Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here and it’s no secret that I’m a big fan of director James Wan. He’s a talented cat with a unique vision behind the camera that has produced some of the most iconic cinematic horror of the last twenty years. While the “Saw” and “Insidious” franchises are well-known, Wan’s arguably greatest creation is the “Conjuring” franchise. Back in 2013 James Wan released the first cinematic adventure of Ed and Lorraine Warren, investigators of the paranormal based on the true life couple. Using those case files, Wan and his team created what turned out to be a nine-film-and-counting franchise that, while varying in quality, has been enormously successful. The first two “Conjuring” films are classics and, not suprisingly, the only entries directed by Wan. A third entry “The Devil Made Me Do It” released in 2021 as was directed by long-time collaborator Michael Chaves. It was serviceable but not nearly as dynamic as the previoius two entries. Now Chaves is back with “The Conjuring: Last Rites” the finale film featuring Ed and Lorraine Warren. Still not as good as the first two, “Last Rites” is a step up from the previous film and features a nifty family dymamic that gives the series a satisfying conclusion!