The Poltergeist Poltergeist is one of those slightly enigmatic films, chock full o' flaws from many perspectives--including my own--that is able to rise above its countless gaffes and play like a minor masterpiece. Unfortunately, it's much easier to point out the problems than it is to say why it works. Part of it may be more generational than due to anything inherent with the film. I first saw Poltergeist in the theater as a fifteen-year-old; …showed first 75 words of 910 total…

…showed last 75 words of 910 total…giving Poltergeist a 9? It's not just that this is an important film historically that you need to watch to earn the badge of "horror fan." It's that inexplicably, like E.T., none of the flaws count for much in the big picture. Poltergeist remains entertaining, thrilling and scary anyway, and that's part of what makes Spielberg such a great director. He can give you cotton candy but miraculously make it a fully balanced gourmet meal.