To be honest, I had very mixed expectations about this second sequel to Annabelle. Annabelle: Creation was the rare sequel that had surpassed the original. For that to have happened again would be miraculous. More likely that this part would suck balls and disappoint the hell out of me. What can I say? Sometimes the cynical in me comes bursting out.
But I am glad to report that Annabelle Comes Home is a solid entry. While certainly less scary and terrifying it certainly checks more than enough boxes on the creepy factor. I also was rooting for the characters. Even for the one who started all the terror in the first place. Why? Oh Why? can't people listen to warnings and leave things be. I mean there were like a dozen of locks. If I were the stubborn one, and believe me I truly can be, find myself having to open all these locks I would pause and ask myself why someone would put this high amount of locks in this door. " Someone really doesn't want me to get in here" or " Are they trying to keep something from getting out? ". " You know what? On second thought, let's get the hell out of here, this can't be good ". At that moment I really disliked Daniela Rios (Katie Sarife). Gradually though I started to like and understand her a little better. I still don't condone some of her actions but I liked how she atoned for her epic mistake. I also liked how Judy Warren, daughter of Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) stepped up the plate and took action when it was required to. Actually Judy, Mary, Daniela and Bob (Balls) all showed courage when they needed to.
Annabelle Comes Home prefers the slow build up of atmosphere instead of resorting to a million jump scares. When something creepy or scary occurs you can bet it is creepy or scary. Now I do have to state that there almost is no dread. I don't think this is the fault of the film. This was bound to happen since there is not that much you can do with a creepy doll before it becomes repetitive and predictable. I did like how they emphasized how Annabelle itself is not possessed but is used as a conduit by other spirits who can't walk the Earthly plain otherwise. And all these spirits want to use the doll for their own evil and selfish needs. At one point there are so many you only can guess which one is at it. Especially in the finale this resulted into some real thrilling moments.
Now there is one thing that can't be denied. And that is the fact that Annabelle Comes Home is a little deceitful. If you were under the impression that Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson would be the ones battling these spirits you will be very disappointed. They are present but only as glorified cameos. There are there to establish the home and the franchise. Naturally also to draw in the crowds but nonetheless the viewing experience would have been far richer had they been the actual leads. This is demonstrated in the scenes where they are present. The teens are no match for them.
Overall I had a good time and as far as I am concerned they can continue this franchise if they at least reach and maintain this level of quality. The Nun for example is how it shouldn't be done. But Annabelle Comes Home makes up for that failure in spades.
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