Rish's Reviews
Folks, I love this movie. I don't even want to write about it, since trying to vocalize feelings can often cheapen them. It came out the same summer as E.T., and no matter how much I begged my parents, they wouldn't take me to it. It must have been a year or so later that it came out on video and rented it for me, but after somebody somewhere (might have been the lady at the video store) warned them about it, they changed their minds and wouldn't let me watch it, afraid I would have nightmares, become a serial killer, or soil the bed. Or all three, knowing me. Perhaps they were right, considering I had nightmares just from hearing the music from the living room as they watched it.
As far as their other two fears: I am currently typing this from a prison cell, and . . . do you smell something?
In all seriousness, as a boy, this movie didn't just scare me, it enthralled me. I ended up seeing Poltergeist another year or so later at my uncle's house (he had HBO), and I was fascinated by it. Still am. Now I don't know if Steven Spielberg really directed it or if it was actually Tobe Hooper, but whoever did the deed captured my imagination like only Spielberg has. That guy just spoke to me.
The acting is top notch, the pacing is excellent, the humourous moments are surprisingly effective. The special effects by Industrial Light and Magic are still very good, and the dialogue is so classic ("This house has many hearts." "Come on, we never spank the children!" "Theeeeeey're here." "Mosquito ever suck on you, son?" "Maybe they got hit by a truck and are upstairs right now." "It's not like we haven't done it before." "Can I get a goldfish now?"), I can quote it all day. The unfortunate Freeling family is so fun and real. Zelda Rubinstein's voice ("Cross over children! All are welcome!"). Poor little Heather O'Rourke . . . wow, everyone is so great.
This is a great film, and I'll have words with any man who says otherwise. In fact, I'd say it's probably the best haunted house flick I've seen. Strangely, it's only a bit dated, and much less so than pretty much anything else from 1982. I love the Star Wars references and visuals. Oh, and it's still scary, too. That damned tree with the human face on it. The reflection in the mirror. The beast in the closet. The clown. The swimming pool. The sound of Carol Anne in the TV. Wow, I'm smiling even as I write this.
Best Scare: "The tree. It knows I live here."
I'd Recommend It To: Gee. Who wouldn't I recommend it to?
Posted: March 14, 2005

The tyranist's thoughts
Somehow I missed this one for a great many years. Fortunately, Rish is a huge fan of Spielberg and he couldn't let us go any further without reviewing this movie. My first comment is that the film really held up well. It has been seventeen years since it premiered and it is still eerie and current. There are some small things that detract, but for the most part, the movie could have been made last year. It also uses tension well instead of using all bald scares. That helps it remain creepy and frightening. Of course, a clown in any day and age is frightening.
My other comment would have to be that while the special effects were remarkable, I had a difficult time buying the ectoplasm. I kept thinking that everything was covered with beef. I also didn't appreciate the face ripping scene as much as I possibly should have. It just didn't sell for me. Of course, I can't think of a better example off of the top of my head. Despite these shortcomings, the movie is well worth seeing. I would highly recommend tracking down a widescreen version since there is a lot of action that would take place off screen when this was pan & scanned.
Posted: August 26, 1999