The Conjuring (2013) - A Review

“Based on the true case files of the Warrens”

James Wan is someone that I have struggled with (pretty much) since day one. Aside from Saw, I have seen very little warrant in his work as, in my opinion, it has been on a steady decline from quality to mindless factory-line horror drivel. It was due to these opinions that when word of The Conjuring began circulating one thought crossed my mind: “Great, another franchise opportunity for Wan.”

I have a general rule for horror films however. I will watch any film once, with an open mind, always in hopes that I will walk out of the experience with a smile on my face. There is nothing better to me than being proven wrong by a director or film. Eli Roth did it with Hostel (I hated the first viewing) as did Rob Zombie with The Devil’s Rejects. I was not looking forward to watching The Conjuring, but here I sit, typing this review and I have to say, it may have done exactly what I was hoping it would.

HORROR ON TV - New BATES MOTEL TV Spot Asks Who Norman Bates Really Is

 
There are a few horror based TV shows that I would recommend to my readers, and if you haven't been watching already, you should get on the Bates Motel train while the getting is good. While I think it's still too early to tell if the show is going to take a turn for the worse, I've got high hopes for it and the first season left me wanting more (as opposed to less), so I'm guessing that's a good thing.

In anticipation for the premiere of season two next Monday, March 3rd, A&E has a released a new TV spot for the season and my, oh my, does it look tasty. I've watched it a good 3 times, and it looks like we'll really be getting into the darkness behind Norman's relationship with his mother Norma in this season, as well as his own psyche, and that's what I think most people are watching the show for.

Starring the stunning talents of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, "following the tragic death of her husband, Norma Bates buys a motel on the outskirts of the idyllic coastal town of White Pine Bay, seeking a fresh start. As Norma and Norman get ensconced in their new home, they discover this town isn’t quite what it seems, and the locals aren’t so quick to let them in on their secrets. But the Bates’ are done being pushed around and will do whatever it takes to survive – and will do whatever it takes to protect their own secrets."

SPOILERS FOR SEASON TWO:

“Picking up from last season, Norman (Freddie Highmore) is fixating on Miss Watson’s death while Norma’s mysterious past starts to haunt the family with the introduction of her brother. Meanwhile, Norman’s brother Dylan, (Max Thieriot), gets more entrenched in the familial drug war that fuels White Pine Bay and finds himself right in the middle of the danger as Bradley (Nicola Peltz), who remains on the hunt to uncover her father’s killer, is driven to precarious extremes. Sheriff Romero (Nestor Carbonell), is caught up on all fronts as everything in town escalates and Emma (Olivia Cooke) complicates her relationship with Norman as the duo explore new love interests, bringing new and old characters along for the ride.“

HORROR ON TV: BATES MOTEL Re-opens On Monday, March 3rd

Have you been watching Bates Motel? The A&E show has been garnering tons of attention, and appears to be quite the smash-hit. I must admit, I have yet to catch an episode, but I will be doing so very soon seeing as the first season will be available on Netflix starting February 1st.

The second season has been hotly anticipated, as the clips and promotional photos keep on rolling out. ExtraTV posted this trailer on Friday that features a rather creepy Norman Bates, played by Freddie Highmore, crooning along to Mr. Sandman while his mother (Very Farmiga) plays the piano.

With all of the great attention that this one is getting, it has to be pretty good, right? Albeit, I'm not a huge fan of The Walking Dead, this one seems more up my alley. I'm just hoping that it holds my interest longer than Hannibal did, I'm not a huge fan of updating classics to fit in with modern times, so we'll just have to see.

If you watch Bates Motel, I'd love to hear your opinions! That means the good and the bad, I like hearing all different view points. Sound off below, and enjoy the trailer for Season 2, premiering Monday, March 3rd on A&E.