31 Days of Spooky- Day 10
The Original Amityville Horror is a classic horror movie with too many adaptations. It's a very atmospheric film that has left a mark on the world of horror cinema. This is also the first movie on the list that is supposedly based on a true story!
The story revolves around a family that moves into this beautiful but creepy house in Amityville, New York that is home to a very dark past. This is a classic haunted house trope movie, but it is done pretty darn well. The house, with those sinister "evil eye" windows, is like a character itself. It's got a really ominous vibe that makes you feel like something bad is just waiting to happen. From the room full of flies to the demonic voice demanding that you get out of there, The Amityville Horror is another movie I grew up loving and is the start with (too many) remakes in my opinion.
The movie excels in creating a sense of isolation and dread. You can feel the cold drafts, hear the mysterious noises, and see the dark and malevolent forces at work within the house like you're there yourself. The use of practical effects and eerie cinematography is perfectly effective, as most practical effects are. James Brolin and Margot Kidder deliver solid performances as George and Kathy Lutz. Watching their descent into madness and fear is palpable, and you can't help but empathize with their experiences with the evil entities they're encountering.
While the movie's claims of being based on a true story have been widely disputed, it doesn't take away from its effectiveness as a horror film. It remains a classic that has influenced countless other haunted house movies over the years. Overall Rating: 8.0 Rewatchability: During spooky season sure!
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