Unique Horror experience with solid pacing; Not a typical "ghost story"

Rating: 8/10 (19 July 2013)

It's a very unique Horror experience. It keeps a moderate pace while still giving more than enough time to introduce the central characters so you get a feel for them, their motives, and a sense of empathy as these horrible things happen to them.
There is some back-story, a flashback or two, and the main story is occasionally punctuated by lessons taught by Demonologists (Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson) who eventually get involved with the story of the Warrens.
What makes it really notable amongst horror movies is that it's fairly hard to predict. Yes, there are tropes like there are in all horror movies, but it doesn't follow Poltergeist to a T and it has a fair few twists and turns that will really catch you off guard.
Another thing is that there are very few "jump scares." There's a lot of building tension, but surprisingly little "ahh oh my gosh there's a scary ghost behind you!!" And once the center of all the trouble is revealed, things escalate very quickly. There's no horrible torture or mindless gore, but there is blood and some seriously unsettling scenes that take place.
I give it an 8.5/10 (but for IMDb purposes I have to give it an 8), meaning I think it's extremely watchable, memorable, notable, and something worth being put on a top 10 list somewhere.
And another thing: You definitely need to see it in theatres. Seeing this movie with a full crowd of people is the only good way to see it.