There seems to be this persistent notion that the found footage method of filmmaking is the worst thing to happen to movies since Joel Schumacher decided to try his hand at Batman. But that's only because that notion is mostly true.

The simple truth is that there's a whole lot of dreck associated with the phrase "found footage", and it can be tough to slog through the swamp of atrocities to find films that actually use the technique in an interesting or effective manner.

More often than not, it's the directors with a tiny budget and an even tinier grasp of how to properly frame a scene that use a grainy, handheld camera as a way to cover up their many faults.

But like anything else, when the found footage concept is used appropriately - as a filmmaking tool, and not as a crutch or marketing ploy - it can help create stunning movies that are absolutely worth your time.