Texas Chainsaw vs Halloween - Who Wins?

This past weekend, at Monster-Mania in Hunt Vally, MD, an internal debate was ignited: Is the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise better than my beloved Halloween series? I know, crazy right? I consider myself a "lifer" when it comes to my eternal love of Michael Myers, but after rewatching a lot of the Chainsaw series lately, I find myself second guessing. Really ask yourself, which series is the best?

I also discuss why so many seem to take issue with others enjoying the #31DaysOfHorror trend thats happening. If it creates an awareness of what we love, how can its be bad? People are making lists, celebrating their love of the horror genre. I actually enjoy seeing the lists because sometimes, you stumble upon something you haven't seen before. Always a good heads up.

I briefly discuss the new import bluray for the Night of the Living Dead remake from 1990. Tom Savini just recreates the George Romero masterpiece, in what I would say is the greatest remake of all time. 

Is everyone geared up for haunt season? I want to know if you like the haunted houses, the hayrides or if you take some ghost tour? What works for you? Plus, let's be serious for a moment...does anyone actually believe that Count Chocula isn't the best monster cereal? 

Some thoughts and more meaningless nonsense...4/24/13

Some thoughts and more meaningless nonsense...4/24/13

Welcome to the delusions of yours truly. Today is filled with babble, nonsense and other greatly exaggerated useless content that will help no one but myself...I'm kind of shallow and selfish...the sunglasses give that away...right?

Ok, so todayI wanted to talk a little about this past weekends trip to Pittsburgh and some cosmic revelations that happened...ok, maybe the term Cosmic Revelations is a little far from the truth and could only result in you being not just underwhelmed by this blog, but completely let down.....as a side note, I always hated the term "Blog", just sounds like a conceded, self absorbed term..ok, maybe then for me, it works. 

Back to the story...

So, Kim and I hear that our pals at ToeTag Pictures are opening a retail store and we couldn't help but be excited for them, as former retail owners. We know the goods and bads with retail and all the trouble that can accompany this risk...but there also can be reward. So, we load up the family truckster and head out west..about 5 hours west, actually. 

We've have known Fred and Shelby for nearly 10 years...yes 10 years. They are most notably known for the August Underground series. A series that has been described as "the sickest, most disgusting horror series..ever" so of course, we are fans. The reason why I felt compelled to discuss this trip is because I feel and hope that more stores like this open up. The retail business, especially when it comes to a niche' type of store can be tricky so I want to shed as much light as possible. The store had a very "Horror-esqe" feel with props from their films, posters, plenty of Horror films to purchase. Merchandise  like shirts, hoodies and more. Plus, VHS tapes and special edition stuff!! It's worth a visit if you're out that way and make sure you support these guys...I feel a place like this is important.

Then, Kim and I made the 20 minute ride to the Monroeville Mall...yep, the same mall from the 1978 George A Romero classic, Dawn of the Dead. Pittsburgh is full of Romero history and Kim had never been...so since I had heard that the Zombie Museum was closing (located within the mall) I wanted to give her that memory...since we are HUGE Zombie fans and being with me for 20+ years, she really needs some good memories. I actually visited the museum a few years ago and can't praise it enough...it was free and well worth a visit. Sadly, the mall has changed so much, there is really nothing left that resembles the our former Graceland. The museum was mostly dissembled and Kim at least was able to buy a Pittsburgh hoodie. I actually still had an awesome time and look forward to our next road trip.

Fozzie Bear photo for no damn reason

Now...in closing...let me say this - On the way home, a No Clowning Around feature became a topic...I mean, it's a 5 hour drive with awful stations and terrible reception so of course we are gonna talk about stuff..plus, Kim is a bad singer and I wanted to keep her distracted. Anyways...so, what does this mean? Well, the script has an outline and we actually have some people we would love to have involved..now, after I finish with "Baggage", I will focus my attention on to this....I am hoping to get something started for early 2014...so there you have it..if you read the entire blog thing, you now know...and you might have lost a few IQ points...you're welcome.

This Mortal Coil - Based on a True Story

This Mortal Coil

Sean King, who plays Void Ghouligan from the extremely popular "The Ghouligans" posted a quick 18 minute short yesterday titled "This Mortal Coil" with the simple tag line "Based on a True Story". The based on a true story always gets me..I instantly through up the white flag and after reviewing countless films claiming the same, I almost set up a barrier against that "warning".

Before the review, let me give you the actual meaning of This Mortal Coil - Mortal coil is a poetic term that means the troubles of daily life and the strife and suffering of the world. It is used in the sense of a burden to be carried or abandoned, most famously in the phrase "shuffle[d] off this mortal coil" from Shakespeare's Hamlet. (thanks wiki :)

I believe the meaning of the title has more meaning than you think. The story quickly also became very believable, as I am sure this epidemic is happening in the modern society often.

