Annabelle Comes Home: A Haunting Night

Annabelle returns.

Annabelle Comes Home - can be in your home - since October 8.

It’s on Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on September 17.

CONJURING

Annabelle Comes Home is the third installment for the sinister doll. This is, of course, part of the expanding Conjuring Universe with New Line Cinema. Home follows Annabelle (2014) and Annabelle: Creation (2017.)

Annabelle was first introduced in The Conjuring (2013). When Ed and Lorraine Warren crossed paths with the doll. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise the two Warrens here.

The timeline gets a little fuzzy. It seems like Annabelle Comes Home takes place between Conjuring 1 and 2. Essentially, bringing the Annabelle movies full circle, back to the home of the Warren’s.

The Warrens were real people, there is a real Annabelle doll. But the story for this particular movie is just for the thrills. (The Conjuring movies are more grounded in true/recorded events.)

Annabelle Comes Home grossed over $226 million at the worldwide box office. This is the weakest result of the three Annabelle movies. Although it was the second-best rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 65%. (The first Annabelle for comparison was just 29%)

The rest of the small cast includes Mckenna Grace, Madison Iseman and Katie Sarife.

Gary Dauberman is the screenwriter for the Annabelle films, IT and The Nun. Annabelle Comes Home is his directorial debut. He wrote the screenplay. It is a story he hatched with the Conjuring Universe creator, James Wan.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? With Halloween on the horizon, I would say yes.

I think it’s a bit more effective if you have seen The Conjuring or at least one of the Annabelle movies.

The opening sequence of Comes Home is like an extension of The Conjuring. The Warrens drive home with the doll and figure out how to contain Annabelle.

Although it is cool that the Warrens are a part of the movie, they are not the driving force of this story. Out of the 106 minutes, they might appear in, maybe, 20 minutes of the run time.

But.

The story is simple - basically, a house becomes haunted. It may not be so difficult for a newbie to follow along. The Warrens have a locked room of artifacts they collected from cases to contain the evil. Including Annabelle.

Mary Ellen is ready to babysit the daughter of the Warrens, Judy (Judy is still around in real life, too.) A recent article about Ed and Lorraine draws mostly negative attention for Judy. But piques the interest of Mary Ellen’s friend, Daniela. She is determined to see inside the house.

Daniela soon makes the eye-rolling decision to unlock the artifact room. (Her motive is driven by emotion.) Mayhem and chaos soon descend on the house. The three girls must find a way to make it through the night.

Like past Conjuring Universe movies, Annabelle Comes Home is quite good with the creepy atmosphere. Quite a few scenes have no dialogue at all. And the movie plays with ‘scare’ expectations a handful of times. A jump scare coming? Some are obvious. A few are not.

The buckets of blood levels are always low too, which I don’t mind. Haha.

Does Annabelle Comes Home get me to want to see more? I’ll most likely be watching The Conjuring 3 in 2020!

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The special features are minimum compared to some movies. These last almost 30 minutes.

Deleted Scenes (11 minutes, 28 seconds.)

The most interesting one is the alternate ending. A sequence is slightly different from the movie. It’s intriguing the little changes that are featured. And the changed for the final reel.

The Artifact Room and The Occult (5 minutes, 7 seconds)

This is a closer look at some of the artifacts that are featured or hidden in the room. A few that may be used as stories for potential movies.

The Light and the Love (4 minutes, 26 seconds)

A discussion of Ed and Lorraine Warren. How The Conjuring/Annabelle can be just as much as a horror story, as it is a love story.

Behind the Scenes

The Ferryman/Demon (5 minutes, 18 seconds.)

The Bloody Bride (2 minutes, 57 seconds.)

The Werewolf (3 minutes, 7 seconds.)

A closer look at some of the supernatural in the movie. The make-up, backstories, acting, that went into it. A lot of it is practical effects over special effects.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment 

The Curse of La Llorona: She Weeps

It's a real legend.

The Curse of La Llorona arrived August 6. It’s on Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on July 16.

UNIVERSE

From New Line Cinema and James Wan, The Conjuring Universe continues to expand. There are now two Conjurings, three Annabelles and The Nun.

The Curse of La Llorona shows the Conjuring formula may not always draw a crowd. It’s the lowest box office draw of the Universe at $122 million worldwide. And only fared out with a 30% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes. It did fare slightly better than The Nun on the critic front, which ended up with 26%.   

The Curse of La Llorona is the feature directorial debut of Michael Chaves. It was written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis. 

The film stars Linda Cardellini, Raymond Cruz and Patricia Velasquez. Supporting cast is Marisol Ramirez, Sean Patrick Thomas, Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen and newcomer Roman Christou.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? A rainy day selection.

If you are a horror fan or like The Conjuring movies, it’s probably worth the look.

If you are hoping for a major Conjuring connection though, you might be disappointed. There is an appearance of Father Perez (Tony Amendola.) He only pops up in a couple of scenes. But, Conjuring viewers may recall his encounter with a mysterious doll named Annabelle.

One thing the Conjuring universe seems to manage is a good creepy atmosphere and a few decent suspenseful scenes. I think, anyway. This continues here for the R-rated movie.    

