My Amityville Horror

Great movie. It's more about childhood trauma and human perception than about the scary things that may or may not have happened at the Amityville house.

If you're looking for a good ghost story or spectacular new revelations you're going to be disappointed. My Amityville horror asks more questions than it answers and does it in a fascinating way.

Daniel Lutz is obviously scarred by everything that took place and uses the opportunity to exorcise some demons of his own. Does that make him a reliable witness? That's up to the viewer.

Highly recommended.

I've noticed with the Lutz family interviews that all of them including Daniel Lutz that they don't really explain or go into detail about the events that took place in that house in 1975 and '76. I feel as though in this film they really do more of a personality sketch and check on Daniel as they try to get him to explain in some way shape or form the events going on in the house.

This movie is dramatic, interesting and kind of gives way to how emotionally scarred this older guy is from all the press, media, and failing on George Lutz part as a parent. This movie will engross you more about the Amityville Horror and what really made these kids what they are today.

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.

This is interesting enough but not for the reasons the film makers Intended. If this was anything other than The Amityville Horror, he would just be another "crazy guy" telling his stories, with everyone rolling their eyes. It's a great character study and really demonstrates the effects of trauma, whatever the truth may be.

For a person who claims he wishes someone had asked him to give his version of events in the famous Amityville Horror haunting story, Danny Lutz shares very little of it in this documentary. The man is clearly in pain, clearly carrying a load of emotional baggage. However, the more he talks, the more it seems that Danny Lutz's angst centered on his hatred of his stepfather, George Lutz.

For all the interview questions asked of him, for all the talking he does, Danny Lutz says very little. The Amityville Horror story has become very murky over the years. The only thing anyone can seem to agree on is that the book and movie were wildly inaccurate. OK? So, what's the real story? In interviews, George Lutz spent much of his time talking about what DIDN'T happen in the house. Danny Lutz doesn't take that route, but he's clearly holding something back.

Are the few paranormal experiences Danny Lutz shares convincing? Not especially. He does himself no favors claiming to have witnessed George Lutz moving tools around his garage with telekinesis.

Out of the 90 minute only two things were made clear: Danny Lutz hated George Lutz. Danny Lutz hated being identified as "that Amityville Horror kid". Neither is much of a revelation and neither sheds any light whatsoever on this campfire story that just won't go away.