I’d purposely steered clear of as much info as I could regarding TBWP before going in. I’d seen a few minutes of the Sci-Fi Channel’s “framework” documentary, I never logged onto the flick’s official or unofficial web sites, and I passed up the plethora of reviews, interviews, articles and features on the filmmakers and their trio of stars. Still, I probably knew more about the flick than I wanted to. In fact, my skepticism going in was fueled by the fact that for all the claims of “originalty,” I knew there were a handful of flicks (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST to name one) that delivered the same concept: documentary filmmakers disappear only to have their footage later found and screened.

What I wasn’t prepared for was the acting that fuels TBWP’s gut-punching impact. As JT and I discussed this afternoon on the phone, Heather — the flick’s “star” — should have zero competition when this year’s award ceremonies roll around. It probably doesn’t hurt that she’s an unknown, but I can’t think of one cinematic performance, and I’m talking in the last 20 years, that was as believable. You buy into this trio’s problems, personalities and shortcomings — at least I did — and it’s like a punch to the gut as they drop, one by one, in the flick’s final reel.

Perhaps the greatest testament to the power and impact of THE BLAIR WITCH is the inevitable string of sequels, spoofs, imitators and rip-offs that is sure to come in its $100 million plus wake.