The best horror film of the '90s, but not for everyone

Rating: Null/10 (1 November 1999)

First off, this film is NOT for everyone. Do you feel like you need to see something to be scared of it? Do you have no imagination? Then don't even bother. Blair Witch is...I don't want to call it a "thinking man's" horror film, as it doesn't raise any philosophical questions (though it will keep people talking for a while) but it is definitely more for people who have a strong imagination. No gore, no makeup, no boogie monster, and no shocks...just pure unadulterated terror.
I won't even bother with the plot, since everyone already knows it. The 2 merits of the film is in the style: everything is very gritty, with no music and nothing that ever strikes one as fake. For example, take the scene where Heather opens up the bundle of sticks (don't worry, I won't reveal what's inside!). In a typical horror film, she would let out a long scream and you would hear "dun dun dun" on the soundtrack. Here, it all seems so real you can't help but feel the same terror and helplessness as she.
Secondly, the acting is amazing. This is Method acting taken to the extreme...nobody gets "everyone I know is dead but I'm going to investigate that strange noise anyway" scared. No, they get "I'm so terrified I can't even move or stop crying" scared. Like a real person. And they aren't your typical seemingly retarded teenagers who can't seem to walk into a room without tripping, either. You get to know them, and the first half of the film is even very funny, as you get to hear them chatting and quipping away, oblivious to what will happen. I can't wait to see these three in other roles!
All in all, this is a must-see film for everyone, though not everyone will like it. Personally, I love it. I should also mention that it's MUCH scarier in retrospect than in the theater. The final scene STILL hasn't left my mind.