It's kind of crazy that this movie spawned a legitimate horror universe. It's also easy, 7 films after the original, to forget just how solid and scary this movie is. Famously, it was given an R rating despite no real violence, nudity, or swearing - the sheer scariness of the film earned it that rating.
How does it hold up, all these years later? Pretty well! Wan has proven himself to be an excellent director when it comes to tense sequences, and it is on full display here. Whether cutting back and forth between a music box mirror and the person looking into it, or just having terrified characters stare into an impossibly dark corner, Wan is an expert at making the viewer hold their breath throughout the movie.
It is also boosted by strong performances from all of the actors. Vera Farmiga is best in show, and Patrick Wilson has since deservedly become a Scream King. Lili Taylor is also strong, and this is a much better haunted house movie than her previous try, 1999's The Haunting. Really, I cannot single out any performance is lacking: the entire cast is natural and believable in an unbelievable situation.
There's something to be said for a simple, scary film. It doesn't overcomplicate the plot, it properly and effective escalates the situation, the tone is consistent - I really can't find fault for the film anywhere. Granted, the real-life Warrens were likely frauds and the movie plays fast and loose with certain historical events, but it's far from the most egregious 'based on a true story' film to use that tagline.
Would I recommend this? Yes, easily. I haven't seen most of the sequels, so cannot comment on the franchise as a whole, but this is a great start to it. Even if it doesn't, in my opinion, make any of the All Time Greatest lists, it is strong enough to merit consideration for a couple.
8.5 out of 10
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