FREEZE FRAME: “The Conjuring 2,” “Now You See Me 2,” “Maggie’s Plan”

If director James Wan had worked in the Golden Age of Hollywood, he might have made musicals. His camera work is more like choreography than direction. But it’s that showy style that makes his horror entry “The Conjuring 2” work as well as it does. The entire creative team behind the hit chiller “The Conjuring” is back, telling the so-called true story of a supernatural event.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson play paranormal experts Lorraine and Ed Warren who travel to London in the 70s to investigate a case of demonic possession. While there are more than a few genuinely creepy moments, there are a couple of unintentionally funny ones, too. While overlong and derivative, “The Conjuring 2” is a generally effective creepfest that should summon up good box office numbers.

“Now You See Me 2” is yet another sequel to a surprise box office hit. Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo and their band of vigilante magicians are back exposing corporate corruption, but this time biting off more than they can chew. There’s plenty of visual razzle-dazzle, but the filmmakers have outwitted themselves with an absurd, maze-like plot that’s just too tricky for its own good.

Ever been to a movie where you wanted to slap some sense into every character on the screen? “Maggie’s Plan” is one of those offbeat screwball comedies where very smart people do very dumb things. Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore are part of a love triangle among academics and their antics play a bit like an old Woody Allen flick. You’ll either be charmed or bored. I was the latter.

Also opening this week, “Warcraft” is the latest video game adapted into a big screen adventure. It’s directed by Duncan Jones, the creative force behind the quirky sci-fi flicks “Source Code” and “Moon.”

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