Relic (2020) Review

Running Time: 1hr 29min

Release Date: July 3, 2020 (US)

Directed by: Natalie Erika James

Review by: Stacey

Old people in scary movies are just downright...scary. From THE EXORCIST III to Rosemary's Baby and more recently, films like The Visit and The Taking of Deborah Logan (Ash and I mention this one in an older HORROR HUDDLE video of ours here), old people have been scaring the shit out of me for years. Natalie Erika James's directorial debut film, Relic, uses the theme of an older woman suffering from the onset of dementia which, apparently, is a really good base for a possible supernatural film. So here we have another scary movie with a scary old person, and I've subjected myself to it yet again.

Fantasia Film Festival 2018: COLD SKIN review

Running Time: 1hr 48min

Release Date: July 15, 2018 (Fantasia Fest)

Written by: Jesus Olmo and Eron Sheean (screenplay), Albert Sanchez Pinol (novel)

Directed by: Xavier Gens

Review by: Stacey

I think what initially drew me to wanting to see Xavier Gen's adaptation of the novel, Cold Skin, was the poster art above. Check that cool shit out. Then the plot synopsis got me; if it takes place near the Arctic and involves creatures I'm immediately thrown into John Carpenter's The Thing and am all in. Cold Skin isn't as balls out and gross as the Carpenter classic and unfortunately, it's not going to be as memorable either.

Hereditary (2018)

Running Time: 2hr 7min

Release Date: June 8, 2018

Written/Directed by: Ari Aster

Review by: Stacey

HOLY SHIT. You guys, I'm not sure if I can fully comprehend what I watched. I don't want to over-hype this or anything but...Hereditary is going down as the scariest movie I've seen yet. Yes, that is quite the lofty statement but I would be wrong if told y'all it wasn't. Now, I'm going to try and be as thorough but as vague as possible because I don't want to give anything away, so bear with me!

New "Charlie" trailer for HEREDITARY. HOLY HELL.

I have been impatiently waiting for 2018's Hereditary to be released (June 8th) so this new trailer that was just released is making me even more antsy!  You guys, it looks INTENSE.

Check it out!

Annihilation (2018)

Running Time: 1hr 55min

Release Date: February 23, 2019

Written by: Alex Garland (screenplay), Jeff VanderMeer (based on the novel by)

Directed by: Alex Garland

Review by: Stacey

Prior to its release, there was some studio hooplah with Annihilation and whether it would garner any kind of love from moviegoers as Paramount said it was "too intellectual". They weren't wrong- the movie made me sit back and think the entire time I was watching it, but it wasn't a bad thing.  I admit, I felt a bit stupid at times during my viewing, but I appreciated that and don't particularly care for my movies to spoon feed me every bit of a scene.  However, as more and more people see the movie, I can only imagine how divisive this one will be but I can say with every bit of me- IT WAS SO GOOD.

Horror Huddle w/ Stacey-Beth & Ash: NIGHTWORLD (2017)

On this episode of HORROR HUDDLE, we talk the freshly released to Netflix flick, NIGHTWORLD, starring Jason London and Robert Englund.  It's not the best and we have no problem saying so- from the forced dialogue to awkward sex scenes, this isn't going to be on anyone's top end of the year lists.

Subscribe to our channel over at To Avoid Fainting YouTube Channel!

Also be sure to follow us on social media:

Stacey Twitter: TheStaceyBeth  IG: staceybethh

Ash Twitter: e_txcountryboy  IG: e.txcountryboy

The Triangle (2016)

Running Time: 1hr 34min

Release Date: June 28, 2016

Written/Directed by: David Blair, Nathaniel Peterson, Adam Pitman, Andrew Rizzo, Adam Stilwell

Review by: Stacey

A found footage movie about a "cult"?  Sign me up!  I had actually heard about The Triangle (not to be confused with '09s time-bending Triangle) a while back, but what drew me to it (ff and cults) was also what turned me off to rushing to see it.  As I've mentioned several times before, the sub-genre is a guilty pleasure of mine, but also one that is FULL of more misses than hits, so I usually go into these with some trepidation; not to mention most horror flicks about cults seem to follow the same formula.  I was sure The Triangle was going to follow in the same footsteps as movies like The Sacrament, but lemme tell ya, I was pretty surprised by this one.

