Film review: The Conjuring

Thanks to a youth spent reading everything I could on the paranormal, I was already familiar with the real Warrens and their reputations. Even better, thanks to Lorraine appearing occasionally on Paranormal State, I was primed for catching her cameo in THE CONJURING.

So part of my interest in seeing the film was based in prior knowledge and an appreciation for ghost stories. But more than that, even early reports on the movie gave a glimmer of hope that this might be one of those rare, genuinely good modern horror films. The casting seemed excellent, and while it's based on a true story that's similar to many other haunted house tales (fiction or not) it's a formula that just kind of works.

Film review: The Possession

I like figuring out how stories work. They all have histories, rules, connections and themes that are waiting to be unearthed. The difference between the good and bad ones, for me, is that the good ones have innards that make sense. They might not be obvious, they might require some work to figure out, and they might even surprise you. I always hope they'll surprise me, I like that part. If they're really good, the next time you go back to the story they'll even change.

The... not-as-good stories don't make a whole lot of sense.

The Last Exorcism Part II

While I love the horror genre in all of its forms and sub-genres, I also have special interests. When it comes to plot, I primarily enjoy ghost stories and slashers. As far as themes go, I'm fascinated with the role gender plays in a horror film and how religion comes into play. One of my dream life goals would be to write an in-depth article, paper or book on religion in horror. It just makes my brain come alive.

I enjoyed THE LAST EXORCISM for this reason, although I can't say it was well received all-around. A lot of viewers were not happy with the ending, the ambiguity they felt left with, etc. I love being left with questions after a film is over, although there is a difference between being frustrated by them and being fascinated.