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The Rewatchables ·

Poltergeist

year 1982decade 80sdirector Tobe Hoopergenre Horrorgenre Fantasy
host Bill Simmonshost Van Lathan theme Scary Month
All 34 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:06:08

Rubinstein’s acting questioned

Bill Simmons: Rubinstein may look perfectly cast as a medium while giving an unconvincing acting performance.

Bill Simmons: The response defends the importance of looking like someone who could contact another world.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:26:47

Leave a frightening haunted house

Bill Simmons: Leave the house when frightening supernatural events begin.

The film

Poltergeist (1982)

Directed by Tobe Hooper · Horror

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes
Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Craig T. Nelson Steve Freeling
JoBeth Williams Diane Freeling

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

7:19

Picking Nits

Remove clown; close curtains; stay with family; leave immediately; fear moving chairs

Remove clown; close curtains; stay with family; leave immediately; fear moving chairs

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:19Read transcript
  • Remove the frightening clown from the child’s bedroom. — Bill Simmons
  • Closing the curtains would hide the frightening tree. — Bill Simmons
  • The father should remain with his family until he knows the danger has passed. — Bill Simmons
  • The family should leave immediately instead of spending days packing and sleeping in the house again. — Bill Simmons
  • Waiting several days after the house is declared clean is again criticized. — Bill Simmons
  • The family should be alarmed by moving chairs instead of treating the phenomenon as entertainment. — Bill Simmons
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8:14

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Clowns; goo; stepmother; Carol Anne; viral footage; trauma; neighborhood; Williams’s career

Clowns; goo; stepmother; Carol Anne; viral footage; trauma; neighborhood; Williams’s career

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:14Read transcript
  • When did clowns become frightening rather than friendly entertainment? John Wayne Gacy is suggested as a turning point. — Bill Simmons
  • Why is the other side covered in goo, as in Ghostbusters? — Bill Simmons
  • Is the mother the oldest daughter’s stepmother? Ages and dialogue suggest the possibility without settling it. — Bill Simmons
  • Was Carol Anne targeted because she was the first baby born in the house? — Bill Simmons
  • How many online views would real footage of the spirits descending the stairs receive? — Bill Simmons
  • Are all the kids damaged for life after these events? — Bill Simmons
  • Would the entire neighborhood leave after the house collapses, and would the developer’s company close? — Bill Simmons
  • Should Williams have become a bigger star? Her strong work is weighed against a crowded field of contemporary actresses. — Bill Simmons
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14:59

Half-Assed Internet Research

Production debate; casting careers; curse lore; budget; football footage

Production debate; casting careers; curse lore; budget; football footage

In the discussion (22)
Approx. transcript time · 00:14:59Read transcript
  • The discussion places Poltergeist alongside Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T. in Spielberg’s early-1980s dominance. — Bill Simmons
  • The project is described as growing from Night Skies, with Spielberg’s E.T. commitments preventing him from directing. — Bill Simmons
  • Spielberg’s visual fingerprints feed the disputed account that he effectively took over directing. — Bill Simmons
  • The discussion recounts Directors Guild involvement, a fine and Spielberg’s public letter praising Hooper. — Bill Simmons
  • Frank Marshall is quoted crediting Spielberg’s storyboards and near-daily presence while identifying Hooper as the on-set director. — Bill Simmons
  • Zelda Rubinstein is reported to have said Spielberg directed all six days she worked. — Bill Simmons
  • The film is said to have lost its effects, sound-effects and score Oscar nominations to E.T. — Bill Simmons
  • JoBeth Williams’s career is traced through Kramer vs. Kramer, Stir Crazy, The Big Chill and major television films; she is praised as this film’s driving force. — Bill Simmons
  • Craig T. Nelson’s long career is surveyed from film roles through Coach, Parenthood and The Incredibles. — Bill Simmons
  • The curse discussion recounts Dominique Dunne’s murder by her boyfriend and its connection to her father’s later reporting. — Bill Simmons
  • Heather O’Rourke’s death at twelve during the third film’s production is discussed as part of the curse lore. — Bill Simmons
  • Lou Perriman’s murder and other deaths are cited in the curse discussion, with a documentary series suggested for further context. — Bill Simmons
  • Williams is reported to have found pictures repeatedly crooked at home during production. — Bill Simmons
  • Rubinstein’s reported vision of her dog before learning of its death is presented as another strange anecdote. — Bill Simmons
  • The clown apparatus is reported to have malfunctioned and actually choked the child actor before the crew intervened. — Bill Simmons
  • The film’s roughly $10.7 million budget and strong 1982 box office are cited; the transcript garbles the gross. — Bill Simmons
  • Richard Lawson’s family connections and earlier acting work are discussed. — Bill Simmons
  • Spielberg’s childhood fear of clowns and a tree outside his window is said to have inspired the movie. — Bill Simmons
  • The house is said to remain in Simi Valley, California. — Bill Simmons
  • The televised Rams–Saints game is identified as a 1980 Monday Night Football game, with the Saints losing and Archie Manning struggling. — Bill Simmons
  • A late-nineteenth-century Denver cemetery incident is cited as an inspiration, correcting an initial garbled date. — Bill Simmons
  • The collapsing house is said to have been a roughly four-foot model. — Bill Simmons
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35:12

