New Year's Evil (1980)

Running Time: 90 minutes

Release Date: December 26, 1980

Review by: Stacey

"Don't dare make New Year's resolutions...unless you plan to live!" A tagline I can get behind!  New Year's resolutions are for the birds, anyway.  Instead of telling yourself that you're going to start working out more or hating people less (that's going to be a hard one for me), why not ring in the new year by escaping a crazed killer calling himself "Evil"!?

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: #TBT with Tales of Halloween and Thanksgiving horror!

I know, I know, it's only Monday but if I waited until Thursday to post these videos that have been collecting dust, Ash would have my head on a stick.

That being said, this is going to be a two-fer.  Exciting, I know!

For our Tales of Halloween episode we have Demonika Devour back on and it's a loooonnnng one (55:22)!

If that's too long for you (you should really still watch bc you love us), check out our ep on Thanksgiving-related flicks, Thankskilling and 1987's Blood Rage.  This time around Ash and I finally get together in person and not only manage to keep our babbling limited to 20 min, but we also crafted a stupid turkey hat for me to wear.  That warrants a pity watch at least, right??

Enjoy and leave some feedback!

Amber Alert (2012)

Running Time: 80 minutes

Release Date: November 2, 2012

Review by: Stacey

Holy shit, this movie pissed me off so much in a way that I didn't think was possible just from watching a movie.  I think the last time a movie made me legit angry was when I saw Kevin Smith's Red State (for obvious reasons), but Amber Alert was aggravating to me on a whole other level.

The Vanishing (1988)

Running Time: 107 minutes

Release Date: October 27, 1988

Review by: Stacey

Wow, that was a depressing doozy to watch.  The Vanishing (or Spoorloos) is a Dutch-French film that proves it doesn't need blood and guts to be horrifying.  There's a realism to everything about the film that will leave a lasting impression on you well after the ending credits roll. 

Circle (2015)

Running Time: 87 minutes

Release Date: October 16, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 

A group of people stuck in a room or confined area with no recollection of how they got there and all faced with imminent death unless they follow a set of rules or vote, usually until one person is the victor/survivor.  That's a basic premise of more than a few films we've seen (Cube, Saw, Exam), and really, when you've seen one it's easy to say you've seen 'em all.  Circle takes all the familiarity of those films and adds a little bit of an interesting sci-fi touch.

Cruel & Unusual (2014)

Running Time: 95 minutes

Release Date: April 5, 2014 (Taiwan)

Review by: Stacey

 

If you've seen this before you're probably thinking "what the heck, SB, this isn't a horror movie"- and you're totally right, it's not, but the shit these characters had to go through was pretty damn scary.  And I can do whatever the heck I want on my blog. YEAH.  Canadian thriller, Cruel & Unusual, is like a weird mashup of Carnival of Souls and Groundhog Day that takes an interesting turn by the final scene of the film.

Last Shift (2014)

Running Time: 90 minutes

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 

2015 has been a great year for indie horror with films like It Follows, Cooties, and Creep.  Anthony DiBlasi's (Dread, Cassadaga) supernatural flick about a rookie cop and a cult fits right with the likes of those listed and gave me some major creeps.

Pieces (1982)

Running Time: 89 minutes

Release Date: September 23, 1983 (US)

Review by: Stacey

I swear, this movie has been in my Hulu queue for the last 6 months and have heard countless times from many folks how much of a classic it is, and yet, I still had NO idea what the plot was before I went into it.  I mean, judging by the two taglines on the cover, do I really need to know anything more?  Honestly, I'm still not sure what I saw, but I do know that it was hilarious.

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Halloween Edition Week 4: Halloween I, II, III

It's time!  Halloween is here and so is our final episode of the Halloween edition episodes!  This week we have my husband, Adam, on to talk with us about the first 3 films in the Halloween franchise.

Follow Ash on Instgram: e.txcountryboy
Follow SB on Instagram: staceybethh & Twitter: TheStaceyBeth

Follow Adam on Instagram & Twitter: adamjodor

Enjoy and leave some feedback!

 Happy Halloween!

 

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Halloween Edition Week 3: Ghostwatch (1992)

This week we have our buddy, Rob, on to talk about 1992's BBC reality/mockumentary broadcast "Ghostwatch".  We also ponder the origins of the "gloryhole" and go off on a tangent about Grave Encounters 2.

Follow Ash on Instgram: e.txcountryboy
Follow SB on Instagram: staceybethh & Twitter: TheStaceyBeth

Enjoy and leave some feedback!

Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2 (2011)

Running Time: 93 minutes

Release Date: September 20, 2011

Review by: Stacey

 

Damn my need for completion, especially when it comes to movies.  Because of that I had to watch the sequel to Laid to Rest (click link for review), Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2.  While I actually ended up enjoying the first film, I can't say the same for this one.  This one will definitely be going in a pile, but it won't be the "purgatory" pile.

Avenged (2015)

Running Time: 95 minutes

Release Date: March 6, 2015

Review by: Stacey

I recently saw this in a list of "underrated horror movies" and I am still trying to figure out why it's there.  A "redsploitation" film made in 2013, Avenged (previously titled "Savaged", oooh, I get the double entendre...) mixed a revenge plot a la Kill Bill with supernatural/possession elements.  Throw in a deaf-mute woman as the victim and you've got a leading lady you kind of have to root for.

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Halloween Edition Week 2: Trick 'r Treat (2007)

Ash & I have on Demonika Devour to talk about everyone's favorite Halloween anthology, "Trick 'r Treat".  It's a bit of a long episode with some glitches (I don't know how to computer well),  but D shakes her boobies a lot, so you can't miss it!

Follow Ash on Instgram: e.txcountryboy
Follow SB on Instagram: staceybethh & Twitter: TheStaceyBeth
Follow Demonika Devour on FB & Twitter: DemonikaDevour

Enjoy and leave some feedback!

Laid To Rest (2009)

Running Time: 90 minutes

Release Date: March 18, 2009

Review by: Stacey

You know those movies that aren't good, but they also aren't quite bad?  Those movies that you can't stop watching but you can't wait until it's over.  I call those "purgatory" movies.  I've been meaning to watch Laid To Rest for several years and now that I've finally gotten around to it, I can add another one to my "purgatory" movie list.

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Halloween Week 1: Evil Dead franchise

Considering this is our favorite month of the year, Ash and I decided to do one video a week this month with special guests.

To kick off the first week of October, we have on Annie Christ (of "Two Girls, One Tuck") and Loretta Vendetta to talk the Evil Dead franchise (minus the reboot because reasons) in preparation for the premiere of Ash vs. Evil Dead at the end of the month.

(There were some glitchy, technical difficulties during filming, so please excuse us!)

Enjoy and leave some feedback!

Follow Ash on Instagram: e.txcountryboy

Like Annie Christ's FB page: Annie ChristStacey-Beth's Instagram: staceybethh

Shuttle (2008)

Running Time: 107 minutes

Release Date: March 8, 2009 (SXSW Fest) March 6, 2009 (US)

Review by: Stacey

 

Sifting through the collection of films on Shudder, I stumbled on 2008's Shuttle which had a pretty basic plot and seemed like it would just end up being another "survival horror".  To my surprise, it ended up being a pretty entertaining movie that didn't play out like I had expected it to.  It also reaffirms my belief that people just shouldn't be trusted!

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Horror Comedies

Ash and Stacey-Beth are discussing horror comedies this week! Join us and watch as we discuss lesser-known "Dead and Breakfast", the goretastic wonder "Dead Alive", boozy alien-filled "Grabbers", redneck shenanigans on "Tucker & Dale vs Evil", and the much beloved "The Burbs".

Enjoy and leave some feedback!

 

The Visit (2015)

Running Time: 94 minutes

Release Date: September 11, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 

I'm sure I'm not the only person who's terrified of old folks, right?  And I don't mean your sweet, wise, grandparents who give you those weird watermelon hard candies and make inappropriate jokes when you're around large groups of people.  I mean the old people who don't know where the fuck they're at and just generally act like they've been taken over by some brittle-boned-loving demon.  M. Night Shyamalan's The Visit will seriously make you reconsider spending time with those grandparents that you just don't see often enough.

Werewolves on Wheels (1971)

Running Time: 85 minutes

Release Date: November 19, 1971

Review by: Stacey

 

I mean, the cover art really says it all about this one, right?  What could go wrong when you mix bikers, Satan, and werewolves?  The answer you would 9/10 get out of me would be "abso-fuckin-lutely nothing", but this no-frills titled bikesploitation horror flick managed to miss the mark several times throughout, and it's not because there were too many werewolves on wheels...

Horror Huddle: Wes Craven

We decided to hold off on our horror comedy episode until next week in light of the recent passing of horror legend, Wes Craven, and give you guys a quick video where we discuss some of our favorites from the beloved director.

Thanks for watching!

