THE AMITYVILLE HORROR (1979) ** ½

This was a big hit and was based on Jay Anson’s “true” best seller, but it’s not very scary or memorable.  James Brolin is good though as George Lutz, who is slowly driven crazy by the haunted Amityville house on Long Island, New York.  Margot (Superman) Kidder has the thankless role of his wife Cathy.  If black goop running down the walls and a swarm of flies gives you the heebie jeebies, then this flick is for you.  On the plus side, there’s a cool “demon face” in the house’s famous windows, and Rod Steiger gets to act pretty crazy as the priest who tries to bless the house.  Followed by several sequels and a 2005 remake.  Directed by Stuart (Let’s Get Harry) Rosenberg.