When it comes to movie sequels, there is always the pressure put on to filmmakers for it to be better than its predecessor. I don't think this should be the case. If you are a filmmaker or a wannabe, and encounter such a situation, don't succumb to the pressure. Just do the sequel you feel like doing and can be a good continuation to your initial story.
The film I am about to review is Insidious: Chapter 2. It is a sequel to the hit horror film Insidious (2011). Once again, the film is directed by James Wan and reunites him with all his main casts, Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye, Barbara Hershey, and Ty Simpkins. The movie is again co-written by Leigh Whannell (who also acts in the film) and James Wan.
Will this sequel be better than the first? Do read on...
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| The Lambert family. L-R (front): Barbara Hershey, Patrick Wilson, Ty Simpkins, Rose Byrne. Actor Angus Sampson as Tucker in the background |
After the cliffhanger ending of the first film, the Lambert family moves in with Josh's (Patrick Wilson) mother. During their stay, more strange and haunting incidents continue to occur. This time, Renai Lambert (Rose Byrne) and Lorraine Lambert (Barbara Hershey) must try to keep the family together as Josh seems to be acting strangely. Some more secrets are revealed about the family's past and the hauntings keep getting stronger and stronger.
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| Shhh... I am the main antagonist of the film. |
Firstly, I must remind all that this film is a DIRECT CONTINUATION of the first film and it is essential to watch the first film before the sequel. It has an okay structured script but felt sporadic. It does its best to try to make the film a stand-alone (to benefit audience member who has not seen the first film) but failed miserably at it. The story does try to tie up loose-ends but ultimately bombards the story with too much dialogue.
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| Ty Simpkins (Dalton) looking out for his dad, Josh (Patrick Wilson) |
Nothing prominent from any of the actors. Good screen-time attribution to each. Nice performance from Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne but not memorable enough. I've liked Lin Shaye's work since I saw her in There's Something About Mary (1998) and it is nice to see her on-screen.
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| The absolutely gorgeous Rose Byrne as Renai Lambert |
James Wan brings his unique horror film-making style here and it is evident tremendously. There were some good scare moments, though I felt that there should be more. Editing and make-up were good. The use of less visual effects should be commended to the director.
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| Child actor Ty Simpkins with a bunch of ghost. (NOT A SPOILER) |
PACING:
Boring at the beginning, draggy in the middle, reasonable good climax towards the end.
TONE (MOOD):
A horror and 'who-done-it' mystery solving film that might scare the weak-hearted individual.
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| The film's co-writer Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson in supporting roles as Specs and Tucker |
DOWNSIDE:
Quite a weak script and too much talk which I felt shouldn't be too much of a focus in horror films.
UPSIDE:
It ties up a lots of pending questions from the first film and a few scary moments.
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| (L-R): Leigh Whannell, Lin Shaye, and Angus Sampson |
It is an okay horror-film. If you are a fan of the first film, this should be a good watch. Remember, it is important to watch the first film before this film to get a better understanding.
RATING:
6.5 out of 10.
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