The Conjuring franchise is one of the few burgeoning cinematic universes that came about (seemingly) organically. In the last 5 years there have been four entries in this series and the next is slated for next year (THE NUN). James Wan has directed two features (and probably not any more given he's with DC now) and produced all four. While the critics don't necessarily agree on the films, as a horror fan I have enjoyed all of them thoroughly. Writer/producer Gary Dauberman has written both Annabelle films and is writing the upcoming THE NUN film not to mention the screenplay for Stephen King's IT coming this September. And David F. Sandberg, Annabelle: Creation's director, was responsible for my favorite horror film from last year, LIGHTS OUT.
Needless to say, if these usual suspects stick with the franchise it's likely the series will continue to succeed for years to come. It is also in their favor that the horror market today isn't oversaturated so it is unlikely audiences will be getting tired of these films anytime soon.
If there is a death knell for the Conjuring universe films it won't be from Annabelle: Creation.
THE PLOT
Six orphaned young women and their guardian, a nun by the name of Sister Charlotte, arrive at the Mullins House. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Mullins is their last sanctuary and last hope for a stable life. One of the girls, Janice, begins hearing strange noises at night. One night she sees a girl roaming the house. It's not one of the orphans but someone else. Janice and the others learn of the Mullins' late daughter "Bee" and of how she died tragically. What Janice is seeing looks like Bee but feels like something else... Pure evil. And every time Janice sees the spirit a frightening antique doll appears along side it. What really happened to the Mullins' daughter and what secret are the Mullins not telling the six orphans staying with them?
WHAT I LIKED
The Scares. If there's anything to be said about the Conjuring franchise it's that they're scary. Annabelle: Creation had me fidgeting in my seat (in a good way). My heart rate took off from the tension and I was gnawing on my knuckles in suspense. That's how I know it's a quality scary movie. One of the aspects of these films that I find particularly effective are the "tension builders." Scenes that rise in suspense, luring the audience in for a scare, but then stop at the height of tension without the shock moment. These scenes set the mood and establish your base line of suspense. So when the thrills actually come they're more powerful. It also gives the audience breathing room and doesn't oversaturate the film with so many scares that the audience is numb to them by the climax. This tactic has worked wonderfully for the Insidious films and has been equally effective in the Conjuring series.
The Monsters. One of the most outstanding aspects of these films are the monsters. The Conjuring had Annabelle. Annabelle had "the demon." The Conjuring 2 had Valek "the Nun" and the Crooked Man. Annabelle: Creation not only has the demon return (and he's way scarier) but it also had the scarecrow. First off, I love terrifying scarecrows in horror movies and the scarecrow in this film was downright frightening. But going back to the demon, this time around the filmmakers give the demon more screentime and more to do in general and it is wicked scary. Joseph Bishara reprises his role as the demon and monster effects masters, Tom Woodruff jr. and Alec Gillis, are the men to thank for these monsters being so effective (if you don't know who these guys are you must look them up on IMDB).
Rated R and bloody. The edge these films have over the other really scary movies of late is definitely the R rating (oh how I would give to see the Insidious series go R rated). Annabelle: Creation holds off on the explicit blood and gore, saving it up for the horrifying finale. Miranda Otto's death is epic! The only thing missing from this rated R party is nudity. Had it contained some age-appropriate nudity we would've had a full on 80's horror flick!
NITPICKS
Logicless Characters. That's my nice way of saying the characters didn't act like I'd expect a real person to act given the situation. Now, if you're a regular to the horror genre you'll have no doubt come to expect this, but there is a caveat of all horror films is that protagonist characters make dumb decisions or don't make the right decisions given the situation they're faced with. That's just what happens in these films and Annabelle: Creation is no exception. Where I find this aspect of Annabelle: Creation to be nitpicky is that the previous films in the series didn't have as much if any at all "logicless" character moments as this film did.
They set the bar for themselves a little higher in these films and I found myself a little frustrated at moments, in particular with the character of Janice. She was the main repeat culprit and did NOT do what I would've done in that situation, which would've been screaming like a little girl and waking everyone up and showing them exactly what just happened. But then, how can I fault the film for such an occurrence when it's just one of those horror movie tropes? It's almost always a given. Ultimately I still greatly enjoyed the film and it scared the pants off me (I was wanting to be scared going in so I was an easy target for them and they succeeded).
THE VERDICT
The Conjuring universe keeps the series strong and frightening in this latest installment. All the aspects you come to expect from these films are present, like a children's game suddenly turned horrifying, but these expectations make the film no less terrifying. The scares are potent and well executed. The demon effects are incredible and still manage to feel fresh and exhilarating. Just go into this movie expecting to see a horror film, tropes and all, and you won't be disappointed. Four films in and the Conjuring series is still as scary as ever.
Oh, and make sure to stay to the very end of the credits.
Overall Ranking: 7 out of 10
Nude-O-Meter: 0 out of 10
Are you digging these Conjuring movies as much as I am? Then check out these others if you haven't already.
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