The CONJURING (2013)

Rating: 15
Director: James Wan
Starring: Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga

After the likes of Paranormal Activity, I’ve always been very dubious when a paranormal film comes out, as they all seem to be the same. Speculated as one of the most terrifying films of all time from many people, I thought The Conjuring might finally push through the dirt and actually give me a well needed fright.

Based on an apparent true story about paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) and the case of the Perron family. Carolyn (Lili Taylor) and Roger (Ron Livingston) Perron decide to call upon the Warren’s after a culmination of strange events happen within their newly bought farmhouse. The various incidents that happen within the house often happen to the daughters in the Perron family, although it’s not the daughters that the Warren’s need to focus on.

I often like to read reviews before I go to see a film for obvious reasons – I want to know whether or not I’m wasting my money and time. There was not one piece of evidence on the Internet to tell me that The Conjuring would be a load of over-hyped rubbish, like the rest. Even now, the critics still give this film positive review, but I cannot understand why?

I can’t say that there weren’t a few creepy scenes, but the part that was most disturbing was the haunted porcelain doll, but unfortunately, that wasn’t even relevant to the story at hand. Usually anything based on a true story makes the story even more terrifying; cue Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Amityville Horror, but it didn’t work the same way for The Conjuring.

If you’re someone who doesn’t watch horror films then yes, this will scare the shit out of you, but if, like me, you’re a horror addict then this makes puppies seem like they crawled out of hell. Concentrating more on cheap thrills and jumpy bits that aren’t actually anything worth that mini-heart attack, and less on the characters and the story behind the Warrens and the Perron family.

The Conjuring was definitely the biggest disappointment of this year for me. I’m tired of spending money on horror films that have been hyped up so much and then fall at every single hurdle. If you’re a chicken, then this will be a white-knuckle ride but if you’re a horror lover, don’t waste your time.

Verdict: 2/5