The Conjuring 2 (Film Review)

2016 Warner Bros. Pictures/New Line Cinema
Directed by: James Wan; Written by: Chad Hayes, Carey W. Hayes, James Wan, and David Leslie Johnson
Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Frances O'Connor, Madison Wolfe, Simon McBurney, and Franka Potente
MPAA Rating: R; Running Time: 134 Minutes
The Nicsperiment Score 8/10

America's favorite real-life demon-fighting couple has returned. It's the late 1970's, and the Warrens are still at it, though Lorraine, played by Vera Farmiga, has begun to have worrisome visions that harm will come to her beloved Ed, played by Patrick Wilson. Out of love and respect for his wife, Patrick agrees that the two will continue to go on the speaking circuit, but avoid exorcisms for the time being.
Meanwhile, across the pond, the Hodgson family is struggling. Not only has Peggy Hodgson's husband left her to raise her four children alone in poverty, but something evil seems to be plaguing the family flat, eventually possessing Peggy's daughter, Janet. Neighbors, the police, it seems no one can help. Other paranormal investigators try to lend a hand, but it seems The Church's hands are tied...and who does The Church go to when their hands are tied?
At first, the Warrens only agree to investigate, but they can't overcome their own empathy, and before they know it, they're deep again in the mix.
James Wan and his production team have done a brilliant job of creating another freaky haunted house to stand against the Warrens. The initial "Hey, you're in England now!" introduction is a little much (It's literally a montage set to The Clash song, "London Calling), but otherwise the rainy, misty setting is pitch perfect. The film also does a great job of throwing a lot of horrific stuff at the viewer, but somehow still creating doubt that anything that's happening is anything other than a great trick being played by Janet.
However, the core of the film, and now this series is Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson's dedicated portrayal of the Warrens. Dual protagonists who don't swear, and who sit around their den reading the Bible in their spare time aren't your typical R-rated movie heroes, but this committed couple absolutely carry this second Conjuring film even more than the first. I must admit, I wouldn't think that a series of exorcist films would feature one of the best modern portrayals of a loving, honest, supportive couple who believe in one another, but here we are. As The Conjuring 2's danger grows, and The Warrens again have each other's backs, whatever the cost, I felt my investment grow stronger in their well-being than in that of any cinematic duo in recent memory.
With that said, praise must be given to young Madison Wolfe as Janet. Her performance may be the best by a child in a horror film since possibly Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense. There's a reason Wolfe is third-billed in a cast featuring many other solid performances by adults.
Though the film could be just a bit tighter, when the excellent production values, performances, direction, and atmosphere are taken into account, The Conjuring 2 is a tough big-budget-for-the-masses horror film to top.