Review: Amityville II: The Possession (1982)

As any horror aficionado or dedicated collector knows, the Amityville saga has a storied place in the annals of horror cinema. Amityville II: The Possession, released in 1982, serves not just as a sequel but a prequel to the notorious original. It's a film that dives into the murky past of the infamous haunted house, shedding light on the sinister events that predated the Lutz family's terrifying experience. Whether you're a fan of the franchise or an avid collector, there's a lot to unpack about this often-overlooked entry in the series.

Plot Summary

Amityville II: The Possession takes us back before the events of the original Amityville Horror. The film introduces us to the Montelli family, who have just moved into the notorious house on Ocean Avenue. As they settle in, it becomes clear that the house harbors dark secrets. Strange occurrences begin to plague the family, creating a foreboding atmosphere that culminates in possession and violence. The film explores themes of familial tension and supernatural malevolence, maintaining a gripping pace without revealing too much until its chilling conclusion.

Performances

The performances in Amityville II are notably intense, with Burt Young taking on the role of the patriarch, Anthony Montelli. Known for his tough-guy persona, Young brings a gritty realism to the character, adding layers of complexity to a father struggling with his own demons. Supporting him is Rutanya Alda as Dolores Montelli, who delivers a performance filled with vulnerability and strength, capturing the desperation of a mother trying to hold her family together.

However, it’s Jack Magner as Sonny Montelli who stands out with a memorable portrayal of a young man under the influence of dark forces. Magner's ability to convey the internal struggle and eventual surrender to the possession is genuinely unsettling. His transformation throughout the film is both strong and distressing, giving viewers a front-row seat to the psychological torment that the house inflicts.

Direction and Craft

Directed by Damiano Damiani, Amityville II: The Possession benefits from a strong directorial vision that prioritizes atmosphere and tension over cheap thrills. Damiani, primarily known for his work in Italian cinema, brings a unique stylistic flair to the film, blending elements of horror with psychological drama. His approach creates a sense of foreboding that permeates every scene, keeping audiences on edge.

The film’s cinematography, handled by Franco Di Giacomo, captures the eerie ambiance of the haunted house with great skill. The use of shadow and light plays a crucial role in building the film’s suspense, while the set design ensures the house itself feels like a character in its own right. Lalo Schifrin’s score further enhances the unsettling atmosphere, with music that underscores the film’s darker moments without overshadowing the narrative.

Collector's Verdict

For collectors, Amityville II: The Possession presents an intriguing proposition. It's a film that, while not as widely celebrated as its predecessor, offers a deeper exploration into the lore of the Amityville house. The movie's eerie atmosphere and effective performances make it a valuable addition to any horror collection. While the DVD and Blu-ray versions are readily available, the VHS format holds a special charm, capturing the vintage essence of early '80s horror films.

In terms of rarity, Amityville II is considered uncommon. It's not the hardest film to track down, but finding a well-preserved VHS copy can be a bit of a treasure hunt. For those who love the thrill of collecting physical media, this adds an element of excitement to the acquisition process.

A 3.5-star rating reflects the film's strengths in atmosphere and character portrayal, though it lacks some originality in its storytelling. Nevertheless, for horror collectors, the film is a worthwhile addition due to its unique prequel narrative and atmospheric tension.

In conclusion, Amityville II: The Possession stands as a strong, if slightly underappreciated, entry in the Amityville series. Its focus on the prequel storyline offers fans and collectors a different perspective on the memorable, supported by solid performances and an engaging direction. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore horror films from the era, this film is certainly worth considering for your collection.