This Mortal Coil is the story of love and devotion written by Paul Natale, creating a world that you control and falling for the love of your life. Vampires, more than ever are almost a desire to many, so when Matthew (Drew Moore), a simplistic introvert is captivated by a young Vampire, he is instantly lovestruck. Emily Wallace plays the young, wanna be Vampire Vixen and is totally believable in her role.

Similiar to George A Romero's Martin, Matthew wants to prove his love ...at any cost. Without spoiling the film, I will simply say...the was a breath of fresh air for me a viewer and a reviewer. King has proven he has talent as a director as Natale shows that he can write a script that relates to the youth of America and is not pursuaded by the Twilight rage. Vampirism is real....take a bite and watch!

This Mortal Coil- short film from Sean King on Vimeo.

Kim Dimension's Top 5 Zombie Movies

Dimension (the Mrs.) gives her Top 5 Zombie Movies of All Time!

Well, it’s me, Kim Dimension….I know, poor me. With 2010 out like a light, I figured I would flex my flesh eating muscles and give you my top 5 Zombie Movies of all time.


I LOVE the Zombie genre; the debates if slow or fast runners are better…the possibilities on what to do, seen on the big screen during the Almighty Apocalypse. Ahhh…the smell of rotting flesh is in the air! Without further ado, let see where your favorites fall on my list:

5. Zombieland

This 2010 DVD release did well in theaters and developed an even bigger following on the infection came home. It was directed by Ruben Fleischer, and honestly, the opening credits of this movie alone are the reason that this movie made my top 5.Having rules to follow will only help you stay alive as the Zombie Apocalypse, so while watching have a pen and paper handy.The movie stars Woody Harrelson; Jesse Eisenberg; Emma Stone & Abigail Breslin…does anyone else call Eisenburg a fake Michael Cera? Regardless, the movie had great casting; the characters had good chemistry together.The movie has some great fight season, special effects & comedy, plus a Bill Murray cameo. Did I ruin that surprise for you? If it helps, he dies…oh no!!!!! I’m awful at this, but come on, who hasn’t sat and watched this one? I wouldn’t consider this a horror movie, but still felt it should make my list anyway.

4. Dawn of the Dead

(1978) - Written & Directed by George A. Romero – Who isn’t a fan of good ole’ Uncle George? Dawn poses the lifelong question that sits in every Zombie lover’s mind - Who hasn’t thought of where they would go if there was no more room in Hell, and the dead walked the Earth? The malls have changed so much in the 30+ years since this hit, now having food courts, plenty of places to get the hottest shoes, sorry I am a girl!! Most of the movie takes place out in Pittsburgh, at the Monroeville Mall…the Graceland for many fans of the flesh eaters. The mall, the story, the battle of simple survival makes everyone think, it’s an iconic setting.Zombie version of Flyboy is one of my all time favorite zombies, him holding the gun, with the crocked foot….awesome. Go pay some homage to the Zombie Lord, re-watch this one tonight.

3. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Written by: Edgar Wright & Simon Pegg This British version of the zombie outbreak doesn’t take itself serious, with Simon Pegg & Nick Frost to battle the evil flesh eaters, but makes for a really fun watch. Shaun is oblivious to everything going on around him as he is so hung over and his mind is only on getting his ex, Liz back.Hey Shaun, “you’ve got red on you”….I need to know someone named Shaun, throw something red on him just to say that..add that to my 2011 goals. Some inventive and fun scenes like when they act like zombies and walk right by the real zombies is crazy, but you know that a few of us would consider trying it if we were in the same situation.In closing, who wouldn’t want to keep Ed as a pet zombie confined in their shed? I know I would.

2. Night of the Living Dead (1990) 

Directed by Tom Savini - I chose this Tom Savini remake (This was before remakes sucked ass), just due to Savini keeping the Romero story so close, his vision of sickness, plus his kick ass style of special effects over the original classic.Great casting, Horror Icon, Bill Moseley (Otis – from Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses & Devil’s Reject’s) as Barbara’s brother Johnny that dies in the cemetery in the beginning and with having Tony Todd (Candyman, Candyman, Candyman – I said it 3 times and nothing happened…….Damn it!!!! I really wanted to see the Candyman, what I wouldn’t do for a Snickers bar right now, because they really do satisfy) make this movie an instant classic for Cult Horror fans. The movie has the same racial underlying tension between the Harry and Ben characters, seen in the Original and it still carries over well here. The entire party mix makes the group uncomfortable and really makes you think about society, even today. Harry and his family locking themselves in the basement, Tom Towles really captures the essence while Patricia Tallman (Barbara) goes from helpless victim to full fledged zombie assassin. Even though it’s much of the same, I just found this remake more enjoyable then the original counterpart.

1.Dawn of the Dead (2004) – Directed by Zack Snyder. I know this will be a controversial choice for zombie purist since A) This is a remake of a beloved classic. B) This contains a Zombie Baby, yes…I know, I know…it’s dumb but, on my version, I have deleted that scene. C) It deals with the constant battle over slow or fast zombies…but fast zombies are scary as hell.

