Oh look, another paranormal sub-genred' film to look into. Most people may already be scared away by the two unlikeable facts, those being number one, this involves a team going into an abandoned area, clichés. Number two, you probably already guessed it! It's found footage. Two horror movie factors most more than likely can't stand. But does that turn this film, suddenly, into a bad one? Absolutely not. "Hollows Grove" succeeds in being a tense, creepy horror film, actually. First off, the plot is new, and actually quite interesting. Instead of taking the heavily clichéd route, that being the action of throwing this group of characters together as supposed friends with camera into this abandoned area. We actually follow a rookie cameraman of which has just joined this team of ghost hunters; the entire film sets it up to where it all seems fake; the film shows them going to mechanics and such just to prop up they're supposed "ghosts". I found it really intriguing with this pleasant change. I love how the cameraman is completely oblivious the entire time, and has / had no idea of these ghost hunters actually being fake. It was interesting to see, all this time he was built up toward believing it was all fake, until the entire team, to their surprise, got way more than they all bargained for. The plot managed to solidly execute a change toward the typical cliché - fest of which plagues the paranormal sub genre. The plot turned it around, and made it into something different, something rather pleasant. I felt as if the atmosphere in this film was quite good, you got your creepy, unnerving atmosphere that gives those unsettling vibes, for example, as soon as the crew enters the abandoned orphanage, you already feel the vibes kick in, pleasantly. Something many found footage films fail to do, for the most part. With that being said, another nice surprise that awaited in this film was the camera work. Yes, the guy holding the camera. He wasn't shaky, shaky, ALL over the place like most other films. To my surprise, the camera actually got decent shots of activity that befalls, instead of shaking all over the place when it's occurring! Finally, I felt as if the film had a heart along with it. The film, overall just seemed unique, in terms of the over all aspects of this film. It managed to be unique, and even comical it times, but successfully, and pleasantly, for the most part an eerie, dark - like influence that set the mood for the film in a very great way.
In conclusion, this film was fun. I felt as if it was a decent, solid, and even great found footage, paranormal film. It surprised me with it's unique elements, turning itself into an interesting little gem. The characters are decent, stories great, as well as plot. The entire story itself has some interesting, good, refreshing turns that paid off in the end, and the entire film has heart, giving emphasis instead of chopping to the point. I'd recommend giving this one a chance, it surprised myself, and what seems to be other reviewers' as well. It's an intriguing, great little flick, and I would recommend it to horror fans looking for a small gem. P.S! For those who do watch this film, make sure you wait the entire thing out! Sit through the credits! The film has a small trick up its sleeve..
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