Blair Witch (2016): Movie Review

Between the two sequels to The Blair Witch Project (1999), one stands out as the best and only fan-considered, serious candidate for a canon sequel. Get ready for the much revered (by some) “shaky cam” filming style and realistic character interactions. Fans are at once presented with Heather’s younger brother, James, grown up and wanting to know what happened to his sister all those years ago. Staying true to The Blair Witch Project’s found footage style, we’re shown a new creepy short found footage video from those woods which jump-starts a project with James, which could offer a clue to Heather’s end in the Blair Witch’s house. The ending of the movie left me almost hyperventilating and in awe of the actor, Callie Hernandez, portraying Lisa, the ambitious director friend of James. Other memorable characters were the humorously morbid Lane and Talia, played by Wes Robinson and Valarie Curry. This film has an appreciable ambiance with rewatch value. It’s fun, scary, and has a stomach- dropping twist among the already fervent ending. This to me is the perfect sequel to the surprise cult favorite, The Blair Witch Project. A feeling of the creator’s respect for the original story and going all the way in the horror aspect makes this world come back to life for all who loved the 1999 film. Particularly underappreciated from the original film are the actors who brought it to life with little to go on but the woods, their cameras, and each other. They paved the way for the sequels’ group of young actors to carry us through these woods again, this time with faster pacing and more action. I won't ruin the surprises, but if you have not watched this one, place it on your list!