Insidious 2 // Review
Watch this film if you are a fan of the genre because it will be fun, but I don’t think you’ll be sleeping with the lights on.
Every now and then the horror genre is “redefined”. What this really means is that every now and then a horror film comes along that is actually scary. This is usually achieved in two ways. Firstly, a shift in style – e.g. the faux documentary/found footage sub-genre (Blair Witch, Paranormal Activity) which puts you out of your comfort zone by utilising a format synonymous with news style truth telling. This adds kudos to the information heading from your eyes to your brain, and tricks you into suspending disbelief – something that often eludes desensitized fans of the genre. Think of this as a Viagra / finger-up-the-bum to stimulate excitement for those bored with missionary position horror. The second is a back to basics / nostalgic style of horror which sticks to the old-school rules and delivers scares by doing what it does very well (The Others, The Woman in Black). There will not be a complicated plot; it will probably be set in a candlelit mansion, usually with a vengeful spirit. Think of this as remembering the initial excitement you felt the first time you saw a girl in sexy underwear. Sure, you’ve come a long way since (no pun intended), but you will forever be chasing that initial experience.
This film is neither. Not to say this film won’t be any good; I liked the first, it was only scary up to a point, but I wasn’t expecting to be scared, just entertained, because it’s strength is its problem – the story. The unknown is frightening. A dude in a mask is not. I’m sure the hairs on the back of my neck will stand to attention when things start moving around, but as soon as the inevitable band of psychic cowboys roll into town to do battle with the forces of evil, it’s time for cheap jumps and plot holes. Watch this film if you are a fan of the genre because it will be fun, but I don’t think you’ll be sleeping with the lights on.
Every now and then the horror genre is “redefined”. What this really means is that every now and then a horror film comes along that is actually scary. This is usually achieved in two ways. Firstly, a shift in style – e.g. the faux documentary/found footage sub-genre (Blair Witch, Paranormal Activity) which puts you out of your comfort zone by utilising a format synonymous with news style truth telling. This adds kudos to the information heading from your eyes to your brain, and tricks you into suspending disbelief – something that often eludes desensitized fans of the genre. Think of this as a Viagra / finger-up-the-bum to stimulate excitement for those bored with missionary position horror. The second is a back to basics / nostalgic style of horror which sticks to the old-school rules and delivers scares by doing what it does very well (The Others, The Woman in Black). There will not be a complicated plot; it will probably be set in a candlelit mansion, usually with a vengeful spirit. Think of this as remembering the initial excitement you felt the first time you saw a girl in sexy underwear. Sure, you’ve come a long way since (no pun intended), but you will forever be chasing that initial experience. This film is neither. Not to say this film won’t be any good; I liked the first, it was only scary up to a point, but I wasn’t expecting to be scared, just entertained, because it’s strength is its problem – the story. The unknown is frightening. A dude in a mask is not. I’m sure the hairs on the back of my neck will stand to attention when things start moving around, but as soon as the inevitable band of psychic cowboys roll into town to do battle with the forces of evil, it’s time for cheap jumps and plot holes. Watch this film if you are a fan of the genre because it will be fun, but I don’t think you’ll be sleeping with the lights on.
