Luis Sanchez (VOS410)

Thought something special was prepared before camera action, only after viewing the film, it surely left a lofty disappointment.

Director Jim Sheridan (My left foot, In the Name of the Father) tackles yet another sensitive subject with a cast to do it the justice it needs starring Jake Gyllenhaal (The Day After Tomorrow, Brokeback Mountain), Natalie Portman (V for Vendetta, The Professional) and Spiderman's own - Tobey Maguire.

Synopsis: A marine with a loving family is proclaimed deceased after his disappearance within Afghanistan. After an error is made of his supposed death, the man that once was Sam isn't the man that returns.

The director (good choice) to deliver the goods for this movie didn't quite grasp it. Not enough point was given to the development of the situations at hand and fell flat threw most of its duration. By the time the ending nears, you're feeling stuck in an intermission that'll last till its DVD releases with nothing extra to watch besides interviews, commentary and (if any) deleted scenes.

The trailer definitely gives it a run for its Golden Globe nomination. Tobey Maguire gives a severe performance that may just earn him an Oscar nomination as well. Natalie Portman gives it all she's got at one point in the film with incredible accuracy, and if that's not enough, keep your eye on Bailee Madison; she did her job well.

Before the diabolical "Paranormal Activity", there was the Amityville Horror.


Director Stuart Rosenberg does his own paranormal doings in this ghostly demonic terror starring James Brolin and Superman's women Margot Kidder.

Synopsis: A newly married couple with children moves into a new home for a happy life beginning. But in a matter of days, a paranormal disturbance in the house has the family in shambles that leads them into believing their house is surely haunted.

If you happen to have liked the premise on "Paranormal Activity" then you'll most enjoy this film that will give you more or less the same situation. Only in this one, there is not only a demon walking around the house, but a child ghost lurking about. Not everyone would find this very scary - it was made so long ago, but you may find Jody (little girl ghost) a bit frightening regardless that she is a spirit and not there to harm anyone.

Then of course you could go ahead and take a look at the remake for a mix and match; see how they compare, but I thought this original is the better one.