10 More Horror Movie Remakes That Were Instantly Forgotten
3. Poltergeist (2015)
Although nobody expected the 2015 remake to have the same impact as the original Poltergeist, Gil Kenan's iteration didn't come close. While 1982's film - directed by Tobe Hooper - skilfully blended supernatural horror with suburban satire, the remake felt more like a hollow rehash.
Iconic moments from the original, like the clown toy and the "they're here" line, are redone but fall flat, since they feel like a checkbox on a remake to-do list. Instead of relying on practical effects or any noteworthy filmmaking, this mess of a movie leans heavily into generic CGI and telegraphed jump scares. (Sure, Hooper's Poltergeist also had jump-scares, but they actually made you jump.)
Another major shortcoming in this unnecessary remake is the character development, or lack thereof. The original classic spent time fleshing out the ensemble, making it scarier when they were in danger. Disappointingly, the reimagining failed to establish any real emotional investment in the family, despite the fact that the capable cast includes Sam Rockwell and Jared Harris.
In hindsight, 2015's Poltergeist was doomed to fail, since it copied the bare bones of the original rather than capturing its spirit.