Battle of the flicks: R.I.P.D. vs. The Conjuring

The Conjuring

Hold on to your crucifixes, ladies, this movie will scare the be-geezus out of you! Based on true stories from the files of real demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, this thrill-chill screamer is full of creepy toys, phantoms, and the evil dead.

Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor and Ron Livingston star in this throwback to 1970s-style horror. No gore, just glorious psychological terror.

Though it doesn’t make any new statement on the nature of evil, The Conjuring is a psychotic thrill ride you won’t want to miss.

Here’s what some other women thought:

Sheri Linden of TheHollywood Reporter said, “Taut and effective edge-of-the-seat horror, delivered with style and an especially haunting performance by Vera Farmiga.”

Jocelyn Noveck of the Associated Press said, “Though it’s made by an obviously gifted director and will likely please devotees of the genre, it ultimately feels very short on character and long on noise, noise, noise.”

You can read my full review here.

R.I.P.D.

It’s been said no one can escape final judgment. But they can certainly try. That’s what the Rest In Peace Department is for — to send those lost souls to their proper resting place.

Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges play cops on the supernatural hunt for evil souls hiding amongst humans. But this mishmash of genres, including supernatural, western, action and comedy make for a confusing premise.

R.I.P.D. is based on a comic book and often feels like you’re watching the Adderall-addled dreams of a crazed millennial who’s seen too many zombie movies. The only interesting and fully likable character is played by Mary-Louise Parker in white go-go boots, but she barely gets any screen time.

Here’s what some other gals thought:

Audience member Susie Baffa said, “I wouldn’t recommend this movie to anyone. It’s too loud, it’s too violent and I didn’t like the [special effects] on their faces, it was too gruesome.” 

Audience member Odalys Pomales said, “I thought it was awesome, I really enjoyed the way they combine the action and the love story. The special effects were really great.

Audience member Jodi Taylor said, “It touches the imagination. Great fun.”

But you can always read my full review.