Synopsis

Storyline:

Based on a true story that was claimed by writer Jay Anson, The Amityville Horror is about a large house on the coast of Long Island where newlyweds George and Kathy Lutz and their three children move into the house that they hope will be their dream house which ends up in terror. Despite full disclosure by the real estate agent of the house’s history, George and Kathy buy the house. George says, “Houses don’t have memories,” but they turn to their family priest Father Delaney who believes the house is haunted and performs an exorcism on the house. But satanic forces in the house causes him to become blind and makes him very sick. With the help of another priest Father Bolen and a police detective, George and Kathy face the fears of the house, but not knowing the forces are planning to possess George and then the children.

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User Reviews: Semi-classic thriller of the 70’s, requires some patience from the audience but ultimately becomes a nicely moody film about America’s most infamous haunted house.

Couple moves their family into a Long Island house, where the previous owners where murdered, and begins to believe that there are evil forces at work in the new home.

Based upon Jay Anson’s novel, which itself is supposedly a true story, The Amityville Horror is a film that largely relies upon it’s eerie, unsettling atmosphere to induce chills and it often works well. It also packs the occasional good shock. While some may see this films subtlety and occasional weirdness as a senseless plot, it really helps to create a rattling sense of dread. It plays out well, building tension slowly to a climatic finale and a open conclusion that leaves a great sense of mystery. Kudos also go to a wonderfully chilling musical score.

The cast is fairly good, stars Brolin and Kidder are in top-form.

While it may be bashed by many critics, The Amityville Horror has remained one of the 70’s better horror oddities, and has become a cult classic for good reason.

*** out of ****