Who payed the critics
... View MoreExcellent, a Must See
... View Morea film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.
... View MoreThe plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
... View More====Spoiler Alert====Several years ago, while scouring for Slenderman related media, following his fast rising presence on the internet and beyond, I came across Marble Hornets. The story revolves at first around a man named Jay who discovered tapes given to him by Alex Kralie, a friend from college whom moved away three years earlier, in the back of his closet. These tapes contained bits and pieces of Alex's behind the scenes work on his student filmed (aptly named Marble Hornets). What they also contained was the presence of The Operator who seemed to be following Alex around everywhere he goes, adversely affecting him and his crew. Jay begins to investigate what was going on during the shooting of Marble Hornets and is violently thrust into a world of horrors and mysteries he could never have been prepared for.The very first entry introduces The Operator (Marble Hornet's version of Slenderman) in a subtle yet powerful way. The moment you see that head twist you'll feel as if the monster is looking directly at you and not at the character filming it. And it is at that point you are drawn into the world of Marble Hornets forever.I saw the Blair Witch Project in theaters when I was 11 years old and watching Marble Hornets found footage style made me feel like I was back in that theater in 1999 and still does every time I watch it. It delivers that wonderful feeling of nostalgia while simultaneously providing new thrills that will leave you on the edge of your seat as you look for The Operator in the background of every video, hoping not to see him but at the same time desperately wanting to.The series is not without its minor flaws (abandoned plot lines, actors/actresses becoming unavailable to return, etc.) But the minor issues with it are far outweighed by the story line which does not try to be too subtle or too powerful, providing small pieces of the larger puzzle for the viewers to fill in as they go. Marble Hornets is just that: a puzzle. One that keeps drawing viewers back in to find the pieces needed to understand its intricate plot. But be prepared to have more questions at the end of each entry than answers. Marble Hornets beauty is in its simplicity. Less is more. It doesn't go overboard with special effects save for the distortions and blending of jump cuts which are used sparingly but effectively. It is not over complicated or difficult to understand what is happening but at the same time not watered down to make it too easy to follow. While watching you will theorize, guess, and speculate what is to come next and regardless of whether you are right or wrong you will not be disappointed in the outcome.This series is a journey that will make you feel as if you are living the events right alongside the characters. It immerses you in its reality and you become part of the story. Eventually, you will watch Marble Hornets for the first time if you haven't already. Just be prepared to constantly look around the room or out the nearest window as every sound you hear will bring with it that sense of dread that The Operator may be near. And it is only then will you truly experience the magic that is...Marble Hornets.
... View MoreA long-running web-series, "Marble Hornets" is something of an odd beast. On one hand, it's concept is great, and it's generally a well-executed example of the "found footage" sub-genre of horror.On the other hand, I do find there to be many problems with the execution, holding it back from reaching the perfection it is capable of reaching.But still, for fans of horror, this is definitely a must-see.The series seems to predominately follow Jay, as he tries to solve the mystery of what happened to his friend Alex that caused him to seemingly lose his mind and withdraw from society. Told from a "found footage" perspective, the early episodes alternate between footage shot by Alex some time earlier that Jay is reviewing (during production of a student-film he was working on) and newer footage shot by Jay as he investigates the matter. Little does Jay know that the mystery of what happened may be linked to a twisted, possibly-supernatural figure known as "The Operator." (Based heavily on the "Slender Man" mythos from the internet.)I'm quite torn by what to give the series for a score. As I said above, it's a series of strengths and weaknesses. And I fear that my decided on score of 7 may be misleadingly low, despite being a decent score. Because I do genuinely love the series. (Well, at least what I've seen so far.) And in terms of entertainment value, it's great for a free series.I think the biggest strength of the series is atmosphere, and wonderful use of the "found footage" style. If you're in the correct mindset, this series will definitely creep you to the bone. While the quality might not be great, it comes across as generally "true to life", and there's a wonderful sense of pacing, build-up and payoff as the episodes continue. Technical aspects like composition are also well-handled. And I find the storyline incredibly intriguing, and definitely one that makes me want to continue watching.That being said, I have some big issues. First, (and I hate to say this), the acting can be pretty bad at times. At least early on. It does rob some of the suspension-of-disbelief that is required for a "found footage" series. I also find the episodes to meander a bit too much. I feel like there is a lot of room and time that could be condensed and make for a more compelling experience. It can almost get boring here and there. Which makes it harder to want to sit through the episodes.Thankfully, despite those weaknesses, I feel that the strengths make the series one that fans of horror (and especially "Slender Man" fans) certainly must at least try out. I think it's great fun. It has a good story. And it has some absolutely, positively spine-tingling scares.I give it a pretty-good 7 out of 10. Frightening and fun, but not without its flaws.
... View MoreOnly yesterday did I find the you-tube show "Marble Hornets". It was recommended to me by a friend because I love psychological horror and mystery. These two words perfectly describe this show.The show follows Jay, a young man who's best friend encountered a tall, blank faced creature in a business suit by the name of the Operator (or Slender Man) while filming his student film "Marble Hornets". Jay goes through the tapes in an attempt to figure out more about the creature, and is eventually forced to run from the seemingly unstoppable force as he begins to unravel the mystery.Continuity is highly important and very well done in this series. Tiny things in the first few episodes come into play in later episodes. If you are like me and LOVE connecting the dots and consuming every detail, this show rewards your hard work.The acting is a little spotty in season one (Entries 1-26), but does not detract from the story or experience. As season two hits the midpoint, the acting improves, and the story begins to unfold.The shaky hand-held camera quality is really effective in adding to the disturbing atmosphere. The creators do an incredible job of building tension and giving you a sense of dread. I found myself searching every pixel on the screen for a glimpse of Slender Man.One more small thing that I appreciated was the fact that there was close to no profanity, no sexual content, and very little actual gore. By throwing those factors out, the creators took on the challenge of making their series strong with good writing and editing, which really pays off.Overall, this show scared me more than any modern day horror film has, and is highly reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's "Memento". If you want to be scared out of your wits, enjoy playing Sherlock Holmes and solving mysteries, or both, this is a must watch.9/10
... View MoreMarble Hornets is an online found footage series spanning two YouTube Channels and a Twitter Account as it follows Jay, piecing together the raw footage of his friend Alex's cancelled film, Marble Hornets, in order to find his missing friends...The less you know about the series when going in, the more scary and exciting it is. I am writing this while it has just started its 3rd and final season. So far, it is very intriguing, atmospheric and terrifying and for any fan of horror or found footage. The threat introduced in the very beginning of the series is not only visually scary but its vibes are found everywhere in the series. If there is anything worth watching online, this is it.Marble Hornets Season 1 and 2 is available on DVD!
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