Evil Dead 2 and the 15 greatest horror movie sequels of all time
By Mads Lennon
4. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
- Directed by: Mike Flanagan
- Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise Basso, Lulu Wilson, Lin Shaye, and Henry Thomas
It’s not a secret; the first Ouija was a dud. Most people who watched Ouija: Origin of Evil may not even realize the movie is a sequel! Not many remember the first movie, which starred Shelley Hennig. The second one steps up in a big way. It severs ties with the original beyond a fleeting reference.
Fans of The Haunting of Hill House will recognize familiar names like Elizabeth Reaser, Mike Flanagan, and Lulu Wilson. Flanagan created the popular Netflix series and both Wilson and Reaser starred. Flanagan’s wife, Kate Siegel, who plays Theo in Hill House, also appears in Origin of Evil! As for the story, this movie is set as a prequel to the 2014 film.
It follows a widowed woman and her family who use a Ouija board in their séance business. I love the concept of a movie that follows people who conduct paranormal scams. But once they bring the Ouija board into their business, they mistakenly invite a terrifying spirit into their home that takes possession of little Doris (Wilson).
Somehow, a movie birthed from a Hasbro toy idea wound up being full of terrifying scenes. It also delivers yet another fantastic performance from young Lulu Wilson, who is shaping up to be a formidable scream queen.