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Poltergeist backdrop

Poltergeist

22 May 2015English1h 33m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 5 scored reviews · 2 not rated

A tech-updated haunter that can't escape the shadow of its 1982 source.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Modern technological updates to scares
  • Criticised: Lacks originality over original

Audience

User score 3.0 out of 10 from 2 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet
Read 1 audience review ↓

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 7 critics are saying

Critical reception for this remake of the 1982 classic is largely negative, with most critics finding it an unoriginal retread that fails to justify its existence. The film's modern touches, including a drone and smartphone usage, were noted by a couple of reviewers, though these were generally dismissed as minor or poorly executed. The most consistent complaint across reviews is that the film offers nothing new, relying on familiar horror tropes and clichés while failing to match or surpass the original. A structural problem — the big reveal arriving too early — and wildly inconsistent effects further undermined the experience for many critics.

How the 5 scores spread

2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 7 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (7)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    Almost entirely a copy, and with hardly any improvement over the old Poltergeist, this is a film where nothing appears new. Except for the use of 3D and a strategically used camera-mounted drone. The first is pointless, the second ridiculous.
  2. Top critic

    Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    The only differentiating factor in the remake is that it veers away from the original in the third act, but by that time the film has already betrayed its audiences. There's no escaping that you're watching something you've seen a dozen times before. If only there was a dimension of ghosts who terrorize filmmakers who rely on clichés to entertain his audiences.
  3. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    The Bowen's house of horrors is a minefield of scares. Evil dolls, clowns, toys and even the gnarled old tree outside. And of course, closets that contain more than just clothes and shoes. Interesting modern touches, such as an innovative use for a drone and a rogue smartphone are added but the pace is just too breezy.
  4. The Navhind Times

    Film review ·

    ...sadly, it has nothing new to contribute to the original film. Haunted houses, creaking doors, strange noises in the middle of the night, and scary looking toys in the attics - all this has been done to death in horror films over the years. Poltergeist gives us more of the same.
  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    ...the original 1982 film was a cult classic. If you're going for a redo, at least up the game. Scare-wise, there's nothing here, we haven't already seen. Effects-wise, it wildly fluctuates between the truly scary and the laugh-out-loud parts. And more so, toward the latter.
  6. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    Although the film connoisseur may not approve of this remake of classic horror film, Gil Kenan's Poltergeist is packed with enough thrill to keep you entertained. Shot in 3D, the film will take you on a scary ride. And, whether you accept it or not, there's always something creepy about closets.
  7. Firstpost

    Film review ·

    The trouble with this new Poltergeist is that the big reveal comes too soon, much before the halfway mark. Where's the slow burn? Why didn't you let me even try to figure it out by myself first? And now what's the point of the rest of the film? It's just a light-and-sound show that says, "Look at what my CGI team can do!"

From our readers

Audience reviews (1)

2 ratings · user score 3.0

  1. Omkar JoshiMay 2015
    5/10

    Average horrorness in the film. Limited "shock moments" as horror thriller movie is concerned! Not a must watch!

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