“Another movie in ‘The Conjuring’ universe just dropped, let’s go watch it!” . . . is what absolutely no one will say in 2023.

The idea of a movie cinematic universe was intriguing in maybe 2008 when the Marvel Cinematic Universe started. But now with everything seeming to be part of a “universe,” it is becoming a little bit unoriginal. The idea of a horror universe is definitely a ridiculous idea, so when “The Conjuring” dropped in 2013 expectations were high, and were surprisingly exceeded. 

“The Conjuring” 1 and 2 are some of the better horror movies released in the recent decade. The same can’t be said for all of the spinoffs, like “Annabelle: Creation” (2017), or even the first installment of “The Nun” (2018). 

Despite all that, “The Nun” was a box office hit! With a budget of $22 million dollars, it grossed $365.6 million dollars worldwide. But it did not hit well with critics. Reviews were poor and even according to its CinemaScore, early test audiences weren’t all that excited either. It earned a C. 

So now that “The Nun II” is released, let’s get into why it’s . . . okay.

Going in, I admit, expectations were low for me and many others. So after watching “The Nun II.” I thought it was better than I expected. This movie doesn’t change the genre, or is revolutionary, but instead fits right in with the rest of Hollywood’s mediocre horror movies. 

This movie is as average as a movie can get: basic plot, basic jump scares, and a slow pace. 

If I had to pick out one thing that “The Nun II” does better than its predecessor is that it actually has the Nun in it. 

I know, weird, right? 

The main character, the title of the movie, is barely in the movie? I know, crazy. 

The Nun herself has more jump scares and screen time in the sequel. She’s all over this movie. Which is good, I guess, because if you come to watch “The Nun II,” you’re probably expecting to see the Nun.

In case you want to know a little more about this one going in, it takes place in France in 1956. Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) gets called upon by the Catholic church to investigate a series of murders they believe have something to do with the demon Valak, who she spent quite a bit of time with in the first movie. Irene and her partner, Sister Debra (Storm Reid), wind up at the French monastery where Valak is really messing things up for everyone.

Now I can’t say too much without giving away a major spoiler, but in the third act of the movie, it’s a bit anticlimactic. But that does not mean boring. 

Now even though this movie has flaws, people put hard work into this movie and it shows. The special effects are spot on, sound design and camera work were great. The acting was amazing.

Now if you’re debating to watch this movie, I say wait until it’s out on digital. This is definitely not a must see.

If you’re looking for an actual scare, this movie is not for you. As I said before, this movie is not original. It definitely follows a formula we have seen.

“The Nun II”

Production: An Warner Bros. release in association with New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster and The Safran Company

Producers: Peter Safran and James Wan; Executive producers: Richard Brener, Michael Clear, Gary Dauberman, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Michael Polaire, Judson Scott

Crew: Michael Chaves (Director), Ian Goldberg, Richard Naing, Akela Cooper (Screenwriters), Akela Cooper (Story by), Tristan Nyby (Cinematography), Gregory Plotkin (Editor). Marco Beltrami (Composer)

Cast: Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Storm Reid, Anna Popplewell, Bonnie Aarons