Roger Ebert's review
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:35:12Read transcript
  • Ebert gave three stars and praised the focus on the family’s experience rather than effects alone. — Bill Simmons
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36:12

Most Rewatchable Scene

Final escalation and escape

Final escalation and escape

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:12Read transcript
  • The opening follows the dog through the family’s rooms before Carol Anne watches television. — Bill Simmons
  • Carol Anne’s second television encounter builds to the smoky hand and “They’re here.” — Bill Simmons
  • The stacked kitchen chairs retain a sense of innocent wonder before the haunting becomes threatening. — Bill Simmons
  • The tree attacks Robbie while Carol Anne disappears; earlier bedroom details prepare the later threats. — Bill Simmons
  • Dr. Lesh explains why some spirits resist entering the light. — Bill Simmons
  • The haunting escalates against the paranormal crew through the steak, maggots, face-ripping vision and headphone-wearing observer. — Bill Simmons
  • Tangina explains Carol Anne’s role and the Beast; the speech is important without being the speaker’s top scene. — Bill Simmons
  • The instructions about the light lead into the mother entering the portal and rescuing Carol Anne. — Bill Simmons
  • The final renewed attack includes the clown, the mother on the wall, the skeleton-filled pool and the family’s escape. — Bill Simmons
  • The mother climbing the wall anchors the exhilarating final escalation with the father and other protection absent. — Bill Simmons
  • Both agree on the final escalation as the most rewatchable sequence. — Bill Simmons
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36:27

Brandy Booth Award for Best Performance by a Pet

Golden retriever

Golden retriever

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:27Read transcript
  • The golden retriever receives the Brandy Booth pet-performance award for its opening rounds and work throughout the film. — Bill Simmons
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37:04

What’s Aged the Worst?

Catcalling; TV snow; effects; haunting terminology; family naïveté; sequels; remote; edit; remake; pan-and-scan

Catcalling; TV snow; effects; haunting terminology; family naïveté; sequels; remote; edit; remake; pan-and-scan

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 00:37:04Read transcript
  • Television snow and stations going off air are less familiar in the cable era. — Bill Simmons
  • Construction workers catcalling the teenage daughter, and her mother laughing, have aged badly. — Bill Simmons
  • The face-melting effects look dated, although that is expected from an older film. — Bill Simmons
  • The distinction between a poltergeist and a haunting is challenged because multiple dead people appear to be haunting the development. — Bill Simmons
  • The family lacks later haunted-house movies as a reference for recognizing the danger. — Bill Simmons
  • The second and third films are disliked or barely remembered. — Bill Simmons
  • Using a remote to change a neighbor’s television no longer feels possible. — Bill Simmons
  • An abrupt edit after the chair-sliding scene is attributed to removing a Pizza Hut joke after the company objected. — Bill Simmons
  • The 2015 remake is rejected as unnecessary. — Bill Simmons
  • Pan-and-scan cable presentations harmed the film’s composition and rewatchability compared with widescreen. — Bill Simmons
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51:30

The most 1982 thing

Atari 2600

Atari 2600

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:30Read transcript
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52:39

What’s Aged the Best?

Window fear; evil developer; family ghost films; title; family setup; marijuana; Spielberg’s reassurance; DirecTV parody

Window fear; evil developer; family ghost films; title; family setup; marijuana; Spielberg’s reassurance; DirecTV parody

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:39Read transcript
  • Fear of something outside the bedroom window remains timeless. — Bill Simmons
  • The callous developer fits a memorable era of evil businessman characters. — Bill Simmons
  • Family ghost films returned and expanded into a major genre. — Bill Simmons
  • The word poltergeist is praised as an effective name for a noisy ghost. — Bill Simmons
  • The opening establishes an ordinary three-child family before the supernatural events begin. — Bill Simmons
  • Smoking weed in bed while the parents hang out has aged well. — Bill Simmons
  • Spielberg is reported to have joined Williams in the skeleton pool to reassure her. — Bill Simmons
  • A 2008 DirecTV parody with Nelson and Carol Anne prompts nostalgia. — Bill Simmons
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58:19

The most GIFable moment

Carol Anne at the TV; face-ripping vision

Carol Anne at the TV; face-ripping vision

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:19Read transcript
  • Carol Anne at the television and her “They’re here” turn are nominated. — Bill Simmons
  • The grotesque face-ripping image is another GIF candidate. — Bill Simmons
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58:36

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Skeletons in the pool; graves reveal

Skeletons in the pool; graves reveal

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:36Read transcript
  • Skeletons rising in the pool are the main cinematic-shot choice. — Bill Simmons
  • The reveal of graves beneath the planned development is also praised for explaining the haunting. — Bill Simmons
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59:17

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

Graves beneath the development

Graves beneath the development

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:17Read transcript
  • The graves beneath the planned development receive the location award. — Bill Simmons
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59:32

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Steak and maggots

Steak and maggots

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:32Read transcript
  • The steak and maggots win the food-and-drink award. — Bill Simmons
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59:43

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Score, with a family-tone defense

Score, with a family-tone defense

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:43Read transcript
  • The score is criticized as too happy and insufficiently creepy despite its Oscar nomination; a defense argues the family-film tone was deliberate. — Bill Simmons
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1:05:29

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

No selection

No selection

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:29Read transcript
  • Rubinstein and the doctor are considered but rejected as overacting candidates. — Bill Simmons
  • The boy is briefly considered, then defended because the character is supposed to be terrified; no winner is selected. — Bill Simmons
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1:05:46

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

The Haunting; The Beast

The Haunting; The Beast

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:05:46Read transcript
  • The Haunting and The Beast are suggested, with the latter judged more aggressive in tone. — Bill Simmons
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1:06:08

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Rubinstein’s acting questioned; stronger-actress alternatives; ghost-world racial dynamics

Rubinstein’s acting questioned; stronger-actress alternatives; ghost-world racial dynamics

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:08Read transcript
  • Rubinstein may look perfectly cast as a medium while giving an unconvincing acting performance. — Bill Simmons
  • The response defends the importance of looking like someone who could contact another world. — Bill Simmons
  • Sally Field with unusual makeup is proposed as an alternative medium. — Bill Simmons
  • Shirley MacLaine is proposed as a potentially stronger medium. — Bill Simmons
  • Viola Davis is imagined commanding the room as the medium. — Bill Simmons
  • Meryl Streep is another imagined medium, with an objection that the role may be too small. — Bill Simmons
  • A comic theory imagines reversed racial power dynamics in the ghost world to explain why these ghosts target white families. — Bill Simmons
  • A counterargument attributes the shortage of Black ghost stories to limited opportunities and investment for Black filmmakers. — Bill Simmons
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1:10:11

Casting What-Ifs

King; Spano; unverified MacLaine rumor; Barrymore

King; Spano; unverified MacLaine rumor; Barrymore

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:11Read transcript
  • Spielberg is reported to have asked Stephen King to co-write the screenplay, but King declined. — Bill Simmons
  • Joe Spano is said to have been wanted for the father but unable to leave his television contract. — Bill Simmons
  • An online claim that Shirley MacLaine declined a role is explicitly unverified. — Bill Simmons
  • Drew Barrymore was considered for Carol Anne before being placed in E.T., which is judged the better career outcome. — Bill Simmons
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1:11:10

Van Lathan Award for Did This Movie Need More Black People?

Lawson appreciated; developer and doctor alternatives debated

Lawson appreciated; developer and doctor alternatives debated

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:10Read transcript
  • Richard Lawson’s presence is appreciated, with surprise that his character remains in the haunted house. — Bill Simmons
  • The evil businessman knocking down headstones could have been Black; the reply jokes that this would not happen. — Bill Simmons
  • The doctor is suggested as another role that could have been played by a Black actor; the response ultimately expresses satisfaction with Lawson. — Bill Simmons
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1:12:16

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Zelda Rubinstein

Zelda Rubinstein

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:16Read transcript
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1:12:27

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Evil developer; Dominique Dunne alternative

Evil developer; Dominique Dunne alternative

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:27Read transcript
  • The evil developer wins for his calm explanation and anger at the father; Tangina is rejected as a heat-check performance. — Bill Simmons
  • Dominique Dunne is praised as another candidate, with a concern that she has too much screen time. — Bill Simmons
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1:13:06

Recasting Couch

Gosselaar; Schroder; Lawrence as the brother

Gosselaar; Schroder; Lawrence as the brother

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:06Read transcript
  • Mark-Paul Gosselaar is proposed to replace the little brother. — Bill Simmons
  • Ricky Schroder is proposed and enthusiastically supported. — Bill Simmons
  • Joey Lawrence is another proposed replacement for the brother. — Bill Simmons
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1:13:49

What Would Tony Romo’s Director’s Commentary for This Movie Sound Like?

Chris Collinsworth

Chris Collinsworth

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:49Read transcript
  • Chris Collinsworth is selected, with an imagined commentary on the portal rescue. — Bill Simmons
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1:14:22

Best Double Feature

Ghostbusters; E.T. first, then Poltergeist
Poltergeist
Ghostbusters
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:22Read transcript
  • Ghostbusters is selected; its team could have helped this family. — Bill Simmons
  • Ghostbusters is reaffirmed as one pairing. — Bill Simmons
  • E.T. is the other choice, watched first for a warm-to-dark progression. — Bill Simmons
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1:17:30

Apex Mountain

Spielberg; Williams; bedroom clowns; closet portals; family ghost films; cursed productions; haunted-house escape

Spielberg; Williams; bedroom clowns; closet portals; family ghost films; cursed productions; haunted-house escape

In the discussion (10)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:30Read transcript
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1:19:15

Cruise or Hanks?

Hanks, after initial Cruise preference

Hanks, after initial Cruise preference

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:15Read transcript
  • Cruise is initially chosen to explore him in horror, but the discussion settles on Hanks as the everyday father; another Hanks response follows. — Bill Simmons
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1:19:55

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

Poltergeist as a racehorse

Poltergeist as a racehorse

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:55Read transcript
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1:21:32

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

All-Black cast; limited series across haunted houses

All-Black cast; limited series across haunted houses

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:32Read transcript
  • An all-Black cast is suggested as the natural remake approach, while the actual remake is still rejected. — Bill Simmons
  • A five- or six-episode prestige series might work, potentially following different houses over the graves. — Bill Simmons
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1:22:09

Is This Movie Better With…?

Sam Jackson as the paranormal investigator

Sam Jackson as the paranormal investigator

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:09Read transcript
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1:22:43

Just One Oscar

Visual effects; screenplay

Visual effects; screenplay

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:43Read transcript
  • Visual effects and screenplay are the two stated Oscar choices. — Bill Simmons
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1:26:05

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

The neighborhood empties

The neighborhood empties

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:05Read transcript
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1:26:17

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Television; Darth Vader object alternative

Television; Darth Vader object alternative

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:17Read transcript
  • The clown is firmly rejected; a Darth Vader head or clock is preferred among the Star Wars objects. — Bill Simmons
  • The television is another choice and is favored for maximum value. — Bill Simmons
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1:26:47

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Leave a frightening haunted house

Leave a frightening haunted house

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:47Read transcript
  • Leave the house when frightening supernatural events begin. — Bill Simmons
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1:27:24

Who Won the Movie?

JoBeth Williams; Spielberg also considered

JoBeth Williams; Spielberg also considered

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:24Read transcript
  • Ghost movies are initially credited, followed by JoBeth Williams as the individual choice. — Bill Simmons
  • Spielberg or Williams are considered; the discussion emphasizes Williams carrying the film while Spielberg received most of the credit. — Bill Simmons
Podcast choices
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More from the conversation

