Directed by James Wan. Written by Chad and Carey Hayes. Starring Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor, Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Joey King, Shannon Kook and Mackenzie Foy.
Plot: a family is being terrorized by a dark presence so they call on Ed and Lorraine Warren for help
This movie is sort of The Exorcist meets Dead Silence and I loved that about it. Usually the “Based on True Events” thing throws us off, but this movie managed to pull it off, so well done.
In 1971, a family moves into an old house and their dog Sadie won’t even come inside. That would have been my first clue to NOT go in myself. Where my dog doesn’t go, I don’t go. Of course, they find the dog dead the next morning, but who didn’t see that coming? I did. And I still hate that they put dogs in movies nowadays just to die.
Anyway, it becomes apparent very quickly that something is wrong in their new house. They hear things, see things and are attacked by malevolent spirits, so they call Ed and Lorraine, demonologists, to help them out. Things get worse before they get better, with the spirit in the house actually possessing a member of the family.
This movie scared the crap out of me. I screamed out loud at least twice. It followed the rules it made. The family was likable. It’s rewatchable, had a terrific cast, horrifying effects, solid direction (which I always expect from James Wan), a concrete story, a memorable opening and a nice ending.
I suppose I could list my favorite movies here, but instead I'll give you a strange glimpse into what makes me TaraRomero.
1. I met George Romero. He was the kindest and sweetest man. He talked to me for longer than he should have with the line getting longer. He also held my hand. And when he noticed the ladybug I have tattooed on my wrist, he said he liked it and asked me it's name. Till then, it had not had a name. Now, I call him George.
2. I love stickers. All stickers. I just adore them. I even ask for stickers for Christmas! As a matter of fact, the birthday that just past, every member of my immediate family gave me sticker packs as gifts. Affordable and extremely appreciated.
3. I have never put much stock in astrology or horoscopes, but I LOVE the magic of the MBTI. Omg. I am an INFP and it actually sounds just like me. Introverted mostly. Creative always. Heart before head and not the most logical. Totally me! For better or worse.
4. It's no surprise I count horror so high up on the list of things that make me, me. However, it's so within my soul that I was part of the Horror Club in college. Interesting bunch. And even took a Horror Lit class as an elective. I got an A.
5. Coffee always makes me happy. Always. I'm particularly fond of caramel macchiatos. But I'll drink black coffee if it's the only thing available.
6. I hate shock for the sake of shock and endings that depress me. I always mention the movies Within (2016) and the Eli Roth produced, written and starred in, Aftershock (2012), as proof of this distate I have. I abhor the idea that just because I like horror, some people think I'd actually praise a movie that lets you think the "Final Girl" just made it through the night, only to slap her in the face with a tsunami.
7. We are big time animal people. I mean, if I could, I'd have an elephant, a bear, a zebra, a penguin, an otter and a meerkat, living with me. Seriously though. We have 2 dogs right now and 2 cats. Both cats we picked up when they each came to our front door hungry. And both dogs we got from 2 different sets of neighbors. Both who, unfortunately, don't know how to care for pets long-term. But they're happy and healthy now!!
8. Revisiting my love of horror, one of the above cats, my cat, is a little black guy named Church. Because Pet Sematary. His middle name is even Pascow. To give credit where credit's due, the name was DJ's idea. But he loves horror too!
9. I'm big into art. Along with movie posters and an Anne Frank quote, I have some actual paintings on my wall. I really think Dali paints beautifully when he wants to. And if I don't get to see Michaelangelo's Pieta in person some day, I will be very disappointed.
10. Lastly, I find Emily Dickinson's poetry intriguing. I took an elective course about her as well. But do you know I injected horror even there? I was given a poem to dissect and I picked one on death, of course. Then, I researched old "Death Photos" and even printed out copies for everyone in the class. They were so interested in looking at them that it stopped them from all looking at me, and I was able to deal quite well with my stage fright. Haha
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