Keep Watching (2017)

Running Time: 1hr 29min

Release Date: Oct 31, 2018

Written by: Joseph Dembner

Directed by: Sean Carter

Review by: Stacey

You know something is up when a movie was shot 4 years before it's release, and when done so, is shown for only one night (Halloween) at 10pm.  It also seems like Bella Thorne is 0-2 when it comes to horror movies she stars in that end up in distribution hell with shit releases (Amityville: The Awakening).  There's a quote that floats around about not getting your hopes up, so then you won't be let down- that can definitely be applied to Keep Watching.

Horror Huddle w/ Stacey-Beth & Ash: DEATHGASM (2015)

(This one was filmed back in January 2017, sorry for the EXTRA late-ness!)

On this episode of HORROR HUDDLE, we got together and talked about New Zealand's horror comedy DEATHGASM.

Enjoy and leave us some feedback!

Follow us on IG: staceybethh || e.txcountryboy

Mom and Dad (2018)

Running Time: 1hr 23min

Release Date: Jan 19, 2018

Written/Directed by: Brian Taylor

Review by: Stacey

When a movie immediately starts off with the implied death by train of an infant, you know you've stumbled on something wild.  It's not every day that you get to see a movie with Nic Cage intentionally acting insane because that's what his role calls for; and it's not too often that we get to see a movie where the parents are the ones going psycho and killing their children.  Mom and Dad ticked off a lot of boxes for me in terms of fun and silly.

The Open House (2018)

Running Time: 1hr 34min

Release Date: Jan 19, 2018

Written/Directed by: Matt Angel/Suzanne Coote

Review by: Stacey

If you've been reading my reviews for a while now, you probably know that I never try to dissuade anyone from watching a movie, no matter how much I dislike it, so I usually follow that myself when someone tells me not to watch a movie; I like to form my own opinions, y'know?  This time though, I probably should have heeded everyone's warnings abut Netflix original The Open House.

Videodrome (1983)

Running Time: 1hr 27min

Release Date: Feb 4, 1983

Written/Directed by: David Cronenberg

Review by: Stacey

"Long Live The New Flesh!"

There's probably a lot to unpack about Cronenberg's eerily prophetic sci-fi-ish horror flick, Videodrome, when it comes to society and mass media but honestly I feel like I wouldn't be saying anything that hasn't already been waxed over by other sources.  I can, however, attest to the fact that Cronenberg was definitely on to something (whether he thought his ideas would ever actually come to fruition or not) with mass media/technology/reality tv becoming something that almost rules our lives these days.

Julie Darling (1983)

(also known as Daughter of Death)

Running Time: 1hr 40min

Release Date: March 1983

Written by: Paul Nicholas/Maurice Smith

Directed by: Paul Nicholas

Review by: Stacey-Beth

You guys, this movie was fucking weird.  And not even in that endearing, quirky kinda way, but more like the "wow, is the driving plot an incestuous one??" way.

It Comes At Night (2017)

Running Time: 1hr 31min

Release Date: June 9, 2016

Written/Directed by: Trey Edward Shults

Review by: Stacey

Someone yesterday told me that the reason I didn't like this one was because I "didn't understand it."  1) If you have ever said this to someone, you're an idiot. And 2) I assure those of you who haven't seen it, or have and didn't like it, there really isn't much to "understand."  If you didn't like, it's probably because the trailer was misleading as hell and the movie itself was largely underwhelming.

