This movie starts exactly where the other one left off. So it would make sense for you to have watched part 1. It does work without it, because everything gets sort of explained, but it would be better if you had the knowledge already while watching. The movie sets out and tries to get the viewers it had from part 1 and it does succeed.
The really out there ending from part 1 gets referenced here and kinda mirrored, but what really works is the story and the scares it does deliver because of that. Some people criticized the actors, but I'd argue they are really good. Not because of their names, but because they can and do act in this one. Not as good as Conjuring, but far better than other horror movies (with or without blood ... this one being one of the latter).
The really out there ending from part 1 gets referenced here and kinda mirrored, but what really works is the story and the scares it does deliver because of that. Some people criticized the actors, but I'd argue they are really good. Not because of their names, but because they can and do act in this one. Not as good as Conjuring, but far better than other horror movies (with or without blood ... this one being one of the latter).