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Poltergeist

Released 1982
Runtime 114
Category Horror
Language English
Director Tobe Hooper

What it’s about

A typically average American family of four, including parents Steve and Diane (Nelson and Williams), moves into what seems like a normal suburban home, but soon a series of strange events makes it evident that a nasty paranormal presence is lurking about. And when that presence starts asserting itself even more watch out!

Why we love it

Tobe Hooper's modern haunted house movie (scripted by Steven Spielberg) first creates a general feeling of unease, then unleashes a torrent of thrills and horror on its audience. Though slightly less raw than other modern spook-fests (it actually earned a PG rating), this entry still hits you where you live, recalling those vivid, terrifying nightmares of childhood. Among its solid cast, Beatrice Straight delivers a standout performance as a psychic. Highlights: the closet scene and the “little” lady who comes to clean. Brrrr! Not suitable for younger children. 

JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Dominique Dunne, Beatrice Straight Tobe Hooper

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