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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The Conjuring, The Battle of Good Vs. Evil

Horror, no other genre of film offends as much as this except for pornography. While the criticism of one is justifiable, that of porn, I have always felt the criticism of the other is not as justified as some think. I have said for years, and still do, no other genre of film portrays the battle of good vs. evil or the power of light over darkness better than Horror. With the release of The Conjuring, we not only have one of the scariest movies in years but possibly the scariest movie ever. It is surprisingly spiritual with a strong emphasis on we overcome evil with God, and God alone. The other startling, statement is the devil exists and he and his demons are out to destroy all that is good.

The Conjuring is presented as a more true than not story.  It is the story of a haunting that took place and according to many still takes place in Harrisville Rhode Island. The movie is the story of the Perron family who lived in the house for approximately 10 years starting in 1970. The experienced haunting in the house shortly after moving in and according to Andrea Perron in her book House of Darkness, House of Light, the day they moved into the house. The events in the house became so severe that they eventually brought in the assistance of the Warren’s played in the film by Vera Farmiga, most recently of the television show Bates Hotel and Patrick Wilson who plays the part of Ed Warren. Farmiga plays the part of Lorraine Warren. The real Lorraine Warren has a brief cameo in the film. 

The Warren’s noted for their paranormal investigations over the years, including their investigations in the real Amityville Horror tale are also noted for their faith and belief that ghosts are manifestations of demons. Much like The Amityville Horror there is likely to be controversy surrounding this tale as to what is true and what is not. The producers and Perron family, including the two parents and all 5 children claim the film is true with the exception of a few dramatic licenses. Even in some of those licenses though, there is truth but related to other events with other individuals. The story line is scary, thought provoking and entertaining. 

The Conjuring is a well crafted film and one that will easily recover the $12,000,000 it cost to make. The cast is superb. I especially enjoyed the work by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga but the supporting cast all around. There are several things in this movie one needs to pay attention to, especially to understand the excellent craftsmanship by director James Wan. First and foremost I recommend paying attention to the sound and editing. I believe a possible Oscar nomination for editing, it is par excellence. The scare tactics used here are at times expected, other times not, yet they will have you jumping out of your seat, even at times screaming out loud, there are genuine scare moments. The other area regarding sound is an area I want to make sure to mention. I not only suspect an Oscar nomination here, this movie has to presently be a odds on favorite for the award. I have seen few films that use the concepts of sound as powerfully. The Conjuring plays not only on our visual senses but it powerfully plays on our emotions and hearing. Sound is a powerful tool and the use of sound here is as powerful as any movie I have seen. That with a well scripted tale, wonderful use of light and a script that meshes together. This movie not only scares the viewer but entertains them.

This film reeks (in a good way) with spiritual overtones. Many will consider it the scariest movie ever; others will say that it is the scariest movie since The Exorcist. The amazing thing is this movie and The Exorcist both deal with Demonic Possession and both were based on true stories. I personally liked The Conjuring better and that says something for me. There is an even stronger message related to the ability of good to overcome evil, light to penetrate and overcome dark, and ultimately, the ability of God to defeat Satan. Unfortunately, I suspect many people of faith will be as critical of this film as they have been of horror and supernatural themes, including exorcism and demonic possession as they have been in the past. That is a shame, especially with such strong Biblical themes regarding demonic possession, even the son of God, Jesus Christ performing demonic exorcisms along with his disciples. Many people of faith seem to choose to live in a world where they ignore the reality of evil, yet that evil clearly exists. At some point it is in understanding evil and the fear of evil that one becomes best equipped to defeat the evil around them and in the lives of those they love. In real life The Warren’s seemed to understand this and it is portrayed excellently in The Conjuring.

In the battle against evil another perspective presented in a thought provocative way is the reality that when attacking evil, that evil in return will attack not just those attacking it but the families and loved ones of those attacking it. In one poignant scene; Ed Warren is placing crosses around the Parren’s house. He is asked what he is doing and he explains the power of the cross. He also makes a profound statement, the demons and spirits hate it, in fact, “it pisses them off,” so much so that the person(s) attacking the evil forces can expect to be attacked from those “pissed off entities.” We see this come about and it is a powerful reminder of the reality of the forces many face. People of faith who choose to engage in the battle I believe God has called us to in various places in the Bible know this. We need to remember; when the Bible says, “The gates of Hell will not prevail against us,” the implication is that we are on the attack, not sitting back, we aren’t to hide from, stay away from, we are to be on the attack, the bible makes clear, we are not in a battle against flesh and blood but against principalities and darkness. We have many reminders in the Bible including, “That greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world!” While many may choose to stay out of the battle of good and evil, the reality is the battle goes on around us. The other reality is this, we need to prepare, movies like this I believe help those of faith understand the need of preparation and for those without faith, the reality of the evil that exists around us.

For those who read my reviews you know I normally withhold from a lot of spiritual commentary but it is impossible to review a film of this nature without doing so because the message and theme related to spirituality is so strong. I love movies like this when they are well done and The Conjuring is done exceptionally.

There were only a few areas I thought The Conjuring could have been tightened up; a little more character development would have been nice but the movie still worked. For this reason, on a scale of 1 – 10, for the number of letters in conjuring, I give a well deserved; almost perfect 9 for this film. I consider it a must see for all people of faith, seeking truth in spirituality, or even those questioning the reality of evil. Many may not like it for various reasons but it doesn’t change the reality of the spiritual forces around us and the attacks of evil on all of that which is good and from God.

