20th Century Fox has unleashed the first teaser trailer for the upcoming remake of the classic horror film Poltergeist. Leaving nothing up to chance to ensure that this is a remake that won’t tarnish the original, the teaser gives us the goods of iconic scenes involving TVs, clowns, closets, and trees. After the break, see the trailer for yourself as well as our hi-res screenshot gallery.

As much as I enjoy Sam Rockwell’s presence in any film, I’m not so enthusiastic about a remake of a horror film that didn’t need updating. Did Poltergeist truly warrant a modern take so the apparitions could take advantage of the family’s wi-fi? Or perhaps the TV looks too outdated in the original for kids these days to comprehend a screen more than 2-inches in depth?

This remake looks passable at best. It’s kind of hard to screw up a remake with source material that worked so well in the first place. My biggest gripe is the fact that they brought in Jared Harris to be the spiritual medium. The guy is typecast in this teacher/professor role, and I’m sick of seeing him portrayed as such. Zelda Rubinstein was perfect in the original because she had this kooky vibe that meshed well with the subject matter and tone of the character. Jared Harris is vanilla.

(Click on any thumbnail below to begin the image gallery)

Here’s but a brief plot synopsis, courtesy of 20th Century Fox, for those who have never seen the original Poltergeist before:

Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi (“Spiderman,” “Evil Dead”, “The Grudge”) and director Gil Kenan (“Monster House”) contemporize the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is haunted by evil forces. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and hold the youngest daughter captive, the family must come together to rescue her before she disappears forever.

Directed by Gil Kenan, Poltergeist stars Sam Rockwell, Jared Harris, Rosemarie DeWitt, Saxon, Sharbino, Kyle Catlett, Kennedi Clements, and Nicholas Braun. This film hits theaters on July 24, 2015.

You can follow me on the Twitters @TyRawrrnosaurus

Source: 20th Century Fox