‘2’ Films: ‘The Conjuring 2’ and ‘Now You See Me 2’ at Area Movie Houses (Mon., 6/13/16)

1) The Conjuring 2 – 2013 saw the release of the first Conjuring, a horror film about real life paranormal investigators Ed & Lorraine Warren called to Rhode Island to help a family being haunted by demons and spirits. It cost $20 million and made $318 million so you had to know there’d be a sequel. This time the Warrens travel to merry olde England to help a single mother whose home is filled with malicious devils. Both the Rhode Island incident and the British one are based on actual events. The Warrens are probably most famous for their connection to what became known as The Amityville Horror. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as the Warrens who, as self-proclaimed “demonologists”, have managed to get pretty far peddling what the Brits call “a load of old bollocks.” See Fandango for screens and times. (TH)

2) Now You See Me 2 – A sequel to the 2013 surprise hit about a bunch of magicians (oops, sorry, “illusionists”) who, in the middle of their stage shows, rob banks and give money to the audience. I remember liking the original a lot for it’s skewed viewpoint and offbeat sense of fun. I was a bit disappointed, however, that a few of the magic tricks (oops, illusions) were done with CGI. I mean, what’s the point? Magic tricks are amazing because they’re real … or rather because they make the unreal seem real. But then again, if Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy—a ventriloquist and his doll—could be a hit on radio, then movies about magicians who don’t actually perform magic is par for the course. Judging from the trailer, this sequel unfortunately looks to be a CGI spectacular with not a whole lot of real-life illusions going on. But there is a knockout cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Woody Harrelson, and Dave Franco return from the original and joining them will be Daniel Radcliffe. See Fandango for screens and times. (TH)

3) The Balcony Big Band,  with a special guest, is hitting only high notes in a Monday night performance at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. The 18 member group makes a big, beautiful sound. Get in some Monday relaxation with good music. 7 p.m. No cover. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

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