THE CONJURING 2 [2016]

After a successful turn with The Fast & the Furious franchise, director James Wan returns to the frightening world of The Conjuring.
Suffering from a particularly distressing case at the infamous Amityville house, real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine & Ed Warren are reluctant to take on another case until they are summoned to help out a broken family in London, England.
While it might not be nearly as pants-shittingly scary as the first film, it holds up with some heartily told human stories supported by a strong cast.  Wan maintains his knack for inventive visual frights, supremely creepy atmosphere and a cleverly paced build-up that explodes with scary grace that never seems quite as long as it actually is.

3 crooked men out of 5

SING STREET [2016]

Director John Carney's bittersweet musical-comedy, Sing Street, is the type of absolute delight that leaves a happy lump in your throat.
Influenced by his older brother, a young Irish boy, growing up on hard times in the '80's, starts a band to catch the attention of a girl he likes.
Packed with undeniable charm, great music and grounded humor, the film still manages to tackle a harsh realism that is always present but never weighs in heavy enough to get too gloomy.  It's the type of coming-of-age story tha speaks a different language to everyone all based upon your experience.
It ain't reinventing the wheel by any means but it's so irresistibly funny and heart-warming you'd have to have a heart of stone to not enjoy it.

4 bunnies shitting the bed out of 5