On October 1, 2012, we opened the first 31 Days of Halloween with a review of “Poltergeist.” I remember it vividly. Ten years ago at this time I was terrified of horror movies. Now I’m addicted.
And a bit desensitized.
This 40 year old film features the odd combination of Tobe Hooper and Stephen Spielberg. Watching it, one can see the fingerprints of each layered throughout. Good and bad. You can also spot the obvious influences it has had on other films of the genre. After a decade of conquering my horror movie fears and honing my analytical skills, would a re-watch draw a different opinion?
We all know the plot.
The Freeling family resides in a planned suburban community. Spooky things start to occur inside their home, rocking their yuppie lives. An explanation is provided for the horror, and it’s a bit of a trope. But we aren’t watching for the ‘why’ now are we?
I panned the acting in my first review and that aspect didn’t change. It’s a family and they behave accordingly for the most part. While individual performances are a bit sketchy, the unit as a whole is fun to watch.
Craig T. Nelson is awesome – I loved him in ‘Parenthood’ and as Steven Freeling he does fine with what he’s given to work with. JoBeth Williams lands on my Top Scream Queen’s list as matriarch Diane. She’s adorable, though a bit unnatural with some of her decisions. Dominique Dunne, Oliver Robins and Heather O’Rourke play the children.
There’s some scary elements for sure. The ancient tree that looms outside the bedroom of the young kids, and a notorious clown puppet that resides inside. There’s the iconic image of the TV set. And a catchphrase that belongs in the Horror Hall of Fame.
My complaints this time around were consistent with the first viewing.
The score sucks
At 115 minutes, and a labored second act, it gets really boring. The ending sequences are fun (special effects aside) but it’s a painful journey to get there. And the score flat out sucks. It demolishes most, if not all of the scares. It’s as if Tobe Hooper wanted to make a horror movie, but Stephen Spielberg insisted on it being a family fantasy flick.
“Poltergeist” is like a fond nostalgia. I think people want to remember it a certain way. Terrifying early 80s horror movie that should be revered. A so-called Curse that surrounds the production. But after viewing it, it’s dull, and slow. And really not scary at all. It’s the type of movie everyone should watch. Once. Ten years later, I left feeling the same way I did after my first viewing. Maybe I’ll check it out again in 2032.
“Poltergeist” is available to rent on Amazon.
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