An Almost Perfect Sequel and Horror Movie in General

Rating: 9/10 (15 July 2017)

I was incredibly impressed by the way this movie kept the same general theme, vibe, and strength of scares as its predecessor, while also being fresh and adding just the right changes to subvert expectations. I also loved how they actually called the police this time, and based on the common sense theory that some sinister prankster was behind everything. Although the mother really should have thought about that. But whatever, at least someone acted rationally, which is incredibly rare in horror films. I was then impressed again by the fact that paranormal events happened while the police were there. Words can't describe how satisfying and refreshing that was to see.
The only thing that really bothered me about this movie, was the part where everyone suddenly concluding that all the hauntings were fake, due to one incident. In what universe would a rational thinking adult believe that a little girl could fake everything that happened? That scene was so frustrating.
However, the aforementioned weakness was connected to a strength in this film. I loved that Loraine wasn't able to see the demon. That is something I didn't expect. The way they found out later why she couldn't see the demon, was also a very exiting addition to the story.
The ending of this film is a big improvement over The Conjuring. Mainly in the sense that the final battle with the demon was shorter. These final battles, where the demon fully possesses someone, aren't as scary for me. Demon's are more scary to me when they aren't in a physical form, because things that I can't see scare me the most. At the point of possession, I don't see a demon, just a crazy acting human that my brain associates with someone with a mental health problem.