“Paradox” feels like part of a Saturday syndication sandwich circa 1998 bookended by reruns of “Poltergeist: The Legacy” and “Earth: Final Conflict.”

“Hardcore Henry” is in truth a one-trick pony, though it deserves to be said that its one trick is undeniably impressive.

If only the stories took their suspenseful setups to captivatingly creepy conclusions instead of frustratingly mediocre ones, “Holidays” could have been a classic good for any time of year.

I would sign on to see this cast in a scary, well-constructed “found footage” film. “Slender” is not that film.

“10 Cloverfield Lane” seethes with the kind of suspense that can curl fingers into claws embedding nails into seat cushions.

“The Drownsman” has a visual polish rivaling big-screen mainstream features and there is enough uniqueness in the water phobia theme to make the movie memorable.

What makes “Cherry Tree” so interesting is how its murky execution is able to inexplicably inspire allure as often as it does confusion.

The movie unleashes intensity both loud and quiet with exhilarating efficiency as a smart, stripped-down thriller.

“Midnight Special” emphasizes the “human” in superhuman with a realistically grounded look at how extraordinary powers might affect ordinary people.

“Under the Shadow” is equally adept at moving a hand over the mouth in fright or guiding it to the chin for a stroke of contemplative reflection.

“Johnny Frank Garrett’s Last Word” is often overwrought, but there is enough sincerity on display to admire the movie for taking an unorthodox approach toward mixing horror with history.

Committed acting carries the drama to a finish line finding “The Good Neighbor” winning out as a compelling character study as well as a thoughtful thriller.

“In a Valley of Violence” delivers exciting ensemble entertainment from a completely charismatic cast.

“Beware the Slenderman” offers a takeaway of compassionate understanding that this tragic story has no evil villains, only unfortunate victims.

The movie is a neatly compacted little thriller, but one with a shiny, gold-plated exterior, and hollow, stomach-rumbling interior.

"I Am Not a Serial Killer" combines dark family drama, creature feature, and serial killer thriller into one uniquely entertaining package.

Think of the film as the moviegoing equivalent of catching up on the couch through conversation over a beer. “Another Evil” is that kind of a restrained experience.

“Phantasm” sets itself apart even further in horror filmdom by belonging to a franchise/subgenre class that is uniquely its own.

For those okay with a pared-down primer favoring made-for-cable sex appeal over factual accuracy, “Manson’s Lost Girls” fits that bill just fine.

It’s the kind of movie where you simply say, “it was okay” in response to a coworker’s question about its quality after identifying what you fell asleep to over the weekend.