I love this remake due to more characters in a modern mall, where the survivors use the surroundings the way I see myself using it, I’m not a coffee drinker but that coffee shop looked yummy. A strong cast with Ving Rhames, Sarah Polley, Mekhi Phifer & Ty Burell, makes the interaction with the other survivors enjoyable, I know I can relate the some of the antics. Ty Burell, from Modern Family, plays Steve Marcus a major jerkoff, so, it is easy for everyone to want to shoot him in the head. The effects are remarkable and even the fast zombies makes it more intense…as I write this, I’m literally on the edge of my seat.



I have a soft spot in my un-beating heart for the slow moving flesh eaters, but these are super human flesh eaters and they can totally rip you apart. Now, let’s see how may of us can survive this type of zombie invasion…I would trip Rob and head for the hills. Oh, and I will not forget to get the boat keys from Steve if I have to shoot him in the head. I wouldn’t want to go on the boat with him, but would surely take his boat without him, so suck on that Capt’n.

New Episode - Night of the Living Dead: Re-Animated is now available

Night of the Living Dead: Re-Animated

Now Available!!!

Big thanks to the guys at Wild Eye Releasing for allowing us to show this great rendering of a classic.

Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated is an art show hung on the cult classic's timeline. Every scene serves as walls to hang artworks, the audio becomes the ambiance of the space and the original narrative serves as the theme that holds the show together.


Much like in a museum, the works are curated within the space to carry the viewer from one piece into the next with the intention that though the individual works vary greatly, juxtiposed they play off each other and leave the viewer with a unified experience.

Instead of trying to alter Image Ten's work, NOTLD:R seeks to showcase the responses that artists from around the world have had to this landmark film. For the optimal experience, we recommend that you first watch the original film as it will help to inform how you read the artwork. 

For this episode - Rob Dimension thinks that Hollywood might be ready for him, so Pigamortis sets him up on location. John Cannon, with his trusty Sasquatch, slowly loses control of the situation and shares a secret with Dead Neck Dave, Straight from the grave. Watch this one.

Late Night at the Horror Hotel presents Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated from Sickening Thud on Vimeo.

This coming weekend!!! Forest of Fright on Saturday - Pittsburgh, PA on Sunday...

This coming Saturday, October 9th, The Late Night crew heads to The Forest of Fright in Philo, OH....it is in your best interest to hide your valuables and your girlfriends...is anyone safe??? John Cannon and Rob Dimension will be your host for the evening...stop by and see us..we want to know what you LOVE about Horror!!! Wanna be on TV? Here is your chance!

http://www.forestoffright.org

 

 

 Then this Sunday - We will be at the World's largest Zombie Crawl in the Monroeville, PA area..plus, we will crash...err..stop at the Monroeville Mall (the mall made famous by the George A Romero classic "Dawn of the Dead)...look for us..stay tuned to our Facebook pages as we will try to document everything as much as possible.

The Crew gets "Examined" by Scott Ruth and the Examiner

Get to know the guys!

A few weeks ago we were approached to give some insight on Horror, our lives outside of this craziness and opinions on some classics. Scott Ruth, who is a writer for the Examiner, fielded some questions to the entire crew and we answered openly and honestly.

The guys talk about how the show started, how Horror differs from their lives in Pro Wrestling and what the remember and love about Horror! If you ever wanted to know more about Cannon, Dimension and Pigamortis, here is your chance.

To read the article - visit 

http://www.examiner.com/horror-in-philadelphia/philadelphians-it-s-time-to-check-into-late-night-at-the-horror-hotel

or just read below - Credit Scott Ruth

Nearly every city across the nation (and many international locales) have their very own television horror hosts. But in Philly, we've always had the best. Back in the 80s we had Stella "The Maneater from Manayunk" and today we have Rob Dimension, aka Rob The Clerk, John Cannon aka Chef John, and Pigamortis Wrex, the zombie pig; the hosts of Late Night At The Horror Hotel!

On Late Night At The Horror Hotel, Rob The Clerk, Chef John, and Pigamortis Wrex  host some of the greatest films of classic horror cinema. You get great horror films, hilarious comedy skits, creature cooking and a zombie pig, I mean, what more could you ask for? Sex, violence, gore, torture, murder, mayhem. Oh. We're talking about Late Night At The Horror Hotel, not the city of Brotherly Love? Sorry. Ok, back to the show; "MURDER, MAYHEM, CREATURE COOKING AND MORE"; think of it as Elvia, Mistress of the Dark, meets The Three Stooges. Minus the huge boobs and the stooges. In reality, and all joking aside, what you have is a group of guys, with a great deal of love and respect for the horror genre, who host classic horror gems, incorporating their own brand of horror humor along the way. 

Rob, John, Pigamortis and the crew are brilliant with both their choices of films to air, as well as with their comedy and hosting skills. It seems Philadelphia has the best of everything, from food, to sports teams and especially horror tv shows. Suck on that Los Angeles!! (Yikes! I hope that doesn't get me shot! I kid. I kid because I love. And I say that I'm kidding because I'm afraid of being shot!)

