Ouija: Origin of Evil

This is not a subversive horror film by any stretch, but it is regardless a satisfying, visually striking one.

None of those rules apply here. It is literally every man, woman, and child for his- or herself. Which is the refreshing part about this film and, perhaps more importantly, it revives the franchise.

Ouija giddily zips between haunted house thriller, exorcism drama and skillful period piece, all wrapped up in a neat and terrifying little bow.

[It's] a largely silly, disjointed construction of run-of-the-mill scares and awkward priest jokes, but at least director Mike Flanagan gives it his best shot, which is more than we can say of his predecessor.

The first hour keeps the suspense admirably taut, the 1967 period setting and sense of domestic claustrophobia bringing a twist of style that puts this way ahead of the first ho-hum chapter.

The fact Ouija: Origin of Evil exists is minor marvel in and of itself considering how little is thought of the first film. The fact it's good? Potentially even great?...I don't even know what to say.

... A traditional film anchored in the "retro", with multiple references to the genre that make this sequel into something improved. [Full review in Spanish]

"the movie approaches all the things we're expecting with just a little bit more grit and weirdness than we anticipate coming from a studio-sheened horror flick"

Mike Flanagan showcases how to make a prequel to a previously underwhelming film.

The movie should stand as a shining example to studios that a director with vision and a solid script can turn a nonsensical franchise entry in something worthy of attention.