Insidious: Chapter 2 Review

Insidous: Chapter 2

3 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

The first Insidious was a lesson on how to do horror right. It stripped away all the blood and gore that is all too common in modern horror and presented us with an eerie old-fashioned tale that constantly delivered the thrills and chills. I consider it to be one of the finest horror films of this young century. So how does the second installment fair? While it isn't quite as masterful as its predecessor, Insidious: Chapter 2 is a strong and occasionally mind-boggling installment in what is already a brilliant series.

Insidious: Chapter 2 picks up right where the first Insidious left off. ***Mild spoilers of the first Insidious to follow*** The Lambert family is still trying to recover from the horrifying astral projections that almost caused Dalton to lose his life. Dad Josh (Patrick Wilson) fortunately was able to save his son from a dire fate, but something isn't quite right about Josh. Wife Renai (Rose Byrne) recognizes his occasional strange behavior and worsening health, but she doesn't know what to make of it. Even with another move to a new house, something still is terribly wrong. Renai continues to hear and see things that Josh was supposed to have ended. Therefore, Josh, Renai, and their family and friends attempt to delve to the bottom of all of this: Why can the men of the Lambert family actually astral project? What happened during Josh's childhood? Why are the Lamberts still experiencing the paranormal? What are the strange beings that haunt the family? And what else is going on in "The Further," the horrifying alternate universe? Get ready for an insane, creepy, and fun ride.

The writer from the first film, Leigh Whannell (who also is hilarious as one of the nerdy, techy side characters), returned to pen this installment, and the script for Chapter 2 is arguably better than the first. It is structurally more complex than the first in that it flashes backwards to the past, shows the present, and also gives us glimpses of the events in "The Further." Perhaps what is most impressive is how brilliantly and beautifully this film links to the first installment. Chapter 2 answers all your questions from the first film. Without giving much away, events from the first film are reshown in the second film in a new context that will give you a whole new view on the events of the first. (While it may not be completely necessary, I highly recommend that you see the first film before seeing this installment. It will make the story world much clearer). Chapter 2 isn't one of those lazy sequels that has nothing to do with the first film. This is a true sequel with a gripping, fascinating story that really expands the Insidious universe. It's brilliantly layered writing that rewards the intelligent horror fan.

The director of the first film, James Wan, also returns for the sequel. Wan is one of the most talented young horror filmmakers working in Hollywood, and with Chapter 2, he continues to show his great skills. He really knows how to build tension and suspense with his fascinating camera moves, unpredictable shot lengths, and creepy frames and compositions. He keeps things off-kilter so that we are always slightly on edge. While I find Insidious: Chapter 2 to overall be less scary than its predecessor, I still think that Wan packs a lot of terrifying jolts in this film. I promise you that you'll jump a few times. Wan will keep your blood pumping and your heart beating out of your chest. He is just that good at crafting horror films that get under your skin.

Once again, Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne are fantastic here. What more can I say? They are some of the most consistently excellent actors around. Wilson gets to show off a truly different side of himself in this film where he is both warm and frightening. I want to say more, but that would spoil the fun of the film. Wilson is always magnetic. Byrne is superb at conveying fear and is truly sympathetic. Barbara Hershey and Lin Shaye -- yes, Lin Shaye is back for Chapter 2 due to a really interesting story component -- are both excellent as always. This is a wonderful cast.

Insidious: Chapter 2 will surely prove to be a hit with fans of the first. It isn't as hauntingly scary as the first film, but it still packs a punch and is sure to give you goosebumps. It's also just a ton of fun and will make your head spin once the puzzle pieces begin to fit together. This is one of the best horror films of 2013.