Once again, I consider myself to be very fortunate with the quality of folks from the horror community whom are wiling to allow me to interview them. This time around, I got to talk with Rob Dimension, John Cannon and Pigamortis Wrex, the hosts of "Late Night At The Horror Hotel".

Philadelphia Horror Examiner:  Thanks so much for taking time to answer a few questions gentlemen. Let's get right to it: Can you remember when your love for horror began? 

• Rob Dimension - "When I was a little guy, honestly, my Dad was the one that introduced me to Horror. His love for the genre really spilled over into my world, and I was a lucky kid. Late one night, I was about 10 yrs old, I had overheard my parents talking about John Carpenter’s Halloween film. My Mom wasn’t a horror fan but my Dad was trying to persuade her to watch, it was no easy task. I sat at the top of the stairs, watching and listening, and was scared to death of the Boogey Man after that night. While I was shocked, it was really a wake up call for me…so Michael Myers was the beginning of all this madness."

• John Cannon - "My uncle and I used to stay up late watching horror film after horror film while ordering pizza and drinking coke. I had seen a number of horror movies before, but none of them made me ever “fall in love” with horror until I saw the 1990 movie Demon Wind. I don’t know why this was the movie that kicked it off for me and I have told this to a number of people and nobody seems to remember having ever seen it, but maybe it’s because they vomit what appears to be marshmallow fluff, who knows. To this day my uncle and I are the outcasts at the family functions as we sit in the kitchen watching and talking about different horror films."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "This goes back to my first horror movie i ever saw. Back in the day before DVDs and even before VCRs there were these things called DRIVE-IN movies. Well my parents used to take us to drive in movies and we'd be asleep before the 1st movie started. This night was no different, except for the fact that I woke up at the start of the 2nd movie. (Yeah they used to do DOUBLE FEATURES, too) That 2nd movie was Dawn of the Dead. AND like any good lil creep, i stayed quiet and peeked over the back seat and watched that movie... Needless to say, sleep and I didn't get along for a month or so afterward. My dad in his infinite wisdom (and his growing tired of me refusing to turn the lights out) decided that in order to overcome my fear of all things scary he would do so by showing me more horror movies. Along with this he also showed me documentaries on how movies were made and books in the library on things like Special FX make up and a PBS special on Ray Harryhausen and how he created monsters and skeletons and such. So it was then that my fear became something i embraced and love to this day."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - You guys are not only in the horror hosting biz, but you're also respected members of the pro wrestling community. (Well, I'm not too sure that Pigmortis wrestles but he looks like he could serve as the modern day Abdullah The Butcher. Sorry, maybe "butcher" is the best word to use around a pig. My bad.) Do you find ways to incorporate your love of horror into your wrestling gimmicks?

• Rob Dimension - "For me, my Wrestling persona is the total opposite of my love for Horror and even, how I really am in my “real” world. Rob Dimension, the character in on the TV show is a silly, dim witted, probably well meaning victim of his own mistakes (probably more like me). While, in the crazy world of Pro Wrestling, I am a Preppy, you know the guy who you hated in school. It’s funny that the Preppy style is now making a comeback, should the fashion world be thanking me?"

• John Cannon - "My whole entire wrestling gimmick and style is based off of my love of horror and the 80’s genre in particular. I paint my face like a skeleton, wear 80’s style horror t-shirts, wrap my arms in white tape and then proceed to pour blood all over myself. I put the blood on top of my head in a way that it looks like I have a head wound that is bleeding on the way to the ring. I have taken some time off of wrestling and when I return to the ring I will be doing a new gimmick of a zombie bleeding cowboy, sort of like the bad guy in the House films. I usually carry a bloody axe or a gimmicked chainsaw that shoot sparks to the ring as well, so definitely horror plays a role in my wrestling."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "Wait... are you calling me fat? I'll have you know i am WAY too pretty to ever be mistaken for Abdullah the Butcher. You wanna see some butcherin done, you just throw another fat remark at me you sunuva..... ANYWAY, some of my best friends are in the wrasslin biz as well as doin the Horror Host gig. They are very similar and I know that more than a few wrestling gimmicks have snuck their way onto the small screen, and the thing is, its something you love and you try to find away to incorporate it in every facet of your life."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - Horror or wrestling? Which is your first love?

• Rob Dimension - "As much fun as Wrestling has provided me, Horror is my perfect fit. I have been lucky in both, but Pro Wrestling has taken a backseat to Horror, lately. I am not ready to walk away, but the time is coming soon."

• John Cannon - "They are both equal to me as I get to be creative with both of them in different forms. If I had to pick one it would be horror as I get less injured filming then I do in the ring, note I said less."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "Well I have always loved wrestling... I've gone to my first wrestling match around the same time I was introduced to horror, so photo finish, wrestling came first, but horror has remained steady and is more integrated in my life nowadays."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - What's the story behind "Late Night at the Horror Hotel"? Can you tell me about how it came to exist and how you guys ended up as the hosts?

