One of the best horror films in decades

Rating: 7/10 (26 July 2013)

I like many kinds of films, including horror films. But for me to like a horror film it takes a lot. First, I prefer classic horror...ghost stories, and the like; I abhor the current trend toward slasher movies. I'm in my early 60s, so I prefer name-actors, because that increases the likelihood that the production will be a solid one (such as "The Changeling" with George C. Scott" or "Ghost Story" with John Houseman). I went to this film for two reasons. First, I was simply in the mood for a movie, after having not been to the theater for a couple of months. Second, word of mouth was exceptional. So, even without a name cast, I went hoping for the best. I was not disappointed.
The first thing I liked about this movie was actually the antithesis of what I usually like in a horror film -- a big-name cast. Although a couple of them have been around a bit, I didn't really recognize any of them to any extent, and they played the characters very much like real people. I have seen Patrick Wilson (as the real-life Ed Warren) a few times, but not been very impressed; here I thought he did a very good job. Even more exceptional was Vera Farmiga as the real-life Lorraine Warren; I want to see lots more of her in films. They brought a sense of realism to two paranormalists. Lili Taylor as the mother of the haunted family...just outstanding. Ron Livingston as the father...quite good. The children did their jobs just fine. I would have liked to have seen Shannon Kook get a bit more screen time...an actor with promise.
As to the story, the story line was not all that exceptional. Basically, a house is being haunted (and yes, this is based on a true story). James Wan (director) doesn't do anything that different here, but he pulls out all the stops, and he keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was startled frequently while watching, and interestingly, at the Friday afternoon screening I went to, more than half the audience were of retirement age...so this horror film appeals to all ages. The suspense rarely lets up.
The internet question has been how does this compare to other classic horror stories. "The Exorcist" -- well, I remember when that came out, and I liked it...but I liked this film better, despite not having as stellar a cast. "The Shining" -- not quite in that class due to Jack Nicholson's performance, but pretty darned close.
If you like a really good ghost story, see this film. You won't be disappointed.