Barely a few weeks ago, talking about the aversion that was Blair Witch Project seemed like a chilly, nostalgic throwback to when horror meant absolute gut-wrenching terror. The screens have not had something quite as apparitional and cadaverous since then. Perhaps that’s why a throng of horror film and gore fanatics crowded Comic-Con theaters to catch an all-new ‘The Woods’ movie. Little did they know what was brewing behind the charade. It was all shock and awe as fans got the ultimate double whammy at the spectacular reveal of the all-time favorite; Blair Witch Project.
Lionsgate decided to pull one over unsuspecting horror fans in a spectacular caliber of privacy that Hollywood rarely enjoys anymore. It was as Comic-Con where the studio pulled off a coup by uttering two simple words; Blair Witch. That’s not all; after proudly announcing a third Blair Witch film in the kitchen, Lionsgate then went ahead to screen the entire complete movie to a theater full of dedicated, unwitting horror fans who showed up waiting to see the brand new horror flick; The Woods. Surprise, surprise; nobody saw this one coming.
The Woods was filmed lock, stock and barrel chock-full of secrecy without as much as a hint. It will be the first real sequel to 1999’s Blair Witch Project which pulled an astounding $248 million at the box office as a pioneering piece in the horror industry. For those old enough to recall the first found footage horror movie that sent icy chills through the spines of countless Americans, they know who to thank. The original Blair Witch Project was written and edited by spook geniuses Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick.
Now, while Book of Shadows or Blair Witch 2 did try to make an (unsuccessful) appearance back in 2000, critics argue it performed moderately because it abandoned the original found footage technique that worked wonders the first time around.
For horror film enthusiasts who haven’t caught the trailer, it seems this Blair Witch Project sequel will fall back to its tried and tested formula for success. That’s right; it even goes as far as continuing the plot with the original character’s brother looking to solve the fearsome mystery of his sister’s disappearance. After finding a new tape on the outskirts of the wood, the main character assembles a team to document the search for his lost sibling. Much like the original movie, crazy and bizarre things start to happen after setting up camp. Buckle up, it only gets bloodier and more ominous from here.
While this particular sequel does not feature any members of its predecessor’s writers or stars, the creative team here are no slouches. Far from it; Writer Simon Barett and Director Adam Wingard collaborated to bring forth this unerringly ghoulish work of art. The movie itself can only be described as an outright assault on the senses, guaranteed to shake even the toughest fans to the core. A must watch.
You must be logged in to post a comment.