The Conjuring and why it is successful

Rating: 8/10 (23 September 2013)

The Conjuring is a good horror movie because: It is just like Scary Movie (yes - the comedy) in that it pulls identical scenes from multiple scary movies, but maybe not to the point that most realize it. Just enough to give you the sense that eerily you have seen this before, a sense of "déjà vu." (See Insidious, The Haunting - same actress even - which is what tipped me off, Amityville Horror, etc.)
Then it adds it's own elements to create a movie. Learning from past mistakes and using what worked. Hence it's high rating and effect on people who watch it.
This equation would allow for many more great movies to be made if utilized correctly. I gave it a high rating based on this realization and having taken note of other peoples reactions. I have to applaud this seemingly obvious and easy formula.