Insidious: Chapter 2

I watched the first "Insidious" film before my massive "Saw" marathon, so I didn't realize that Leigh Whannell, the writer of the first three "Saw" films, was also the author of the "Insidious" films. I felt Whannell's presence as a writer in this second film, which I felt was more cohesive and had more plot twists to it than the first in the series. Wan has definitely grown as a director in the last several years, and I thought the style and palette of this film was grainy and mealy as it should be. I liked this second film more than the first - I will be interested to see the third. 3.5/5

Insidious: Chapter 2 on Netflix

Insidious

I've realized lately that I seem to have missed a big swath of popular horror in the last several years, so I've been attempting to remedy that as of late. I just finished the two "Conjuring" films, and now I've moved on to the "Insidious" franchise. You can't miss a James Wan film. He has a particular eye and color palette that is just unmistakable. This film is visually beautiful, but I felt the script lacked focus and the characters were weakly drawn. This was just average for me. I will say this has also inspired me to watch the whole of the "Saw" franchise as well, so that should be an interesting few weeks! 3/5

Insidious on Netflix

The Conjuring

Yes, this was a pretty straightforward no-frills basic possession/haunting story. But it was acted quite well by Farmiga and Taylor, and it did legitimately freak me out at times, so it's definitely worth a watch. I'm interested to see the sequel. 3.5/5

The Conjuring on Netflix

Young Adult

WOW Diablo Cody grew up! This film is FAR more sophisticated & nuanced than Juno & Theron is marvelous. Wonderful. 4/5


Young Adult on Netflix

Morninig Glory

This movie was honest-to-God LOL funny, but only for the second half. Acting was spot on though - I'm mixed. 3.5/5

Morning Glory on Netflix

The Ledge

With this cast, especially Hunnam, I expected greatness, but the slow pace & Liv Tyler's acting left me unfulfilled. 3/5

The Ledge on Netflix