Director: James Wan
Writer: Leigh Whannell (Screenplay) James Wan, Leigh Whannell (Story)
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins, Lin Shaye, Barbara Hershey, Steve Coulter, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Andrew Astor
Plot: Picking right up where the original finished, we have Renai (Byrne) finding the body of Elise (Shaye). We have an investigation where a policeman is asking what happened. Until this is solved the Lambert family moves in with Josh’s (Wilson) mother Lorraine (Hershey). The hauntings don’t stop and the truth about what happened with Josh becomes a terrifying reality for his family.
Verdict: A sequel designed to be able to create a franchise.
Story: How do you follow up the first film that was almost perfect for a one of horror? Well you explore why the ghosts are haunting the bloke. After we know he has been taken over by a spirit but who was the spirit and why did he pick out Josh from such a young age? We get these answer but they are very forced like they had run out of ideas. The story does answer some question, well tries to connect things that happen in the original but then time travelling spirits, wait what? The story lost me when old Josh visits young Josh in a video. The time travelling ghosts never gets explained or I missed it, but I did like how it worked to make the story feel more full circle. (6/10)
Actor Review: Patrick Wilson – Josh in both the real world and the spirit world. Patrick does a good job in a dual performance playing both a psychopath and a loving husband. (8/10)
Actor Review: Rose Byrne – Renai the long suffering and haunted wife of Josh. She always ends up getting the most abuse from the supernatural and this is no different. Rose does well with what has turned into a smaller role for the character. (7/10)
Actor Review: Lin Shaye & Steve Coulter – Two different psychics that have different ways to deal with the dead. Have both been friends for years but this case turns into the most deadly to date. Both good performances in supporting roles.
Director Review: James Wan – He has three great horror films next to his name this doesn’t go in that list, but his skills as a director do come through very well as every scene you are waiting for a jump or a twist. (8/10)
Horror: some good build up scenes but not enough jumps for the reputation created in the original. (8/10)
Thriller: Some good edge of your seat stuff as you always waiting for something to happen. (9/10)
Special Effects: Good use of special effects for jump scares. (7/10)
Believability: It depends what you believe in. (5/10)
Chances of Tears: (0/10)
Settings: Each house has a creepy feel about it which works to create the horror atmosphere needed. (9/10)
Suggestion: If you like the original you may come away disappointed with this outing, it has its good moment but never manages to reach the same level created in the first film. I think horror fans will enjoy this still but the more casual view look away. (Give It A Go)
Best Part: Full circles created with scenes from the first one.
Worst Part: Jumps are not as good.
Best Jump Scene: Dalton’s dream.
Oscar Chances: Unlikely.
Chances of Sequel: Worryingly this is left open for a franchise.
Similar Too: Insidious
Overall: This is pretty much a forced sequel that the director opens out into a franchise before walking away to keep the producers happy
Rating 
