The Conjuring 
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston, Shanley Caswell, Hayley McFarland, Joey King, Mackenzie Foy, Kayla Deaver, Shannon Kook
Directed by: James Wan
Rated: R
Run Time:
Genre: Horror/ Based on a True Story
Opens July 19th
By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com
Hey Phoenix Horror Film Fans! Opening this week is the latest film from “Insidious” director, James Wan, “The Conjuring” starring Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor. So how does “The Conjuring “ stack up to the disturbing “Insidious”? Read on to find out...
"The Conjuring" starts off laying the ground work with one of the famous Warren cases, the "Annabell", where a doll became possessed by a demon. Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) Warren are very well known demonologist/ paranormal investigators, where they travel around speaking about various cases, the most famous to this point is the "Annabell "case.
It was November of 1971. About the same time as the Warrens were doing speaking engagements in the area, the Perron family was beginning a new life. Roger (Ron Livingston) and Carolyn (Lili Taylor) Perron have moved their family of 5 daughters of various ages into a farm house out in Harrisville, RI. Little did they family know that their new dream home was possessed by dark matters that are out to kill them.
As the paranormal activity amped up, the fear grew stronger in the house, leaving Carolyn scrambling to find a solution. She tracked down the Warrens to see if they would take on her case, desperately pleading for their help. Lorraine sympathized with Carolyn and convinced Ed to check out the house. When the Warrens arrived, it became a crystal clear decision to take on the case and time was off the essence. Growing stronger, the demonic forces started moving in fast, and if they didn't act quickly, blood will be spilled.
If you’re familiar with stories such as “Amityville Horror”, Ed and Lorraine Warren were the paranormal investigators involved in that case as well. What’s fascinating about “The Conjuring” is that it does a fantastic job of playing tricks of with the viewer’s mind of the unseen. Although not gory in nature, the psychological thriller aspect of the film is a truly terrifying experience because this is based on a true story. You know, actual people and events. I made the mistake of researching into the story after the screening, which made for a paranoid and sleepless night.
Patrick Wilson is really carving a notch out for himself with the throwback horror films as he’s been in “Insidious” and its upcoming sequel. Vera Farmiga and Lili Taylor both deliver powerhouse performances, equally creepy and nurturing toward the other actors. Director James Wan masterfully takes the audience on a chilling and terrifying journey, getting into the head of the viewer and amping up the fear factor, based on the material is based in truth. Although this film is billed with films such as “Saw” and “Insidious” the gore factor is very minimal which makes it even scarier. Check out “the Conjuring” when it opens up in theaters starting Friday July 19, 2013.