It’s a 1973 setting. Linda Cardellini is solid. She is Anna Tate-Garcia, a social worker, recently widowed, struggling to raise her two children. Played by Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen and Roman Christou. I couldn’t help but shake my head at some of their actions and also root for them. Anna’s intervention on the child welfare of the sons of Patricia Alvarez (Patricia Velasquez.) This will soon unleash La Lorona. - ‘The Weeping Woman’ - on Anna’s family and home.

With the encounter from Rafael Olvera (Raymond Cruz), a curandero - a traditional healer - Anna and her kids have some help in the battle with the supernatural.

It was interesting the La Llorona curse is a real legend/myth as the special features reveal. La Llorona is played by a real lady Marisol Ramirez - obviously, with some special effects help.

Thinking back on the 93 minutes - the La Llorona scares do get repetitive. She tends to do a lot of screams. But still makes her creepy.

James Wan was so impressed with Michael Chaves, the director. Chaves will be taking over directing duties for The Conjuring 3. Which is officially scheduled for 2020. (Wan directed the first two Conjurings and will remain a producer. And more recently, directed Aquaman.) 

The Conjuring Universe seems to be mixing up their formula for The Conjuring 3, too. A shift from the creepy-things-going-on-in-houses. (Annabelle Comes Home is the third Annabelle and a summer theatre release.)

Reports say the story is based on a real court case with the defendant using possessions as the defence.      

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The Myth of La Llorona (2 minutes, 29 seconds.)

- Some of the actors discuss being familiar with the tale of La Llorona. But mostly just rehash the story that was already told in the movie.

Behind the Curse (9 minutes, 43 seconds.)

- The talk of legend, the Conjuring connection and the director talks working with James Wan.

The Making of a Movie Monster (5 minutes, 53 seconds.)

- Marisol Ramirez talks about the process of becoming La Llorona. It’s about three hours for the makeup to be put on.

Deleted Scenes (11 minutes, 10 seconds.)

- Most are extensions of existing scenes. But there are a couple of alternate versions, which I always find more interesting.

Storyboards (17 minutes, 32 seconds.)

- Rewatch sequences from the movie and what compare to how they are storyboard. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment 

Aquaman: Splish Splash

Little Mermaid? Not found here.

Aquaman arrived March 26. It’s on everything from the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, the Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD. The Digital format appeared early on March 5.

ADVENTURE

Jason Momoa’s turn as Aquaman already got an introduction in 2017’s Justice League.

There’s no Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman found in this film.

Aquaman scored a 65% on Rotten Tomatoes - enough for a ‘Fresh’ rating. While the result may lead to mixed reviews among critics, it didn't deter audiences.

Aquaman saw over $1.1 billion - yes, with a B - at the worldwide box office. This tally makes it the biggest DC 'Extended Universe' movie on the world stage. Even DC movies overall besting Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy, only slightly. 

So, Box Office Mojo stats call Aquaman the fourth biggest movie of 2018. Avengers: Infinity War, Incredibles 2 and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom are the top three.

Director James Wan (The Conjuring) films an ensemble cast. This includes Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren - Creed II! - Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Oscar winner Nicole Kidman, Ludi Lin and Temuera Morrison.  

The screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Will Beall. The story is by Geoff Johns, Wan and Beall. The characters from DC’s Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes - but I wouldn’t be in a hurry.

It’s more for anybody who has liked Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or even the Marvel movies.

If none of those movies have interest you, then maybe best to stay away.

Aquaman is the ‘origin’ story. There is a quick mention to Steppenwolf, the villain of Justice League, but the 143-minute movie is Aquaman.

There is a lighthouse keeper named Tom Curry. Meets a girl named Atlanna, who just so happens to be the Queen of Atlantis. They have a son named Arthur.

Arthur grows up and becomes known as Aquaman. Problems begin to arise within the seven kingdoms and Princess named Mera seeks him out. Aquaman is meant to be king and restore order. But does the reluctant man, really want to see Atlantis and become king?  

If you’ve seen enough of these superhero movies, you may already know the answer. But it’s still fun to watch. Jason Momoa seems to be enjoying the role of Aquaman with flashes of humour throughout the movie.

Since a large chunk of the movie is set underwater, the visual effects for the characters and the creatures of the deep are quite impressive. According to the special features, some of the filming techniques have never been done before. The action is packed as well. Even tossing in a message about, perhaps, the world should pay a tiny bit more attention to the water.

So, Aquaman may feel familiar and isn't my favourite superhero movie around. As there are a lot in the genre now. But you may just be entertained.

And I may not be in a rush to watch Aquaman again. I have no problem with Aquaman 2.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

There is over an hour of special features. There is probably a little bit something for the super fans and more casual. While some give that extra insight. For me, it was too much to watch in one sitting.

Going Deep Into The World of Aquaman (19 minutes, 28 seconds.)

- This is one of the more interesting features as it focuses on the filming of the movie and what they did to try to achieve those underwater shots.

   

Becoming Aquaman (13 minutes, 3 seconds.)

- Jason Momoa talks about being cast in the film, to the filming, to Comic-Con, to the premiere of the movie.

