Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) Movie Review
Written By: JASR
Edited By: Grave Reviews Staff
Film Information
Director: James Wan
Producers: Jason Blum, Oren Peli
Writers: Leigh Whannell, James Wan
Date Released: September 13, 2013
Cast:
Patrick Wilson as Josh Lambert
Rose Byrne as Renai Lambert
Ty Simpkins as Dalton Lambert
Lin Shaye as Elise Rainier
Barbara Hershey as Lorraine Lambert
Steve Coulter as Carl
Leigh Whannell as Specs
Angus Sampson as Tucker
Rating = 3.5/5 Graves
***May contain some spoilers***
Synopsis
The movie begins by showing Elise in 1986 who arrives at the home of Lorraine and her son Josh. Elise suppresses Josh’s ability to do astral projection to keep him safe from the woman who has been following him. The film later shows the Lamberts following the events of the first film. It turns out that Josh has been possessed by someone named Parker Crane – the same entity who has been haunting him as a child. Figuring out that Josh is possessed, Renai, Lorraine, and the others must bring the real Josh back from The Further.
Gore Factor
Insidious: Chapter 2 has some violent scenes that involve fighting and strangling. However, there aren’t any scenes that fall under the gore category. Nonetheless, viewers must brace themselves for spine-tingling scenes caused by the brilliant execution of every event in the movie.
The Grave Review
Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) answers the questions that viewers had about Insidious (2010). The movie shows the backstory of the woman who was haunting Josh (Patrick Wilson) in the first film – and it turns out that she has a deeper story than we think. More than this, the movie also gives us direct answers on what happens after the events of the first installment – one of the many notable factors of this sequel.
It is extremely rare for sequels to do justice to the original film. Fortunately for this franchise, Insidious: Chapter 2 did incredibly well. It shows some of the occurrences that were mentioned in the first film – such as how Elise (Lin Shaye) and Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) go way back. It also shows the event where Elise suggests suppressing Josh’s memory of his ability to do astral projection. I would say that Insidious: Chapter 2 really took notes from the first movie and made sure that everything is consistent and accurate.
This film explores timelines by showing us the scene where Josh from The Further visits his young self. As time does not move chronologically in The Further, Josh is able to do this – giving the audience an explanation of young Josh’s actions at the start of the movie. What seems like a creepy scene in the beginning turns out to be the protagonist trying to find answers. That part particularly amazed me for its brilliant execution and direction.
The movie also shows some scenes from the first film – this time, from the perspective of Josh in The Further. Once again, the film explains something from an earlier event. What seems to be an act of an antagonist in the first film turns out to be an act of the protagonist – thus another astonishing execution.
As always, Patrick Wilson and Lin Shaye did a tremendous job of portraying their respective characters. For most of the movie, Wilson portrayed a possessed Josh – in reference to the ending of the first movie. This allowed him to further show his acting skills and brilliance.
I must also commend Danielle Bisutti who portrayed the Mother of Parker Crane. While she only has a number of appearances in the film, they are all remarkably memorable and spine-chilling.
The backstory of the woman haunting Josh is absolutely creepy and unnerving. From the makeup to the story itself, the crew definitely went all-out in making the audience feel terrified.
Since several parts of the movie show flashbacks, it is essential for the film to have cast members who can accurately portray the young versions of fundamental roles like Elise and Lorraine. Insidious: Chapter 2 shows us a dynamic cast that is perfect for their respective roles.
Insidious: Chapter 2 is a well-done sequel to Insidious. I recommend this to those who have seen the first movie. Just like its predecessor, this film is full of innovative and creative twists.
For the foregoing reasons, Grave Reviews gives Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013), three and a half graves out of five graves.
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