While The Amityville Haunting doesn’t break new ground with how it uses security cameras, night vision or direct address-style confessionals, it’s arguably the most successful aspect of this entry. Alas, that’s something of a low bar to clear.

This found footage movie could have easily been constructed after reading a how-to book titled Paranormal Activity for Dummies.

Cliches abound, as does overkill, while the characters are irritating. And yet, a wound-up tension is impressed without noticing.

I can think of literally not one way in which the film doesn't mostly humiliate itself.