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Poltergeist III: Okay, Hear Me Out (and Then Tell Me I'm Wrong)

Okay, friends, let's talk about the Poltergeist sequels. I know, I know, generally considered a no-go zone. But I just rewatched Poltergeist III, and... look, it's not good, but I think it gets a worse rap than it deserves? Hear me out! Heather O'Rourke, bless her heart, does what she can. And I actually kind of buy the idea of Kane using mirrors to get to Carol Anne. The whole high-rise setting is kinda creepy in its own right – all those blank, reflective surfaces. There's a scene where Carol Anne is talking to her reflection and it swaps with Kane... genuinely unsettling! And the scene where the apartment fills up with ice? Pretty effective! Tom Skerritt is trying his best to look concerned which is always fun to see. I also remember in my youth being scared of the doctor who keeps looking at himself in the mirror instead of doing his job. Also Nancy Allen is giving it everything she's got, love her. I think the main problem is that it clearly suffered from (I'm assuming) a ton of studio interference and it was a production with a very sad context -- Heather O'Rourke passing away before it's release is a tragedy. Plus, no JoBeth Williams or Craig T. Nelson? Huge loss. But still, the visual effects are sometimes surprisingly decent for the time, and there are fleeting moments where you feel that Poltergeist magic flickering. I'm not saying it's a hidden gem, but maybe, just maybe, it's not completely terrible? What do you guys think? Am I completely off my rocker here?

rachelscreentime
3 months ago
5 comments
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