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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (Theaters/HBO Max)
Starring: Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga
Synopsis: This is the latest installment of The Conjuring Franchise, which has spawned three films under the original banner and several others as spin-offs. This one is based on a story from creator James Wan, and returns stars Wilson and Farmiga as real life monster hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren. Based on another of their famous cases, this one focuses on a demon possession. Michael Chaves takes on the directing duties and does a decent job conveying the story. This installment, which premiered in theaters and on HBO Max the same day, is different than the others, but heads into the well-worn path of exorcism and possession films. In that sense, it adds little new. It didn't seem to have as much tension as the previous installments, either. Farmiga and Wilson are great in these roles, which helps prop up these films. This is an OK film that's entertaining for what it is, but it isn't great.
Rating: R for terror, violence and some disturbing images.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Cruella (Theaters/Disney+)
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Mark Strong, Joel Fry, and Paul Walter Hauser
Synopsis: This live action Disney film is a prequel of sorts for one of its famous animated villains, Cruella de Vil. This one focuses on a younger Cruella (Stone), also known as Estella, an orphan and aspiring designer in London in the 1970s. She clashes with an other designer (Thompson), who is harboring some dark secrets of her own. Their clash captures the attention of a city as a daring new force is born. Stone is incredible, and Thompson is quite good, too. Director Craig Gillespie does a nice job with the pacing and delivers some strong visuals as well. The soundtrack works and there are some fun sequences. But, this one feels a little dry at times and overly long, clocking in at about two hours and 15 minutes. Live action Disney films have sometimes been hit-or-miss, and despite a good cast and some good moments this one was just OK.
Rating: PG-13 for some violence and thematic elements.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Inside (Netflix)
Starring: Bo Burnham
Synopsis: This new Netflix special is a one-man show from comedian Bo Burnham, who wrote, directed and starred in the special, filmed in a room in his house during the pandemic. The special features original music and observations about the world and culture around him. It's an ambitious project, and Burnham is talented to be able to pull it off. However, I thought this was a bit of a slog. Some of the songs have amusing moments, but overall this was a lot. And, for me, most of it wasn't funny. Some will appreciate the passion and production of this special, but it didn't work for me.
Rating: TVMA
Verdict: One star out of four.

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