 

Almost Mercy (2015)

Running Time: 85 minutes

Release Date: May 26, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 

Bullying in schools has been going on forever, but now it's a major issue and taken more seriously (thankfully), especially after the rise in school shootings.  Everyone knows that school can be rough, but when you add in a shitty childhood life at home- it's like a powder keg waiting to blow.  2015's Almost Mercy took a darkly humorous look at two friends growing up together who've been shit on their whole lives.

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Found Footage Pt. 2

Ash and Stacey-Beth are back with part 2 of our discussion over found footage films.  This time we warn you about talking to strangers on the internet with "The Den" and "Megan Is Missing", cult craziness in "The Sacrament", and scary old people and Craigslist weirdos in "The Taking of Deborah Logan" and "Creep".

 Enjoy and leave some feedback!

 

Frankenstein's Army (2013)

Running Time: 84 minutes

Release Date: July 26, 2013

Review by: Stacey

 

Why the hell didn't anyone tell me to watch this movie years ago?  How did I manage to barely watch it this past weekend?  Help me out, guys! I think I kept getting Frankenstein's Army and I, Frankenstein mixed up because I've heard piss-poor things about the latter and kind of just shied away from any recent movie that had the name "Frankenstein" in it.  Well, hangover me decided to cross my fingers and click play and goddamit, I am glad I did.

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Found Footage Pt. 1

This week Ash and I talk found footage flicks. From the granddaddy, Cannibal Holocaust, to the supernatural hit, Paranormal Activity, that proved less is more, we go on a very brief journey of some of the films that found success in the sub-genre. 

Enjoy and leave some feedback! 

Killer Mermaid (2014)

Running Time: 94 minutes

Release Date: May 1, 2014 (Serbia)

Review by: Stacey

 

Killer Mermaid aka Nymph aka Mamula- whatever the hell you want to call it, clearly SCREAMS SyFy Original.  The title (because Americans needs shit spoon fed to them), the tagline, the cover art...it makes me sad.  Let me just tell y'all right now, don't let the name fool you, the film isn't exactly what you think it is.

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: Favorite/Worst Remakes

As the title suggests, To Avoid Fainting... is starting a new video project (don't worry, Wickd Chris and I will still be doing video reviews!).  My buddy Ash and I will be posting a new one every week where we cover various horror topics of our choosing- and this week we decided our first video would be on some of our favorite and least favorite remakes.

Thanks for watching and leave us some feedback!

 

Dark Summer (2015)

Running Time: 81 minutes

 Release Date: January 9, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 

The early 2000's saw a surge of technology-based horror films (The Ring, Feardotcom, Pulse, etc) that basically told us that unless you were Amish, your ass is going to die the next time you pick up your phone or turn on your computer.  After a lull, Unfriended (my review HERE) came out several months ago and decided that not even social media is safe.  Dark Summer isn't necessarily about technology killing you, but rather the consequences of living in a world obsessed with machines...ok, it's just a ghost story that's techno-centric.

Acolytes (2008)

Running Time: 91 minutes

Release Date: March 25, 2009

Review by: Stacey

 

A few weeks ago I got an invite to test out AMC's new, all-horror streaming site, Shudder.  It's still in beta right now but it boasts a pretty impressive collection of titles at the moment, and one of them was Australian horror, Acolytes.  After I checked out the trailer, I was pretty certain I was going to like this one.

Creep (2015)

Running Time: 82 minutes

Release Date: June 23, 2015 (iTunes)/July 14th (Netflix)

Review by: Stacey

 

 Creep is a perfect example that you don't need all the bells and whistles to make a really effective horror film.  Sometimes all you need is a camera, two guys, and a 10 page "script".  A wolf mask named "Peachfuzz" doesn't hurt either...

The Road (2011)

Running Time: 110 minutes

Release Date: May 11, 2012

Review by: Stacey

I love a good, foreign horror and usually 9 times out of 10 they're far better than most American films ([REC], The Devil's Backbone, Audition).  I don't know why, but I've always had some luck when finding foreign horror films in that they've all ended up being pretty damn great- and 2011's Filipino horror The Road was no exception.

Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Running Time: 97 minutes

Release Date: June 5, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 I'm not even going to lie, the Insidious franchise has some of my favorite movies to date.  Yes, I have seen many many horror films, but I am speaking from a "modern horror" view.  With the constant debate in the horror community about originality vs remakes, it's easy to want to shake the shit out of people who overlook some of the best mainstream modern horror films that have been released in the last few years- The Conjuring, Sinister, Insidious 1 & 2.  The latter franchise decided to give us a third film and make it a prequel (and give us a bit of an origin story), which made me a bit reticent in my excitement as I like my horror universes to maintain that bit of mystery that makes the film scary...and because most origin stories tend to fall flat (hello, Leprechaun: Origins).  Insidious: Chapter 3 did not have that problem.

