The Conjuring 2 (2016)
Genre: Horror
Certification: 15
Duration: 134 minutes
Directed by: James Wan
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Frances O'Connor, Lauren Esposito, Madison Wolfe, Franka Potente,
Simon McBurney
KRS Releasing Ltd

Supernatural horror The Conjuring 2 is the sequel to the 2013 film The Conjuring, and is the second instalment in The Conjuring film series.

James Wan, who had directed the first film besides other horror films such as Saw (2014), takes on directing duties once again, and Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as paranormal investigators and authors Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Vera Farmiga encounters more supernatural forces in The Conjuring 2.Vera Farmiga encounters more supernatural forces in The Conjuring 2.

The plot sees the Hodgson family, led by single mother Peggy (Frances O’Connor), claiming they are experiencing strange occurrences at their home. So the local authorities get in touch with the Warrens (Wilson and Farmiga), who make the trip to England to determine whether or not the Hodgsons are faking the haunting or stop them from becoming the next Amityville.

Janet (Madison Wolfe), the second oldest of four children, is seen sleepwalking and conversing in her dreams with an entity who insists that the house is his. Eventually, all the members of the house witness paranormal events occurring right before their eyes, forcing them to seek refuge with their neighbours.

While staying at the NorthLondon family residence, the Warrens consult with other paranormal investigators, including Maurice Grosse (Simon McBurney) and Anita Gregory (Franka Potente), on the legitimacy of the case.

Like its predecessor, The Conjuring 2 received generally positive reviews from critics, with most praising the fact that it’s still original despite being a sequel. The New York Times film critic, Neil Genzlinger, praised the film, saying: “The Conjuring 2 does everything you want a sequel to do. It’s as well made as the original, but the location and the story are different enough that it’s not the same thing all over again.”

The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes reads: “A must-see film for horror film lovers and for those who enjoy having a horrible/great time at the movies.”

And Eric Eisenberg of Cinemablend, said: “Between the fantastic talent of and chemistry between Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, and the vision of James Wan, The Conjuring 2 demonstrates incredible potential for the emerging franchise.”

Cinemagoers were just as generous: since its worldwide theatre release on June 10, the $40 million budget film has garnered $242.6 million in box office sales.

Ratings
IMDB: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
Empire Magazine: 4 stars

The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Genre: Animation
Certification: PG
Duration: 90 minutes
Directed by: Chris Renaud, Yarrow Cheney
Voices of: Jenny Slate, Albert Brooks, Kevin Hart, Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Tara Strong, Louis C.K., Hannibal Buress, Kevin Hart
KRS Releasing Ltd

This 3D computer animated film follows the lives pets lead after their owners leave for work or school each day.

Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s (voiced by Louis C.K) life as a favourite pet is turned upside down when his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper), brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke (Eric Stonestreet).

The rivalry between the two pets leads them into danger after Duke tricks Max into being dragged far into the city. They are attacked by a gang of cats but are both caught by Animal Control and are taken to the shelter. Here Duke reveals to Max that Katie adopted him from the shelter and will now be put down. However, they are rescued by an adorable white rabbit called Snowball (Kevin Hart) who is building an army of lost pets determined to take revenge.

The Secret Life of Pets reveals what our furry friends do when their owner is away.The Secret Life of Pets reveals what our furry friends do when their owner is away.

The film follows the pet’s hilarious New York journey as they spark up a new-found friendship with one another.

The Secret Life of Pets has received generally positive critical reviews, with the voice cast being well acknowledged.

Empire Magazine’s Jonathon Pile said: “An affable adventure with a strong voice cast. What it lacks in originality, it claws back with strong visual gags and a witty script.”

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian commented: “Toy Story has been rewritten for pets in this family animation, packed with quirkily-voiced characters of all shapes and sizes, frenetically hyperactive and crammed with detail in the traditional manner.”

Ratings
IMDB: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Empire Magazine: 3 stars

Central Intelligence (2016)
Genre: Comedy
Certification: 12A
Duration: 107 minutes
Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan, Danielle Nicolet, Jason Bateman, Aaron Paul
KRS Releasing Ltd

Central Intelligence follows a one-time bullied geek who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent (Dwayne Johnson), coming home for his high school reunion.

Claiming to be on a top-secret case, he enlists the help of the former ‘Mr Popular’ on campus (Kevin Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before he realises what he has got himself into, it’s too late to get out, as his new unpredictable friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, spying and double-crosses that could get them both killed in more ways than he could imagine.

The film, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber (Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, We’re the Millers), has received mixed reviews with critics mostly praising the main protagonists. Yet, it has grossed just $83 million worldwide.

Size does not stand in the way of friendship in Central Intelligence.Size does not stand in the way of friendship in Central Intelligence.

Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, said: “You go along for the ride because Hart and Johnson promise something they can’t deliver: a movie as funny as they are.”

The Rotten Tomatoes’ critics’ consensus reads: “Fun, good-natured and slightly unhinged, the action comedy Central Intelligence is very dependent on the great chemistry between Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson.”

Ratings
IMDB: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
Empire Magazine: 2 stars

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