Films still go bump in the night

Rating: 8/10 (9 September 2013)

When a trailer pushes 'Based on a true story' as it's first selling point, prior to even showing footage, it always makes me very weary of the final product. Gone are the days where this is a major selling point for a film where I am concerned. It's an over-used marketing technique that can often keep the small-minded filling the seats. Although the film may well be based on a true story, if you look into it. It doesn't matter how vaguely it resembles the actual happenings. They can still use the term as long as they keep a slight connection such as names. Regardless, after having positive word of mouth ignored my doubts and went to see the film.
The final product was completely dissimilar to the way it was portrayed in the trailer. It wasn't a documentary, but it also wasn't the standard exorcism film that I went in expecting it to be. It was a really pleasant surprise after seeing so many weak attempts in recent years as many people fail at achieving the greatness and controversy that films such as 'The Exorcist' produced.In 1971, the Perron family relocate to Rhode Island with their five daughters. When they come across a basement which had been concealed for a decade, they disturb many restless spirits and unmask a history of murders within the vicinity of their house. A series of outbreaks occur to them, leading them to contact leading investigators of the paranormal, Ed and Lorraine Warren to aid them in ending their torment. The house is found to be a congregation for the damned and an exorcism is vital if the family are to remain safe.
'The Conjuring' really surpassed expectations as its scares, on the most part, were more suggestive instead of just opting for copious bloodshed. However, there were a considerable amount of moments which made the audience jump out of their seats. The cinema screening I went to seemed incredibly loud and it really added to the atmosphere as the music had such effective crescendos and really let the film get inside of your head.
One of the most impressive buildups didn't even make the audience jump, instead, it makes you anticipate being frightened, only to then not deliver it. It misleads you to believe that the final shock will be predictable and then completely turns the table and it really felt like a final, cheeky wink.
It also avoids the typical issues that exorcism films often fall for in that the exorcism scene doesn't drag out for too long. I find others can over-do it until the scene loses momentum and this was suitably short, but strong. I loved the claustrophobia and helplessness in the scene as well as there is an intense chase through the crawl space of their home. It's rather distressing as you really feel the helplessness of the family but it would have been much more sufficient if they had developed the daughters more as none of them are particularly distinguishable. None really feel that significant other than being a plot device and you don't have the chance to connect with them.
It could have gone more in depth with the investigators home life as the doll excelled at creating an ambiance and putting the viewers on edge although they didn't really use it to it's full potential. I would have liked to have seen more although the relic room in the Warren house is a gold mine of potential sequels and/or prequels. I expected the doll to have more of a significance within the film but perhaps they will give it more attention in the sequel which has already been announced.
Minor gripes aside this really is a film that is in its element when watched at the cinema as it aims straight for the jugular from it's opening scene until the credits roll, ensuring palms remain sweaty, along with heart rates as it keeps the thrills frequent. Whilst they could have expanded on some of the family life, the length of the film was adequate as it never ceases to keep the audiences attention.