In 2009, the blog Dell on Movies began. In October of 2014, Dell disappeared under mysterious circumstances. This post is all that remains...
Okay, not quite. However, that is how many "Found Footage" movies begin. That type of prologue is supposed to put us "there." We're to feel that what we're watching is real. Ideally, this would heighten whatever feelings the movie might achieve without the tactic. Most often, it's put to use in the horror genre which is perfect for what's going on, here.
What's going on is another installment of Thursday Movie Picks hosted by Wanderer at Wandering Through the Shelves. I've had a great time participating in this weekly series and encourage you to join. Each week, bloggers are asked to recommend three movies based on a theme selected by her. Check out her sit for the rest of the rules.
Of course, this week's theme is Found Footage movies.
Though they existed before, they really rose to prominence after the unbelievable success of The Blair Witch Project. I think that's a wildly overrated film, but that's beside the point. The point is that mixed into a genre with lots of duds, there have been a few gems. The movies below aren't necessarily the very best of FFs, but the best ones that can call themselves horror movies.
Cloverfield
(2008)
What if some regular folks were caught in the middle of an attack on New York City by a gigantic monster? And what if they filmed their whole dangerous adventure? That, my friends would be Cloverfield. After an opening that drags a bit too long, things kick into high gear as the monster begins tearing shit up. It's just a fun ride that manages to maintain an air of mystery by wisely not explaining much. (Click here for my full review)
Paranormal Activity
(2009)
Sure, the way too many sequels vary wildly in quality. In fact, we'll take a look at one of them before the month is out. We'll also look at a spoof of it, as well. However, the original stands as a testament to what the genre could be. The performances feel the most natural of the series and the movie as a whole is unsettling, particularly if you watch it at home in the dark. (Click here for my full review)
Troll Hunter
(2010)
This time it's a group of Norwegian college kids who have left behind the footage. They actually set out to find out who is killing off all the bears in the country's forest and find themselves following gigantic and very angry trolls. The creatures are beautifully rendered, by the way. Of my three choices, this is the only one that flew below most people's radar, perhaps because it is not American, but is well worth it if you get a chance. (Click here for my full review)
I thought Paranormal Activity was effective. You are so right that it's best watched in the dark with the lights out. I haven't seen the sequels.
ReplyDeleteThe sequels are rather hit and miss. The first is head and shoulders above them.
DeleteI picked Cloverfield too, good choice! I never did get around to seeing Troll Hunter
ReplyDeleteClovetfied is such a fun flick. I hope you check out Troll Hunter. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
DeleteDespite the buzz from the viral marketing it used, I came into watching without knowing much of the premise. Cloverfield is a lot of fun, I really enjoyed it. It gave a knew take on the monster genre.
ReplyDeleteWandering through the Shelves
It really did. That so much was left unexplained made it feel like the characters in the movie were truly in the dark as we were about what wad going on.
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