The Conjuring - the new horror film on the block!

           A lot of nice things are being said about James Wan's latest film, The Conjuring, and they are mostly true. However, as a true horror film fan, I was slightly underwhelmed. Mostly because of the whole exorcism element, since I never find it scary nor interesting to watch. But other than that, the movie did not disappoint me at all. Just make sure that when you watch the film, no one tries to ruin it with their stupid banter or any other disturbances. If they do, feel free to unleash the demonic-possession attack on these hooligans. Because The Conjuring isn't a film that is out there to give you cheap scares. It is in no hurry to scare you; it takes its time in effectively building up the atmosphere and unveiling the bits of the story piece by piece, just like in horror classics - The Haunting, The Innocents, The Changeling, etc.

       TC is lushly shot, brilliantly performed and effortlessly directed. Three highlights of the film for me are:

Vera Farmiga

a) Vera Farmiga - Amazing casting choice! I've always loved the actress' work but here she sells you every damn outlandish concept convincingly and without a hint of effort. And damn those eyes speak volumes!

b) Lili Taylor - Haven't seen her earlier work. But after the film, it had me looking her up on Wikipedia. Look at her in the scene when she hears claps at the dead of the night. Riveting and realistic!

Lili Taylor

c) The theme music - Oh, the music! One of the most terrifying pieces of theme music ever! No exaggeration. Hear it at night when you're alone, I did and just the thought of it now gives me the chills.

         However, I will admit that I missed James Wan's sheer horror-assault of Insidious, which had me pausing the film in between just to gather myself and breathe. There are no innovative scary scenes here, maybe one or two at best. But then again, the film is supposedly based on a true story. Most of the second half didn't do much for me, especially the climax, since we've seen it way too many times. And if filmmakers are attempting to make an exorcism film now, they have to start being innovative. Most of the elements in the exorcism scenes here are way too passé! But thankfully, they are towards the end.

         The Conjuring is at best an old-school horror film in a new package. Just because it is old school doesn't mean it isn't effective; it is way better than most horror films these days. Just don't expect it to be like the terrifying Blair Witch Project, the innovative Paranormal Activity, the can-scare-the-daylights-out-of-you Insidious or even the ballsy and claustrophobic The Descent. The Conjuring might not give you nightmares like any of these above mentioned films do, but it'll surely show you a great time.

          Don't think and just go for The Conjuring. It really is worth spending your money on and definitely worth watching in a theatre. If you haven't watched a good horror film in a while, you mustn't miss this. It might not stay with you for long but the terrifying theme score definitely will.