Now from those people of faith who will be critical without seeing the movie, who think all things horror is evil, (except all those horror stories in the scripture) let the criticism not begin, but continue. 

Visit the following web site to read up more on the real story of The Conjuring:  http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/conjuring.php 

You can also see a review of the film, by the real life Andrea Perron, one of the people who lived the experience, to see the review simply click on the video below.  If the video doesn’t appear, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yiL6IU5oZFM


The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me, there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.

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The Rite

In 1973 the movie The Exorcist turned heads, both on screen and literally. It was with some expectation that I was excited about the release of 2011’s The Rite starring Anthony Hopkins as Father Lucas Trevant and Colin O’Donoghue as Michael Kovak. Kovak has just graduated from Seminary to become a priest and as quickly as he receives his credentials, he realizes he has questions of faith which will prevent him from accepting the collar. A professor recognizes his talents and believes he would be a suitable student to go to an Exorcism school in Rome. While there, his crisis of faith remains and he is soon sent to spend time with Father Lucas Trevant, played by Anthony Hopkins. Hopkins it seems is a sort of exorcist in residence and it is here that Kovak is forced to look at the reality of good and evil in a new way. It is as Father Trevant points out in one scene to Kovak, “Be careful Michael, choosing not to believe in the devil doesn't protect you from him.” As the two spend time together, despite Kovak’s skepticism, his faith begins to grow in God as he realizes the reality of evil.

The Rite is made in a thought provoking way with more emphasis on story and the crisis of faith Kovak is going through than it does on the paranormal as many may have become accustomed to in exorcism movies. The film directed by, Mikael Håfström, does a good job of keeping the concept believable, while at the same time, entertaining and thought provoking. As is the norm with these types of films, the haunting musical score plays into the story line as does the dark scenes used throughout the film. While there are certain components that transfer over well into the Blu-ray format, there was a lacking of character development. I was originally supposed to have an interview with the author of the book which the stories are based on, Matt Baglio, but for some reason that interview fell through as I anxiously awaited the opportunity to ask questions regarding the real story and the story on screen. A credit to the plot is it does perk interest in the paranormal and the process of exorcism which has existed primarily within the Catholic and Christian belief system for some years. While many are skeptical of the concept, the evidence seems to indicate an abundance of proof as to these episodes.

The story starts out with a young Kovak working in his family’s mortuary. His father, Istvan Kovak, played by Rutger Hauer, has dealt with the loss of his wife and raised his son on his own. It is the family’s history that one either enters the priesthood or remains in the family business. Kovak has had enough of preparing dead bodies while growing up and decides to give the priesthood a chance. We see the family background played back primarily in flashback sequences. Unfortunately they are muddied and make it difficult to follow the story. There are moments where the viewers have their questions answered, but all too often, there are not enough answers and the questions we see asked seem forced in their answers.

In The Rite we see a crisis of faith not just in the character of Kovak, but also the life of Father Trevant. Father Trevant is based on a real life character that has performed over 2,000 exorcisms. His challenges, if true, would give reason for any student of this Rite, (if it is to be called a skill, calling or Rite) to be skeptical of following ‘the call.’

The Rite is filled with religious symbolism specific to Christianity. There are many interesting questions presented regarding the existence of evil, specific to Satan and his demons, and Christianity, specific to Jesus Christ. There are certain concepts of exorcism that is unique and consistent enough to cause one to wonder about the reality of evil. As portrayed in The Rite, the demonic and evil forces that inhabit the souls of people can cause them to do harm to themselves and/or others, and there is a hatred that exists between the demonic forces and the forces of God. There is no doubt in these portrayals, including The Rite, that ultimately the force of God has more power, and exhibits the abilities to overcome the forces of evil. That isn’t to say it doesn’t come at a cost though. The Rite does a good job of showing there is potential danger to the person being possessed and to the persons performing the exorcisms. It is the unknown aspects of exorcism and possession that provide the scary moments in the movie. The thought that the danger of possession could happen to the individual watching the film has certainly entered more than one mind while watching films like this. It should be recognized that ultimately the power of God prevails over the power of Satan. It is through the power of God that one has the ability to overcome.

Despite the flaws in The Rite, I found myself enjoying the story, especially the last 30 minutes of the film. While it took some time to get to the horror of the film, it does ultimately arrive. We don’t see the horrific scenes we may have come to expect, but we believe in the possibility of what we see on screen. In this regard The Rite stands a notch above many exorcism films. There are definite challenges to the concepts of possession the movie ponders and I like that. I do wish the movie would have had better character development and taken the time to explore especially the role of Kovak’s family.

The DVD also has some respectable special features and the Blu-ray transfer is quite nice both visual and its sound. The edition I have has a digital version, the Blu-ray and standard DVD. There are ample features that will have fans of this type of movie desiring to own it. I personally found the video worth more of a rental than a purchase. This one will get mixed reviews in that area. The questions one could ask, debate, and discuss would certainly be worth discussion, for example, does demon possession exist? What are the rights to perform exorcism? Can individuals outside of the Catholic faith perform appropriate exorcisms? How doe the Devil and his demons present themselves? How does the world of exorcism and mental illnesses coexist? How are they similar? How are they different? These questions and many more are worthy discussions, and The Rite certainly asks and addresses each of these to some extent. Does that make the film worth owning? I don’t know, I will say the questions it raises certainly makes it worth watching.

To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhHnP-9iekg


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