POLTERGEIST is overrated

[Dehydrator]

I don't think it's a bad movie, by far not, but it wasn't scary. The new Version of "The Haunting" reminded me a little of "Poltergeist" with special effects taken much too far. I even like the first sequel more than the original, but I can't explain why. Watching "Poltergeist" is sure eye-candy, but scary?!! Sure, some scenes are quite effective ( Clown, Tree ) while others just wanted me to throw something on the Screen ( The big Skull - did we need that? what is it anyway ? , that white "bird-ghost" thing - did we need that? what has it to do with the story? )
Overall, just a too polished and clean for my taste. It's Holywood, it's Big Budget and I think it's overrated.


I think it's the perfect horror movie for the whole family. Scary it isn't, but it's entertaining.

[R. P. McMurphy]

Eh, sure it's overrated, but for all of the good reasons.

The "white bird thing"? what are you talking about? The only thing that seems similar to that is the spirits that passed through their house, that was captured on videotape. If it was that, then I would have to say that was one of the best scenes in the film.

What really suprised me about this movie is the rating it got. PG?! It had a man pulling his face appart, a kid getting munched on by a tree, and a so-close-to-rape-it-wasn't-even-funny scene, involving the mother at the end of the movie.

[unicorn207]

Pretend I'm Steven Speilberg saying the following:

"HOHOHO, you can't give ol' Steven an R rating, I made ET you fat a--h--e."

Nerdy member of the ratings board "Sorry mister Speilberg we'll get on it right away."

"That's more like it."

I apologize if I offended anybody, I'm just stating what I think that industry is like.

[the night watchman]

Well, okay, "Poltergeist" is a "family" horror movie. I have no problem with that. I still think it's pretty kickass.

And, yeah, without Speilberg's influence I don't doubt for a second it would have received and R rating. Why else would "Saving Private Ryan" have gotten an easy R while horror movies like "Evil Dead 2" and "Re-Animator" are forced to hit theaters unrated. Commie bastards.

[the night watchman]

Oh, and the big skull and the "white ghost-bird" - which is the tall skeletal apparition blocking the children's bedroom door at the end, right? - are just manifestations of the supernatural presence.

"It knows what scares you..." remember?

[Bry Bry]

POLTERGEIST is overrated!!!the scares in it only would affect a 10 year old!!an attacking tree,a mean little toy clown,and people holding on for dear life as they are blown across their bedrooms!!c'mon,this is ridiculous!!a girl trapped in a television set!!YIKES,i could go on and on,but i wont..bottom line,this flick is OK if you are 13 years old,but if you are in your twenties looking for a thrill,go rent TCM 1 or HALLOWEEN..

[the night watchman]

I'm curious, Bry: What do you think of movies like "The Haunting" ('64), "Stir of Echoes," "The Shining," "Ghost Story," or the "Sixth Sense"? Is it possible that ghost stories or supernatural tales just don't affect you? "Chainsaw", for instance, has no supernatural overtones, and "Halloween" has just an undertone of non-physical Evil.