The story’s framing is not as buttoned up as it could be, but for a sci-fi spectacle on a shoestring, the execution is impressive.

“Nightmare Code” is a stripped-down cerebral suspense story ... But don’t allow outward appearances to fool you into thinking that it is without thrills.

I’m not even sure if I should review “Shhhh” at all, because I don’t fully understand what the purpose of this movie even is.

Once you move past its surface appeal as Cineplex entertainment, “Horns” has far more to offer as a wickedly inventive take on Shakespearean tragedy melded with crime noir.

“Inner Demons” ends on an unexpectedly grisly climax, but the road it takes getting there is filled with half-formed ideas culled from every demonic spirit movie since “The Exorcist."

“V/H/S: Viral” proves that when held by inventive hands, “found footage” can be a creative leash breaker instead of a ball-and-chain shackle.

Add in an absolutely killer soundtrack whose closing theme you are guaranteed to beatbox randomly for hours after the fact, and you have one of the most enjoyable movies of the year.

This is how the world ends up with one more “found footage” film that no one will remember in two years’ time, if it takes that long to forget.

“See No Evil” is a product of its 2006 release year, when the focus was on dazzling budding young hipsters with slick visuals, comely casts, and popcorn fare for a Friday night midnight movie.

Enough of the movie’s personality shines through to root it in a realm of leveled creative energy and measured sci-fi thrills.

No matter how polished the appearance is, there remains an underlying feeling of watching an unsure director cautiously dipping toes in play-it-safe waters.

(The behind-the-scenes talent) squandered the value of their reputations by coasting into a minimal effort production easily confused for a film by creators with one-tenth of the collective résumé.

This movie is a minimal effort lob at the hoop demonstrating an out-of-touch sensibility for what horror audiences want from contemporary entertainment.

What it comes down to is how much, if at all, someone wishes to slog through another version of a movie already seen.

A striking visual style makes “The Dead” a little more than “just another zombie movie,” while its threadbare story and wooden characters keep it out of any category that includes the work of Romero, Fulci, Boyle, et al.

“Godzilla” is perplexingly resolute in treating its star like the Ark of the Covenant, unwilling to offer a full-view peek for fear that it might melt the face of anyone who stares too long.

“The Pact II” is as effectively managed a sequel as one could reasonably expect without the original creator returning to steer the ship.

It is difficult to muster enthusiasm for a competent production of an “okay” film when alternative options offer superior paranormal pandemonium for the penny.

Australian indie “Apocalyptic” is an above average take on the frightening theme of faith-based suicide, even if it is light on inventive insight into what motivates such minds.

Beneath the surface of spotty acting and sharp edges ... “Found” has a sinister story with chilling connotations fighting to break free.