First Impressions: "The Conjuring" (2013) + "The Wind in the Willows" (1983)

   Here's another review that I didn't get round to writing until more than a week after the fact.
   Based on the true story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring focuses on the case of the Perron family.
   I was really hoping this movie would live up to the hype, but I didn't realistically expect it to. I'm usually not the least bit scared by supernatural horror, and I didn't like James Wan's previous film, Insidious. And, as it turned out… it was the breath of fresh air I was hoping for, but nothing mind-blowing.
   The main reason it trumps so many modern horror films is because it doesn't rely on jump scares. It doesn't just shout and scream and yell and try to make you jump every thirty seconds. Instead, it builds up a genuine sense of unease through a string of very believable false climaxes. There are many, many times when you think it's building up to a jump scare… and it doesn't. For example, there's a scene where one of the daughters goes to look under her bed, but then shrinks back again – as anyone would. Beautiful! :)
   And whenever there is a jump scare, it's not conveyed through a stupid orchestral sting, but from a loud crash in the next room or something.
   All this means the fear comes from the situation itself, not manipulation on the part of the filmmakers. It didn't give me a complete sense of authenticity, but close.
   In short, this is one of the best horror movies in several years, but it's more impressive than it is scary.
   My rating: 75%.

   And, because I was feeling bored the other day, I decided to check out the 1983 Cosgrove Hall production of The Wind in the Willows.
   I haven't yet read the book, so the only other incarnations I can compare this to are the Disney version and the 1996 live-action version. And, while the Disney version is also very clever indeed, this version is just so heavy on atmosphere that it's quite possibly even more engaging.
   The stop-motion animation is of course delightful – and, I think, the best way to bring these characters to life.
   I also like how, looking back, it's implied that the weasels planned to get Toad out of the way.
   I can definitely see children having nightmares over the scene where the weasels terrify Mole in the Wild Wood. It's not like the film's very upbeat to begin with, so the idea of having a scene like that, that's meant to make you feel low, is just downright cruel! :)
   One thing I can say: since this film shares a couple of songs in common with other versions, that got me curious to see if those songs came straight from the book. (Yes, they do.) It's interesting how my two favourite songs in the film – The Open Road and When the Toad Came Home – both happen to be associated with Toad! :D And, ironically, one is from the book and the other isn't. :)
   Its only downfall, in my opinion, is that the final battle isn't all that spectacular.
   But overall, it's endlessly charming, and one of the best Wind in the Willows adaptations you could ask for.
   My rating: 85%.