The Prowler (1981)

Running Time: 89 minutes

Release Date: November 6, 1981

Review by: Adam

 

As you can tell, I love horror movies.  What you might not know, I also love war movies, especially those set in World War II.  Now you want to offer me up a slasher-flick involving an antagonist dressed in a combat uniform and early 80’s prog-rock at the dance?  I’m in.  Oh, and it’s directed by Joseph Zito, who did my favorite Friday the 13th (The Final Chapter) AND my favorite Chuck Norris film (Missing in Action), and make-up by Mr. Savini?  Now my only question is WHY HAVEN’T I BEEN WATCHING THIS EVERY YEAR SINCE 1981?

Video Review: Don't Go In The Woods (2010)

Check out mine and Chris's new video review for Vincent D'Onofrio's weird ass slasher-musical Don't Go In The Woods.

Like it, love it, leave us comments.

If there's anything you would like to see us review shoot me an e-mail: ggstaceybeth@yahoo.com

Enjoy!

 

Area 51 (2015)

Running Time: 91 minutes

Release Date: May 15, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 

Area 51 is a fascinating place and has been surrounded by mystery and conspiracy theories for decades. From aliens being housed there to possible weather-controlling weapons- you name it, the secret military base probably has it.  Of course, you can't just stroll right on in.  Everyone has seen photos of the infamously ominous signs telling you they will shoot your ass dead if you trespass- but what if you had the option to successfully sneak in and see what Area 51 is really all about, would you?  That being said, when I heard about Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity) directing a sci-fi horror film about Area 51, I knew I had to watch it- good or bad.

Preservation (2014)

Running Time: 90 minutes

Release Date: January 9, 2015

Review by: Stacey

 

Survival horror films put our biggest fears onto the screen- where people are stuck in an environment (usually surrounded by nature) while trying to survive the elements and/or being hunted by someone or something.  From Aftershock and Eden's Lake to Black Rock and Wolf Creek, people have been surviving and dying on film so we don't have to (well, at least not at that exact moment.)

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Running Time: 95 minutes

Release Date: April 13, 2012

Review by: Adam

 

 Sometimes you just want to punch somebody in the face.  Well, maybe I just want to.  Because at some point, sometime during its theatrical run, someone I “trusted” told me “Cabin in the Woods” was a piece of crap.  And I believed this person.  Which means I was unable to see this movie in all of it’s big-screen glory.  Never experienced the Sam Raimi-view as we were introduced to the cabin; didn’t see “jump” in all of it’s high-dying glory; would never get that giddiness as the cube-prison keeps expanding across all 52 fabulous feet of screen.

Tourist Trap (1979)

Running Time: 90 minutes

Release Date: March 16, 1979

Review by: Adam

 

That one movie that captures your attention.  That develops your love for a film genre.  That births an everlasting fear.  That stays in the darkest crawls of your mind.  That stars The Rifleman, a very young Midge Pinciotti, and OH MY GOD GET THOSE DAMNED MANNEQUINS AWAY FROM ME.

V/H/S 2 (2013)

Running Time: 96 minutes

Release Date: June 6 2013

Review by: Stacey

 

Nowadays it's not often enough that we see a sequel sort of outdo it's predecessor but V/H/S 2 (previously titled S-VHS) definitely did just that.  It was crazier, gorier, and all-around violent as fuck- and it ruled.

Video Review: Exists (2014)

Chris and I join together again on my new, spacious patio in the damn Hill Country of Texas to review Bigfoot flick, Exists!

Feel free to leave comments telling us how much we suck or rule.  Or if there's a movie you'd like to see us review!  

Also, don't forget to sign up on the right hand side of the page with your e-mail to receive updates whenever a new post goes up!

Watch and enjoy!

 

 

V/H/S (2012)

Running Time: 116 minutes

Release Date: October 5, 2012

Review by: Stacey

 

I'm a huge fan of anthology horror films- Creepshow, Trick 'r Treat, 3 Extremes, just to name a few.  It might be my mild ADD but I love a film that gives me mini-films in itself that all come together to tell a cohesive story.  There probably aren't as many anthology films as there are found footage ones, so hearing that V/H/S was going to combine the two with a group of (then) relatively unknown directors, I was all in.  2 1/2 years later and this movie is still is a blast to watch.

Grave Encounters 2 (2012)

Running Time: 100 minutes

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Review by: Stacey

 

(remember that one time the GE2 poster looked exactly like the Quarantine poster?)

