The Amityville Horror is a 2005 American horror film directed by Andrew Douglas. It is a remake of the 1979 film of the same name which itself was based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Jay Anson, which documents the alleged experiences of the Lutz family after they moved into a house on Long Island which had been the scene of a mass murder committed by Ronald DeFeo, Jr. who shot six members of his family there in November 1974.
On November 13, 1974, at 3:15 am, Ronald DeFeo, Jr. shot and killed his family at their home, 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. He killed five members of his family in their beds, but his youngest sister, Jodie, had been killed in her bedroom closet. He claimed that he was persuaded to kill them by voices he had heard in the house.
George and Kathy Lutz and her three children from a previous marriage, Billy, Michael and Chelsea move into what they believe will be their dream home, 112 Ocean Avenue situated on the waterfront in Amityville. When George questions the asking price, which is well below market value, the realtor confesses the house was the scene of a brutal murder. Despite some misgivings, George acquiesces to his wife’s wishes and purchases the property. Almost immediately, the family is plagued by a series of unexplained and apparently supernatural happenings…
Reviews:
” …the movie comes from Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes, a studio practically dedicated to furnishing older horror titles with a fresh perspective, especially when they’re not needed. In this instance, a remake happens to be justified because the original is somewhat weak and boring. In other words, this ‘Amityville’ is better at delivering the horror about a possessed house.” High-Def Digest
“Watching the film on the newly released two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, it isn’t hard to see why. There are a handful of effectively creepy moments and a nice change of pace turn from Ryan Reynolds. Otherwise, there aren’t many reasons to recommend this.” Blogcritics.org
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“Where the most effective horror films build up tension with memorable scary bits and plenty of dread, this is simply instant gratification for the MTV crowd. With its splatter-gun approach and the now de rigeur ghostly kid, the Amityville remake may raise the odd neck-hair, but only until your popcorn runs out.” Sky Cinema
Cast and characters:
Ryan Reynolds … George Lutz
Melissa George … Kathy Lutz
Jesse James … Billy Lutz
Jimmy Bennett … Michael Lutz
Chloë Grace Moretz … Chelsea Lutz
Rachel Nichols … Lisa
Philip Baker Hall … Father Callaway
Isabel Conner … Jodie Defeo
Brendan Donaldson … Ronald Defeo
Annabel Armour … Realtor
Rich Komenich … Chief of Police
David Gee … ER Doctor
Danny McCarthy … Officer Greguski
Nancy Lollar … Librarian
José Taitano … Stitch
Technical details:
1 hour 30 minutes
Aspect ratio: 2.39: 1
Audio: DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS
Box office:
$107,516,369 theatrically worldwide on an estimated budget of $19 million
Trailer:
Amityville movies timeline:
