'The Last Exorcism Part II' trailer hints at franchise

The Last Exorcism Part II trailer has hit and this time, the exorcism is ... last-er?

In the sequel to the 2010 movie, the found footage concept is out and franchise building is in. Instead of focusing on the preacher and camera crew, this time the plot revolves around the possessed/possibly crazy Nell (Ashley Bell) who is taking refuge in a New Orleans group home after the events of the last movie. The demon Abalam seems to be taking an interest in Nell and everyone around her because a piece of him resides in her still. So just as dark shadows and demonic contortions are happening all around her, a little exorcism (with some voodoo thrown in for good measure) is needed.

The trailer hints at some mythology taking shape with the Abalam concept - and without some of the ambiguity of the first movie - so this is likely the first of many more "Lasts" if the box office treats them right. 

-Aaron Sagers

Paranormal Pop Culture Winter Movie Preview

BY LARISSA MRYKALO

With so many cool looking movies coming out in the first three months of 2013, who can even think about the rest of the year yet? So instead of doing a 2013 paranormal movie preview, we're focusing in on winter time. While some might rock, and others stink like a zombie, there is no shortage of witches, zombies, aliens, ghosts and other unexplained goodies to heat things up until the temperatures rise.

Texas Chainsaw 3D
Jan. 4 (R)
Starring: Alexandra Daddario, Scott Eastwood and Tania Raymonde. Director: John Luessenhop.
Topping the box office after it opened last Friday, the new year has started out with the roar of Leatherface’s chainsaw. This is not so much of a rehashing of the original in 3D, but a continuation of the original Tobe Hooper story into modern times when a young girl inherits a relative’s Texas home, as well as its secrets. Die-hard fans may not be as satisfied as the casual audience member may be, but this new film in the series will no doubt elicit some cringes.

A Haunted House
Jan. 11 (R)
Starring: Marlon Wayans, Essence Atkins, Nick Swardson. Director: Michael Tiddes.
In this Paranormal Activity spoof written by Wayans, a couple enlist the help of a Chip Coffey type psychic and ghost hunters to help defeat a demon that's interrupting their home (and sex) life.

Top movies about possession

The Last Exorcism premieres today and the reviews for it are pretty favorable, especially considering it's a docu-style horror produced by Eli Roth. The Rotten Tomatoes tally is a decent - and hilarious - 69 percent, so this might just be a demon flick with lasting power.

To tap into the movie's release, the Associated Press has put together a list of the top movies about possession. The list is fun, and includes classics The Shining, The Exorcist, Ghost Busters, All of Me and Heaven Can Wait.

However, this isn't groundbreaking and omits more recent entries like Evil Dead 2, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Paranormal Activity.

Here's what they have to say, and then let us know what else they missed: