Annabelle Creation

Back in 2013 I did an initial review of the movie, The Conjuring which can be seen by clicking this link. As a part of the story which focused on real life paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren was the backdrop of a story related to a doll, Annabelle. The story of Annabelle has now gone on to inspire 2 movies of its own, Annabelle and the new Annabelle Creation. As was intended with the movie that brought about the story line, The Conjuring, along with each of the story lines in the subsequent movies has had as a surprise to many, a deep, Christian based theme dealing with good versus evil and the existence of not just God but also evil.

Horror movies for me have for years been among my favorite to review due to the overwhelming message of good versus evil, light over dark and Christ power to conquer evil and Satan like no other style of story. The irony of it all is that no other form or style of movie has generated as much controversy among my many readers and friends as the genera of Horror. In many ways, while some may not like the concept, I believe it is sad as it is an easy way for many to ignore the reality of evil in our world and if Paul was correct in his comments in his writings in the Bible, we need to remember, especially those like me who say they are followers of Jesus that:

"We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world." Ephesians 6:12. 

It seems as if in this verse and many others in the Bible there is a recognition that there are evil forces all around us that we are engaging in battle with. This isn't just a part of the Judeo Christian values, it is a prevalent theme in many religious belief systems including Islam, Hinduism and others.

Those themes are especially evident throughout the movie Annabelle Creation. While this movie is not based on a true story such as The Conjuring is, it is based on a real character, the Annabelle doll, although the doll in the museum still ran by Lorraine Warren is actually a Raggedy Ann Doll. It should be noted that a tribute of sorts is paid to the real doll in this movie despite the use of the "scary" doll and image throughout the film.

This movie is not for everyone, the opening scenes include a horrific scene of death of a child, something not seen in such graphic detail normally in movies. A part of that is the horror of the story though and one of the things that draws in the viewer to the family and characters in the movie.

In the movie a family who has experienced a horrific death of a daughter decides a number of years later to take in a group of young ladies and children in the form of offering their home up as an orphanage. While in the home a number of scary things begin to happen and the spirits which had been invited into the home earlier start haunting the inhabitants of the home. It becomes clear early on, these aren't ghosts doing the haunting but demonic forces.

From this point not much likely needs to be said other than the direction for Annabelle Creation does not disappoint. There are numerous scary sequences but it is supported with some good acting, especially among the child actors in the film including Talitha Bateman who plays a young polio victim during the early to late 1930's named Janice. The girls are supervised and given support by Nun, Sister Charlotte played by Stephanie Sigman. Another technical aspect the film excels at is its music and sound. There are few films that show the power of quality sound and music like horror and in many ways these aspects become as much of a character of the film as does any of the actors on screen.

There are many aspects of this movie which would be interesting to sit down and engage in a meaningful conversation about. For example, does evil truly exist? What forms of evil exist? How does on conquer and defeat evil? Why do horror films always seem to have as a representation on the ways to defeat evil a cross, bible or other references to light and Jesus? How has faith impacted the attitudes of those in our world regarding evil? How seriously do people of faith take evil? As you can see I could go on and on with questions of this type. 

 Annabelle Creation presents a side of evil to the extreme, a side where we see the comparisons of faith in virtually every scene in the movie, where crosses are intentionally shown, whether on the side of the road or on a doorway behind a nun.

Movies can get people to think and Annabelle Creation is no exception. This movie gets us to think about evil and the ultimate way it can impact people and the world around us. I do think that while those themes are addressed there were some issues related to the film that were a bit of a let down. The direction could have been a tad better and at times, I felt it played on some horror aspects a bit too much and I would liked to have had more questions answered. While those are my preferences, some will see this as a positive thing as they like imaging their own conclusions and answers, I understand that but I just felt it a bit lacking.

Annabelle Creation is not as scary as some make it out to be, although there are those jump out of your seat, cover your eyes moments. It is entertaining though and holds your attention and for me, even some time after seeing the movie, has me asking myself questions, contemplating my own faith and the reality of evil. That is a well worth while concept, like it or not, believe it or not. 

On a scale of 1 - 10, for the perfect number, or so some say, I give it a deserving and entertaining 7

To see the trailer for the film, click on the following video, if the video doesn't appear, try the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KisPhy7T__Q



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