Poltergeist

Poltergeist (2015)

Directed by Gil Kenan

93 Minutes

There’s always a part of me that says, why would you remake this. Going by this general rule of thumb doesn’t mean I’m not curious to see what’s different or perhaps the same. Upon hearing and viewing the trailer for the new Poltergeist (Gil Kenan 2015), I tried to stay open minded. As we know, the original Poltergeist (1982) directed by Tobe Hopper and written by Steven Spielberg is a benchmark horror film and great collaborative piece. Spielberg’s whimsy and Hopper’s terror, why would Kenan want to try his luck?

Seeing this new take, I did find (some) good elements.  Nevertheless, even if I did like this version better it wouldn’t be a convincing argument. I know this because when I praise the remake of Carrie (Kimberly Pierce, 2013), I get weird looks. For many, the real audacity here, is remaking a ‘classic.’ I too, shutter at the thought of certain films being remade. However, I have this belief that it shouldn’t discourage people from seeing a different take on things. Therefore, this review is not to dwell on the original, because you know, that’s pointless, it's, its own film. But it does feels right to compare Carrie and Poltergeist collectively. What these remakes do is enhance the narrative through the use of 3D. Although, I did not see Poltergeist in 3D, I really enjoyed Carrie's (Chloë Grace Moretz) telekinesis powers. In much the same way, the inside world where young Madison (Kennedy Clements) is sucked into, is shown. The viewer gets to witness an endless sepia, quite beautiful and very haunting vortex. Had I seen this in 3D, then i'm sure it would have enhanced the film's visual world.  

Yes. Things are amped up and nothing is left to our imagination, but it works, well, for a while anyway. If you can deal with campy ghost hunters and the times too many characters are in the same household, then sure. The inclusion of Sam Rockwell (Eric Bowen) is very Rockwell. Perhaps though, it does feels like he's taking the piss out of the film. As a couple Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt (Amy) bond well and do add some much needed spark to their character's story-lines. Where the film falls flat, is through Madison. Madison is just too cute and while this does make you feel sorry for her, she doesn't project her ability to communicate with spirits. Heather O’Rourke (Named Carol, than Madison) was memorable. Not only having that ridiculous blonde hair, but that smirk at the end of the film alludes the poltergeist hasn’t left and she likes having this power. O' Rourke is still sweet but highly manipulative. If this is a comparison, then Madison fails. Or as much Kenan doesn't give any reason as to why this supernatural force is attached to her. This doesn't have to be presented in dialogue but something should be suggested. Unfortunately the major concern here is producing scares, nothing to do with characters or evoking atmospheres. 

Hey, I lied. I didn’t enjoy this version. I did tried though. Had I mention this at the start of my review then you wouldn’t have read on. Overall, Poltergeist is flat and jumps the gun just like Madison is sucked into the TV. From the original, we learn that this is a key moment. It drives the narrative forward and the characters concern of getting her back, but here, this key, empathetic moment is thrown away. 

Initially yeah, scares are well executed. But these scares however, result to obviousness. *Insert creepy clown.  There may be a similar doll is in the original, but this clown, is just too mean.  

I suggest not watching Poltergeist angry or with any expectations of the original, if you do this, then maybe, just maybe, you might find something good.