Believe it or not, "The Amityville Horror II: The Possession" is marginally better than the original. Maybe it's because it shamelessly borrows from superior horror films. The movie sets the stage with the infamous Amityville house, then throws in elements from "The Exorcist," "Poltergeist," and even the book "Murder in Amityville."
"Amityville II" actually serves as a prequel, focusing on what happened before the Lutzes arrived. The film itself is vague on the timeline, featuring 1982 cars despite the first "Amityville Horror" coming out in 1979.
The movie opens with a chilling image of the house, its attic windows glowing ominously. A "For Sale" sign sits out front, which, admittedly, made me chuckle. A family soon moves in, led by the abusive Burt Young (think Rocky's brother-in-law). His reign of terror includes beating his wife and kids, while his wife suffers in silence. Meanwhile, the incestuous subplot unfolds between the older son and his sister, who seeks solace in the local priest. Of course, the house isn't exactly thrilled with these new tenants. We learn it's built on a sacred Native American burial ground (sound familiar, "Poltergeist" fans?) and even boasts a secret room leading to a crypt (although this detail contradicts the first movie).
As the voices escalate and the son spirals, he ends up killing his entire family before being thrown in jail. The priest then realizes the boy was possessed by a demon, and the film devolves into a blatant "Exorcist" rip-off for the final act.
For a movie brimming with religious iconography, "Amityville II" surprisingly fails to grapple with basic theological questions. Why would evil spirits be offended by the desecration of a pagan burial ground, and why wouldn't a Mohawk medicine man be more fitting than a Catholic priest? But hey, who needs logic when you have possession tropes, right?
There are some saving graces here. Jack Magner and James Olson deliver decent performances, and the technical aspects, particularly the editing by Sam O'Steen, are well done. However, the core "Amityville" saga itself remains utterly unbelievable.
So, is "Amityville Horror II" worth watching? If you're a horror buff and enjoy spotting blatant homages, it might be a mildly amusing watch. Otherwise, steer clear and stick with the classics that inspired this derivative film.
4.75/10.
"Amityville II" actually serves as a prequel, focusing on what happened before the Lutzes arrived. The film itself is vague on the timeline, featuring 1982 cars despite the first "Amityville Horror" coming out in 1979.
The movie opens with a chilling image of the house, its attic windows glowing ominously. A "For Sale" sign sits out front, which, admittedly, made me chuckle. A family soon moves in, led by the abusive Burt Young (think Rocky's brother-in-law). His reign of terror includes beating his wife and kids, while his wife suffers in silence. Meanwhile, the incestuous subplot unfolds between the older son and his sister, who seeks solace in the local priest. Of course, the house isn't exactly thrilled with these new tenants. We learn it's built on a sacred Native American burial ground (sound familiar, "Poltergeist" fans?) and even boasts a secret room leading to a crypt (although this detail contradicts the first movie).
As the voices escalate and the son spirals, he ends up killing his entire family before being thrown in jail. The priest then realizes the boy was possessed by a demon, and the film devolves into a blatant "Exorcist" rip-off for the final act.
For a movie brimming with religious iconography, "Amityville II" surprisingly fails to grapple with basic theological questions. Why would evil spirits be offended by the desecration of a pagan burial ground, and why wouldn't a Mohawk medicine man be more fitting than a Catholic priest? But hey, who needs logic when you have possession tropes, right?
There are some saving graces here. Jack Magner and James Olson deliver decent performances, and the technical aspects, particularly the editing by Sam O'Steen, are well done. However, the core "Amityville" saga itself remains utterly unbelievable.
So, is "Amityville Horror II" worth watching? If you're a horror buff and enjoy spotting blatant homages, it might be a mildly amusing watch. Otherwise, steer clear and stick with the classics that inspired this derivative film.
4.75/10.
