Watch Amityville II: The Possession

Amityville II: The Possession is a 1982 horror movie directed by Damiano Damiani. It is the second installment in the Amityville Horror film series, which is based on the real-life events that took place in November 1974 at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. The movie tells the story of the Montelli family, who move into the infamous house in Amityville. The patriarch of the family, Anthony (Burt Young), is an abusive father who physically and mentally abuses his wife Dolores (Rutanya Alda) and their five children. However, the family's problems get much worse after they move into the Amityville house.

Soon after they move in, strange things begin to happen. Anthony begins to act bizarrely, and a malevolent force takes control of him. The eldest son, Sonny (Jack Magner), finds a hidden room in the basement, which seems to be the source of the evil. He becomes possessed by the malevolent force and starts to behave strangely, causing concern among his siblings and parents.

Meanwhile, the family priest, Father Adamsky (James Olson), starts to investigate the strange occurrences in the house. He discovers that the house is built on the site of an ancient Native American burial ground, which is causing the evil spirits to manifest. Adamsky tries to exorcise the evil spirits from the house and the family, but his efforts are in vain.

The movie is a supernatural horror film that combines elements of possession and haunted house narratives. The film's themes are centered on family dysfunction, abuse, and the corruption of innocence.

One of the film's strengths is its focus on the Montelli family's dysfunction. The family's issues are not limited to Anthony's physical abuse but extend to the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by Dolores and their children. The film does not shy away from depicting the disturbing and violent nature of the family dynamic. By doing so, it underscores the gravity of the supernatural threat to an already vulnerable family.

The movie's possession elements are also well-handled. Sonny's possession is portrayed as a gradual and disturbing transformation, with Jack Magner's performance being one of the highlights of the movie. The special effects are effective, if somewhat dated, and the film's use of practical effects helps to create a sense of dread.

The movie's pacing is slow, which may be a turn-off for viewers who prefer more action-packed horror films. However, it does allow for a more nuanced exploration of the family's dynamics and the possession element's slow, insidious takeover. The film's climax is tense, violent and satisfying, though it may not be entirely unexpected for viewers familiar with the possession subgenre.

Overall, Amityville II: The Possession is a solid entry in the Amityville Horror film series. While it may not be as iconic as the first film, it manages to stand on its own merits. Its themes of abuse and possession are handled with care, and its climax is satisfying. It may not be for everyone, but viewers looking for a slow-burn supernatural horror film with well-drawn characters and effective special effects will find plenty to enjoy here.

Amityville II: The Possession is a 1982 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6 and a MetaScore of 34.