Cast
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Ryan Reynolds
as George Lutz
Melissa George
as Kathy Lutz
Jesse James
as Billy Lutz
Jimmy Bennett
as Michael Lutz
Chloë Grace Moretz
as Chelsea Lutz
Rachel Nichols
as Lisa
Philip Baker Hall
as Father Callaway
Isabel Conner
as Jodie Defeo
Brendan Donaldson
as Ronald Defeo
Annabel Armour
as Realtor
Rich Komenich
as Chief of Police
David Gee
as ER Doctor
Danny McCarthy
as Officer Greguski
Nancy Lollar
as Librarian
José Taitano
as Stitch
Crew
Director
- Andrew Douglas
Producer
- Andrew Form
- Brad Fuller
- Michael Bay
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Effective haunted house movie with Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George**_
A young couple with three children buys an old, large house on Long Island in 1975. The house has a diabolic history, but they purchase it anyway because it's such a great deal. Will they make it out alive?
I didn’t have high hopes for "The Amityville Horror" (2005) because I'm not a fan of haunted house movies and thus had not yet seen the original version. But I decided to give it a try due to Melissa George. The movie maintains a serious tone throughout and did not disappoint; it successfully piqued my interest in the whole Amityville Horror legend, which you can read about on the internet.
Some may accuse the film of ripping off aspects of "The Shining" (1980), but keep in mind that the original movie was released a year before "The Shining" while the books they were based on were both published in 1977. The difference is that “The Amityville Horror” was inspired by supposedly true events whereas Stephen King’s novel was purely fictional.
Of course this remake inspired me to see the classic version from 1979 with James Brolin and Margot Kidder. What I like about that one is that it takes its time to develop the characters in what is essentially a realistic drama topped off with creepy paranormal happenings. It addresses dark, ugly stuff but it actually has a warm heart (recall what George does in the final scene). This brisk 2005 remake is like the Reader’s Digest version, unsurprisingly upping the ante with the (clichéd) horror elements; it thankfully offers interesting details on the backstory of the house. I think they’re both worth checking out. If you prefer longer with more depth you’ll favor the original version whereas if you want something faster and more modern you’ll appreciate this one.
Melissa George is a gorgeous woman and I enjoy watching her. Also on hand on the feminine front is Rachel Nichols, who played Tamara in the 2011 redo of "Conan the Barbarian." Rachel plays a hippie chick babysitter and she's perfect for the role. The babysitter is haughty and scoffs at the diabolic history of the house but let's just say she leaves as a true believer. This was a great sequence that perked my interest at a time it needed it (as I was starting to get bored by that point). In any event, I had to reassess my appraisal of Ms. Nichols after seeing her in this film as she won my appreciation. Meanwhile Chloë Grace Moretz plays the little girl; she was only 7 when the film was shot.
Ryan Reynolds as the husband is fine, but he seems TOO in-shape for the role. However, I'm sure the ladies appreciate it.
The film runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot at Silver Lake and Salem, Wisconsin, with other parts filmed in the Chicago area of Illinois.
GRADE: B
May 16, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Amityville Horror presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Andrew Douglas brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2005, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Amityville Horror took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $19.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 277 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Amityville Horror shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dorm, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Amityville Horror offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Spider Forest and Cold Prey explore similar territory, The Amityville Horror stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 14, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Budget: $19,000,000
- Revenue: $107,516,369
Where to Watch
