The sequel is not always a reliable proposition in Hollywood. Most of the time, plots and characters wind up being rehashed, giving the audience an over-amped version of what they originally loved but without the spark of imagination that powered that original experience. Just check out the flops that Hollywood has put out in 2016 with many of sequels having potentially killed the possibility of further installments.

The exception thus far is "The Conjuring 2." While James Wan's supernatural horror film is far from an improvement from the original, this horror extravaganza continues to show that horror films can be character-driven and still provide the chills expected in the series.

In Wan's new sequel, the Warrens return in one of their most challenging cases. Lorraine Warren has lost her ability to get through to spirits. However, when they are asked to head over to North London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits, the Warrens take the trip to help them out. The proceeding is a film filled with supernatural occurrences that are not only thrilling but also chilling.

What makes this film incredibly unique is the way Wan combines the horror with moments of lightness. The character of Maurice Grosse (Simon McBurney) adds some comic touches to the proceeding with his snarky dialogue while Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) shows off some charisma imitating Elvis Presley.

The film is also filled with numerous tender moments between Ed and Lorraine. These moments develop the relationship and only help audiences understand the strength of it. But there are also moments between Lorraine and the Hodgson kids which lighten the horror and take audiences out of the terror which dominates the film. Wan's insistence in maintaining these moments does not slow the pace of the film by any means, it only adds and enhances the plot.

For those horror fans expecting chills, there are a number of scenes that will make you pop out of your seat.

There are a number of scenes that include an old man popping into the television screen and another moment when Lorraine is trapped in her house and a demon chases her through it. And then there are some physiological moments that trace back to "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Exorcist." At one moment Ed interviews the demon and Wan remains on a one shot. Audiences are only allowed to see Ed's face and in the background an out of focus Demon is seen. However, it is hard to make anything out and it is up to audiences to create their own image. Wan and cinematographer Don Burgee's decision to maintain the shot in one take is even more impactful and frightening.

Burgees and Wan's work together exceeds what you would expect of a horror film as they continuously move the camera around the space and it creates the feel of a demon roaming through space. At the same time it allows the audience to be immersed in the experience.

Where the film fails is in its denouement as its conclusion is not merited, it just feels too easy and too simple, cheapening the struggle and ultimately making the viewer feel like some good time had been wasted. Unlike the first film where the stakes only rise and the conclusion feels almost impossible to achieve, the conclusion to this film does not seem so genuine or scary. However, this does not take away from the good character work and overall a solid entry into the horror genre.

For those expecting another revolutionary film, they may be disappointed after experiencing "The Conjuring 2." However, for those expecting a solid sequel and a good summer film, this will satisfy audiences on all levels.

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