Tony’s Movie Reviews: ‘The Conjuring 2,’ ‘Warcraft,’ ‘Now You See Me 2’

Photo Courtesy: TP Productions

SALT LAKE CITY, June 10, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — As we go into this weekend, three new films — two of the sequels — hit the big screen.

“The Conjuring 2” takes us to 1970s London where bizarre and scary things are happening. The sequel to 2013’s “The Conjuring” looks like it will top the box office charts, according to Box Office Mojo. The experts are predicting the horror film will bring in $36.2 million.

Predicted to open in second place is the long-awaited sequel to 2013’s “Now You See Me,” aptly titled “Now You See Me 2.” The film, which stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and newcomer Lizzy Caplan, is estimated debut with a weekend total of $24 million.

Finally, “Warcraft” (based on the video game series “World of Warcraft”), looks like it will take the third place slot, bringing in a weekend total of $20 million.

Here are the Top 10 money makers for this weekend, as predicted by Box Office Mojo.

“The Conjuring 2” — $36.27 M
“Now You See Me 2” — $24.01 M
“Warcraft” — $20.01 M
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” — $15.18 M
“Me Before You” — $12.06 M
“X-Men: Apocalypse” — $11.41 M
“Alice Through the Looking Glass” — $6.11 M
“The Angry Birds Movie” — $5.49 M
“Captain America: Civil War” — $4.07 M
“The Jungle Book” — $2.67 M

The Reviews

The Conjuring 2
Starring: Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga
Rated R

Ghost investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.

“The Conjuring 2” is possibly the best sequel done in this genre. Almost everything in the film is done precisely to up the scares and chills over the last film, without becoming a parody of the original 2013 release.

Director James Wan (The “Saw” Franchise and “Annabelle”) understands this type of filmmaking well and shows us that a little is a lot. Wan creates a chilling world using his camera to emphasize the escalation of horror, all the while keeping the pace of the film steadily increasing.

Both Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson put in solid performances. In this second outing both actors seem more comfortable together allowing the audience to feel a sense of familiarity with the ghost chasing couple.

While there are a few CGI moments, the real scares come from Wan’s use of his cast intertwined with one of the best scores for a horror film ever.

“The Conjuring 2” is not a perfect film, but it sure was a scary good time. It gets a B and is rated R.

Warcraft
Starring: Paula Patton and Ben Foster
Rated PG-13

Based on the popular video games, “Warcraft” tells the tale of the peaceful realm of Azeroth, as invading Orc warriors descend on the kingdom from another world.

From the opposing sides, two heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their worlds forever.

“Warcraft” is a surprisingly good film, even if you have never played the video games. The characters are well written and because of the incredible special effects, there is a believability about the magical world the film creates.

“Warcraft” deserves a solid B and is rated PG-13.

Now You See Me 2
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman and Mark Ruffalo
Rated PG-13

One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, The Four Horsemen resurface for a comeback performance but are captured and blackmailed by an unknown puppet master.

Once again, it’s up to the magicians to unmask the villain and clear their names.

At first, “Now You See Me 2” seems like an uninspired copy of the original film. But give this one a bit of chance, especially if you liked the first one.

Director Jon M. Chu has added his touch to the franchise (Yes, there’s going to be a “NYSM 3”)  by allowing our heroes some great stunts mixed with humor and magic. The film has feeling of “Oceans 11” meets “Fast and Furious” about it.

“Now You See Me 2” gets a B and is rated PG-13.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here