'Horrifying?', 'Blood Curdling?' No...but its pretty damn good exercise

Rating: 7/10 (9 August 2013)

James Wan is a very impressive director in this genre of film and although his previous work 'Insidious' divided opinion, I found it particularly scary and atmospheric.
'The Conjuring' certainly feels like it has been made in the mould of Wan. He has left a clear imprint there from the way he conjures up those chilling moments almost with ease and it appears he has quite literally terrified some audiences across the globe. However, for me - it didn't quite live up to its billing.
Critics and audience members who had viewed the piece labelled it with all kinds of superlatives. Perhaps it was foolish of me to have read comments beforehand but I was expecting something so incredibly scary it would send a blood curdling shiver down my spine. It certainly didn't do that though if I chose to ignore all those acclaimed reviews it received prior to may viewing, I would tell you it was certainly an exercise in fear. Some sections of 'The Conjuring' were intensely eerie however I wouldn't say it thundered down any barriers.
A little unsettling also is the fact that Wan loosely based this piece on a true discovery by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. And on that note it gives me great pleasure to say that actors Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga were truly outstanding in their performances as the married couple.
Another special mention should be awarded to Lili Taylor who took on the complex role of Carolyn Perron. Truly excellent in the films majority as the concerned mother before superbly adapting to her disturbing performance in the films latter stages.
One tip before watching the film would be to know as little as possible about the premise and NOT to watch previews or trailers of it knowingly. One of the best suspense scenes in the films entirety is more or less shown from start to finish in one official trailer.
'The Conjuring' is a highly recommended horror. While it doesn't hit the nail on the head with every attempted 'scare' it certainly ranks up their as far as films in the genre are concerned.
A tad overrated but still rather chilling and undeniably scary.