Scary? It seems to be subjective. Do see this once.

Rating: Null/10 (17 February 2004)

I have never seen such a polarity of viewpoints on a movie. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground here. Okay. I'm on the side of those who thought this was a good movie. It gave me some truly genuine creeps. But I know why. I've spent time in the woods....in the night...in the dark. There ARE things out there that can get you going. Some of the noises in the film were very reminiscent of those I had heard. So, that got me going right there. I was a captive audience and was having flashbacks throughout the film.
The acting seemed very convincing to me. Like, HEY! I know people like this! Very real portrayals. You can, if you let yourself, become one of the gang - a quiet partner on the trip, so to speak.
The camera work should require Dramamine. If you are prone to motion sickness - this film will do it. It isn't so bad on the small screen though. Nonetheless, for what the intent is in this film - the camera work is very appropriate. Once again you can feel like one of the gang running your a** off.
Naturally there is no music. Nor should there be.
I believe the lighting is all it should have been as well.
Now for the chill factor....I was fascinated and began to freak a bit the first time I saw this...I admit. I thought the story was very plausible. Who knows what's really out in those woods. You're never really sure even when it reveals itself.
Oddly enough, as much as I liked it the first time, it lost ground the second time through. In fact, I may not feel like watching it again for a while. I must admit - some of what people complain about in this film was more apparent the second time through. But I wasn't 'caught up' in my imagination the second time through. But that's the key here, folks. If you can put yourself there - it can be rather effective.
The story and the whole PR idea itself is really quite good though. Bill Castle would have been proud of this one.
I recommend at least 1 viewing for everyone.