Poltergeist (1982)

 

A family's home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts.

From memory: Big-budget paranormal horror movie is exactly what one would expect by a Spielberg production of a movie directed by a genre expert like Tobe Hooper: a visually brilliantly staged and performed ghost drama with lots of thrills and excitement, but not much more than a suburban family's visit to Disney World.

Halliwell**: "Skilful but dramatically thin and sometimes rather nasty horror movie in which the producer's hand seems often to have controlled the director's. Misjudgement must be the reason that it was not the huge success intended."

Maltin***1/2: "Sensationally scary ghost story...Paced like a roller-coaster ride, with dazzling special effects - and a refreshing sense of humor." 

Patterns (1956)

 

When Fred Staples is recruited onto the board of a high-powered New York corporation, he finds his ethics and ambition at odds. 

Electrifying business drama based on an excellent Rod Serling play convinces with its intensity and high-class performances.

Halliwell***: "Tense little boardroom melodrama with domestics asides, one of the best of the filmed TV plays of the mid-fifties."

Maltin***1/2: "Trenchant, masterfully acted drama of greed and abuse of power in corporate America..."