The Amityville Horror (15)

Good film, really captures the story well.

Although not the best cast.

There are some bits in The Amityville Horror that will have you jumping out of your mind.

I would advice dog lovers to close their eyes part way through.

Good film.

The Amityville Horror, while by no means being a classic, was actually a pretty good effort at a harem scareum horror movie.

The movie's premise was pretty good and based upon a true story. The original occupants, the Defoe's were shot to pieces by the families oldest son, who later stated that the 'house' had forced him to do it. One year later, George Lutz, played by Ryan Reynolds, and the young family he has taken on with his girlfriend (the kids aren't his), move into the massacre site as the house is available at a 'once in a lifetime' bargain price.

This is where the film takes on some fairly scary moments as the young daughter of the clan becomes somewhat unhinged, striking up a friendship with a ghost - Josie - the youngest daughter of the Defoe family who was savagely murdered a year ago. As her behaviour gets loopy, that is nothing compared to George who begins to hate the family he is now living with, as the house is now encouraging him to wipe them out one by one. The first casualty of George's journey to dementia is the family pooch who suffers an unceremonious exit at the hands of the deranged stepfather. Will the family survive though??

After living there for 28 days, it all finally becomes too much for George as he has seemingly been possessed by the House. I won't tell you if the family get put to the sword in the final act - you'll have to check out the movie for that!

For a horror it ain't half bad, Reynolds gives off a better than expected performance, I thought he sucked in Blade Trinity, but in this, his turn to the sinister side is quite watchable. The suspense moments are well executed and the daughters relationship with Josie results in some disturbing sequences. However, the scariest thing about this film is that it is actually a true story and believe me, it will make you think twice before buying a house like that ..

The Amityville Horror was very disappointing. At times scary using an actor from a kids TV program and D-list commercial actors wasn't a very good idea for a horror film.

I loved The Amityville Horror. I thought that it wasn't cheesy like some other horror films. I did get very scared though. A few people may not like certain bits in it.