This Steven Spielberg-produced horror film (1982) neatly inverts the antifamily themes of shockers that were being made during the same period (including those of its nominal director, Tobe Hooper—The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Funhouse), presenting a squad of spooks who help a giggly, dope-smoking young couple mature into the responsible parents they ought to be by kidnapping their daughter. Though the shocks are well conveyed, it’s the sweetness that lingers, making this the first cute and cuddly entry in the genre. With JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, and Beatrice Straight.
Poltergeist
PG • 1 hour 54 min • 1982