Starring: Heather Donahoe, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard

Director: Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez (II)

Category: Horror

Tag Line: "In October of 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittesville, Maryland, while shooting a documentary. One year later, their footage was found. "

Rating: 18

Premise: A group of film students decide on a project based on the old myths of The Blair Witch, which is said to roam the woods outside of Burkittesville, Maryland.
After doing a few interviews with people in the town, they venture into the woods, never to come out again.

Summary: After all the hype that we were getting from the States I was expecting this to be something special indeed. Especially since it was made on $30,000 and has scooped up over $200,000,000 to date! That is over 2000% profit. So it was that we entered the auditorium in Plymouth's Warner Village and anticipated the start of the 'scariest film ever made'.
Now, to cut this long story short, it doesn't really match up to the mantle 'scariest film ever made'. That can be saved for other films, but it is a contender for the eventual title of 'best horror film that leaves brown stains in your trousers'. This film is just sublime. Sanchez and Myrick are geniuses.
It was filmed entirely on camcorder and black & white, with all the motion sickness stirring action you expect without camera booms and steady-cams. It was fantastic. So original, you wonder why no-one else had used the technique in this way.
As for the plot, what can I say? It is very diarreahic. Not because of gore, there is only one scene in the whole film that has any kind of gore in it. The essence of the scare factor is in the mental build-up and the intense atmosphere that this film creates in your minds. The cinema was silent throughout the entire film. Everyone was engrossed, totally. The only person who came out looking totally non-plus was Laura Parker-Bowles, daughter of Camilla Parker-Bowles, who we met as we were coming out!
Anyway, to get back onto the track, the story follows these three students as they track the legends and discover something a lot more sinister…the truth behind them. It starts with simple noises, like the breaking of twigs outside the tent. The next night is followed with whispers and cackles. The next night is rustling of the tent canvas, which will freak you out totally! This all leads up to them all going insane with fear and one of their number running off/kidnapped/abducted by aliens, whatever. So, then those two start off by trying to find their way out whilst being tormented by their unseen nemesis. It seems like no matter what they do or where they go they are being led. Eventually, led to a house which follows a story told to them by the locals.
I cannot tell you more than this as I have spoiled the film too much already. Just watch this film and be scared of ever going in the woods ever again!

Absolutely marvelous camera work
Genius production, actually leaving the actors in the woods, not knowing where they were or what would be coming next.
Totally spooky story

Cons:
Sometimes you feel the script could have been worked on.
You will wish you had worn a warmer jumper.

Rating: 9/10