Some horror movies these days consist of people getting slaughtered left and right with at least one sex scene stalked by a masked psychopath because why not, right? “Insidious: Chapter 2” doesn’t bother with blade wielding murderers or blood pouring like a river.

This film is a return to the classic kind of horror that makes the viewer tense and uncomfortable through the use of camera angles and eerie sounds rather than ubiquitous violence.

Director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell decided to pick up the plot immediately where that of the the first movie left off. The odd thing is, the first couple of scenes heavily involve the father, Josh Lambert (Patrick Wilson) for reasons that are only known from watching the first film. Though the story of the first “Insidious” is explained throughout the movie, I felt that you can be easily lost if you’re not paying full attention.

So without spoiling anything, the conflict from the first movie is extended into “Insidious 2.” The spirits of the disgruntled deceased continue to torture Josh, his wife Renai (Rose Bryne) and their son Dalton (Ty Simpkins). Characters old and new need to figure out why they’re still being haunted.

Having watched both movies, I found the experience of watching “Insidious 2” to be fuller. It is almost as if the two films make up one larger one. There are scenes that nicely intertwined with the first film. If you haven’t seen the first film, be attentive so your experience doesn’t seem too hollow.

In terms of the sequel, “Insidious 2” keeps the familiar camera techniques and sounds while adding new ones. One thing I’ve noticed is more use of the “shaky handy cam” that slowly creeps through the halls or rapidly follows characters as they panic.

The big question of which movie was scarier has mixed answers. In “Insidious 2,” the first half of the movie was quite weak despite it priming the audience as the conflicts are introducing themselves.

The rest of the film was better but the “scares” are more of intense surprises and you could actually see some of them coming. I’m in no way a tough customer, but I remember the first “Insidious” making me freak out once or twice. “Chapter 2” is more of a very tense and uncomfortable film in comparison.

Because “Insidious: Chapter 2” is an extension of the first movie, it’s recommended to see the first film. The movie does its best to catch up those who didn’t, but focuses more on the current events. If the director did more to make scenes more heart wrenching, shortened the slow start and better explained the previous movie, “Insidious 2” would have been great as a sequel or a stand alone. And Patrick Wilson makes a good creepy guy. You’ll see why.

B-

http://youtu.be/E1YbOMDI59k