This film you'll either love or hate...

Rating: Null/10 (28 June 2000)

and it all comes down to just what your expectations are.
In all horror films that work, there are really only two mechanics that grab the viewers and give them the shakes. The first is the contemplation of some idea or concept that is truly horrifying. This is very rarely the case in films, as most films cannot convey complex concepts and ideas that well. Some films that deal with the possibilities of disasters and "aftermath" films try. Films like _The Andromeda Strain_ come to mind - although obstensibly a sci-fi film, the premise of this film when I saw it first years ago really gave me the chills.
Then, more often, there are films that give you a vicarious scare by letting you imagine yourself in a dangerous or terrifying situation. This is a lot easier to do, of course, and so most horror films fall into this "suspense-thriller" pattern. I like the former better, but this - if done well - can still scare pretty good, and can still make for a great film.
_The Blair Witch Project_ does both. And the ONLY reason it works at all is because it does use both elements - one by itself given this film just won't work, and if you "don't get it" - if either part goes over your head - you're just going to be confused by this film. I think that is why so many people don't like it.
But if you can grasp onto the supernatural horror of this film, and if the "ultra-realistic" way it was filmed can help let you put yourself into the film (like it did for me) then this film is VERY creepy and will keep you awake listening to those little bumps in the night for a good long time. Only one thing though - do NOT see this on the big screen, because you'll be too distracted by the feeling in your stomach at the "bad" camerawork. Besides, the better setting is in a nice dark room... or tent... at night... lost... in the woods... :-) Enjoy.