Scary and superb - horror is on the right path again!

Rating: 10/10 (12 August 2013)

How wonderful it is to have a real classy haunted house horror movie again. Recently there have been lots of gory slasher films but not many effective ghost and possession movies. 'Haunting in Connecticut' wasn't great.
In the Conjuring you get a lot - creepy dolls, a very haunted house, demonic possession, paranormal investigation etc. This movie is wonderfully nostalgic in the best way - the setting and straightforward story without the overuse of modern effects. But it doesn't feel dated.
This is based on a real life haunting during the 70s in a rural house in Rhode Island. The creepy history involves witches. Ed & Lorraine Warren investigate and help the young family the Perrons which includes 5 young daughters. There are so many vulnerable people there it keeps you constantly on edge. Liked the house and setting of the movie - historic looking but not obviously creepy. The screenplay is effective at making it feel like a true story. It allows for you to get a feel for the people involved.
The cast is well chosen. Playing the Warrens, Patrick Wilson and the lovely Vera Farmiga look so right in their 70s get up. She has a sympathetic face for this kind of role. As Mr Perron Ron Livingston looks suitably baffled and worried. His wife is played by Lili Taylor is a talented actress who should be in movies more often. The kids are good too especially Joey King of 'Romona and Beezus' who is convincing at looking scared.
The directing by James Wan is well paced and effective showing you all you want to see - providing real scream out loud scares. He doesn't use unnecessary shock tactics or film too much in the dark. The scares are saved for the most effective parts of the story. For fans of Wan you get much more than in 'Insidious'.
Heed the R rating it's frightening enough to play on the mind after the movie is over like the original 'Amityville Horror'. Although kids are in the show it is way too frightening for kids to watch.
Let's hope this movie sets the right path for horror movies again. After all there are so many 'based on a true story' hauntings to adapt. Can't wait for the sequel.