Conjuring, contrived? Creepy for sure!

Rating: 8/10 (3 August 2013)

Director James Wan is in full control of his skills as he presents a story based on true events, even if that story seems told over and over. This is like an old school horror flick; but not needing gallons of blood and guts...just some very creepy scenes and situations. The trailers don't really give the film away; just enough tease to get you in the theater...and that is what counts.
Roger and Carolyn Perron, with family in tow, settle in what appears to be an abandon old rural home in Rhode Island. The rustic area in the woods, with dying trees and access to water seems to automatically conjure ideas of nightmares and terror. The action progresses like an old fashion ghost story. The family is so convinced they are not alone, they ask paranormal investigators Lorraine(Vera Farmiga)and Ed(Patrick Wilson)Warren to examine their home. The Warrens move in with the Perron family and quickly determine a satanic presence is in deed haunting the farmhouse. In spite of old mental wounds returning to bother Carolyn, she and her husband must rally all their skills and spiritual strength to battle the demonic menace wanting to keep possession of the house. Not a whole lot of CGI, but some very creepy and disturbing sequences.
The cast also features: Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston, Shanley Caswell, Kyla Deaver, Joey King and John Brotherton. I enjoyed the use of "Time Of The Season" by The Zombies and Betty Anne Steele singing the Santo & Johnny classic "Sleepwalk".