James Wan: World Builder (9 minutes, 31 seconds.)

- Director James Wan and the production team discuss the creating of the Atlantis world from scratch.

Aqua Tech (5 minutes, 42 seconds.)

- Focuses on the technology, obviously, that was created for Atlantis.

  

Atlantis Warfare (4 minutes, 40 seconds.)

Villaneous Training (6 minutes, 31 seconds.)

The Dark Depths of Black Manta (6 minutes, 39 seconds)

- Black Manta introduction in the comics, to the movie version and design.

Heroines of Atlantis (5 minutes, 31 seconds)

- The focus is on Queen Atlanna and Mara. And why Queen Atlanna makes up the emotional spine of the movie.

Kingdoms of the Seven Seas (6 minutes, 59 seconds)

- Dolph Lundgren highlights the seven kingdoms within the movie and what is going on with them.  

Creating Undersea Creatures (7 minutes, 15 seconds)

- A more in-depth look at the creatures in the movie.

A Match Made in Atlantis (3 minutes, 12 seconds)

- Jason Momoa and Amber Heard discuss their characters relationship in the movie. Even calling it a sprinkle of Han Solo and Leia.

Scene Study Breakdowns (10 minutes, 15 seconds)

- There are three scenes to cover. A submarine, Sicily, and the Trench.

The submarine is the opener, Sicily offers up some stylish camera work, including a one-take and the Trench, the more horror-movie aspect.

Exclusive Sneak Peek of Shazam! (3 minutes, 27 seconds)

- More or less a longer scene, that is in the trailer but shown much differently in the movie. Shazam tries to figure out his new powers. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

The Nun: Conjuring Start

It all started with The Conjuring in 2013.

Have you been paying attention?

The creepy doll featured in that movie became a spin-off in Annabelle (2014).

Now, it’s The Nun. It doesn’t even count as the first time caught on film. The credit goes to The Conjuring 2 (2016). It's another spin-off.

The Nun debuted on December 4. It’s on the usual suspects of Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital. The Digital appeared early on November 20.  

UNIVERSE

New Line Cinema has grown the initial movies into a ‘Conjuring’ Universe.

It’s not big like Marvel, but it’s still expanding for the time being.

The Conjuring will soon have a third film. So will Annabelle. There have been rumblings of a new story called The Crooked Man (another The Conjuring 2 appearance) is in the works, but it is not yet in production.

At this is writing, there are five official films within this ‘Conjuring’ Universe. On the worldwide stage, The Nun is actually the biggest at the box office with over $365 million. (The Conjuring wins the North American battle with the highest total at over $137 million.)

Interestingly, while The Nun takes the worldwide win, it only garnered a measly 27% on the Rotten Tomatoes rating scale.

Corin Hardy directed from a screenplay by Gary Dauberman. The story credit goes to James Wan and Dauberman. The cast includes Demian Bichir, Taissa Farmiga, and Jonas Bloquet. There’s also Charlotte Hope, Ingrid Bisu and Bonnie Aarons as The Nun. 

(Yes. The Nun is played by a real person.)

TAKE

Would I buy this film? Yes - but I would say more for just the curious horror fans though. Especially for those who have seen the two Conjuring films.

The Conjuring was one of the most-buzzed horror films of 2013. It made over $319 million worldwide on just a budget of $20 million.

I didn’t find the movie particularly scary. It was great on the creepy atmosphere and suspense.

The Nun is meant as an origin story of the demon nun - also known as Valek. The tale is set in 1952, which makes it the earliest setting for these five movies.

A young nun takes her own life in Romania. A priest (Demian Bichir) and a novitiate (Taissa Farmiga), soon ready for her final vows are sent to the Vatican to investigate. To uncover the secret of the abbey, will not be simple.

The film maintains the creepy atmosphere rather well and there are some decent jump scares. It’s the kind of movie that manages to keep you on edge.

As a standalone movie, The Nun is not a game-changer of the horror genre. It is beaten by the likes of The Quiet Place. (Which I think takes the crown for the Top 2018 Horror Movie.) But at a slim 96 minutes, The Nun moves along the story and characters rather quickly.

I think the two Conjuring movies are just better, too. Those two films though, add the curiosity factor to The Nun. It tries to go for a creative/twisty ending. The ending only feels creative/twisty because I was familiar with The Conjuring.

   

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

A New Horror Icon (5 minutes, 18 seconds)  

- A closer look at The Nun. Impressions on why viewers were initially drawn to the character in The Conjuring 2. There are no special effects in the creation of the monster. It is an actress, Bonnie Aarons, and some pretty good makeup.

Gruesome Planet (6 minutes, 18 seconds)

- The director Corin Hardy, and cast discuss the location in Romania to bring the gothic horror film to life.

The Conjuring Chronology (3 minutes, 50 seconds)

- A closer - but quick look - at the movies and the timeline/order of the stories which take place within the horror universe.

Deleted Scenes (12 minutes, 18 seconds)

- More for the curiosity factor. There are no real standout scenes. Some of the additional/extended scenes and some are story elements that are already touched upon within the finished film.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment