Gather 'round, fright fans, as we dive into the spectral waters of 2015's "Poltergeist," a reboot that dares to ask: "Can you teach an old ghost new tricks?" Director Gil Kenan steps into some mighty big shoes, attempting to resurrect one of horror's most beloved franchises for a new generation. But does this modern take on suburban terror manage to escape from beneath the towering shadow of its predecessor, or does it end up trapped in a nostalgic limbo?
A Family for the Digital Age
Our new vessel for supernatural shenanigans is the Bowen family, led by Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt as Eric and Amy. They're a thoroughly modern clan, complete with financial woes and screen-addicted kids. It's a savvy update that grounds the story in contemporary anxieties, even if it sometimes feels like it's ticking boxes on a "Relatable Family" checklist.
The Ghosts in the Machine
Where Tobe Hooper's original used the static-filled TV as a portal to the beyond, Kenan's update expands the concept to encompass our device-saturated world. Smartphones, drones, and flatscreens all become conduits for otherworldly mischief. It's a clever evolution of the original's themes, even if it occasionally feels like it's trying a bit too hard to be "hip" and "current."
CGI Spirits: For Better or Worse
The film's visual effects are a mixed bag of ectoplasm. While some sequences effectively utilize modern CGI to create genuinely unsettling moments (the sequence with a power drill comes to mind), others feel like a step backward from the practical wizardry of the 1982 original. It's a stark reminder that sometimes, less is more when it comes to showing the unseen.
Jared Harris: Ghost Hunter Extraordinaire
Stepping into the shoes of Zelda Rubinstein's iconic Tangina is Jared Harris as Carrigan Burke, a ghost-hunting TV personality. Harris brings a world-weary charm to the role, providing some of the film's most entertaining moments. His presence is a bright spot in a film that sometimes struggles to find its own identity.
A Haunted House Built on Nostalgia
Perhaps the biggest specter haunting this "Poltergeist" is the memory of the original. The film seems caught between paying homage to its predecessor and forging its own path, resulting in a experience that often feels like a greatest hits compilation rather than a fully realized reimagining.
The Legacy: A Polite Haunting
While it may not reach the heights of the original, 2015's "Poltergeist" is far from the disaster some reboots become. It offers a slick, competently crafted haunted house ride that, while rarely truly terrifying, manages to deliver a few solid jumps and creepy moments.
Conclusion: They Moved the Headstones, But Not Our Hearts
In the end, "Poltergeist" (2015) is like a covering of a classic song - it hits the familiar notes, but struggles to capture the magic that made the original a timeless classic. It's a film that may satisfy the casual viewer looking for some supernatural thrills, but leaves die-hard fans of the original feeling like they've seen this show before - and with better reception. So the next time your flatscreen starts acting up, maybe just try unplugging it before calling in the paranormal experts.
And that was Poltergeist 2015 Reviewed. Another modern horror remake that may not be my favorite but I can appreciate the eyes it sent back to the classic Poltergeist film.
Stay tuned for more Horror Movie Reviews.