Kuso (2017)

Running Time: 1hr 45min

Release Date: July 21, 2017

Directed by: Flying Lotus

Written by: David Firth/Flying Lotus

Review by: Mike

We Need To Talk About Kuso: A Review...Sort Of

There has been an earthquake and it isn't pretty. Strange things are afoot. Surfacing in the aftershocks are all the potentialities of our dystopic present. This is Kuso. And we need to talk about it. I'm not going to lie to you, but neither am I going to tell you the truth. After witnessing this film, I admit, I can't be honest, and to be honest, I don't think you can either. So, let's find a dark corner and chat. I promise nothing here is real. It's only a film.

Except Kuso isn't a film. It's Japanese for "shit" and shit is as good of a description as any. This shit is an experience. It is an assault. It is an attack on your senses and your sensibilities. It is the murder of your subconscious. It is the rebirth of your dirty little id. It is you, you nasty fucker, in all your disturbed glory. Why would you watch this (and we both know you're going to, dear reader)? What the fuck is wrong with you?

There are two questions I hate  to be asked: "what is wrong with you?" and "Are you alright?" The answers have always been, "I don't know" and "maybe?" respectively. They are the questions my mother has asked most consistently over the course of my life. As a result, I ask everyone. At this point, I have a strong urge to ask Steve, the director of Kuso, the very same questions (probably in the same tone as my mother). I think I would probably get similar answers or worse answers or no answers at all. Maybe there are no answers. But still... wtf, Steve? I'm not sure I'm equipped to handle this shit.

For those of you that don't already know, Steve has an alias. His alter ego is DJ/producer/musician extraordinaire Flying Lotus. And, if you are aware of the work of FL, this shit might make a bit more sense. 

(Before we go any further, stop what you're doing and go listen to FL' s 2014 release "You're Dead!" I'll wait.)

Kuso is a lot like Steve's work as Flying Lotus: dark, jerky, offensive, assaultive. It exists on the outer rim of the modern avant garde. Kuso isn't representative of a "critical utopia in an increasingly dystopic moment" (Red Wedge Magazine). It is a near future nightmare firmly rooted in the extreme alienation and arbitrary violence of our late capitalist America. Here oral sex with a talking boil is the cement in an apocalyptic relationship. A shrimp like bug living in the asshole of a "doctor" cures phobias. The coat hanger is the official take home prescription for unwanted pregnancy. Interdimensional, weed obsessed alien house mates meet out "justice" on a date rapist. An incontinent schoolboy makes a validating discovery in the strangely enchanted woods. A woman falls after her baby through a hole that leads to hell. These vignettes form the topography of a world shaken by a cataclysmic earthquake and they are stitched together by a series of animated/musical interludes that are equally unsettling.

I realize I have beat around the bush. I warned you I couldn't be completely honest about any of this. It isn't my fault. If you want to know the truth, its your fault. You're the sick fucker that's actually going to watch this shit. What's wrong with you? I don't have the answer to that but, before I make my way out into the South Texas heat, I'm going to leave you with some tips. If I were you, I would pay attention (but we both know you won't). 

1. DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM! (I couldn't possibly be more emphatic here!)

2. WATCH THIS FILM.

3. Keep your eyes closed at all times (if you open them, I'll know)

4. Wear gloves.

5. Wear clothes (no one wants to see your bloated ass naked, especially you).

6. If you encounter a talking boil do not put your dick in or around it.

7. Tell your mom you're sorry (she didn't raise you to watch trash like this).

8. Avoid eating for the duration of the film.

9. Be sober.

10. Let the credits roll (patience is the hallmark of maturity).

Well, that's it gang. I can't say I enjoyed our time together, you knuckle dragging animals. Enjoy!

Horror Huddle with Stacey-Beth & Ash: GET OUT (2017)

Ash took the week off, so we're joined by Adam to discuss the wildly successful GET OUT from director/writer Jordan Peele!

I probably sound like a dummy for the better part of the video but let's just blame that on the several beers I had prior to filming. ;)

Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, LilRey Howery

Enjoy and leave some feedback!

**FULL SPOILERS AHEAD**

Find us on Instagram: staceybethh || adamjodor

Texas Frightmare Weekend revealed 2017 art!

