Insidious – Chapter 2

I usually make it a point to see an earlier part in case I haven’t when the sequel releases.  Insidious Chapter 2 is actually more of a logical extension form Insidious that finished with a clear indication of a possible 2^nd part.  Much like Chapter 2 finishes with “Oh My God”!!! Clearly an indication that Chapter 3 maybe around the corner.  Will it show the same levels of improvement that 2 did over 1? With James Wan clearly indicating that he doesn’t want to be involved with horror any more, I don’t know.

But the moot point here and now is that Insidious Chapter 2 is a vastly improved movie as compared to its predecessor.  And I say this in the context of the fear factor that it creates.  Firstly, it seamlessly moves into the back story of a younger Josh (Garrett Ryan) when he was 9 years old and was being checked out by a much younger Elise (Lindsay Seim).  He gets up in the middle of what seems to be a hypontised state and says, “Let me show you” and goes on to point at a door that opens in an eerie, squeaky manner.

Cut back to the current day where Josh (Patrick Wilson) hasn’t been himself of late leaving most people wondering why.  And this is where the importance of Chapter 1 comes into play.  I, unfortunately cannot give any spoilers thanks to professional courtesy but it would suffice to say that you need to watch Insidious to understand what I mean.  Nevertheless, a troubled mother – Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) calls on Specs (Leigh Whannell) and Tucker (Angus Sampson) to seek help again from Elise (Lin Shaye).

Insidious Chapter 2 gives us clear signs of the James Wan that we saw and loved in The Conjuring.  The fear of the unknown is always what gets your deepest darkest fears out and when you couple that with accurately placed shockers like Parker’s mother (Danielle Bisutti) placing one tight slap across Renai’s (Rose Byrne) face – it not only succeeds in knocking Renai out cold but also gives you enough of a jolt in your seat.  Simply superb.

Wan sticks to the standard formula that I called out on Insidious earlier today – dark closets, basement washing areas, hidden wall closets which stink of death etc. etc. But he adds several elements that are unexpected.  His use of light and music seems to have improved manifold.  Most importantly, while based on the same premise as Insidious, the story is far supersedes Insidious Chapter 2.

Watch Insidious 2 if you are a horror movie freak.  I know I am no benchmark when it comes to feeling fear – as I have on many an occasion accepted – but I do believe that Wan has achieved a certain level that makes you want him to reconsider his decision of “having had enough” of this genre.  Here is to hoping that James Wan gives us a fitting finale of sorts with Insidious 3.  7 on 10.

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4286163225/?ref_=tt_ov_vi