The Amityville Horror (2006 movie)

***The Amityville Horror*** is a 2006 American supernatural horror movie. It was directed by Andrew Douglas. It was written by Scott Kosar. It is a remake of the 1979 movie of the same name, which was based on Jay Anson's 1977 book _The Amityville Horror: A True Story_. The movie stars Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George, Jesse James, Jimmy Bennett, and Chloë Grace Moretz. The story follows the Lutz family as they move into a house in Amityville, New York, where they experience paranormal phenomena linked to the house's violent past.

The movie was released on April 15, 2005 by MGM and Dimension Films. It was a commercial success, grossing over $108 million worldwide against a $19 million budget. However, it received mixed to negative reviews from critics. Some praised the performances and atmosphere. Others criticized it for lacking originality compared to the original movie and other horror movies of the time.

## Plot

In 1975, George and Kathy Lutz, along with their children, move into a large house in Amityville, New York. Soon after moving in, the family experiences a series of disturbing supernatural occurrences. George's behavior begins to change, and he becomes increasingly hostile. Kathy tries to uncover the truth behind the house's violent past.

## Cast

|Actor|Role|
| --- | --- |
|Ryan Reynolds|George Lutz|
|Melissa George|Kathy Lutz|
|Jesse James|Billy Lutz|
|Jimmy Bennett|Michael Lutz|
|Chloë Grace Moretz|Chelsea Lutz|
|Philip Baker Hall|Father Callaway|

### Development

In the early 2000s, MGM and Dimension Films decided to remake _The Amityville Horror_ to capitalize on the resurgence of interest in horror movies. Andrew Douglas, known for his work in commercials and documentaries, was brought on board to direct his first feature movie. Screenwriter Scott Kosar, who had previously written _The Texas Chainsaw Massacre_ remake, was tasked with adapting the story.

### Casting

Ryan Reynolds was cast as George Lutz, a significant departure from his previous comedic roles. His portrayal of George, transitioning from a loving stepfather to a man consumed by the house's dark influence, was praised by critics. Melissa George was cast as Kathy Lutz, bringing emotional depth to the character.

### Filming locations

The movie was shot in Illinois, with a specially constructed house designed to replicate the iconic Amityville house. The production team aimed to create an atmosphere of dread and tension through practical effects and eerie set designs.

### Challenges

During production, there were reports of strange occurrences on set, which some attributed to the alleged curse associated with the real Amityville house. These stories were used in the movie's marketing to add to its mystique.

### Critical reception

_The Amityville Horror_ received mixed to negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a rating of 24%, with the consensus stating that it "offers little in the way of genuine scares and fails to improve upon its predecessor."

Roger Ebert gave the movie 2 stars out of 4, criticizing its reliance on jump scares and clichéd horror tropes. However, some critics praised the performances, particularly that of Ryan Reynolds, who brought a surprising intensity to his role.

### Box office performance

Despite the critical reception, the movie was a commercial success. It grossed over $65 million domestically and $43 million internationally, bringing its total to over $108 million worldwide. The movie's success led to renewed interest in the Amityville story, spawning several more movies and documentaries.

## Legacy and cultural impact

The 2006 remake of _The Amityville Horror_ is considered a notable entry in the horror genre of the 2000s. It reignited public interest in the Amityville case and inspired several low-budget movies that attempted to capitalize on the story's notoriety.

Ryan Reynolds' performance is often cited as a highlight of the movie, marking a turning point in his career from comedic roles to more serious dramatic performances. The movie also contributed to the trend of remaking classic horror movies for modern audiences.

## References

1. "The Amityville Horror (2006) - Box Office Mojo."
1. "The Amityville Horror (2006) - Rotten Tomatoes."
1. Ebert, Roger. "The Amityville Horror (2006) Review." Chicago Sun-Times.