Movie Review: Annabelle

Brief Summary: In the late 1960's, a couple is expecting their first child. When John gives his wife a vintage doll, their home is invaded by two satanic cult members. The woman member dies with the doll in her arms after bleeding on it. When the twosome returns to their home after the attack, Mia is put on bed rest. She begins to experience strange things while alone in the house. But it isn't until a fire starts in the home does the couple decide to move away, believing the house is haunted. 

Mia and John arrive with their newborn daughter, Leah to their new apartment. While emptying out their final boxes, Mia finds the doll on the bottom. John swears he threw her away and offers to do it again but Mia refuses, placing her front and center over Leah's crib. As their lives continue, Mia starts to experience more intense happenings. She then starts to believe the doll is causing it.

The Cast:

-Ward Horton (John) 

-Annabelle Wallis (Mia) 

-Alfre Woodard (Evelyn) 

-Tony Amendola (Father Perez) 

Real Doll, No Real Story:

If you haven't already seen my review on opposite movie, The Conjuring, you may not know that Annabelle is more than creepy face. She is a real life doll that is in the Warren's museum. But sadly, this movie only briefly went over her known story. Although, it would of been nice to see the story we have read, this one was a pretty decent glimpse at what she is. The Warren's admit she is of "demonic nature" and shoudn't be taunted. Remember that if you ever get the chance to see the real Annabelle. 

My Review: 

Although, not as well as counterpart, The Conjuring, it did have a good amount of creepy factor. Annabelle herself is rather a big part, being disturbinly eerie and clear cut. The story itself was interesting enough to keep watching but sometimes very predictable. However, it was missing more scenes with the actual Annabelle doll, having many opportunities. The actual characters were lacking in few spots and seemed a bit too literal. 

But there are quite a few suspense parts for any those who love a jump scare. I found that having the doll obsessed with the rocking chair was a fun addition. However, when we actually saw the demon, it reminded me too much of the one from Insidious. Also, didn't like the fact that Annabelle was an older woman rather then the girl she was suppose to be. But despite all this, it came out pretty well rounded and made a good story.

I rate this movie a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Spotlights:

-The Death After Attack

The actual death of Higgins was one of the weirdest moments of the movie. Not only was she holding the Annabelle doll when she died, she also did some fingerprinting on the wall. Not creepy at all, right? 

-Always with the Rocking Chair

Since The Conjuring, it isn't surprising that this freaky doll would have a liking towards rocking chairs. Throughout the movie, you find her alot in the white rocking chair, disturbing grin on her face. She even once was listening to John and Mia. That is just not right. 

-Bleeding Eyes

If you have read the story, you may recognize this one. According to it, the doll's eyes would bleed for no apparently reason and no answer how. In the movie, you do see them bleed, just moments after she was taken from the couple's home. 

-Soul Battle

When you have a demon in your home, there isn't much to do about it. You could bless the home or exorcise a person but you just can't do a doll--sorry to say. But the battle between Annabelle and Mia was one of the best parts of the overall movie. It was intense and rather eerie. Not to mention, Annabelle did her signature scribble on the ceiling. 

Fun Facts:

Actress named Annabelle

The actress who plays Mia is named Annabelle

Mis-Doll Misconception

The real Annabelle doll is a Raggedy Ann doll not a porcelain one. But it was done on purpose to give its audience the creeps

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed my first review in a long time. Happy early Halloween! 

Watch the Annabelle trailer here