The Amityville Horror (2005) Review: A Mediocre Haunted Tale

Simon (0:00)

Today's review is on The Amityville Horror.

The Amityville Horror, directed by Andrew Douglas, is a 2005 remake of the iconic haunted house tale that originally hit screens in 1979 The film follows George, played by Ryan Reynolds, and Kathy Lutz, portrayed by Melissa George, as they move into a seemingly perfect Long Island home with their three children. Unbeknownst to them, the house was the site of a gruesome mass murder just a year prior. As the family settles in, they are soon haunted by a sinister presence that begins to unravel their lives over a harrowing 28 days. The movie attempts to capture the chilling essence of the original story, which was based on the allegedly true experiences of the Lutz family. However, this remake struggles to deliver the same level of suspense and terror. While the film does offer some tense moments, such as a scene where the family babysitter is terrorized, it often falls into the trap of relying on familiar horror tropes. The narrative is peppered with spooky children, nervous pets and doomed babysitters, making it feel like a collage of every horror movie from the past decade. Ryan Reynolds delivers a commendable performance as George Lutz, portraying his descent into madness with intensity. His character's transformation is one of the film's highlights, though it is overshadowed by a meandering second half that lacks the necessary momentum to maintain audience engagement. Melissa George, while convincing as Cathy, seems too youthful to convincingly portray a mother of three, which slightly detracts from the film's believability. The film's attempt to ground itself in reality with a based on a true story claim is undermined by its over-the-top supernatural elements. The inclusion of a Native American torture chamber and demons drenching their earthly proxies in blood feels more like a distraction than a contribution to the story. The film's reliance on flashy visuals and loud sound effects further detracts from its potential to genuinely scare. Despite its shortcomings, The Amityville Horror does have moments of dark humour, particularly in scenes involving a sexy babysitter who frightens the Lutz children with tales of the house's gruesome past. However, these moments are not enough to elevate the film beyond its status as a mediocre remake.

In summary, The Amityville Horror is a watchable yet forgettable horror film that fails to live up to the legacy of its predecessor. While it offers some entertainment value, it ultimately lacks the depth and originality needed to leave a lasting impression. For those seeking a truly terrifying haunted house experience, this film may not be the ideal choice.

That brings us to the end of my review of The Amityville Horror, and I'm giving it two and a half stars out of a maximum of five stars.

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