Chapter 2 of horror

Mia Dixon-Slaughter, Co-Editor-in-Cheif

October 4, 2013

The sequel to horror film Insidious was released into theaters on Friday, Sept. 13. People stood in line for hours to get the questions answered that arose at the ending of the first part of the movie.

On Friday the 13th movie goers sat in a movie theatre seats waiting to see the highly anticipated thriller sequel: Insidious: Chapter 2. Director James Wan and screenplay writer Leigh Whannell scared their audiences once again.

The thriller follows the Lambert family as they are investigated for the murder of Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), a medium from the prequel that was committed at the end of the first movie. As they move into Josh Lambert’s (Patrick Wilson) mother’s house his wife, Renai Lambert (Rose Byrne), begins to be taunted by ghosts and spirits. All the while, Renai believes the old woman that once followed him around, as a child possesses her husband. As the plot unfolds faces popped up on the screen suddenly, bodies were knocked around and secrets began to unfold. It seems as though the Lambert family’s struggles are never-ending.

Whannell also previously wrote the screenplay for the first move in this series displayed on the big screen and decided to merge forces with Wan to produce this work of horror art. Wan brought his writing to life with eerie scenes and dark silhouettes.

The plot of the movie is an attention-grabber, keeping audiences eyes glued to the screen but the plot seems almost repetitive. Similar to the prequel, Insidious: Chapter 2, it follows the same group as they search for a soul lost in the “Further,” a place between life and death, only this time, they are searching for mediums. Other than the almost redundant plot the movie creates “jumpy” moments, leaving my hands jittery and hearts thumping rapidly. There are a lot more scary faces in this sequel that had the audience covering their eyes in terror. The movie’s basic plot does not hide the fact that the movie is truly terrifying.

Expectations were high for this second film and Wan and Whannell hit a homerun in the box office. The anticipation itself made the movie successful and the frightful work of Wan only added to the success. Insidious: Chapter 2 is a must see movie for the upcoming Halloween season.

About the Contributors

Mia Dixon-Slaughter, Co-Editor-in-Cheif

Mia Dixon-Slaughter, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism 3 years ago as a sophomore. After a great deal of persuasion from her two best friends, who were on staff at the time, Dixon-Slaughter submitted her application at the semester and was welcomed shortly after. “I love writing and always have,” Slaughter said, “but I’ve always stuck strictly to literature so branching out into a different style and type of writing has helped me develop as a writer.” Although writing essays and covering stories can be polar opposites, the writer adjusted without much trouble. During her time at The Downey Legend, she has covered numerous stories, fiddled with the camera, and established the newspaper’s credibility on social media. She is competent enough to know what it takes to have efficient deadlines; all Slaughter has to do now is to guide her staff in that direction. If the writer is not covering stories happening around school, she is still somehow always somewhere on campus. Juggling AP classes, an ASB position, and her role in newspaper, Slaughter often finds herself with a hectic schedule. This being said, when genuine free time presents itself, she takes full advantage of it. “I love getting lost or ending up in places spontaneously because it feels so great to not have an agenda sometimes,” Dixon-Slaughter said. While the senior is busy getting ready for college and balancing out the rest of her responsibilities, she hopes to provide the staff with an exemplary example of the amount of greatness that can rise from commitment.

Heidi Castillo, Photographer

Heidi Castillo, photographer for The Downey Legend joined the staff to get involved during her last year of high school as well as express her love for photography. Castillo did not hesitate to join the staff, feeling she would enjoy the experience despite the sometimes hectic environment. Being a member of the online newspaper will not only help Castillo expand her photographer skills, it will also provide an opportunity to bond with her fellow peers. “I think it is a great way to meet new people and build relationships,” Castillo said. While being familiar with several photography techniques, designing on InDesign, and editing pictures on Photoshop, this photographer plans to apply her skills in her photographs and continue her interest. While managing the senior lifestyle, Castillo enjoys the privileges she receives as being the oldest of three. The photographer enjoys all music genres, however, Pink Martini and Coldplay are her top music choices. Not only does the senior find an interest in listening to music, she has shown her appreciation for the art by singing with a worship team for the past two years. She enjoys watching blood-gore horror films and older black and white films in her spare time. Castillo plans to make the best of her senior year and attend a junior college after graduating.