• Rob Dimension - "Late Night at the Horror Hotel was a combination of ideas between John Cannon and me. I had an idea to start Horror Hosting show; he had an idea to start a show based around cooking, involving Horror. It was a great fit, we had a few meetings about how to combine the two and there you have it.
  The actual story of the Horror Hotel was just a thought I had about how things would be if you were sent to Purgatory and were basically given a job. We are forced to work in dismal conditions, so of course there are going to be chaotic moments. You never know who will be the next guest."

• John Cannon - "Wow, I’ll try to remember the whole series of events, but Rob is so much better at this one than I am. I had started Creature Cooking which is my take on if Alton Brown and Elvira had a love child cooking food that went with films and bizarre twists to them. Rob has always been big into horror, more so than myself I will freely admit and one day we started talking about some ideas. He knew all about horror hosting and other than a couple of them I had never understood what it was or entailed. He told about a ton of people and I looked them up and they had some good stuff and it looked like fun. Now keep in mind is wasn’t some out of the blue meeting, we had known one another through wrestling for at least 8 years before this. So it started up and then Pigamortis came into the picture and I am glad he did because it gives both Rob and I another way to interact plus the guy who plays Pigamortis is just as equally a nice and great guy as Rob is. I trust and respect them both highly and consider it a privilege to work with them both."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "I lost ONE stinkin hand of cards... now I'm here on this show. I think Dimension cheated. "

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - Who are some of your favorite horror genre actors and actresses, past and present?

• Rob Dimension - "Vincent Price, Donald Pleasance and Jamie Lee Curtis."

• John Cannon - "Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Max Schreck, Ben Chapman, Michael Gross, & Doug Bradley."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "Kane Hodder, Lance Henrickson, Linnea Quigley, Dick Durrock, Robert Englund, Dick Warlock, Carel Struyken, Peter Jackson, Sid Haig."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - Can you tell me some of your absolute favorite horror movies? Also, are there any that you find yourself watching again and again?

• Rob Dimension - "I am a huge fan of John Carpenter’s Halloween and George A Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. Dawn of the Dead was one of the first films I bought myself on VHS. When you only have one film, at the time, I watched it a bunch. I watch Killer Klowns from Outer Space a lot, it’s so fun. Plus, not Horror but Sci-Fi related, I watch a lot of the older Japanese shows like Ultraman and Johnny Sokko and his Flying Robot. Plus, I watch at least 1 or 2 Godzilla films per week."

• John Cannon - "I am a huge fan of Demon Wind, Hellraiser, Tremors & Critters and while I can watch them repeatedly I find myself watching the 1940-50’s style of films like Creature From the Black Lagoon (which is my all time favorite), It Came From Beneath The Sea, The Blob and The Deadly Mantis over and over again. I tend to gravitate towards those films because they were the foundations of what we have today. It was a time when people were actually scared and it didn’t take much, the imagination was so much more alive back then."

• Pigamortis Wrex - " Ok, get comfortable. Dawn of the Dead (Original and Remake), Bad Taste, Dead Alive, NotLD (Original and Savini Remake) Maniac, All the Friday the13ths, Tremors (all), Blacula, Frankenhooker, Brain Damage, Humongous, Blackenstein, Godzilla vs. Destroyah, ANYTHING by William Castle, I am a horror/sci-fi junkie. I will watch pretty much anything in the Rubber monster/slasher/gore/exploitation/supernatural genre. GOD BLESS NETFLIX "WATCH NOW" feature."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - If you could have any guest of your choosing appear on Late Night at the Horror Hotel, be it someone who is still active or someone who has left this earth, who would you, chose and why?

• Rob Dimension - "Vincent Price, I look at him as the voice of Horror. To me, he is a true Horror Icon. The way he carried himself and his persona were fabulous. George A Romero would be my 2nd pick, he created a genre that exploded, being Zombies. Without him, we would never have the late night discussions on if we could survive a Zombie Apocalypse."

• John Cannon - "I would so pick Robert Englund, one because he is an icon and legend of horror and two for a selfish reason is we wouldn’t have to do much work, his presence alone would be enough to fill the show."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "Vincent Price. Not only would he class up the joint, i would love to pick his brain about the things he's done. PLUS, he was a great chef and could do some Creature Cooking with Cannon and hopefully he would just kick Dimension's ass."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner -  Best horror movie of all time? (This can differ from the favorite movies question, as it may be a movie that, although it may not be one that you consider a favorite, but you still see as being the greatest ever)

• Rob Dimension - "I will stick with Carpenter’s Halloween, plain and simple. The story, the way the film built tension, the music….top notch stuff."

• John Cannon - "Creature From The Black Lagoon."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "Dawn of the Dead, it was creepy, gory, humorous,great soundtrack, had a "message" it was innovative, still holds up to this day."
   

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - Worst horror movie of all time?

