Sinister 2 is about what you’d expect from a sequel that no one was really asking for. With a new director and a new cast, the movie is about as routine and unoriginal as they get, though the final act still packs a small punch.

The horror movie stars James Ransone, who had a small role in the first one (which starred Ethan Hawke), and Shannyn Sossamon. Ransone does not make a good lead, his awkward demeanor not exactly primary protagonist material. Sossamon is better, but sadly the story doesn’t rotate around her.

Most of the movie is a bore, with the first hour devoted to a few creepy child-ghosts showing up to encourage a couple of annoying living children to do bad things. Director Ciarán Foy resorts to a few cheap scares to liven things up, but really Sinister 2 is neither exciting nor frightening.

The third act is a bit more captivating, largely thanks to the film’s brooding music and the filmmakers’ equal desire to get to the end credits. The climax, while not particularly thrilling, is at least interesting.

Still, Sinister 2 brings nothing new to the table and is largely a waste of an hour and a half.

Review by Erik Samdahl.