The first half of this movie is really solid. The script, costume, acting. The lead characters both do an excellent job and they get the perfect balance with the hunting discussion, movement, and then the slightly isolated setting. It sets such a great foundation and i can't over emphasise how the two leads deliver really credible dialogue - it just feels real. Genuinely impressed with their acting. Also, don't worry about the camera footage - it being a sort of found footage movie. It's not like the Blair Witch nonsense shaking until you're nauseous.
However, the last third of the movie falls into cliche. Suddenly they're running blindly, the screaming is hunting them, and predictable silly actions that are found in most poor horror movies become the norm (Spoiler warning) like walking into the river where the woman killed herself - failing to be aware that it can drag you under water and drown you. At this point the acting slips a little. It's still ok, but it's no longer as believable as in the first half. The plot originality has gone. One good part was Josh viewing the footage and seeing his buddy being dragged away. Aside from that it was very much a rehash of all the usual ghost/poltergeist nonsense.
In sum, LOVED the first half, the tail end lost that genuine feel. Pretty good overall, but with an original ending this could've been awesome - i'd prefer to have seen it go low and not kill the leads, just let them walk out and do some interview about their experience. You don't need a murderous close to deliver the spookiness - sometimes less is more. Leave it open for a potential part 2.
However, the last third of the movie falls into cliche. Suddenly they're running blindly, the screaming is hunting them, and predictable silly actions that are found in most poor horror movies become the norm (Spoiler warning) like walking into the river where the woman killed herself - failing to be aware that it can drag you under water and drown you. At this point the acting slips a little. It's still ok, but it's no longer as believable as in the first half. The plot originality has gone. One good part was Josh viewing the footage and seeing his buddy being dragged away. Aside from that it was very much a rehash of all the usual ghost/poltergeist nonsense.
In sum, LOVED the first half, the tail end lost that genuine feel. Pretty good overall, but with an original ending this could've been awesome - i'd prefer to have seen it go low and not kill the leads, just let them walk out and do some interview about their experience. You don't need a murderous close to deliver the spookiness - sometimes less is more. Leave it open for a potential part 2.