I saw this movie on a first date, and let me tell you, it is a fantastic first date movie. There are a lot of scares, a lot of tension building, perfect thing to get a girl pawing at your arm, or jumping in your lap, depending on the girl. If you've seen the original, then you already know the story; if not, then the first 5 minutes will pretty much get you up to speed: a man goes crazy and kills his entire family while they are all sleeping soundly in their beds. Then, another family moves in to their house, and surprise surprise, bad things ensue. I have seen the original, but it was years and years ago, and I don't really remember any of it, so for all intents and purposes, I went into this movie with a clean slate.

Directed by Andrew Douglas, this is his first feature film. Leading the way in front of the camera is Ryan Reynolds (Van Wilder, Blade: Trinity) in an unusually serious role. He does get a few chances to try and get a life, but when you're living in a cursed house that is slowly driving you crazy, in a very homicidal way, there's not a lot in life to laugh about. Reynolds plays George Lutz, the father of the family that has moved in to the Amityville house. I'm intentionally trying to not give too much away, so suffice to say, the house has a very corrupting influence on poor George.

As with any movie, it has gotten mixed reviews, both from critics and from fans. But when I saw it in the theater, you could tell everyone present was jumping from fright, and there was no shortage of screaming. Definitely worth seeing if you don't mind a little gore.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George, Jesse James, Jimmy Bennett, Chloe Moretz, Rachel Nichols, Philip Baker Hall

Director: Andrew Douglas

Released: 2005

Time: 90m / 1 hour and 30 min.