Steven and Diane Freeling (Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams) live the perfect suburban life. Steven works in real estate, selling houses in a new land development. Moving his family into one of these new homes was a benefit given to him by his employer. Diane is a homemaker who takes care of their three children.
When they decide to add an inground swimming pool to their yard, the Freelings notice some very strange things beginning to occur. Kitchen chairs stack themselves on the table, household items move across the floor on their own...But it's not until their youngest daughter, Carol Anne (Heather O'Rourke), mysteriously disappears that they realize they are dealing with a presence in the house that is absolute and pure evil.
"Poltergeist" is a classic horror movie. No matter how many times I watch it, it sends chills up my spine. Released in 1982, it managed to elude a PG-13 rating by only a few years. (There are some scenes which I believe might have even deserved an R!)
The special effects are the products of George Lucas' company, "Industrial Light and Magic". Done in a decade before computer-generated effects were the norm, "Poltergeist" amazes the audience with believable monsters and the havoc they create.
I cannot say anything negative about this movie. Many films have tried to copy it (like Cameron's Closet), but have failed miserably. Not even the two "Poltergeist" sequels can compare to its scare factor!
Just don't attempt to watch "Poltergeist" by yourself.
Clear your mind, it knows what scares you.
Stars: Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight
Director: Tobe Hooper, Steven Spielberg (uncredited)
MPAA Rating: PG
Why You'll Know It's From the 80's:
1. Film received a PG rating, although very frightening
(PG-13 rating not created until 1984)
2. Diane Freeling mentions that she does not want her family's
story ending up on the TV show, "That's Incredible!"Dog Appeal: The Freelings have a dog named E. Buzz
Daisy's Rating:
