Review Detail

The theatrical cut of Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 is quite possibly one of the worst sequels and horror films I've ever seen. This edit that attempts to bring the film closer to Joe Berlinger's original vision, with a linear narrative and little of the studio-mandated gore, is stunning in how much better it is. Sure, the acting still isn't the strongest, but the ambiguous descent into madness story works so much better when it's put in linear order and really fits the tone Berlinger went for: starting off as a light-hearted, fun romp but getting darker and darker as it goes on and on. This also makes Berlinger's social commentary on the blurred line between what's real and what's not, as well as on fanaticism and obsession, much less confused and more focused. So, yeah, consider me pleasantly surprised. Also, the addition of ELO's 10538 Overture as the end credits song is a stroke of genius.