POLTERGEIST
Spooks invade suburbia in this 1982 classic... Great cast including Craig T. Nelson and Jobeth Williams - and who can forget Heather O'Rourke in her signature role as Carol Anne - quote "They're Heeere!" and everyone knows what you're talking about. Zelda Rubenstein as psychic Tangina Barrons also makes an impression. Super Special Effects with all the paranormal goings-on and some great camera work as well. Many great scenes throughout the film. Also the music score from Jerry Goldsmith is memorable! POLTERGEIST earned three Oscar nominations.
Highly recommended!
Followed by 2 sequels -
POLTERGEIST II - THE OTHER SIDE
( not too bad - different than the original, that is for sure - but it still has creepy moments ) This one expands the mythology a little more by introducing Native American elements and an 1800s religious cult with some new characters. Plus you get to see what is beyond the children's closet as seen in the first film.
POLTERGEIST III
(not very good at all) This one suffered a bit from soggy storytelling and not very scary in-camera effects using a lot of mirrors and makeup, and most of the original cast is gone - Nancy Allen and Tom Skerritt play Carole Anne's Aunt and Uncle - and the location is set in Chicago ( the John Hancock Building doubles as a high-rise apartment complex ). Heather O'Rourke returns as Carol Anne, and sadly this was her last role - she died before the film was released.
There are those who are of the opinion that the POLTERGEIST movie series is under a curse. This may be an urban legend , but it is interesting to know about.
Look up "Poltergeist Curse" in Wikipedia - or just do a search online for the term.
As of 2008 there is confirmation that plans for a POLTERGEIST remake are being developed... Why mess with success? Will this production be "cursed" as well?
