Despite the cheesy title, there was a little bit of potential in 'Polterheist'. Comedy, horror and crime sounded very intriguing together, although they don't always mix perfectly, and highly appreciate all three of those genres on their own (especially crime). The premise was suggestive of it being an unsettling and entertaining film, or at least have the potential to be. The cover/poster looked quite creepy and not too silly at all.
'Polterheist' however was a mess on the whole, another waste of decent potential and have said more than once that one of my pet hates is good potential wasted. There are things that don't always make me proud to be a Brit, and watching 'Polterheist' is one of them (can think of a heck of a lot worse though, like the terrible political state we're in at the moment). There is plenty however that does make me proud, like some of the greatest literature ever written, great classical music composers and some immensely talented singers and performers amongst others.
The only real thing that stopped me from giving 'Polterheist' a lower score is there is some unintentional humour that did raise a smirk that did stop it from being a dreary experience.
Otherwise, apart from the odd moment of slick style the camera work tends to be erratic and the editing repetitive. The sound too often telegraphs what is going to happen prematurely, so nothing really surprises. Actually thought the dialogue to be quite clunky and forced, the supposed dark humour lacking wit and coming over as strained. The horror with the vengeful spirit is neither unsettling or entertaining, instead being very bland and more silly than scary (also thought it unnecessary), and plays third fiddle to the comedy and crime elements.
As for 'Polterheist's' crime element, there is no tension or suspense, not even surprises, everything is too easy to figure out and when there are any attempts to complicate the story it becomes unfocused. All three elements fail individually and make for a very muddled and unbalanced experience meshed together. Many other films and such do a far better job at the pulls no punches approach, which was pretty gratuitously done here. Didn't get anything from any of the characters, the direction struggles to balance the different elements together and the actors never really look comfortable.
In summary, a mess but not a beyond redemption one. 2/10