Grave Encounters 2 was definitely one of those movies that tried to cash in on the unexpected success of it's predecessor.  But as many sequels have shown us time and time again, this one failed to garner any kind of positive attention for the most part (especially from me).  I tried to go into this film with an open-mind as most reviewers should, but this one didn't give me much hope- and for good reason.

Unfriended review on Horror Movies Uncut!

I wrote a review for Unfriended that went up today at HorrorMoviesUncut.com. If you're into that sort of thing, check it out!

 http://horrormoviesuncut.com/2015/04/17/some-requests-should-not-be-answered-unfriended-movie-review/ 

 

 

The Fly (1986)

Running Time: 96 minutes

Release Date: August 15, 1986

Review by: Adam

 

Before Dr. Malcolm calmly demanded, “must go faster,” before Mr. Levinson urgently requested “must go faster, must go FASTER,” Seth Brundle gave us the term “Brundlefly” and taught us that “Insects… don’t have politics.”

Grave Encounters (2011)

Running Time: 92 minutes

Release Date: September 9, 2011

Review by: Stacey

Pretty much, if you haven't heard of Grave Encounters, you've been living under a weird rock that doesn't let you watch horror movies.  I'm also an avid defender of (most) found footage films despite their typical formula that lost its appeal somewhere along the way.  From the get-go GE didn't seem to hold much promise in the way of giving us something fresh and interesting, but dammit, they sure pulled a fast one over us because a lot of people (including me) fucking love this movie.  It has most definitely gained a cult following in the horror community.

Banshee Chapter (2013)

Running Time: 87 minutes

Release Dates: Aug. 22, 2013 (Fantasty Filmfest) & Dec. 12, 2013 (US)

Review by: Stacey

 

I watched this movie probably about 7 or 8 months ago and I distinctly remember being upset by it.  Not because it was scary or even very good, but because I didn't pay enough attention and had no idea what the fuck was going on.  At that point I just tossed it back into my pile of titles that I wouldn't care to ever watch again.  What I DO remember, however, was that the plot was actually really cool and covered a subject I have always been fascinated by.  Fast forward to now and I went back into that shameful pile and pulled out Banshee Chapter to see if maybe a second viewing would remedy whatever feelings I had initially had about it.

A Good Marriage (2014)

Running Time: 102 minutes

Release Date: October 3, 2014

Review by: Stacey

Okay, this movie isn't exactly "horror" but over here at To Avoid Fainting, I love any and all forms of dark films, and since this one is based on Stephen King's novella of the same name, I couldn't pass it up.  I'm going to assume that most of you know that there have been many adaptations of King's work- some great (Carrie and The Mist) and some not great at all (Thinner and Desperation).  Where A Good Marriage falls is right on the cusp of the latter.

The Lazarus Effect (2015)

Running Time: 83 minutes

Release Date: February 27, 2015

Review by: Stacey

Very few horror films make me want to actually go to a movie theater (save for seeing older films at the Drafthouse), so when I saw a trailer for 2015's The Lazarus Effect a few weeks before it's release, I was intrigued enough to want to go opening weekend.  People being brought back from the dead with a cast composed of Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Evan Peters and Donald Glover?  Count me in, man.

Shorty Reviews Shorts: "Beauty Sleep" & "Contact"

Typically, shorts are a difficult thing to watch and even harder to review as how much can you really say about something that's typically between 4-12 min. long?  Where most suffer is in their ability to get their story told in that short amount of time.  That wasn't much of the case in these two that I've reviewed.

 Director Andrew J.D. Robinson (of Run Rabbit Run Films) gave me the opportunity recently to review two of his shorts: Beauty Sleep and Contact.  

Neverlake (2013)

Running Time: 86 minutes

Release Date: Sept 4, 2014 (Mexico)

Review by: Stacey

Another blind Netflix pick, Neverlake sounds like your typical supernatural thriller set in some beautiful foreign landscape.  As you can tell by the cover art, it doesn't exactly draw you in (I have no idea why anyone would compare this movie to The Human Centipede) but it's my duty here at To Avoid Fainting... to watch the movies that most would typically pass over and let you know if it's watchable or not.  Which leads me to tell you that this movie was not as bad as some crappy poster would lead you to believe.

I'm aliiiiive!

I know, I know.  I disappeared there for a little bit, but the holidays took over and turned me into a pile of mush.

 

I have returned- albeit a little bit fatter (damn you delicious tamales and sweets), but ready to give you all the reviews that your eyes can handle.  Keep your eyes peeled in the next day or two for some new content!  

Keep reading and hail horror!