting in this film is great. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprises their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, this time adding a more personal touch (and awesome Elvis impression) to their respected characters. The chemistry the two have is believable and brings a human touch to this paranormal horror film. Like the first film the child actors are good (great by child actor standards), especially Madision Wolfe who is great as the tormented and occasionally possessed Janet Hodgson.
I couldn't help but feel there was a wasted opportunity when the Amityville case was glossed over at the films start. Although the opening is wonderfully shot (similarly to NBC's Hannibal) I still think it could have been its own conjuring sequel. The films foreshadowing of events was rather obvious except such as the focus on the dog bell and he crooked man toy etc. Speaking of the crooked man, the scene where the dog transforms into the crooked man didn't really fit in and was almost laughable due to how bizarre and wtf the moment was.
Overall the Conjuring 2 is a well acted, well directed horror film that is overflowing with tension and that also has heart. This film marks a successful start to the Conjuring sequel series and hopefully there are more to come, and more importantly that James Wan acts as director for them.