Competent suspense film, but the creativity is overrated.

Rating: Null/10 (6 August 1999)

I was looking forward to seeing this film, the reputation that preceded it reminded me of the Lovecraft style of horror. However, the innovation of the faux-documentary is watered down with numerous errors and flaws, not the least of which being *product*placement* in the beginning of a documentary! The scare are genuine, although one of the night sounds, once introduced, is over-used. The premise of the three hikers becoming lost also becomes increasingly implausible, with or without a witch chasing them. This *is* probably the scariest film this year, but the competition so far is lightweight at best. Some viewers will walk out of the film simply confused, since it requires concentration from the audience to achieve the full effects intended. However, if you pay attention too closely, the flaws in the film became too abvious. If you want to see a scary film, go ahead and see Blair witch. If you want to see the classic films that introduced the trick in Blair Witch, go rent Evil Dead & Wait Until Dark.