The Conjuring is nerve jangling scare fest from James Wan, the director of Saw and Insideous and stars Patrick Wilson [Insideous] and Vera Farmiga [Source Code], as paranormal investigators Ed and lorraine Warren who work together to help a family who are terrorized by a dark presence in the farmhouse in Harrisville.
The Good:
The Conjuring is set in 1971 and based on a true story, and is packed with jump scares and an eerie atmosphere that will send chills down your spine, especially the opening sequence [anyone with a fear of dolls be warned]. Its the most original horror film in years and which has the same feel as the The Amytiville Horror.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are excellent as the real life paranormal investigators and are both completely believable as the film sometimes acts as a character study as well as being a horror film.
Director James Wan has created another memorable horror film that will guaranteed to stay with you after the end credits roll and even with his previous films Insideous and Saw, both box office successes, this film feels that he has achieved and set a new standard for horror films to come, with references to The Exorcist, Paranormal Activity and even The Sixth Sense, The Conjuring is indeed a benchmark.
The Conjuring Poster
The scares come thick and fast and not when you are expecting, you can normally guess in horror films when the jumpy moment to going to happen, not in The Conjuring, there are no cheap scares here, every moment is cleverly crafted to ensure even the most regular horror buff is left squirming in their seat.
The Bad:
The Conjuring is almost a near perfect horror experience, what lets it down is that has moments of old school shocks and moments of genuine terror and then it goes all Paranormal Activity in the second half, with the handheld camera approach which has been seen before.
Conclusion:
Overall, The Conjuring, is a must see film, especially for horror fans who will have a blast. This an edge-of-your seat, old school shocker that will send even the most frequent horror film buff home with a chill down their spine.