The Reel Review
The final case for famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren proves to be their most dangerous when they become involved with a Pennsylvania family being terrorized by several demons. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson star in this final installment in The Conjuring supernatural horror franchise to feature the Warrens.
Just as he did in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, director Michael Chaves showcases a slick production with clever camerawork, this time working from a story much stronger than his prior film. Even so, it’s more creepy than truly terrifying. There also is a manic laundry list of plot twists and nods to other classics like The Omen and The Exorcist, which makes this overlong, two hour and 15-minute film feel bloated. The larger role for the Warrens’ daughter Judy, played by Mia Tomlinson, however, is a nice touch.
While 2013’s original The Conjuring is still by far the best of the franchise, this one, with its many fan-pleasing Easter eggs in the final scene, is a sweet way to pay tribute to the Warrens and wrap up their story.
REEL FACTS
• The Smurl family of West Pittston, Pennsylvania claim their house was haunted from 1974 to 1987 when they fled, after enduring what they say were physical and sexual assaults, one of their daughters being pushed down the stairs, blood-curdling screams and animal grunts, horrible, putrid odors, disappearing objects and their dog thrown against a wall.
• The real Judy Warren (daughter of Ed and Lorraine) and her boyfriend Tony Spera have a hand-shaking cameo in Ed Warren’s birthday party scene.
• Comedian Matt Rife and a friend recently bought the former Warren home and occult museum in Monroe, Connecticut. When told of that, Vera Farmiga joked, “I hope he doesn’t have a yard sale!”
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