Heather O’Rourke

[4] There’s really no way to make a good sequel to Poltergeist and retain any sense of dignity in the doing. But even if you go into Poltergeist II: The Other Side knowing it’s one of the most unnecessary sequels ever made, you’ll probably still find yourself disappointed. The Freeling family (JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Heather O’Rourke, and Oliver Robins) are back, living with …

[4] There really isn’t a compelling reason for those ghosts to continue haunting poor little Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke). But if it were a stand-alone movie outside a famous franchise, Poltergeist III might not have been half bad. There’s inventive use of mirrors throughout the movie (it’s how the spirits travel this time around), and the aspect of a broken family trying to reforge itself …

[10] A suburban family seeks the help of paranormal investigators after their youngest daughter is kidnapped by malevolent spirits inside their own home. Poltergeist, written and produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), is an emotional and visceral thrill ride that I have cherished since childhood. The story’s family, the Frelings, are quirky but entirely believable. You get invested …