Is it scary? real? Doesn't matter, "Blair Witch" works

Rating: Null/10 (10 October 2011)

**** out of (****) (FRESH)
The iconic late-90's faux documentary, a staple in modern horror and occultism, exuded sheer terror and ferocity back in the day. However, the authenticity of the project and its strong marketing strategies didn't hurt a bit. But it wasn't just a financial success, it was a critical one as well. How does "The Blair Witch" hold up today? It all depends on your fixation of fear. If you are prone to A.D.D. style of filmmaking with quick-cuts, generic jump scares, and gore galore, you'll absolutely hate this film with a passion and tell all your Facebook friends how awful this film is and how no one should see it. On the contrary, if an eerie atmosphere and a slight interest in mythology lures you in, this film should be a highlight in cinema, just as it was for many.
"Blair Witch" is a film, dressed up as a documentary, shot with 16mm cameras which revolves around three friends wanting to shoot the doc. but simultaneously unravel the truth. However, in doing so, will their testament be false? will it be true? will they survive?
I don't know about you, but ask me what I think one of the scariest movies of all time is and I'll name this movie. Just the tone it sets and what lies around in their surroundings is just so gruel and unnerving, I was at the edge of my seat for the entire running time. If you can setup a pitch-perfect mood like these guys can, your movie automatically reaches an accomplishment. But what makes "Blair Witch" have layers is its strong character development. Each and every character is easily relatable and their acting chops show. One mistake people make is that good acting should be the equivalent to likable characters. That's not always the case. If you have protagonists, maybe obnoxious ones at that, but can give one hell of a performance and fulfill their job as an actor, that is all that is required.
Now what "Blair" does to take that extra mile is that the movie is secondary. What a secondary horror film to me is is when it feels three dimensional, when you feel it is so real it's like you're in the movie. "Blair" is such an example and that's where the terror lurks. What makes "Blair" so scary? Its authenticity. The character setup, the tone, the direction. It's all there. If you're not one to appreciate such things, again, this movie isn't for you.
Is it scary? real? Doesn't matter, "Blair Witch" works. If you're a fan of great cinema and attempts at embarking a new style of filmmaking, it's just improbable to dislike a film of this nature. Here's my letter to the twenty first century: You can keep your "Paranormal Activity", but "Blair Witch" is for the late 90's kids.