The sequel to the acclaimed horror film Insidious, fell short of the bar to the first film. Insidious: Chapter 2, directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell brought back the original cast of Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye and Ty Simpkins. It follows the haunted Lambert family as they seek to discover the mysteries of the childhood secret has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world. The living is not meant to walk with the dead; because the dead want what the living have life.

Wan is getting better and better at figuring out what to do with the camera and maneuvering actors within a shot for maximum suspense, while letting his design collaborators do the rest. Admitting that there were some parts that gave the plot a twist by tying in with the first film, it’s just not as scary as the first one. There were some things that were scary, but it was over-explained. It’s the unexplained that makes the audience terrified to go home.

Josh Lambert, played by Patrick Wilson, discovers his past. In the living world he doesn’t quite seem himself, and soon he loses himself completely. There’s not much to say that wouldn’t give the movie away, but the ghost from his past returns, quite literally.

Renai Lambert, played by Rose Byrne, does an excellent job of playing her part. While strange things start to happen in the house again, she tries to convince her husband, Josh, that the past is repeating itself and terrible things are going to happen.

Over all, all of the actors do a phenomenal job, but the “over explanations” over-do the movie, ruining the fear. The camera work was a step up from the first movie and the plot put some moments of terror into the film. As the first one, the sound track adds a chilling sense and adds to the fear. I would recommend this movie if you really like horror films, but I would not pay to see it again.