Are you a horror movie fan? Rebecca's got you covered with a review on the latest (and allegedly the last) "Conjuring" film.
Want another perspective on an underseen film? Joe's got you covered with a review of "Caught Stealing."
It's a Take 2 mix and match. Enjoy!
As Northeast Pennsylvania's most famous haunting, the Smurl family haunting gained national attention. The family's account of what they believed were paranormal attacks at their Chase Street home in West Pittston attracted a media frenzy in 1986. Famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren came to the area to investigate. After nearly 40 years and a made-for-TV movie, the Smurls' story gets the big-screen treatment for the first time in the highest-grossing horror film franchise in history.
"The Conjuring: Last Rites" is the fourth movie in the main franchise of "The Conjuring" universe, which tells the stories of the Warrens' paranormal case files. The films further dramatize the stories for the silver screen. The entry is actually the ninth in the hugely successful series, spawning five spinoff films. But "Last Rites" is being sold as the final installment to feature the Warrens, and it takes on the case of the Smurl haunting.
In tackling the Smurls' story while also serving as a send-off, "The Conjuring: Last Rites" tries to accomplish a lot, and it only partially succeeds. The genuinely scary film features some of the most disturbing imagery in the "Conjuring" universe, and it's a big step up from the disappointing third entry.
But it doesn't show the Smurls enough. Because it's allegedly the last "Conjuring" film, "Last Rites" focuses more on the Warrens than on the Smurls -- and it needed more of the Smurls.
In "The Conjuring: Last Rites," the demon-fighting duo of Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) and Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) are slowing down after Ed suffered a heart attack. Their daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) is experiencing the same clairvoyant abilities that Lorraine has, and she's struggling with how to deal with them. Judy's supportive fiancé Tony (Ben Hardy) is also seeking acceptance from the Warrens.
Meanwhile, the Smurl family is being tormented by demonic forces. Jack Smurl (Elliot Cowan) and Janet Smurl (Rebecca Calder), along with their daughters Dawn (Beau Gadsdon), Heather (Kíla Lord Cassidy) and twins Carin and Shannon, as well as Jack's parents, endure the entities' wrath. Unable to receive help from the church, the family goes public with their story. When the Warrens and the Smurls meet, they realize they have something in common. The same evil that Ed and Lorraine encountered early in their career is now targeting the Smurls -- and it's not done with the Warrens yet.
Both terrifying, "The Conjuring" (2013) and "The Conjuring 2" (2016) were suspenseful haunted house films, summoning unknown dangers lurking in the shadows. Both installments, directed by horror master James Wan, knew how to mine fear from the mundane. 2021's "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" traded in the haunted house setting for a courthouse drama, to the series' detriment. With director Michael Chaves taking over the reins, the third entry was boring and forgettable.
Fraught with intense scares and disturbing visuals, "The Conjuring: Last Rites" puts the series back on track. A harrowing sequence involving a room of mirrors demonstrates the franchise's ingenuity in finding new frights. This is the best of Chaves' films, which also include the "Conjuring" universe-adjacent film "The Curse of La Llorona" (2019) and the franchise spinoff "The Nun II" (2023).
Watching "The Conjuring: Last Rites," it's surreal to see Northeast Pennsylvania represented on the big screen. About 13 minutes into the movie, "West Pittston, Pennsylvania" pops up in big letters. I also got goosebumps during an overhead shot of what appears to be the Water Street Bridge. When the Warrens come into town, the police tape that stretches across Chase Street says "West Pittston." It brings home the realization that a story that is so well known locally is receiving a global spotlight. The installment conjured a new record as the biggest opening weekend ever for a horror film at the worldwide box office, earning a staggering $194 million. It grossed $83 million domestically its first weekend, a franchise best.
Northeast Pennsylvania moviegoers need to know "The Conjuring: Last Rites" is loosely based on the Smurl haunting. It includes some key details of what the Smurls say happened to them. For instance, the movie shows that the paranormal activity starts after one of the daughters receives confirmation. Certain family members also levitate and are under attack. But the film takes a lot of creative license with the case. "The Conjuring: Last Rites" introduces a haunted mirror into the mix. In addition to being downright creepy, it's an effective device to tie the story to the other haunted items the Warrens have investigated. However, it could confuse moviegoers who are familiar with the Smurl haunting.
The film is sympathetic to the Smurls. "The Conjuring: Last Rites" portrays the family as seeking help and validation for their experiences. It shows news headlines, articles and interview clips, including their TV appearance on "Larry King Live." The installment also acknowledges the skepticism, backlash and hoax accusations hurled at them for coming forward. As Jack and Janet Smurl, Cowen and Calder believably express the fear and frustration overtaking their lives. Gadsdon and Cassidy, as the two eldest daughters, stand out as each is subject to a different horror.
When "The Conjuring: Last Rites" focuses on the Smurls, the terror they endure is chilling. The film ramps up the suspense in sequences involving a phone, a doll and a family recording. The design of the entities is frightening. There's also a lot more blood in this installment, which is rare for a "Conjuring" movie. Prepare for projectile vomiting, as well as a sink overflowing with blood.
When the Smurls aren't on screen, you want them to be. And that's a problem with "The Conjuring: Last Rites." The film prioritizes this being the final "Conjuring" movie over the Smurls' story. The Warren family's drama takes center stage.
