Annabelle: Creation (2017): Demented doll feature earns its R rating
‘Annabelle: Creation’ is currently playing in cinemas everywhere. But is ‘The Conjuring’ spinoff worth it or just kidding around?
THE INTRO:
“Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.” — New Line Cinema
When will we ever stop messing around with creepy dolls? I’ve been wanting to watch Annabelle: Creation ever since the first trailer. It looked far more entertaining than the original and the trailer itself delivered scares. I had the opportunity to watch it today along with the special clip of IT. Did it meet my expectations? Let’s find out, shall we!?
THE REVIEW:
*First things first, as most of you know there is a clip of IT right before the film. It’s short and sweet and absolutely creepy. Pennywise can’t crawl out of the sewer soon enough!*
Forgive me, Father, for I am about to sin. — Janice
So what did I think of Annabelle: Creation? This is the type of movie that everyone’s been waiting for. It has a solid storyline, various scares throughout the film along with plenty of blood and cringeworthy moments and a cast that delivers excellent performances.
The story itself was creepy. Doll making with parts strung about, hanging everywhere…yeah count me out from ever going in that room. Beyond the creepiness, I love the idea of a group of orphan girls living in the big empty house, 12 years after the death of the Mullins daughter. Misery loves company, right? The two stories complemented each other well.
Moreover, Annabelle: Creation is pure gold. Everyone always complains spinoffs aren’t “scary enough”, but this film delivers on all points. There are scares from the very beginning until the end, some quite terrifying.
David F. Sandberg’s ‘Annabelle: Creation’ — Courtesy of New Line Cinema
There’s a moment where one of the young girls is looking though a window and the audience can see the door slowly close. We see a figure pop up, slowly creeping towards her and it’s horrifying — most definitely an edge-of-your-seat moment while holding your breath. My friend also warned me about a creepy damn scarecrow and yep…may not sleep tonight after meeting him.
Along with the scares, there’s a lot of shocking moments. I don’t want to reveal too much, but let’s just say there’s a point at the end where my mouth dropped. Bloody, gory, and absolutely fantastic.
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I’m always impressed when children deliver extraordinary performances, even more so in horror movies. Where are they hiding all that talent? What have they learned in life that has given them the ability to put themselves in such a haunting situation and come out strong and have the audiences eating out of their palms? Talitha Bateman and Lulu Wilson stood out above all.
David F. Sandberg’s ‘Annabelle: Creation’ — Courtesy of New Line Cinema
Talitha’s character, Janice, is brave, strong, and wise beyond her years. It was my first time seeing her and I hope to see her in more roles. Then there’s little miss Lulu. She is always impressing and I’ve loved her ever since her chilling performance in Ouija: Origin of Evil. She has true, raw talent and a promising career ahead. I hope that career consists of more horror because she has a real knack for it.
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My only complaint is the film’s a bit slow for my taste. I thought some parts dragged on way too long or were far too predictable, but the scares and occasional shocking moments help spice things up.
Overall, Annabelle: Creation was average with low and high moments. I enjoyed it and think it proves movies spinning off others can, in fact, be terrifying and deliver nightmares. It’s worth seeing in theaters, even if you go just for the short clip of IT. So go see it and let us know what you think!
Annabelle: Creation is produced by James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring, Annabelle) and directed by David F. Sandberg (Lights Out) with a screenplay by Gary Dauberman. The film stars Anthony LaPaglia, Stephanie Sigman, Miranda Otto, Lulu Wilson, Talitha Bateman, Philippa Coulthard, and Samara Lee. It opened on Aug.11 and thus far has made over $71 million worldwide.
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