• Rob Dimension - "I have lived through the 80’s and have been a avid Horror film watcher for years…I have seen my fair share of stinkers. They know who they are.."

• John Cannon - "Frankenhooker…can you count that as a bad horror film though, let alone a film in the first place?"

• Pigamortis Wrex - "First of all Cannon, FRANKENHOOKER is FRIED GOLD! All your taste is in your mouth! Worst "Horror" movie of all time? Exorcist2. OH yeah and anything related to the "TWILIGHT SAGA""

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - How do you feel about horror films today, as compared to 20 or 30 years ago? Do you see the genre as progressing, as being stagnant or do you feel it's falling behind?

• Rob Dimension - "I think the foreign market is still fresh and inventive. Films like Martyrs, REC and recently The Human Centipede have changed what is scary or considered Horror. I wish that Hollywood would take some chances on some Independent writers and directors; there is so crazy stuff out there in the Underground layers of Horror. Film making has changed, what worked in the 80’s would not be accepted by the masses today. It’s a PG-13 market; the teenagers are the main demographic. That’s why the VHS Horror fandom is booming. People miss the campy, gory (non cgi), crazed killer splaterfests."

• John Cannon - "I am not a fan of the horror films of today, the big movie studios seem to be more into remakes and crap rather than looking at some of these independent companies out there and picking them up. Like I stated before, I like the pure time of years ago when imagination wasn’t tainted and it didn’t take a snuff style film to get people scared in a movie theater."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "Well, 70% of the movies out now, blow. That's no surprise. HOWEVER I am a huge fan of Indy horror. Indy horror has what the big studios gave up on. The heart. Indies still TRY to entertain! Big Studios just care about monetary bottom line."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - Now for a little "fluff" question just for kicks: If an extremely wealthy man came to you and told you he wanted to fund any film that you wanted to either star in, direct, produce, etc., giving you a chance to be a part of the production of your dreams, what would you chose?

• Rob Dimension - "This is a tough one. I would probably say Write and Direct. I know that write wasn’t on the list, but I would love to become involved with the behind the scenes of film making. Sure, I love being a Ham in front of the camera but, the satisfaction of creating something that you believe in is the best feeling."

• John Cannon - "It would be the actor/director…I know I picked two, but it’s the honest truth."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "OOOooo Man. I'd pull a Peter Jackson and direct/act. If Cannon can pick two so can I."

Philadelphia Horror Examiner - One final question; what does the future hold for each of you, respectfully, as well as for Late Night at the Horror Hotel? Feel free to engage in some shameless self-promotion at this point, if you'd like.

• Rob Dimension - "For me, I have been lucky to stumble into some film roles, plus I host The Horror Society LIVE radio show now. I hope to become a better master of the craft, be well rounded in all aspects. I love Horror and I hope that I will continue to be accepted.
  For the Tv show, I really and truly hope that someone out there decides that we are filling a niche that is missing, gives us a bigger stage and lets us loose. We have a fantastic crew, we can only get better."

• John Cannon - "The future for me is with my scuba training and to complete my Dive Master certification while going back to college for another degree in business/logistics, completing the 3 cookbooks I have started and some wrestling on the side. As for the future of Late Night at the Horror Hotel, who knows, I will keep an open mind and say we will be syndicated and doing it full time as a job, but the future is a lot like a magic eight ball, you shake it…turn it over…and look at your answer “future unclear check back later”. All I can definitely say is that as long as it’s fun; it will go on for a very long time."

• Pigamortis Wrex - "Let me put on my swami hat and look at these tea leaves and gaze into my crystal ball... I don't know, I mean I'd love to say some wealthy, yet generous tv exec will see the show and be like "HEY FELLAS COME BE ON MY CHANNEL. HERE IS A BUTTLOAD OF CASH SO YOU GUYS CAN HAVE A BUDGET." That way we could do this full time, because that would be a dream come true and we can all do this for many years to come and retire as cult icons. BUT the reality side is, I didn't get in this for the money and will continue to keep doin what i'm doin and unless i win at cards and get Dimension to rip up that IOU, i will be at the Horror Hotel for a lonnng time. Stop by www.Latenighthorrorhotel.com and show me some love and/or pity... "

I would like to thank Rob Dimension, John Cannon and Pigamortis Wrex for your time guys. I truly appreciate it. You guys are all awesome, as is your show. 

As Pigamortis just mentioned, be sure to stop by the show's website for a plethora of show news, movie reviews, horror news, magic and "creature cooking" by visiting www.latenighthorrorhotel.com. 

"Late Night At The Horror Hotel" can be seen every Thursday and Saturday nights at 12 midnight on Philly's Public Access Television - Phillycam on Comcast channels 66/966 & Verizon channels 29/30.

Along with their website, you can also check out the show's official Facebook page by clicking HERE.

Also, make sure to stop by and subscribe to the official Late Night At The Horror Hotel YouTube channel.

Big Thanks again to Scott Ruth for taking the time to check in!!!

