Hype Hurts a Decent But Unspectacular Film

Rating: 7/10 (25 July 1999)

I applaud the unique, un-cliche-ridden approach that the filmmakers took with their "Blair Witch Project". It is very refreshing to see a horror film that doesn't breakdown into all the predictable and ridiculous situations ("Don't back into that dark room alone!!") There is nothing particularly ORIGINAL about "Blar Witch", although it is an unusual approach and one that is rarely done, let alone done well.
However, the hype surrounding this movie leaves me baffled. For one, it really hurt to know certain details beforehand (these details have been crammed down our throats via TV and radio for a month or so, now). There are so few points in the movie where something creepy actually happens, that to know of them before the lights have even gone down strips them of any eeriness. But more than that, it created expectations for this film which were unrealistic. Is it a good film? Yes, if you can technically call it a "film". Is it a GREAT film? Not by a long shot.
The movie is more creepy to think about than it is scary to watch, and I don't regret seeing it. Just think twice before you join the mobs downtown who are waiting for hours to get in.