TFW never fails to deliver when it comes to the artwork for their convention each year, and 2017 is no exception!

All items shown begin their pre-orders tomorrow so you better act fast and snag some awesomeness up!

"The TFW 2017 Official Pint Glass design... Get $5 draft refills in these all weekend long at TFW 2017!

Designed and hand etched by Drink With The Living Dead, these deep etched, heavy base glasses will last a lifetime, come individually wrapped in tissue and are gift boxed.

Pre-orders start tomorrow! $18.95 each or get a 4-pack for $64.95. Limited quantities will be available..."

"The TFW 2017 Event Poster #1... This beautiful 20" x 30" poster is designed by Texas based artist Timothy Pittides and screen printed on high quality poster stock. Be sure to visit Pittides at his booth during the convention for more of his amazing art.

Limited edition of only 75 hand numbered prints.

Pre-orders start tomorrow!"

"This year's stunning retro-pulp magazine inspired t-shirt and poster design is by Elvisdead who are known for their unique work with The Melvins, Queens of the Stone Age, Primus, Monster Magnet, Universal Pictures and more!

This will also be available in a screen printed 11" x 17" poster!

Pre-orders start tomorrow! If you've already pre-ordered a shirt, this is the design you will receive. T-shirts will be printed by the amazing Fast Custom Shirts."

All items will be available tomorrow for pre-order at www.texasfrightmareweekend.com

Quantities are super limited so don't sleep on these items!

Pick of The Week: ROSEANNE: TRICKS & TREATS

Release Date: 2011

Running Time: 3hrs 6min

Roseanne will always be one of my favorite tv shows of all time (and I don't think I'm the only one).  The humor was always on point and surprisingly still relevant, but what I loved the most was the family dynamic.  They didn't give us a cookie cutter, tv sitcom family; they were real just like the rest of us, they had fights and financial troubles.  And they LOVED Halloween!

It's safe to say that the Roseanne Halloween episodes are the best of any sitcom (fight me on this).  That's why my "Pick of the Week" goes to Roseanne: Tricks & Treats dvd released by Mill Creek Entertainment in 2011.  Running at 3hrs and 6min, it features all 8 Halloween-themed episodes (season 1 didn't have one): BOO!, Trick or Treat, Trick Me Up, Trick Me Down, Halloween IV, Halloween V, Skeleton in the Closet, Halloween- The Final Chapter, Satan, Darling.

Now I'm going to be honest here, not every Halloween episode is AMAZING.  They really started to lose their spark towards the end of the series, like the rest of the episodes in those seasons, but those first few were classics!  BOO! was the first and probably the best- Roseanne and Dan spend the episode trying to one up each other with spooky pranks to determine who really is "the master!"  And Roseanne dressed as a male lumberjack in the second episode, Trick or Treat is absolutely hilarious.

I have to say, though, that the icing on the cake of these episodes were the costumes, by far.  But it wasn't Roseanne and Dan that were best dressed, it was the kids!  Darlene and Becky always had the coolest costumes that I'm still jealous of to this day.  Becky dressed as a mutilated prom queen, Darlene as Tippi Hedren in The Birds, or little DJ as Hannibal Lector complete with straightjacket- they were definitely winning best costume somewhere in Lanford.

That said, Roseanne: Tricks & Treats is a must-own for any fan of the sitcom and the Halloween season.  And you can't beat that price tag of $5.49 over at Amazon!  So go and buy it and stick around for our episode of Horror Huddle on Halloween when we talk in-depth about the episodes!

Texans Talk Terror: THE STRAIN recap: Ep 4 "Gone But Not Forgotten"

This week we recap episode 4 of THE STRAIN's third season!

Find us on Instagram:

staceybethh || e.txcountryboy

Texans Talk Terror: THE STRAIN recap: S3Ep3 "First Born"

On our latest episode, we recap the S3Ep3 of THE STRAIN.

We also briefly talk about the upcoming blu-ray release of EXORCIST III from Scream Factory!

Find us on Instagram:

staceybethh || e.txcountryboy