Pigamortis is a "Fan of the Dead" Review

Fan of the Dead review

by: Pigamortis Wrex

So I sat down popped in this DVD waiting to see some sort of uptight, pretentious French documentary about some Frog's trip to Pittsburgh Comic Con and his Romero worship. Man was I wrong. Nicolas Garreau (our documentarian) really nailed a fans' perspective on this one because he is 100%, undying (undead?) Romero/Zombie fan! 

This isn't some slick, avant garde, grand production from some french indie film company. Instead, its something that would invoke the fanboy spirit in even the most jaded of horror fans.
Nicolas takes us on his journey from France across the Atlantic to the exotic wilds of Pennsylvania. On this road trip he has a checklist of finding all of the locations from "Dawn/NotLD 91/Day and Creepshow". His first stop before hitting the Comic Con he takes us to the Margaret Morrison Carnagie Hall where they filmed Creepshow "The Crate" segment. Its when he finds the hallway used in the film that Nicolas absolutely shows his pure passion for Romero and his love of the films. He takes us to the studios used by Romero's Latent Image back when shooting the original NotLD. Its here that we learn the building's basement was used as the farmhouse's basement as well as the roof being used in Dawn during the SWAT assault. 

We are then brought to Pittsburgh Comic Con for some camera time with the zombies at the 25th anniversary of the film "Dawn of the Dead" or as Nicolas knows it "ZOMBI". Its here that go along with Nicolas on the Monroeville Mall tour with Ken Foree, Peter Emge and "Machete Zombie" Leonard Lies. Just some quick trivia learned from this movie, The money used by Peter and Steven in the bank scene in Dawn? REAL*
(*according to Ken Foree) Throughout this tour Nicolas shows all the little nuances and memorable scenes in Dawn, and each and everytime he got somewhere I recognized, i smiled. Invoking memories and just made me a happy Pig.

After the mall tour, we are taken to the locations of Night of the Living Dead (Savini remake, one of ole Pigamortis' favs) as well as the missle site(now warehouse)The film showed him sitting in traffic when he got lost on his way to these sites but it added to the feeling of being along for the ride.

This dvd is more like someone's vacation footage. I mean this is a good way. No pretense, no "script". Just sheer passion for something that has driven him all this way. A religious journey of sorts. Pittsburgh is his Mecca and you can't help but share in his enthusiasm and zombie love. In my opinion, THIS should be shown on the Travel Channel, instead of boring shows about going to BANGKOK, Naples, Kuala Lumpor or places i have NO desire to go. It is this movie makes you want to find these places for yourself. (Those fans who already havent.) We are privy to seeing things through Nicolas' eyes with no filters or hype or pretense. Just thru the eyes of a fan. I was a bit disappointed when this ended, I found myself wanting more. Maybe I will go on a road trip myself and enjoy just being a fan again. This was entertaining pure and simple. All zombie/Romero fans need to pick this up! 

KMR hits us with an AMAZING Day of the Dead Review

Our friends over at Kaiju Movie Review have given us an amazing review of Day of the Dead. The Classic George A Romero zombie cult favorite, Day of the Dead from 1985 is revered by many as one of the most "spot on" realizations of the Zombie Apocalypse.

Daniel Wickwire proves that he, not only knows Kaiju but is also a fan of the Undead. Have a seat and check out the review. Share your thoughts and stop over to Kaiju Movie Review for Giant Monster news and reviews!!

Am I crazy to enjoy the Crazies???

Am I Crazy to enjoy the Crazies (remake)?

by: Rob Dimension

Okay, so I just got done watching The Crazies, the 2010 remake from

director Breck Eisner, written by Scott Kosar and Ray Wright. I will review this film, as always with as little of spoilers as possible.

The Crazies stands in a long line of remakes, the current trend from Hollywood since creativity has gone down the drain. George A. Romero, who I just admire for his non conforming attitude and risky, political themed films, released the original The Crazies in 1973. Romero, taking a shot at the current Government pull (Vietnam was the topic during that time frame), really still proves that the fear of the government and their power struggle is still here, some 40 years later.

The plot synopsis is very simple and quite honestly, could happen at anytime, in my opinion. A plane carrying a biological warfare weapon to unstablize a territory, crashes in a small town and infects their drinking supply. Plain and simple, the people that drink the water begin to go insane and the government must step in to quarantine the area. Of course, the government loses control and things spiral out of control. The story focuses on a Sheriff, his Wife and a Deputy and how they try to survive the ordeal. 

Let's get to the facts, the Sheriff is played by Timothy Olyphant, who has played some good roles in Live Free or Die Hard and my favorite Porno producer in The Girl Next Door, and he does a really believable job here as the Sheriff...I like this guy, he's pretty a solid actor. I think he took this role and really did fantastic, he carries the film.

