Horror is almost a dead movie genre. The 90s has only seen a few notable films that show an innovative dose of terror--In The Mouth Of Madness, Lord Of Illusions, Hellraiser III, and New Nightmare come to mind.

A few years back, Kevin Williamson was credited with rejuvenating the horror genre with the Scream series (Part 3 is due out this Christmas). I enjoyed both of those pictures, but aspiring filmmakers Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez have taken the genre to new heights with their new mockumentary, The Blair Witch Project.

Back in 1994, three documentary filmmakers went into the woods of Burkittsville, Maryland to get the scoop on a local legend. Five days later, they disappeared without a trace, but the footage they shot was recovered.

This is as innovative as horror films get. Shot on a shoestring budget, the filmmakers aren't interested in showing you blood, guts, and digitally made monsters. Instead, they are interested in putting you right in the middle of the terrifying action and setting a gloomy tone that you won't soon forget.

Myrick and Sanchez have rounded up an impressive cast of newcomers as well. As these three energetic twentysomethings find themselves reduced to panic-stricken, screaming victims, you'll be right there with them. The low budget quality of the film and the shakey, hand-held camera movements only add to the effectiveness of this scary thrill ride--bringing to mind the Demon POV shots in Sam Raimi's Evil Dead. These two young directors should be commended for putting horror back into the horror genre. They are obviously directors who have a passion for it. They know that what you don't see is far more terrifying than anything a special effects company can put onto the screen.

The Blair Witch Project caused quite a stir at this years Sundance Film Festival. In fact, it was the talk of the town and after watching it, I can see why. The film offers no explanations--just a journey into pure terror. It's a highly innovative and atmospheric horror film that succeeds on every level.