Directed By: Michael Chaves
Directing – 6
Michael Chaves’s direction for this film is solid. I do think James Wan not directing allowed this film to take a pretty big hit. Some of the build-up and tension could have been handled much better. Some of the choices throughout were also pretty questionable. I do; however, think there are some great moments throughout. I think that Chaves relied a little too much on the effects to enhance the scares, more than overall working on tension and build-up. That is one reason why James Wan was great as the director. He also didn’t rely on strange bizarre moments to carry the scares and the film itself, but more of the build-up and overall great payoffs.
Cinematography – 10
The cinematography was pretty good. I would say, this is arguably the best aspect of the film, if not, one of the best aspects.
Score – 8
The score was solid. There are some strange music choices throughout.
Story – 6
The story follows Ed and Lorraine Warren as they are attempting to solve a criminal case that connects with demonic activity. I will say the story isn’t terrible, but there are some things that did not always work well for the story as a whole. For instance, some of the dialogue is pretty hit or miss, there are some pretty questionable things that when you start to think about can make you scratch your head, Ed and Lorraine at times act a little differently to how I felt they were in the two previous films, the case is sidelined due to there being this Zodiac killer goose chase, a side plot or two that could have been shortened, and I’m sure there are many other things. The story overall isn’t bad just could have been handled and thought out better.
Acting – 7
I felt the acting in this film also took a pretty major hit. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are great as expected, but the side characters aren’t always top tier.
Post-Production – 7
There is an insane reliant on effects to carry the film. I felt the effects could have been a bit more minimal, and I wouldn’t have been surprised if the film was supposed to be a little bit longer.
Entertainment – 8
As a whole, I was entertained, I will say there were moments where the film could have been better overall if James Wan was handling the direction. I will say the first act wasn’t exactly the best, the 2nd act I would say was great, and the third act was solid. Overall, the film was solid.
Final Rating
7.6/10 – Solid Conjuring Sequel, but could have been better.
