I’m a fan of the horror film genre. When I was younger I loved being scared. I don’t know why. I guess that made me a weird kid. LOL!
As an adult I have become disenchanted with horror flicks. Even ones that are supposedly so scary that you won’t sleep at night I find laughable.
Even with that in mind I still enjoy horror films and I’m on a quest to find a film that will scare me the way I used to be scared when I was young. Needless to say I don’t pass up the opportunity to review a horror film.
I recently watched Paranormal Diaries: Clophill which is available TODAY (September 30, 2014) on DVD.
Based on true events, six investigators head to one of the world’s most haunted places to uncover the source of supernatural sightings and phenomena. Known for centuries as a notorious magnet for grave robbers, body snatchers, Satanists and cultists since the time of The Black Death, the ruined St. Mary’s Church at Clophill plays host to filmmaker Kevin Gates and his team of researchers. Obsessed with unraveling the secrets of this “unholy ground,” they venture into the murky darkness armed with cameras, curiosity and a need to expose the truth. However, some secrets were meant to stay buried – permanently. Over the course of three chilling nights, it becomes clear that they have unleashed something ancient and evil that has long been hungry to escape into this world.
This is one of those films that are done as if someone is carrying a hand held camera (think Blair Witch Project). Personally I am not a fan of this type of film making. Usually the film is jumping around and it’s hard to keep focused. I prefer regular films.
There really is a place called Clophill. It’s located in England. According to information that I found (you have to love Google) the church is located in England. It is no longer considered holy ground and is not longer the responsibility of the church system but rather it’s the responsibility of the township it’s located in.
The cemetery on the church grounds have been desecrated. The grounds have also been the site of satanism and black masses.
Paranormal Diaries: Clophill is based on footage from a team of paranormal investigators who investigated the eerie occurrences on the grounds. It’s supposedly REAL footage from a REAL investigation team. I kind of don’t buy that. I mean, wasn’t the Blair Witch Project based on “real footage” too?
It’s OK. I know it’s not real but it’s interesting to think it could be.
I didn’t get startled by anything that I saw, nor was I creeped out but my teenage daughter (who was watching the film with me) jumped twice. She wasn’t scared but rather startled by something in the movie.
I didn’t find the film scary (it’s only scary if it was 100% real) but it was entertaining none the less. Die hard horror fans won’t be too impressed but those who are easily scared will certainly jump out of their seat a few times.
I found it hard to connect with the investigative team. I don’t know why. I guess it’s because they don’t appear long enough to really get to know them.
The film does have some bonus features;
- Audio commentary with co-directors and cast (I did not check out the audio commentary)
- “Tales from the Graveyard” deleted scenes – Interesting scenes but I can see why they were not included in the final product.
Look for Paranomal Diaries: Clophill where ever movies are sold.
Here is the trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Darlene Jones-Nelson says
I love horror movies! This one I hope will be out in the movie store soon! Looks real good