A normal happy family that lives in house that ends up being haunted. I know we have heard this a million times before but this movie is great even as an adult it still scares me. It starts out really amusing for the Freeling Family, the ghost seem to be harmless and they just want to play I guess... The ghost start to change they become mean ,and playing tricks they want what they came for Carol Anne (Heather O'Rourke). Carol Anne has started to talk to the ghost or sprits through the TV giving you the feeling that something maybe watching you through your TV. The TV screen with no picture but there is some form a supernatural communication between the evil sprits and Carol Anne.

The big scary tree in the yard seems to come to life (we all know that when we were kids there was a tree that was spooky looking its will make you connect with the movie, you hooked and it make you jump.) Then it happens they take Carol Anne through a portal in her closet. She ends up in another world on the other side (here again makes you think of the nightmares when you were a kid that there was something in your closet, just maybe it was a portal to the other side).

Carol Anne's parents Steve and Diane Freeling (Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams) have to face some harsh reality that there is something out there and that there daughter has disappeared or has been kidnapped from her own closet. They are going to have to call in a group of para - normal investigator to try and get there daughter back. Dr. Lesh (Beatrice Straight) is the lead member of the team along with the clairvoyant Tangina Barrons is (Zelda Rubinsteinso).

Tangina assist with paranormal phenomena, being able to calm the fears of her parent but also finding the portal that maybe the key to saving there daughter. There is a creepy feeling thoughout the movie. The tension really starts to build as when they are trying to keep Carol Anne from the light. I found myself say don't go to the light. The ending is great you will think its over at one minute then you realize your wrong, It the final twist in a great movie.

Its amazing that the main characters in the movie are children, Heather O'Rouke played Carol Anne at 5 years old she was fabulous Then 8 year old Robbie played by Oliver Robins he was a delight to watch , and the eldest of the child stars is 18 year old Dominique Dunne as Danna. Its ashame that O'Rouke and Dunne both passed away at such a young age. There are lots of stories that it was part of a curse set on the people who made the film.

The special effect and the music are structured and they keep you drawn to the movie there is great roles casted perfectly. The music throws in the perfect twist to keep you on the end of your seat. As for the speical effect you would not think it was the 80s they still work. Its either the script the music or the special effect it does not matter this movie is a classic horror film, they didn't have to use blood and gore to make there point.

In 1983 the Academy of Science Fiction Fantasy and Horror awarded Poltergeist with the Saturn Award in 3 catagories; Best Horror Film, Best Make-up, and Best Supporting Actress.

The movie was also Nominated for 3 other catagories but did not win they were: Best Actress, Best Director and Best Music.

In 1983 Poltergeist won the BAFTA film Award for Best Special Visual Effects.

Heather O'Rourke was also nominated for The Young Artist Award for Best Young Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.