Though I am, admittedly, biased in reviewing this movie (I was raised in the same town as the people involved in this film and knew a number of them personally), I still believe that there is some backstory that one should know before watching this movie. I understand and respect the issues that the reviewers before me raise, but knowing the backstory of the film does help. I promise.
Previous reviewers had issues with the direction, acting, and lighting of the film, amongst other things, and largely struggled with how the film wreaked of amateurism. Maybe it would help viewers to know that this is the work of an amateur filmmaker! As far as I know, the budget was virtually nonexistent. Chris Smith was still extremely young when this was shot and did it, largely, in memory of his late father. Knowing that this film comes from someone with little to no formal education in filmmaking makes the feat much more impressive. It is also important to note that this was not actually made in 2007. The film was written and filmed a few years before it's official 2007 release. And for a young teenage filmmaker, a few years does make a great difference.
As for the acting: the cast was made up of friends of Chris Smith (many of whom, as one can tell by viewing the actor's IMDb profiles, did not pursue a career in acting). Again, the budget did not allow the filmmaker to hire any professional actors, pay for high tech lighting/equipment, or allow for lengthy post-production changes. He worked with what he had in order to make this film; this was a group of teenagers who got together in the middle of the forest and shot a feature-length film.
Considering that this is Chris Smith's first work, made while still a teenager, it makes me look forward to what else he has in store (If you need more proof of his capability watch his highly entertaining show, Dorm Life). This is a great starting point for an immensely dedicated filmmaker. I am not saying that this film will change your life or deserves any awards, I am simply saying that it is impressive given the means of those involved. Their dedication, hard work, and determination is evident, and knowing the backstory before watching the film makes a world of difference.
