This is what horror should be all about

Rating: 9/10 (13 December 2013)

They don't make horror movies like they used too. I still find some to be entertaining, but not many can scare me these days. The Conjuring is a big exception to that rule. I read this was based on a true story. In all honesty, I wasn't that excited for it. Once I began reading all the positivity regarding this movie, my outlook began to change. It's been a long time since a recent horror movie has frightened me like this one. The "Low budget, found footage" style has seemingly taken over, so it was refreshing to see an old fashioned horror movie. This is set in the 70's, and I was so impressed about how they managed to mirror the time period like they did. Whether it was the hair styles, the retro clothing, the cars, or something else, the 70's atmosphere floored me. I was amazed by the slickly shot jump scares. The jump scares aren't the phony one's you see in a Paranormal Activity film, these legitimately startle you. Director James Wan does a very smart thing by letting your imagination do the work for a little while, before revealing frightening close-up's of the spirits. You're never fully comfortable, and the slow build-up does wonders for this movie. They have not executed a possession film so adroitly, since The Exorcist. We also get characters you can rally behind. Everybody in this movie is likable. Patrick Wilson is ironically in Insidious 1 & 2, so he's no stranger to haunted house films. He rocks some fantastic sideburns, and conveys his emotions very well. There is a reason he's becoming one of Hollywood's top actors. Vera Farmiga is the best actress in Hollywood as far as I'm concerned. There is nothing this woman can't do. She absolutely nailed her role as Lorraine Warren. She was so intense, and I was on her side the whole way. The Warren's have quite a reputation in real life, and I felt Wilson & Farmiga did them justice. Lili Taylor scared the hell out of me, plain and simple. She makes Linda Blair look like a pussycat in comparison. This part had to be rigorous for her, no doubt. She also manages to pull off a convincing mother who I'd try and save any day. It takes quite a feat to be so likable, and then so creepy. It was a magnificent showcase. Ron Livingston made me forget about Office Space, and gave a great performance. He underplayed it, and I dug it; special mention to the kids for being so brave, and likable. It is a rarity where every character is sympathetic. The finale is full of chaos and non stop frights that had the back of my neck hairs tingling. It does get a little bit conventional, but it's done so adroitly.
Final Thoughts: You'll have trouble going to sleep when you're through with this one. I had my room door closed, all the lights off, and food in hand. It felt good to be scared again. The Conjuring is not only one of the best of its kind in recent memory, but one of the best in history. Believe the hype, folks.
9.7/10