Phantom of the Woods

Solid flagship effort from Director, Michael Storch. A haunting, if not driving ambient score serves as the backbone of a film that starts out as what many may think to be just another slasher movie; but as the film unfolds, it's refreshing to find a solid backstory supporting the events at hand. It's evident that the budget constrained producers in terms of available talent pool for cast, but there are a few players that are simply outstanding, taking otherwise familiar moments and making them unique and memorable. Overall, this is an ambitious but effective film that shows us that micro-budget does not have to be limited to schlock. Definitely worth a watch!

... kick-starter supporters and production members (and their moms) inflating the rating.

This is strictly an amateur production, folks. The cinematography is good but the movie is dull and not very frightening, which is a problem for a horror movie. Delaney Hadley is a pretty and capable lead actress but most of the other acting doesn't measure up and several performances are simply terrible.

The modest effects overreach and just make the film feel even more like a high school project.

Kudos to the people making the film for seeing the kick-starter through, but when judged compared to professional films it really doesn't measure up.