The Blair Witch Project (1999)

'The Blair Witch Project' is a 1999 found footage film that tells the tale of three filmmakers who wander into the woods of Burkittsville, Maryland to film a documentary about the infamous titular character, only to come face to face with an unknown evil which led to their mysterious vanishing.

The film is often considered the first of its kind, which is not true as films such as 'The Last Broadcast' and 'Cannibal Holocaust' had played with this idea beforehand. 'Blair Witch' is what I would consider the first film of its sub-genre to reach mainstream audiences and become one of the most profitable independent films of all time.

I caught the film years later on home video, as I was too young to even show an interest in such a film at the time. Without any of the hype that it had with its theatrical release, I was free to enjoy the film without any criticisms one way or the other and at the time, the film absolutely terrified me. The fear of the unknown and the stillness of night in the film brought some of my greatest childhood fears back to life and since then the film was a frequent on and off viewing choice for me as time went on.

That being said, I caught the film again recently to prepare myself for September's 'Blair Witch' a sequel we deserved much sooner than this. Does the original film hold up after nearly twenty years? For the most part, yes.

First off, I just want to talk about the real major flaw of the film that even got to me back then. The three filmmakers are unpleasant, annoying, vulgar, and you just don't really feel any pity for what their going through. At some points, you really want something to attack or scare them so they can stop arguing and cursing constantly. But really, other than that and trust me that is a big problem I still love this movie.

The atmosphere, the brilliant idea to switch between film and a camcorder for different effects and perspectives, the fact that they can get you so nervous by showing so little or even nothing at all. It all still works so well and gels perfectly. Sure, this film is and never has been for everyone and the younger generation used to the recent 'Paranormal Activity' films will find this film a chore, but I urge people to check it out again, late at night, on the biggest television screen you have.

'The Blair Witch Project' has become the unfortunate item of pop culture, which has drastically dulled its impact for sure, but the film still stands out as a unique film that was a big deal way back in 1999. Nothing like this was ever shown in over 2,000 theaters and audiences had never been exposed to anything like the film or its marketing. People were so convinced by the trailers and posters etc. that the film was real and people really went missing for years. I myself thought it to be true until my early teens. Nobody does this kind of film making really anymore. 'Paranormal Activity' just didn't capture that same kind of hook like 'Blair Witch' but it was clearly inspired by it and hopefully this cleverness can return soon.

Overall, the film is flawed and dated in many aspects but I still just can't help but love 'The Blair Witch Project'. It was the last of the great 90's horror films in a decade of garbage titles. Definitely give this one another chance.

((B+))

Be sure to check out the newest film in the franchise 'Blair Witch' this September. The trailer will be linked below.

(('Blair Witch Project' (1999), Stick man figure, and 'Blair Witch' (2016) are all the property of Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Visit www.lionsgate.com or www.filmratings.com for more information.))