The 2005 remake of The Amityville Horror was a somewhat surprising commercial hit. Despite grossing over $100 million worldwide, the modestly budgeted fright flick didn't trigger a rebirth of the franchise. 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.
The story is painfully simple, which is part of the problem. Set in 1975, the Lutz family has moved into a very old house in Amityville, New York. The year before, the same house was the scene of a gruesome murder spree. The previous owner went crazy and killed his family. Spooked but undeterred, the Lutzes purchased the house knowing full well of the horror that had transpired. Within less than a month the haunted house takes demonic possession of George Lutz (Ryan Reynolds), transforming him into a deranged psycho. There isn't much more to it.
Kathy Lutz (Melissa George) is slow to realize her husband is losing it. The whole situation is more apparent to the three Lutz children, who pick up on the changes more quickly. The once amiable George becomes more menacing and unpredictable in his behavior towards them. Chelsea (Kick-Ass's Chloe Moretz), the youngest Lutz child, has an imaginary friend named Jody, who happens to have been one of the murder victims.
Not a lot happens to build suspense, causing the 89 minutes to drag more than a little. The filmmakers seemed to bank on creating an increasingly chilling atmosphere. At least they got a very effective performance out of Reynolds, who makes a very believable nice-guy-turned-madman. Philip Baker Hall phones in a supporting turn as a priest called upon to help deal with the pesky spirits haunting the house.
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