====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.

While I am very fond of the internet series Marble Hornets, the review I give is fair. That is to say, instead of enjoying it despite the flaws, I enjoy it with flaws included. Marble Hornets is a suspense-horror drama employing the 'found-footage' technique. I was late to whole Slender Man hype, as I was late to almost every other internet fad, and I approached the series with apprehension, which soon turned to wonderment. I could not see how an internet series employing a technique as redundant and clichéd as 'found- footage horror' and dealing with subject matter as corny as the Slender Man could evolve into such an absorbing, somber mood piece. I say this with no hint of irony. Granted, the series begins unexceptionally, with hokey jump scare tactics and juvenile plotting. For many, this is what enthralled them. For me, however it is not until season 3 that the show reveals it's genius, even it is perhaps unintentional. Between seasons 2 and 3 the plot becomes irrevocably confused, with twist upon twist and much backtracking, and the more we saw of Jessica and Alex, the more unintentionally humorous the show becomes. However, it is the confusion which I believe, propels the show to greatness. Take entry #54 for example, my personal favorite of the entire series. The episode opens with typical Marble Hornets, driving sequences. There are lots and lots of driving sequences. Jay talks to Tim about more tapes, and then the tape begins to run. So far I am unimpressed. But once we see the contents of the tape, the atmosphere is like a punch to the head. Not to say it is not subtle, for I believe it is, but rather that the shift in tone and sudden dislocation is truly incredible. The men run out of the rain, they sit in "Tim's music room", the power cuts out. Slender Man appears. They goof around in the dark by torchlight, and a long thin leg-like thing darts into the room. The tape ends. It is this simple sequence of events that I find so beguiling. I believe this entry to be a miniature masterpiece of escalating tension. When it is released, it is not as we expect. Sure, it's a jump scare, but it's less like Slender Man's leg, more like a giant spider's. This entry blew me away with it's effective simplicity. And yet, the flaws are equally important in my opinion of it. The keyboard "beats" sequence in crushingly unfunny in a trying-to-be-funny way, and yet paradoxically, that is why is works. I believe that the same can be said for the entire series. It is this combination between the genuinely scary atmosphere and anticipation and the poor jump scares, the uncomfortably, and sometimes unintentionally humorous acting, (take Tim's hospital confession in season 3 for instance) and the sometimes unbelievably naturalistic acting that sometimes surfaces. It's not perfect, but that's why it's perfect.

I am a big fan of all things horror. Ever since I was a small child I've been watching, reading, and even creating horror. I've been so de-sensitized to it that absolutely NOTHING scares me anymore...except this film. Marble Hornets has got to be one of the scariest movies of all time. It is a low budget film, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth seeing. It definitely does it's job. The acting may not be "professional" and the camera isn't always focusing on the action, but that's, interestingly enough, a good thing for this film. I would recommend this film to any horror buff- maybe not people who are easily frightened, and DEFINITELY not small children (only for the reason that it would probably require therapy for them to get over their fear). I enjoyed (rather nervously) every minute of it. The best thing about it is that it isn't one of those "jump out and get you" types. Your fear stems from the paranoia you will most definitely feel throughout the entire film. You'll find yourself looking over your own shoulder countless times. A Definite MUST SEE!

Everyone who knows The Blair Witch Project knows the incredible impact it has had on pop culture and the surrounding area it took place in, having the ability to bring a rich history into existence despite having been not known before the film. Marble Hornets attempts to do this with an established internet bogeyman (the Slenderman) and brings it to a level most would not have expected.Marble Hornets, a youtube series about an abandoned student film with many hidden secrets to share before bringing in the narrator, Jay's own experiences into the story, shows an amazing aptitude into psychological horror. By showing very little of the mysterious tall, well-dressed being, and giving visual and auditory clues of his influence instead, the creators are able to add a perfect amount of tension, keeping viewers on the edge of their seat throughout the duration of each entry into the series. Viewers' minds will be reeling with questions as they watch, trying to uncover the mystery of the events shown.Highly recommended for fans of horror and mystery, especially Lovecraft fans