Rated PG-13 for intense frightening sequences, brief suggestive material, and some language.
Starring Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt and Jared Harris
Directed by Gil Kenan (City of Ember and Monster House)
A decent reboot of a classic horror film.
Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi (Spiderman, Evil Dead and The Grudge) and director Gil Kenan (Monster House) contemporize the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and hold the youngest daughter captive, the family must come together to rescue her before she disappears forever.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve lost count of the number of reboots Hollywood has been pumping out lately. But I promise you; they are not going to stop. The studios are smart enough to know that people who love originals are going to give the reboots a chance…plus they generate a lot of money.
The original Poltergeist scared me half to death and is credited with more sleepless nights than I care to admit. The reboot is certainly not a bad movie, but nowhere near as memorable as the original.
The cast is not especially great, but decent enough to be enjoyable. I really enjoyed Jared Harris’ turn as Carrigan Burke, the ghost hunter.
I like the way they used new technology like a drone toy, a cell phone, and, of course, a flat-screen TV. You can tell they were paying homage to the past as well as being clever with the present.
Because of the performers, the movie is average, but not very memorable. You may enjoy the creepiness and the “jump” scenes, but most likely you’ll be able to sleep the night away…I know I will. For me it was worth it…but “Only if Free.”
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This PG-13 film has several profanities and even more disturbing images…mostly clowns.
CONVERSATION STARTER:
- How would you describe the battle between the family and the spirits?
- How did they prepare for battle?
- How would your describe our spiritual battle?
- How do you prepare for battle?
- How can this passage better prepare you for spiritual battles?
Read Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.
Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit.
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people. Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news. I was sent to do this work, and that’s the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.