It Came from the Video Store:

For devoted horror fans there is an array of classics like the Shining, The Exorcist and Nightmare on Elm Street that please many of the genre's aficionados as well as casual watchers looking for a scare during the Halloween season. However, most of us can only watch Linda Blair spew green chunks so many times and the newer torture-focused horror movies like Saw and Hostel simply are not everyone's cup of tea so, what's to be watched? Here are some suggestions for both casual and veteran horror movie fans.

Madhouse (2004) - Veteran horror actors Joshua Leonard and Jordan Ladd star in this film about a psychiatric intern (Leonard) who begins to unravel the dark secrets buried within the mental hospital where he works.

A slick look and above average production value for the genre add a ton of visual interest to a somewhat standard plot. There are some truly disturbing images and genuine scares that make this a must see for horror fans.

Cabin Fever (2002) - Child star Rider Strong stars in this creep-fest about college students who rent a cabin in the woods where they fall victim to a horrible flesh-eating virus.

This is a unique take on the often overdone "college kids in an isolated location, mayhem ensues" set-up. The kids are not only terrorized by the virus but by the redneck locals and even by each other. This movie manages to be both funny and scary. This reviewer's only warning: you may need to watch it twice to get a true appreciation.

Them (2006) - A newly married couple move into a cavernous old house. It isn't long before they are woken by a strange noise in the dark. The next several hours of their life are sheer horror as they are terrorized by a group of violent trespassers.

This is the Romanian film on which the American film, The Strangers, was based. Director David Moreau stays away from gratuitous gore but locks in the very base feelings of being stalked and trapped as the couple runs for their lives before the movie culminates in a surprise twist.

The Hole (2001) - Four students at a British private school scheme to get out of a class trip so they can spend time alone and uncover a secret underground bunker to stay in while their classmates are away. But what happens when the three days pass and their outside contact never comes back to let them out?

What ensues is a truly frightening look at captivity that will have viewers squirming and an ending that will leave them shocked.

Frailty (2001) - How far is too far when religion is involved? Bill Paxton stars in and directs this film about two young boys growing up with their religious zealot of a father who believes he has been sent to Earth to destroy the "demons" of the world.

This is a superiorly crafted horror/drama for those viewers looking for a suspenseful thrill-ride with a great creep factor along with an original plot.