ANNABELLE DVD (2014)

SYNOPSIS: In this thriller based on the terrifying doll from The Conjuring, John has found the perfect gift for his wife, Mia - a rare vintage doll. But Mia's delight with Annabelle doesn't last long. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

That creepy doll in The Conjuring gets it’s own movie in this cheaply produced effort from producer James Wan and cinematographer turned director John R. Leonetti.  

Fast and furiously written by Gary Dauberman to cash on the success of The Conjuring, Annabelle is a prequel to the events of the James Wan movie. However Dauberman and Leonetti has none of the magical touches of Wan to make this tale worth telling for the big screen. Shoddy writing and plenty of cheap jolts hamper the spin-off unlike the slickly produced original.

The very predictable and familiar plotting has a young couple, John and Mia who is expecting their first child being haunted by the doll that was given to Mia by John as a present. The hauntings continue even after they moved into a new apartment. It seems the demonic presence is not after Mia but their young baby, Leah.

Annabelle hardly conjured up enough scares or fright to make this a hair-raising viewing experience. Without the presence of Wan to lead the way, Leonetti resort to doing close-ups at the spooky doll more than once in a failed attempt to elicit fear. A character suddenly gets tossed into the air and the unexpected appearance of a demonic form is probably the only thrills you get.

The mostly unfamiliar cast members did their best to deliver despite the flimsy material. Annabelle Wallis who plays Mia deserves a special mention as she tried her very best to put on her freak out look throughout even though all she did was dashing from room to room looking bewildered.

Dolls can be very scary in movies especially one that looks like Annabelle. However, this utterly lazy effort couldn’t even muster enough fear let alone telling a worthwhile companion tale to the much superior, The Conjuring. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The cast and filmmakers talk about the mysterious happenings on set in The Curse of Annabelle. 

AUDIO/VISUAL:

Dark and black scenes look fantastic on DVD. Dialogue is clear and the perfect sound mix makes the jump scares loud and dynamic. 

MOVIE RATING:

DVD RATING :

Review by Linus Tee