While <em>Blair Witch</em> wasn't the first found footage movie ever created, it certainly was the one that thrusted the genre into the forefront of popular horror themes. The film style has continued to grow throughout the years, with everything from home videos to security footage being used to craft stories from a more candid view. Out of all of these, I still think the original <em>Paranormal Activity </em>is my favorite, with the later sequels still being enjoyable. There is something so terrifying about how small the horror is at first, with simple drafts moving a sheet, or a door creaking closed a few inches. But the use of security cameras and home footage give the feeling of, "This could happen to anyone," and makes the characters and situation more believable. The final act, with all of the terror being in the open, the intensity, and the confusion of the camera angles really hits hard despite how short it lasts. While the quality of the franchise might be debatable, it's still one of my favorites that I frequently rewatch.
