The St. Francisville Experiment (2000)

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Director: Ted Nicolaou

Actors: Madison Charap, Troy Taylor, Ryan Larson

Synopsis: A group of young people were given video cameras and the opportunity to spend the night in an abandoned mansion in St. Francisville, LA. It is rumored to be haunted.

Review: I have watched this movie many times. It came out about 1 year after The Blair Witch.  I was ecstatic because I wanted to see more movies shot in the style of The Blair Witch Project. The movie went straight to DVD which is not surprising I am sure it was a shoe string budget they were working with, and this was before the found footage craze. Though at times it could be very cheesy, I really enjoyed this movie. I am in the minority on this one. I think because a lot of people thought some camera angles were shot by cameramen which is  true but come on it is a movie don’t read so much into it.

I loved the true history they share of Madam Delphine Lalaurie which some may recognize that name from American Horror Story Coven. It was one of Madam Lalaurie’s houses they were investigating. The movie is set in Louisiana which is already filled with ghosts and history. Plus, Louisiana is my most favorite place ever. I think the historical part of the story kind of outweighed the annoying characters. Yes, sometimes the characters could be very annoying especially the two girls Madison and Ryan. I liked this movie a lot and think it is very underrated. FYI..this movie is currently free to watch with Amazon Prime.

 

Found Footage O Meter: 7/10 I enjoyed The St. Francisville Experiment. I liked the history behind the movie and I love the fact it was shot in Louisiana. Any movie shot in Louisiana instantly gets extra points from me.

The Gallows (2015)

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Director: Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing

Writer: Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing

Actor: Reese Mishler, Ryan Shoos, Pfeifer Brown

Synopsis: 20 years after a horrific accident during a small town school play, students at the school resurrect the failed show in a misguided attempt to honor the anniversary of the tragedy – but soon discover that some things are better left alone. (IMDB)

Review: 

I was so stoked for this movie. I knew the reviews were mixed more bad than good, but I never take reviews completely to heart or I will end up never watching anything. This one I don’t even know where to begin. It starts with an accident that happened 20 years ago during a small town school play. And today the school is trying to honor it, but things go awry of course. Frankly, I am not sure why someone would want to honor something so horrible. But nonetheless, I loved the idea and concept behind it.  But the movie just went in a direction that didn’t keep me interested mostly because the actors and actresses were just plain annoying. I didn’t  find one likable character nor one with any redeeming qualities. There was lots of yelling, screaming and bickering which most found footage movies are known for that. But this movie took it to whole new level. I found myself rooting for people to die so they would shut the hell up. I think in this instance the reviews ring true. I have been trying to talk myself into a second watch but haven’t mustered up the nerve to do so.

Found Footage O Meter: I can’t believe I allowed myself to get overly excited enough to buy this movie. What a huge disappointment. Not only a  waste of money but a waste of time. I give this 2 out of 10 and it is only getting that because I liked the concept or idea behind the story. Watch at your own risk.