Picking up after the events of “Insidious,” “Insidious: Chapter 2” completely cashes in on the original’s legitimate creepiness by drawing off previous villains and plot points. Though the acting and cinematography develop a wonderfully eerie atmosphere, it’s often spoiled by the obnoxious soundtrack and predictable scares. The movie works better as a supernatural thriller rather than a horror film, and provides more popcorn entertainment than bone-chilling terror.
Starring Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne as Josh and Renai Lambert, the story revolves around the Lambert family’s attempt to move past their supernatural experiences from the first “Insidious” while being confronted by a new threat. As both Josh and his son Dalton can telepathically travel to the spirit world, a place called the “Further,” the family is especially vulnerable to angry spirits trying to claw their way back to the other side.
The greatest failings lie in the script, which tends to reduce enjoyably spooky ghosts into visual spectacles rather than well-rounded villains. The family also suffers lack of development, and is not compelling except in the ways previously established in the first film. The soundtrack also ruins most of the scares, giving away the jump scares with cliche violin tracks and grating screeches.
Despite its failings as a horror movie, however, the movie still maintains some thrills. The plot is engaging and the acting is, by far, the strongest element of the film. Even if the movie isn’t scary, it manages to tell a scary story — and tell it well.
While this is a disappointing follow-up from “The Conjuring” director James Wan, “Insidious: Chapter 2” is worth checking out for fans of the series and audiences looking for a decent movie with a creepy edge.