There were two movies that literally scarred (Scared and Scarred) as a kid, and Poltergeist was one of them. This movie such damage to my psyche that it really left a lasting impression on me. It was enough to make me have nightmares that very night after seeing it in the theater. It actually affected me months after that night. As sh*tless as I was, I had my mom take me back a couple more times to see it again. Still scared me sh*tless those times as well. Eventually it found it's way onto Showtime (or maybe it was HBO), and I still found myself watching the movie. It has been well over 20+ years since I have seen Poltergeist. Last Halloween, I told myself that I would make sure to have a copy of the movie and watch it tonight. Mission accomplished!

Watching Poltergeist again after so many years, it was kind of thrilling a a super kick to see again. Does the movie still hold up? Hell yeah it does! I think it's a brilliant piece of film making. Even though it's nowhere scary like it was when I was a kid, it does provide those good jolt moments, even when you know it's coming. When it comes to the horror genre, I hold this one up near the top. It has a great story, great cast of characters and superb direction. One thing that I found to be very eye opening watching the movie tonight and something that I never really noticed till now, is how closely this resembles and feels like Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. Just the mood, music, pacing and camera work is very reminiscent of Spielberg. He may only be a Writer and Producer for the film, but there are so many small details that scream his name that it does in fact feel like a 'Steven Spielberg' directed-film.

Anyway, this is one of the greatest Horror films you will ever see and it has only gotten better with age. I'm sure you all are aware of the Poltergeist Curse, which in a way has added to it's legacy, sad as it may be, it's still part of it's lore. Highly recommend this as a Rent. Great cast includes JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O'Rourke, Dominique Dunne and Zelda Rubinstein.