My Amityville Horror (2012)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
Daniel Lutz was the stepson of George Lutz who most will remember as the father who claimed that his home in Amityville was haunted, which led to a bestselling book as well as a hit film, which followed with countless sequels. This is without question the most famous haunted house in history but more recently most people believe it was all just a hoax. Speaking for the first time, Daniel certainly doesn't believe it was a hoax as he explains what exactly happened inside the house as well as the various other forms of abuse that he suffered through the hands of George. Those expecting this to prove the Amityville case will probably be disappointed. While it's true that the case is discussed in great detail, I think the real focus of the film is on the mental state of Daniel and the obvious abuse he got from his stepfather. Look, no one except for the Lutz's will ever know what really happened in that house but after seeing this film I think I'm pushed further into believing that nothing did. It's clear that Daniel is suffering from some very strong mental problems, which are either true or perhaps everything here was just a performance. Again, only he will know for certain. Hearing the various stories of abuse he took from his stepfather and hearing how he felt his mother left him is something that could haunt a person just as much as a ghost inside the house. There are times when his stories are quite chilling but how much you believe them is going to have a lot of impact. It's worth noting that a title card at the end says the other two children were originally going to take part in the documentary but backed out. Also interviewed are many of the original journalists who covered the case as well as Lorraine Warren who of course is red hot now thanks to THE CONJURING.
