Movie: Insidious: Chapter 2
Director: James Wan
Writer: Leigh Whannell, James Wan
Studio: Blumhouse Productions, Entertainment One, FilmDistrict

Insidious: Chapter 2 adds to the complexity of the first film while delivering solid scares, creepy ambiance, and unsettling horror you can easily get lost in if you give it a chance.

Friday the 13th. That date has notoriety more than most. Supposedly full of bad luck and considered the day feared most of all dates, today is a day for horror. It seems that whenever this day happens we get a new horror film released in theaters and this time it is Insidious: Chapter 2. A follow up to the 2010 movie Insidious, this film is loaded with suspense, dread, and more twists than Chubby Checker (look it up, kids) and it is a film you may not want to miss. 

Insidious: Chapter 2 starts off where the first film left off. After some brief flashbacks for set up we find that the family from the first film is fine, but Josh (the father) is a little bit…off. Strange things continue to happen and Renai (the mother) is still plagued with visions of ghosts. Something is wrong. Josh brought something back from The Further, and it’s intentions are more sinister than they realize.

If you haven’t seen the first film in a while (or at all) I suggest you watch it before seeing the second one. There are a lot of references and tie ins to the first film. This should not surprise anyone familiar with Wan and Whannell’s work, just look at the Saw series. Much like those torture porn flicks Insidious: Chapter 2 is loaded with events you barely remember happening actually having massive significance because they are all tied into what is happening at the moment. It is quite difficult to describe the plot without giving away some of the twists, but I assure you that if you let yourself get sucked into this film it will blow your mind with the story it holds.

Insidious: Chapter 2 feels like a love letter to great horror films of the past. The atmosphere and techniques used feel reminiscent of Poltergeist, The Shinning, and the original Evil Dead. The skillful directing of James Wan brings this movie to life in very convincing ways. He can direct the hell out of a horror movie, especially when he has a great cast like Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne at his disposal. Their efforts are top notch, never feeling too corny or overreaching. The real treat, however, are the subtle mood changes and believable reactions used to enhance the film, which will leave you on the edge of your seat for most of the third act.

This movie is not without its flaws. It does seem a bit ridiculous at times. The plot could absolutely be considered too convoluted, as it is loaded with twists and turns that will either blow your mind right open or have you wanting a refund. The packed theater I was in seemed to have more positive reactions than negative, but it also seemed like most people there enjoyed the first film.

The bottom line here is this: if you enjoyed Insidious then you will probably enjoy its sequel. If you hated Insidious, do not even bother with Insidious: Chapter 2, but that should be obvious to you anyways. While it may not be as good as the first film, Insidious: Chapter 2 is worth a watch, and if you can lose yourself enough the film will become a roller coaster of tension and fear you want to ride again and again.

Score: B-

Review written by: Justin Proper

• Author
• Recent Posts

Justin Proper

Latest posts by Justin Proper (see all)

• UTG’s 31 Days Of Halloween: ‘Nymphomaniac’ - October 6, 2014
• MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Noah’ - March 28, 2014
• MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Nymphomaniac’ - March 25, 2014