Poltergeist(1982)

1982 's Poltergeist is a spine-tingling film directed by Tobe Hooper, and was written for the screen by none other than Steven Spielberg. This slice of Americana has some iconic moments, and images, that still strike a chord to this day.

The story starts off harmless enough. The Star Spangled Banner playing as the local t.v. station ends it transmission for the night, while the Freelings, rest comfortably in their suburban bubble. Cuesta Verde is the place they call home, a suburban haven nestled neatly above what used to be an old cemetary that has since been relocated. The family is led by the Steve and Diane Freeling, played to perfection by Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams. They have three children, Carol Anne, Robbie, and Dana. It is Carol Anne that begins to notice that all is not well in their normal existence.

Carol Anne, played by Heather O'Rourke, begins to talk to the "t.v. people", in the middle of the night, and it is here that we realize that something otherworldly has begun to communicate with her. Shortly after that incident, more and more supernatural happenings begin to occur.

This movie succeeds in that it starts you off in a safe place, somewhere to call home, and then quickly pulls the rug right out from under you. It's a ghost story that almost anyone can relate to. The cast works well together, and it's their reactions that really get you involved in this movie. The fantastic acting brings up the level of believability, and of course, this makes the audience begin to care for this family in peril.

Tobe Hooper may have been credited as the director, but, you can definitely feel the heavy influence of Spielberg in the movie. The way the 80's are encapsulated, the pace, the shots, and the use of special effects. Also, there is the soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith. It adds the air of mystery needed, and tends to make the more chilling scenes in the movie that much more terrifying. This movie is a neatly packaged thrill ride that is definitely one of the better produced movies of the 80's and definitely belongs on any movie lovers shelf. It ranks right up there with the best in the horror genre, although some people might think it's a bit candy coated.

There were two sequels that followed this movie, but, they were not on par with the magic this movie wielded. It's definitely a horror classic, and one that still holds up to the test of time, depsite the fact that some of the special effects are outdated.