Poltergeist (Tobe Hooper, 1982)
This movie was responsible for many of my childhood terrors, so it was very interesting to go back to it after probably 14 years since I saw it. It was strange to see what I remembered from it and what I mis-remembered, or built up in my head. Needless to say it didn't quite hold up to my recollection. It's a very well made movie, for the most part, but at 22 it's just not the same as at 8.
A lot of the special effects don't quite hold up, but I really enjoy the craftsmanship of them. A lot of the best stuff is the simplest stuff, and there's a lot of really great ingenuity and fun ideas on display.
The story was a bit more hit and miss than I had expected. The premise is strong in its simplicity, but it actually kind of muddles through some of the plot points. It felt at times like the story was constructed around the idea of cool scenes rather than the other way around.
In all, still a neat spectacle and some admirably spooky filmmaking.
I saw this movie way, way too young, and it is the reason I find all clowns creepy. I can't wait to revisit it for the 80's bracket (hopefully I will get on it soon)