Skip to main content

Poltergeist (James Kahn)


If you're a horror fan- or a fan of Steven Spielberg, you're aware of the movie "Poltergeist", right?  Well, what you may not be so aware of is the fact that there was a novel done based on the movie.

Though, it's not too far-fetched, since pretty much every movie in the 1980's had a novel done for it...

The Freelings are a happy family: A loving father and mother, two daughters and a son, and a lovable dog.  They are a happy family living in a cozy little community called Cueste Verde.  They have a comfortable home, and a comfortable life.

Soon, however, things take a turn for the worst when their daughter, Carol Anne disappears... only for her voice to start transmitting through the family television...

The only thing I'm going to say about the movie this book is based on is that I loved it when it came out.  I'll save the rest of my thoughts for a proper review at some point.

This, however, is about the book.

The book is actually pretty faithful to the movie in terms of character portrayal, quotes, and events.  However, it takes the opportunity to explore a bit of the backstory behind the investigators and the psychic Tangina.  This exploration gives these characters the "flesh" they lacked in the movie- especially the relationship between Tangina and the lead investigator, Dr. Lesh.  It was both neat, and actually quite gratifying to get such fullness to these characters- rather than them being relegated to dues ex machina roles to resolve the situation- especially Tangina.

The text itself is easy to read, and flows smoothly.  It sets up the scenes nicely, and creates a decent mood for each moment... even if it is a little dated, and not as tense as it could've been at times.

I was quite pleased with this book.  I would recommend that fans of the movie give it a read.  It might be worthwhile for the casual reader, but I wouldn't bet my money on it.  Since this book would be more for a niche of fans, I'm going to have to put "Poltergeist" in "The Bad".

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Grave Questions: Jessica Cameron

February is " Women in Horror Month "- a month in which to celebrate the impact that women have had on the genre and the industry- from writing, to acting, to directing and producing. Jessica Cameron has experienced the industry in all those capacity- making her a perfect choice for me to ask some " Grave Questions " of in order to raise awareness of the great women in Horror. Please not that this article SHOULD'VE been posted in February, but due to technical difficulties, we're putting it up now.  Thank you. TCoT :   Which female horror stars helped to inspire you to not only enjoy the genre- but to get involved in bringing scary movies to the world? Jessica :  I literally said to my " Truth or Dare " producer, "If the Soska sisters can make " Dead Hooker in a Trunk " with nothing, then I can make " Truth or Dare ".  So needless to say that those girls have been a huge inspiration in everything I do behind the

Meridian: Kiss of the Beast (1990)

Sometimes, a director/producer will surprise you- such was the case during " Terrorpolooza 2012 " when I watched Charles Band's " Meridian: Kiss of the Beast " Catherine Bomarzini has come home after her father's death.  Needing company, she asks Gina to stay with her.  Soon, the two meet a wondering troupe of performers that Catherine invites to dinner at her castle. Catherine find herself pulled into a love triangle and an ancient curse that only she can break. After watching movies like " Evil Bong ", and " Demonic Toys ", I really wasn't expecting too much from this Charles Band movie- but I was pleasantly surprised by it. The story is actually quite interesting with lots of potential for eerie scenes, and character development.  It's a nice twist on the classic " Beauty and the Beast " story.  It's a bit slower than most of Band's other works, but moves smoothly and draws you with it. I have to ad

The Phantom of the Opera

  Not too long ago, I reviewed the silent horror classic, "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror", and wound up being in the mood to view a few other of the silent horror films in my collection.  The next one I watched was "The Phantom of the Opera", starring Lon Chaney, Sr, and released in 1925.   A mysterious stranger has been threatening the star singer of the Paris Opera House- someone who has signs his letters simply as, "The Phantom".  This stranger wants to clear the way so his protege, Christine Daae can ascend to stardom herself.  Soon, her love for the Comte de Chagny collides with The Phantom's desire for Christine forcing both to take drastic actions in order to be with the one they love. " The Phantom of the Opera " actually underwent three periods of re-shoots and editing, due to poor reception and test viewings.  In 1930, a sound version was created- often assumed to be what is called "The Eastman House Print".  It is