Shadow Of Its Former Self

he Blair Witch is back in Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, an undeniably entertaining movie that no one will admit to liking. You know the drill: young and beautiful voyeurs trek into the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland, searching for the devil herself. This time, the hand-held cameras are replaced by sex, drugs and a thrashing soundtrack, perfectly coordinated with random bits of on-screen hacking and hell. In true sequel form, Blair Witch 2 features more gore, more mystery, and a self-awareness that makes it almost amusing.

From the get-go, the five glamour-puss victims (goth queen Kim, crunchy cutie Erica, townie Jeff and documentary couple Tristen and Stephen) display a penchant for exhibitionism that inspires memories of Survivor. Shedding clothes and screaming at the top of their lungs, the group treks through the woods in search of you-know-who. Five hours later, suffering from a serious missing-time episode and creepy scars all over their bodies, the adventurers find recorded footage that apparently documents their lost hours. What follows is a witch-hunt all its own; as accusations fly, apparitions materialize and lots of blood flows in flashback, the audience is left to decide what's truth and what's delusion.

Slick and gorgeous, Blair Witch 2 is a moving magazine of a flick, perfectly tinted with pumpkin oranges and toady greens. Unmatched eyelines and shaky camerawork lead to a delerious and delectable framing, and the actors are all quite serviceable, with newcomer Kim Director turning out a remarkably fresh performance in a role that could have been downright cliché. As for the plot, it's scary enough in its concept, but scripted to sound like an ABC after-school special. Favorite line: Kim's deadpan quip, "I need some alcohol."

And once you hit the middle of this film, you will, too.