As Above, So Below (2014)

The found footage genre is a slippery slope.  You have to watch them with at least a little bit of allowance for silliness and general ridiculousness.  I've watched plenty, but this one has got to be one of my favorites.  As Above, So Below takes place in the ancient catacombs under Paris.  It mashes up a good old fashioned treasure hunt with paranormal activity, making it not just scary, but also intellectually stimulating.

This is the first time I've seen Perdita Weeks (main actress), and she did not disappoint.  The twists and turns (figurative and literal) take you down into the depths of madness, where you are pleasantly surprised by each introduction of a new and life-threatening danger. 

It was a really well thought out plot and the cast was chosen very well.  All in all, I'd say this is one of my most favorite found footage movies.  Even Nikki liked it (I think lol).

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1892855065

The Paranormal Diaries: Clophill (2013)

I had the opportunity to rent this movie last weekend.  I sat on the couch, poised to watch yet another paranormal documentary unfold before me.  This movie started out like all the rest...a couple of people, explaining what they hope to accomplish, introducing their "film crew," going into a bit of the detail of the place they intended to explore.  It really did have the potential to be an amazing film.  The location, a dilapidated church on the outskirts of Clophill, Bedfordshire, England, was absolutely gorgeous, and had the necessary mystery and foreboding feeling for a film like this. 

Unfortunately, the charm that was built up, quickly dissipated as more than half the movie passed without a single scary moment.  I'd say there were two small scares and the rest was a bust and frankly, a waste of my time.  My lady sat on the couch, rolling her eyes and asking me if I really liked it (but really meaning, "Can't we just turn this shit off?").  She hates these movies and I hate when she's right.

This is my most favorite type of movie, but I was sorely disappointed with this one.  Don't waste your money.