By Scott Weinberg

...and we close out a generally weak horror month with a solid indie, a croc-laden sequel, and one of the lamest remakes EVER. And some weird stuff.

Automatons -- Not to be confused with the upcoming Automaton Transfusion, this one is a black and white sci-fi throwback to The Outer Limits. And the other one looks like a splatter film. (Starring Angus Scrimm & Christine Spencer; directed by James McKenney) Extras include a featurette and some cast interviews.

Barn of the Naked Dead -- I don't know what's funnier: The title of this 1973 showgirls-vs-freaks horror flick -- or the fact that it was directed by Alan Rudolph before he hit the big time. Also known as Nightmare Circus, but this title is so much better. Volume 2 of Gore Beat Videozine is also included.

Deadly End -- Also known as Neighborhood Watch, it's about a psychotic neighbor. I've been hearing how "extreme" this one is, so I'm a little bit curious. (Starring Pell James & Terry Becker; directed by Graeme Whifler) Extras include an audio commentary and a making-of featurette.

The Invasion -- Why the hell anyone needed to do another version of this story (after three rather good renditions) is anyone's guess. How the flick turned out this awful is a mystery for the ages. Not even the relative star power of Kidman and Craig can save this stillborn sci-fi thriller. Extras: A documentary on Jack Finney's cinematic legacy and three flick-intensive featurettes.

Lake Placid 2 -- We're in the midst of a croc flick renaissance these days ... and here's just another cheap one to keep you chewing. But this time there's multiple crocs! And Cloris Leachman instead of Betty White. (Starring John Schneider & Sam McMurray; directed by Dave Flores) And if you already saw the flick last year on the sci-fi channel, you may have to rent this UNRATED gorier version. Or not.

Right at Your Door -- A thought-provoking and (probably) audience-dividing indie flick about what happens to one normal couple when a horrific explosion (from a chemical "dirty bomb") goes off in a nearby metropolis. I hate to use a word like "gripping," but it actually fits in this case. And the ending will be much talked-about. Let's leave it at that. (Starring Rory Cochrane & Mary McCormack; directed by Chris Gorak)

Shadow Hours -- I have no idea what it's about, but get a load of this cast: Peter Weller, Balthazar Getty, Rebecca Gayheart, Brad Dourif, Michael Dorn, Frederic Forrest, Peter Greene, Corin Nemec, Richard Moll and Downtown Julie Brown. It could be the worst flick ever made; I still want to see it.