Insidious: Chapter 2

The first half of “Insidious: Chapter 2” delivers some harrowing, eye-covering moments. These thrilling moments are transmitted primarily through cunning camera-work and blood-curdling sound effects.

However, just like the cyclical appearance of the ghost/zombie-like corpses, the sound effects become redundant, relegating this horror film to a spooky drama.  

Director James Wan nearly morphed this ostensible horror film into a sci-fi film. The first “Insidious” introduced its audience to ghostlike corpses, and mortal humans projecting their souls into this suspended state of purgatory.

However, in “Insidious: Chapter 2” Wan extends the fictional interaction in the state of purgatory. Mortal humans entering the world of the living dead is one thing, but having ghostlike corpses fighting in this fictional world and traversing through time is superfluous. This fictional reach is a dispensable flaw. This, coupled with a clumsy fight scene, makes the movie at times appear goofy.

Wan does a good job of intermittently providing the audience with some much-needed comic relief. However, I am certain he wasn’t striving for goofiness.  

Wan and accompanying writer Leigh Whannell craftily unravel the plot in “Insidious: Chapter 2” in a binary fashion. The movie develops as two diverging subplots emerge. These subplots ultimately converge, elucidating the plots of “Insidious: Chapter 2” and its predecessor.

One subplot focuses on the demonic spirits conjured up from the underworld plaguing the Lambert family. Ironically, the prequel’s antagonist (Patrick Wilson as Josh Lambert) mutates into the antagonist in this film.

Simultaneously, Lorraine, Lambert’s mother, and paranormal investigator Carl, investigate. Miraculously, with the aid of supernatural dice, they solve the mystery of why the Lambert family has been harassed by corpses.

This sequel’s dependence on the prequel will have a polarizing effect. Supporters of “Insidious” will appreciate the aforementioned dependence. Conversely, it can potentially detract from those experiencing “Insidious” for the first time.

However, the continuity (“Chapter 2” picks up right where the first movie left off) of this series could procure a staunch and reliable fan-base.

“Chapter 2” is ideal for that lovestruck teenage couple seeking a cheap thrill. However, if you haven’t seen the prequel or if you’re well-beyond puberty, it would behoove you to save your money and wait for Redbox.

All in all, “Chapter 2” is a satisfactory “horror” film. While it’s a bit clumsy, it still provides its audiences a moderate amount of anxious and thrilling moments.

Unfortunately, “Chapter 2’s” ability to intimidate its audience teeters halfway through the film. Good plot, pedestrian acting and goofy moments.