Amityville 3-D (1983)
AKA Amityville III: The Demon. Along with Friday the 13th and Jaws, the Amityville series jumped on the 3-D bandwagon of 1983. It's difficult to review those movies since they are usually not on video in 3-D because of the unique process used. I usually assume that it was a much more fun movie to see in the theaters with a big audience, so keep that in mind. Amityville 3-D starts off where the first movie left off. A skeptical reporter and his female partner expose some charlatans trying to exploit the house, and the reporter, enticed by the low selling price and confident in his skepticism, buys the house as his own. He never experiences any hauntings until the end, but his partner, the real estate agent, and his daughter all experience things with generally the same result. After his daughter dies in a boating accident behind the house, his wife goes a little nuts and a paranormal expert is called in for the finale. I'm probably not spoiling anything by saying that the house is destroyed at the end, giving a chance to showcase all sorts of special effects, some of which are a little too flashy and unnatural, and banishing any sequels from using the house directly.
While Amityville II used the camera to often represent the spirit's p.o.v., 3-D one-ups that by adding a fly-buzzing sound to signal the ghost's presence (as well as often using p.o.v.). However, we all know that flies buzzing is a really annoying sound, and I personally think it takes away from the creepiness to announce that type of thing all the time. However, the film does have an interesting discussion on whether or not we can ultimately say that one person's claimed experience is true or false in these areas (at least until the end proves the existence of the demon). Amityville 3-D was directed by Richard Fleischer, a Hollywood veteran pretty much known for effects films like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. David Ambrose was one of the writers, and he also did The Final Countdown earlier and D.A.R.Y.L. later.
Tagline: WARNING: in this movie you are the victim.
Hightlights: The daughter's death in the water while the mother was looking for her inside; the daughter walks in the door dripping wet and saying nothing while the mom follows her to the top floor. This prevents her from fully believing later that her daughter actually died, and it's a standout scene. Stars Meg Ryan in a very early role, as well as Candy Clark and Lori Loughlin. The whole what-is-reality theme in the film.
While Amityville II used the camera to often represent the spirit's p.o.v., 3-D one-ups that by adding a fly-buzzing sound to signal the ghost's presence (as well as often using p.o.v.). However, we all know that flies buzzing is a really annoying sound, and I personally think it takes away from the creepiness to announce that type of thing all the time. However, the film does have an interesting discussion on whether or not we can ultimately say that one person's claimed experience is true or false in these areas (at least until the end proves the existence of the demon). Amityville 3-D was directed by Richard Fleischer, a Hollywood veteran pretty much known for effects films like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. David Ambrose was one of the writers, and he also did The Final Countdown earlier and D.A.R.Y.L. later.
Tagline: WARNING: in this movie you are the victim.
Hightlights: The daughter's death in the water while the mother was looking for her inside; the daughter walks in the door dripping wet and saying nothing while the mom follows her to the top floor. This prevents her from fully believing later that her daughter actually died, and it's a standout scene. Stars Meg Ryan in a very early role, as well as Candy Clark and Lori Loughlin. The whole what-is-reality theme in the film.
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on Friday, April 08, 2005 at 4/08/2005 10:11:00 AM.
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