Take 33: The Conjuring: Last Rites

In The Conjuring: Last Rites, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on what will be their final case that we find actually ties into their first. In this case, it’s the Smurl family who find their home haunted by a mysterious mirror that has an odd connection to the Warren’s newly engaged daughter, Judy. The Warrens venture to the Smurl home in Pennsylvania for a final showdown with the ultimate villain from their past.

Patrick Wilson (Ed) and Vera Farmiga (Lorraine) are no stranger to these roles and by now, this, the ninth film of the franchise, they ARE the characters. Mia Tomlinson is Judy and is very believable as the daughter of and Ben Hardy plays Tony Spera, Judy’s boyfriend who for me the one of my favorite characters in the film who I was rooted for from the beginning. I mean props to this guy for willingly signing up for THIS family drama… Everyone is well-cast and their are cameos and role reprisals dating back tot he first film aplenty. Definitely some fun Easter eggs for anyone who has followed this franchise closely.

Unfortunately, I really can’t count myself among that number. I have seen most (if not all) of these movies and have enjoyed them for the most part, but I have not seen any of them multiple times. I enjoy them in the moment, but very little actually stuck with me. Having seen this one and seeing all the threads running throughout do make me want to revisit it now that it’s all over.

This series is well-conceived, maybe a little too much. The fact that these are based to some extent, do add to the overall eerie vibe of the series. Can’t say there was ever a moment that I was scared though. The jump scares are so formulaic that I am immune. Fortunately, these movies excel in storytelling and execution. The pacing is really good too but yeah, if you are looking to be spooked….

This definitely felt like a grand finale and it pays respect to the franchise and sticks the landing for sure. It’s done very simplstically, but it is probably one of the best wrap-ups to a series I can recall. But overall, I don’t anticipate much sticking with me a week from now. But hey, it’s as entertaining during the 2 hours and fifteen it was running.

My score: 7.8

Conjuring up a counter argument? Leave it in the comments. And until next time….