Annabelle Comes Home Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Zany antics ensue as an unwitting fool releases the Annabelle doll from its containment.

Review: I like this movie for what it is, but this could have easily gone by the alternate title: The Baby-Sitters Club and the Haunted Slumber Party. I mean, the tone is a stark contrast to the rest of the films set in this universe and a massive departure from the dread presented in "Annabelle: Creation." I'd go as far as to say this is closer to a family-horror--on level with the maturity of something like "The Monster Squad"--rather than resembling any of the prior Conjuring-universe installments. Nevertheless, "Annabelle Comes Home" is still an interesting horror movie full of countless creative ideas that allow it to stand out from its predecessors.

On the positive side, the filmmakers are still innovating with the scares in this series which is impressive; Annabelle's shadow changing in the light spectrum, the bride, and the ferryman are great examples of this. We've seen these shots of the Warren's house for fleeting moments in other films so it was cool to see these cursed objects spring to life in a variety of ways. The characters are nothing spectacular, however, it was fun to see them interact with the different spirits and objects that are unleashed along with the Annabelle doll. While Annabelle doesn't do as much as I would have preferred, most of the best moments involve the doll and the demon that inhabits it. "Annabelle Comes Home," of course, exhibits jump scares aplenty, yet, there are just as many terrifying moments to balance out the pacing. In this regard to pacing, I would say the filmmakers followed "Annabelle: Creation's" method of trying to make the scares become relentless. I'm starting to think this style is helping these films resonate with audiences more especially now that they know the doll does not run around Chucky style. Finally, I'd add that the sentimentality that the story tries to convey is admirable and adds a certain charm to the experience.

As for my gripes...there shouldn't be this much joking around in these movies. As I mentioned, this felt heavily toned down all around in this "wrap up the hijinks before the parents get home" kinda way; it was almost cartoon-ish in this manner. This really was a haunted slumber party for fuck's sake! Too bad the pizza looked like shit. And that one chick was just in the "Goosebumps" sequel too which only added to the feeling that I'm watching an edgier kids movie! Seriously, re-watch "Annabelle: Creation" right before this, and you will notice a startling difference in tone--you have the demon winning even! But, I get it, you can experiment with these movies so others might not agree with my fixation on this issue. However, I was right with my "Annabelle: Creation" review that they have boxed themselves into a corner with writing--this tale is ultimately pointless. You can't really do anything with this plot besides tell a story that cannot influence existing continuity. Better jump this franchise into the '80s or something. "Annabelle: 1984" here we come!

Overall, "Annabelle Comes Home" is a fun movie with a lot of great scares and interesting concepts. The story, more or less, gives you exactly what you would want to see and capitalizes on rapid pacing to squeeze in as many ghosts and cursed objects as possible to freak the audience out. Unfortunately, the Baby-Sitters Club tone, lack of stakes, and general pointlessness drag things down a bit. I know I might be alone in this thinking, but the first "Annabelle" is still the best installment. Or watch the trilogy and compare for yourself. Just understand what you're getting yourself into with this newest installment.

Notable Moment: There are quite a few scenes to choose from, but I'm going with the first appearance of the bride as she walks around, and through, the house. Wonderful editing, to say the least, and one helluva entrance.

Final Rating: 6.5/10