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Poltergeist (2015) - Gil Kenan



I was pretty intrigued with this remake of Poltergeist but disappointed in it being rated PG-13. The original was rated the same, but that was back when the rating wasn't abused. So, I was expecting this to be rated R but it didn't need it. This movie was frightening without. Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt gave me a good deal of hope. 

The Bowen family moves into a new home to begin their new life. The only problem is that their home was built on top of a former cemetery and, unfortunately for the Bowens, the bodies were never removed just the headstones. This makes for a really scary place as they are haunted by terrible entity that is angry and mean and has kidnapped the youngest of the Bowen family.


This movie has elements of Paranormal Activity and White Noise. It does a good job of setting the scene and making it eerie. This isn't a shot-for-shot remake, it pays homage to the original film with nods to certain scenes. But this movie expands on those scenes and the story. It changes some certain things like the Ancient Indian Burial ground was replaced by a regular cemetery. 





The suspense in this movie does a really good job of expressing the childish fear that all of us are familiar with. If I were a kid this movie would scare the crap out of me. I guess it's effective. This is an example of effective PG-13 work. However, it could have been legendary if it were rated R. Just saying. 

Electricity seems to be the catalyst for the supernatural behavior. They go into much more detail on the subject. The film is broader but not better. I still prefer the practical effects and acting chops of Craig T. Nelson but I really appreciate Sam Rockwell. He is fantastic. Kennedi Clements does a fantastic job too. She isn't overly annoying as most children are in horror movies. 



Yes, I recommend this movie to those that are interested. It made a great movie for my 31 Movies of Halloween, especially since I had already reviewed the original. Casual fans might find this a bit terrifying but they should appreciate how good it actually is. Go out and watch this movie. Rent it, if that is still a thing. It's worth it. 



Director: Gil Kenan
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Rosemary DeWitt, Kyle Catlett, and Kennedi Clements
Style: Supernatural Suspenseful Thriller
Country: USA
Studio: MGM

Did ya know... 
The original cut ran for 101 minutes with 7-8 minutes of footage missing from the theatrical cut. This footage will supposedly be released as a director's cut on the DVD and Blu-ray release.
Rosemarie Dewitt wanted to do the film, after she experienced the engaged and lively audience reaction at the premiere of The Conjuring (2013), which she attended because it featured her husband Ron Livingston.
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