Saturday, 4 May 2019

The Curse of La Llorona - The scoop and digest

Sixth instalment in The Conjuring Universe is produced under James Wan's Atomic Monster banner and directed by Michael Chaves.

Linda Cardellini - Anna
Roman Christou - Chris
Jaynee-Lynne Kinchman - Samantha
Raymond Cruz - Rafael
Patricia Velásquez - Patricia
Marisol Ramirez - La Llorona
Tony Amendola - Father Perez

Summary

Mexico, 1673.

While playing in a field with his family, a boy briefly closes his eyes and the next thing he knows they're gone.

Wee lad witnesses mummy bear drowning his brother in a river and soon after, presumably does the same to him off-screen.

Los Angeles, 1973.

After social worker Anna 'rescues' children from suspected abusive mother Patricia, said kids are troubled by a woman in a white dress.

Both are found drowned in a nearby river and Patricia blames Anna for their deaths.

'La Llorona' she screams hysterically.

Malevolent spirit turns its attentions to Anna's offspring Chris and Samantha.

Lazy

Performances from Cardellini, youngsters Christou and Kinchman are good, but we've seen it all before.

Remote location in Mexico hosting creepy folk tale would have made for a far better film.

(Probably).

But tight bastards took the easy option.

Here's some tidbits.

In flashback, Father Perez recalls his experience with plaited pigtails in 1967, confirming connection with universe.

Also, Samantha's raggedy doll is surely a nod to the real Annabelle.

A classic Scooby Doo episode is shown.

Leading lady portrayed Velma in both live action outings.

Back to bitching.

Shortly after watching a 'smudging' ritual (apparently ridding individual of any negativity during times of great stress), Anna opens her heart to Perez.

Cue gratuitous exposition on Weeping Woman.

(Shakes head).

Relentless jump scares use every tired, ineffective cliché in the book.

Similarities to The Nun are truly disturbing...

Oh, you can't have a shitty horror film without a creaky door opening by itself.

Climax admittedly fares better, with some mildly interesting ideas, but rubbish baddie 'dying' by getting stabbed with fire tree made crucifix absolutely sucked.

I have a question.

WHY the fuck did ghost wait 300 years to terrorise a random family in LA?

How stupid.

No comments:

Post a Comment