“The Conjuring” paves the way for the story of Annabelle — an eerie doll bringing unexplained occurrences wherever it goes.

“Annabelle” is unlike “The Conjuring” because it is not based on true events. The frightening doll is introduced in “The Conjuring,” but it is not until this movie viewers get insight on how Annabelle came to be haunted. Annabelle is a vintage porcelain doll in the movie, unlike the real doll that is the classic Raggedy Ann, and the events are not accurate at all to the original story.

In the movie, a girl named Annabelle Higgins, who is part of a satanic cult that invades the home of the main characters, Mia and John, possesses the doll. Annabelle kills herself with the doll in her hands, and unexplained events start following Mia and John wherever they go, especially after Mia gives birth to the couple’s first child, Leah.

I could count on one hand the number of spine-chilling moments, though many ended in laughter from the audience. The majority of the scenes in the movie include classic frights, causing the film to lack originality. The creaking floors, records playing on their own and lights flickering are far too familiar. There was more potential for this film than was exerted in the end. Overall, the movie is good at raising a few chill bumps but it does not follow through with the scare the audience anticipates.

What the movie lacks in scares, it makes up for in aesthetics. The filmmakers did a fantastic job in providing dreary scenes, low lighted rooms and darkness in each room someone entered. All of which help make the expectation of the scare more frightening than the scare itself. The movie was striking nonetheless.

As with the majority of horror movies, the actors chosen are not well-known. Regardless, the cast did an impressive job in “Annabelle.” Mia, the main character is played by actress Annabelle Wallis, ironically. Mia is Leah’s mother and the film’s martyr, when it comes to protecting her daughter. Her emotions are every bit believable on screen. John is Leah’s father, played by Ward Horton. He does not witness many supernatural events throughout the film due to his intense physician career. Ward spends a great deal of time off screen, while the focus is mainly on Mia, Leah and Annabelle.

I would suggest only seeing this film at the Super Bargain Matinee pricing. This is a fun film to bring in the spirit of Halloween, but if possible avoid a high price or few scares.