Van Lathan joins for Scary Month; the opening also discusses Agatha All Along and The Penguin.
Approx. transcript time · 00:01:59Read transcript
Poltergeist was selected for its large cultural footprint, including the lore surrounding its production.
Approx. transcript time · 00:02:55Read transcript
Late-1970s and early-1980s horror repeatedly makes familiar people, homes and enclosed spaces frightening.
Approx. transcript time · 00:03:38Read transcript
Poltergeist and A Nightmare on Elm Street made unavoidable everyday experiences—home and sleep—feel dangerous.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:34Read transcript
The family initially treats moving chairs as exciting because it lacks later haunted-house movies as a warning system.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:34Read transcript
Darth Vader imagery adds threatening details to a supposedly safe bedroom.
Approx. transcript time · 00:07:38Read transcript
The decade’s religious atmosphere is connected to horror about invisible forces and the afterlife.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:46Read transcript
The era’s films trap people in homes, isolated places or situations they cannot control.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:47Read transcript
The Entity’s repeated sexual assaults by a spirit are considered exceptionally disturbing and difficult to remake.
Approx. transcript time · 00:10:28Read transcript
A Nightmare on Elm Street is described as a shift toward mainstream pop-culture horror while retaining moral ambiguity.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:08Read transcript
The ghosts can be read as victims whose resting place has been disturbed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:38Read transcript
The discussion catalogs fears of hidden threats, altered loved ones and becoming something inhuman oneself.
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:11Read transcript
The Fright Night remake is defended as underrated for its threatening-neighbor premise.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:21Read transcript
An American Werewolf in London is added to the era’s important horror films.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:38Read transcript
A haunted home undermines hope and roots; the father’s work selling the development strengthens his initial faith in it.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:51Read transcript
The family, suburban setting, supernatural children and persistent hope make the film feel Spielberg-like.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:05Read transcript
A reported conversation with a spouse concludes she would enter the portal while he held the rope; household responsibilities become the joke.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:58Read transcript
A claim that Nelson should have played more villains is revised after several villain roles are recalled.
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:31Read transcript
The internet is said to have weakened urban legends while amplifying conspiracy theories; the supposed curse sits between these ideas.
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:59Read transcript
The discussion questions whether curse stories became marketing, while noting some events happened after release.
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:12Read transcript
A future Super Bowl poster and the timing of O’Rourke’s death are noted as a coincidence in the curse lore.
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:53Read transcript
The television’s channel number and O’Rourke’s age at death are linked as another eerie coincidence; the curse became television-documentary material.
Approx. transcript time · 00:27:36Read transcript
Room 237 illustrates how viewers impose competing conspiracy interpretations on a film; the same tendency is applied to Poltergeist.
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:27Read transcript
An explicitly speculative conspiracy tangent alleges a music executive benefited from a rapper’s death; this is an unsupported personal theory, not an established account.
Approx. transcript time · 00:29:19Read transcript
The tangent debates competing JFK-assassination conspiracy beliefs without resolving them.
Approx. transcript time · 00:30:54Read transcript
Sasquatch and Loch Ness creatures are entertained as possible undiscovered animals, contrasted with documented deep-sea life.
Approx. transcript time · 00:31:30Read transcript
A disputed theory treats Michael Jordan’s baseball hiatus as a secret suspension; the opposing view questions why a commissioner would conceal the punishment.
Approx. transcript time · 00:32:32Read transcript
The conversation returns to the movie after recommending Room 237.
Approx. transcript time · 00:34:43Read transcript
The mother’s upbeat response makes her seem like an appealing partner even amid the strange events.
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:26Read transcript
Childhood memories compare the frightening tree with Amityville’s recurring time and Nightmare’s unnoticed slips into sleep.
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:30Read transcript
A reported childhood trip to The Shining with a parent is jokingly described as inappropriate.
Approx. transcript time · 00:41:59Read transcript
The speech prompts belief in lingering spirits and an observation that people who report ghost experiences take them seriously.
Approx. transcript time · 00:43:17Read transcript
Tangina’s mistaken clean-house declaration prompts a basketball comparison between a capable medium and an elite one.
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:04Read transcript
An Eddie Murphy haunted-house routine is invoked to support leaving immediately.
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:28Read transcript
The Atari sighting prompts memories of Intellivision and its sports games.
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:16Read transcript
A question about a Black family equivalent prompts discussion of Death by Temptation.
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:29Read transcript
Def by Temptation is recommended for its succubus story and frightening television sequence; it is said to appear on an upcoming Black horror top-ten list, whose full rankings are not supplied.
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:15Read transcript
The deleted joke prompts nostalgia for Pizza Hut restaurants and regional pizza chains.
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:55Read transcript
A horror-remake discussion defends When a Stranger Calls as better than its original and rejects the Rob Zombie Halloween films.
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:54Read transcript
The expansion of Black science fiction and horror is welcomed; The Blackening is praised, with a less enthusiastic airplane viewing response.
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:37Read transcript
Ghost-hunting interest among Black people is contrasted with the 1980s, with Ernie Hudson cited alongside Lawson.
Approx. transcript time · 01:12:04Read transcript
A reported visit to the Menendez house prompts discussion of streaming documentaries reviving old true-crime stories.
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:11Read transcript
Looking up the Saints’ season leads to watching their narrow win over the Jets and celebration at avoiding a winless year.
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:30Read transcript
Archie Manning’s difficult career is jokingly imagined as a bargain for his descendants’ football success.
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:55Read transcript
Putting the television outside at the end provides a final reassuring laugh.
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:00Read transcript
A comic imagined conversation gives the ghosts escalating frustration at the family’s lack of fear.
Approx. transcript time · 01:20:42Read transcript
A first-time viewer finds the family warmth and dated effects make the horror approachable, like a theme-park ride.
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:41Read transcript
A question about whether the effects were impressive in 1982 receives a clear affirmative response.
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:54Read transcript
The closing discussion again reads Spielberg’s influence in the camera movement and prominent production credit.
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:40Read transcript
The maternal connection and family dynamics make the mother entering the portal feel right.
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:21Read transcript
The ghosts are treated sympathetically as having a grievance, while the developer is the real villain; a sequel is said to complicate that reading.
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:01Read transcript
The closing explicitly continues Scary Month, with three more October films planned.
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:33Read transcript
The longer running time is defended for patient family setup and quiet suspense, despite a general preference for short movies.
Approx. transcript time · 01:31:46Read transcript
Night Shift is remembered as an especially brisk earlier selection; Van Lathan and Craig are thanked.
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:17Read transcript