So apparently if you make a bad horror movie, but want to fix things so that the franchise doesn't die after it's first entry all you have to do is make the next one a prequel and cast Lulu Wilson. It worked for Ouija and now Annabelle. David Sandberg channels his inner James Wan using the same kind of slow freak out tactics that can be found in the first two Conjuring movies. Making Creation the first and only film in the cinematic universe so far that feels like a direct offspring of the two parent films. The references and tie-ins to the larger Conjuring universe are really slick. Lovely bits of fan service for those keeping up with what Wan and crew are doing. There's even a nod to the actual Annabelle doll that's done in a way that most won't pick up on unless they were curious enough to do some reading up on it. The ending is also a very smooth transition into the previous movie. I love the fact that we have an interconnected web of horror cinema that can branch out and do it's own things with different brands while still having links to one another that feel personal just like modern superhero flicks do. The scares are of the slow buildup variety. Playing off of your anxiety and anticipation for the next big fright. It's not quite as effective as The Conjuring in this regard, but this style of horror is still leagues more potent than any jump scare palooza. Annabelle's unnerving appearance is used in a variety of creepy ways. Some of which have a slight comedic edge to go along with the chill. Seeing that the doll's head has turned by itself is always good for a nervous chuckle and shiver up your spine. The story itself is really bleak. The big event that led to the doll's creation is brutally depicted in a matter-of-fact manner that's a real gut punch and a ballsy move for such a widely released horror film. There's is also some surprisingly graphic gore and the ending is of a sad variety because not everyone walked away okay. The tone made it feel like the characters were in real danger. Turns out that was actually the case too. The conclusion is made more tragic because Creation took the time to make sure I liked these little orphaned girls to the point where I cared enough to not want to see anything happen to them. Even the snotty ones. Maybe I just have a soft spot for kids. Of course it's hard to not love the adorable and sweet Lulu Wilson regardless. She's the new Joey King. After a poor first solo outing, Annabelle is redeemed onscreen in a movie so good that had the Warrens showed up I would've been cool with it being called The Conjuring 3. I mean it has the same structure of eerie escalation to a final act of big thrill terrors with plenty of character moments along the way. It's also more solemn than anything the genre has seen in quite some time. At least with this level of wide-reaching appeal that is.