The Conjuring is competently formulaic. It has heavy exposition, constant tropes, contrivances, excessive characters, simple emotions, inconsistencies, weak payoff, and no sincere growth. The acting is committed to selling the fear (with serviceable screams and tears), but everyone is flat, range is clumsy, chemistry is spotty, and drama feels forced. Still, the film is passable because it stays relatively efficient and reserved. It moves swiftly through its predictable cliches and holds back on cheap jump scares (savoring tension more than most). Ultimately, The Conjuring is derivative but walks the tightrope between boring and tiring, never overstaying its welcome.
Technically, The Conjuring has punches of energy. Its direction supplies suspense, cheesy tones, and an overboard climax. The imagery adds sleek framing, movement, lighting, filters, depth, oners, and angles. Its editing uses pacing, cross cuts, passing cuts, montages, dissolves, and brevity. The sound employs split cuts, stings, smash cuts, offscreens, layers, echoes, distortions, action, and volume. Its music is generic. The production design has uninspired horror elements but decent era and location. Its cast is skilled but includes no legitimate stars. The effects utilize prosthetics, makeup, stunts, and iffy CGI. Overall, The Conjuring is far from original but proficient.
Writing: 3/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 6/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 6/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.4/10
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