Farmiga and Wilson are fantastic as Lorraine and Ed Warren. The two wear their roles like gloves at this point, bringing an authority to the proceedings. The pair's commitment to each other is as strong as ever, even as they seek a life outside of investigating cases. However, the film puts Judy and Tony front and center. It could be the franchise's way of setting them up to take over for the Warrens in future films. But as a result, the film suffers serious pacing issues. In one sequence, a birthday gathering with the Warren family lasts entirely too long, taking away from the phenomena at the Smurls' house. The movie is two hours and 15 minutes long, and it doesn't need to be.
The Warrens don't arrive at the Smurls' house until over halfway through the movie. That's another problem because the film lacks heartfelt conversations between the Warrens getting to know the Smurls, like they did with the Perron family in "The Conjuring" and the Hodgson family in "The Conjuring 2." The finale is frightful yet frenzied, with some silly decisions taking away from the seriousness. However, the resolution wraps up the Warrens' story in a satisfying way, tying a nice bow on their time in the franchise.
While "The Conjuring: Last Rites" focuses on the Warrens with the Smurls in it, the 1991 TV movie "The Haunted" is the reverse: The eerie film focuses on the Smurls with the Warrens in it. It's based on the book "The Haunted: One Family's Nightmare," which was written by then-Scrantonian Tribune reporter Robert Curran, the Smurls and the Warrens. Moviegoers who want to see more details about the Smurls' account of their experiences can check out the TV movie on YouTube. "The Haunted" also emphasizes the Warrens' Roman Catholic faith and their community ties.
"The Conjuring: Last Rites" makes a better "Conjuring" movie than a Smurl family haunting movie. The fourth and perhaps final "Conjuring" film is a return to terrifying form for the franchise after the mediocre third outing. If this is the end of the road for Ed and Lorraine Warren's paranormal adventures, it's a fitting place to stop.
But in choosing to highlight the Warrens, the film sidelines the Smurls. What it shows of the Smurls' story is unsettling. However, the family's tale takes a backseat to bringing the Warrens' story full circle. Moviegoers who came for the Smurls may be disappointed by all the time they get with the Warrens.
3.5 out of 5 stars
I appreciate Rebecca carrying the Take 2 Blog last week when I couldn't get out to the theater and write a review. The late summer months usually aren't the best for movies, but after reading Rebecca's review on "Caught Stealing" I had to see it. Having never seen a "Conjuring" movie or any of its spinoffs (and never wanting to because I'm a wuss), we figured what better time to get caught up.
I'm not a big fan of director Darren Aronofsky's films. I didn't like "Black Swan." I just don't think his movies are for me. I did like "The Whale," but his films usually come with a lack of comfort that I don't want to sit in a movie theater for. However, "Caught Stealing" is quite the departure for the acclaimed director, and a fun theater experience.
At a crisp hour and 47 minutes, this is my kind of movie, as it jumps right into the action and doesn't let off the pedal until the end. And Aronofsky shot some great sequences, including an exciting chase scene that went through the streets of New York and into buildings. He also does a great job varying his action sequences, so it keeps the movie fresh. A fight scene occurs in the intimate setting of an apartment building hallway, there's a car chase scene in an open area at the Unisphere and there's a sequence where we see a gun fight from a perspective outside the building where it occurs. Through it all, Aronofsky keeps the pace moving, even when the film seems to slow down.
Aronofsky also gets a ton out of his absolutely stacked cast, none better than Austin Butler (Hank Thompson). We all know Butler is a star, and this is the kind of role where you see that versatility in his stardom. He's funny, vulnerable, scared, charming and through it all he pulls out that courage. Put it all together and he's relatable and human. It's incredible range and a star performance in a film not many have seen, unfortunately.
I really liked Matt Smith (Russ) in this. He's really funny and brings a high energy, but he just doesn't have enough screentime. Zoe Kravitz (Yvonne) has a natural chemistry with Butler, and is once again excellent, as she shows strength and vulnerability. Oscar winner Regina King (Detective Roman) is always a welcome sight, and she commands the screen every time she's on it. Liev Schreiber (Lipa) and Vincent D'Onofrio (Shmully) are great alongside each other in small roles. They're very funny, but also intimidating. And we certainly can't forget a strong nominee for pet of the year Bud the Cat (played by Tonic). Adorable, funny and vicious, Tonic often steals the show, and is front and center for one of my favorite shots in the film.
The film certainly keeps the audience on its toes. I wouldn't call it a mystery, but Butler is our conduit into the film, so we learn things as he learns things. With that comes the tonal shifts, and that's the one thing I wasn't totally on board with. I thought the swings were pretty monumental, as at times I wanted to keep laughing but then something horrible would happen. I understand the film taking swings, but I thought the tone was all over the place.
While the tone was off, I liked where the film took us. The story is solid, taking us on twists and turns while it takes us on a journey of Hank's evolution. It's a satisfying and earned conclusion.
"Caught Stealing" is a strong outing from Aronofsky in a departure from his usual work. I'd love to see him do more movies like this because he's very good at it and they're more my speed. I don't think Aronofsky is making movies just to make me happy, but I digress. This is an excellent film with a fast pace that has a lot going on in it, but balances it all well. The stacked cast once again proves phenomenal, led by Butler's star performance. The story is engaging. The tonal shifts are a little much, but ultimately this is an entertaining film that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's certainly a gem in the usually dull late summer movie season.