Wan seems to understand what makes horror scary. It's all atmosphere. He creates creepy worlds with horrible things in the shadows and sound design and score designed to put your nerves on edge. All of his horror movies are sterling examples of the best of contemporary horror. And despite kickstarting the Saw franchise, his films are fairly light on gore effects (watch the first Saw, the gruesomeness is all in your head). He knows that blood sprays and dismemberments are to be used conservatively in order to make that violence have greater impact.
The Conjuring is "based on the true case files of the Warrens." Basically, it is true that the Warrens had case files. The plot is so far from the actual events (factuality of the "actual events" is up for debate too) that this could've been advertised as an original concept instead. But what is the plot? The story involves a family that moves into a farmhouse and begins to suffer from increasingly scary and belligerent supernatural activity. They finally call in Ed and Lorraine Warren to investigate. The Warrens were actual people who claimed to be "demonologists." They had no formal training or education and Lorraine's job consisted of being a clairvoyant and medium. Basically, they were bonkers. But the movie makes them look awesome (personality-wise and physically).
Despite the dubious nature of the "true story" aspect (do people still assume that films are even remotely accurate portrayals of real world events?), this is an incredible film. The Conjuring is a creepy movie. The world it presents us is full of shadows and unnatural noises and places where ghouls could be lying in wait. All of this serves to place the audience on edge. If there was not a single jump scare in the entire film, you'd still be frightened and anxious. Luckily, The Conjuring has some of the best jump scares I've ever seen. The tone and atmosphere are so unnerving that you'll jump at the slightest provocation.
The actors are pretty good. No one stands out either way. But you're not watching The Conjuring for the acting.
I'm sad to see that James Wan is leaving horror behind for awhile to helm Fast and Furious 7. But until he returns to scare the daylights out of us all, we'll have The Conjuring, Dead Silence, Saw (just the first one not the retched sequels), and Insidious. Thank you, Mr. Wan.
8 out of 10
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