This film, for me has 2 tremendous kill scenes. One does involve Olyphant...SPOILER ALERT : At one point, his wife and him are cornered in their house. The family, Mother and Son of the first victim that the sheriff had to kill have the Wife tied to a chair, the Sheriff gets nailed from behind and now reaches for his gun. While reaching for his gun, the son stabs his hand and attaches it to the floor, the Sheriff now lifts his hand, knife still through it and stabs the Mother in the throat...very cool and pretty creative.  

Would I recommend this film? Yes, it's different that the original but it's faster paced, which now a days works better. There are some great "shock" moments that will make you jump and I think the believability of this possible outbreak is what should make you think. With H1N1 making huge headlines last year, this could be in our future. Would the Government handle things any different than they do here? Highly unlikely.

I still recommend going back and watching the Romero original, The Crazies simply because it I feel it is still worth a watch and George just has a way to express himself via film...something that is nearly impossible today.Bottom line, if you are an independent film fan, actor or director...inspiring possibly? Watch Romero's stuff...he is the guy I pimp the most. 

Okay, so again...go RENT the Crazies remake, I think you would enjoy it. It was fun and wasn't a typical remake. Have a great day guys and speak with ya soon!!

Dimension's Top 5 Zombie Movies of all time!

"Top 5 Zombie Movies of All Time"

by: Rob Dimension

The warm, hot air of Summer makes me think of one thing...ZOMBIES!!!!!...what if the Dead were walking the Earth? The foul, nasty smell of rotting flesh making your BBQ just a little better, that's what Summer is all about. Okay, so not really....but what better time to discuss my Top 5 Zombie films of all time?

 

Being a Zombie fiend, I love to talk about the walking dead, the timing seems to good to keep buried (literally). Now, by Zombie films, I mean the "Dead Shall Walk the Earth" Zombie, not the dreadful remake master Rob Zombie, sorry have to take every chance I can to slander Rob after his treatment of Michael Myers.

In the late sixties, a certain Zombie film changed the future of cinema and brought forth the "What If?" question that people will be asking for years to come. The Horror genre had exploded with the most terrifying threat of all time. What if the Zombie Apocalypse occurred? What if Zombies roamed the Earth? What repercussions would this have on Religion, would Earth truly become the new Hell? Questions became not could it happen but more to when will this happen. Are you prepared? What plan do you have in place when it happens? The Zombie apocalypse is always a great conversation, I am always fascinated by what people's opinions are and where they would "camp out". I will write a brief "survival course" at a later date, just for fun.
For now, hopefully, this list will catch you up to speed just in case, the event unfolds and you can thank me for saving your life.

Zombie History 101 - Zombies are reanimated corpses who feed on human flesh, rumored through Folklore and possibly voo doo origins. Zombies hunger for flesh and brains but that depends on the films you choose to watch or stories you choose to believe. Zombies have no fear and stop at nothing until the hunger subsides, which will never happen. Their hunger will last as long as they continue to inhabit the Earth. Strength and power also depend on the film series you choose, I prefer to believe the Zombies would be slow moving and groups of Zombies would pose a larger threat since the belief would be there is strength in numbers. I refuse to believe that Zombies can run, real Zombies walk at a slow pace, but that's just me. Romero is King...nuff said.


This list will be a countdown, as if we are counting down our last days on the Earth as we know it.

5. Return of the Living Dead (1985) - Sure, this film was really more of a comedy that truly horrifying look at Zombies, but this film is so good it just has to be mentioned. The story follows Freddy, a young punk rocker type who is starting his first days at Uneeda Medical Supply. Frank is given the job to teach young Freddy the ropes, while Freddy's friends are in the neighborhood waiting to pick him up for some serious partying later. Frank informs Freddy that the Night of the Living Dead series was real, they have a body downstairs in the basement in tank sealed by the Government. The mistakenly open the tank, releasing the dreaded gas called 245 Trioxin into the air. The Zombie outbreak begins and terror, mayhem and hilarity ensues.

Return of the Living Dead is a really fun movie with tons of action, gore and comedy that will please the biggest Zombie fan. Eighties Scream Queen Linnea Quigley has a great appearance as Trash and gets down and dirty (I think I may have lost my virginity to that scene), plus the soundtrack has been received well for years. Sure Zombies run in this one, but I am willing to let this one slide simply because this movie is so good. Check this one out, plus the sequels aren't bad either (Parts 2 and 3 at least...the others are awful)  and are worth dedicating a marathon too.

4. Zombie (1979) - Released in the United States as Zombie, Lucio Fulci's popular Cult Classic has also be released as Zombi 2, Island of the Living Dead and Zombie Flesh Eaters. At the time of it's release Zombie was labeled as excessively gory, that statement alone thrust the film into the wide open arms of Horror lovers world wide. Italian film maker Lucio Fulci became an Icon to Zombie fans and this might have been my first Video Nasty to watch.


The film's plot mostly takes place on an Island but is best well known for two specific scenes. In one scene a zombie fights a Tiger shark underwater, (nothing like giving us more fear about "Is it safe to go into the water?). Cheesy but original, this scene alone needs to be seen to believe. The second scene has been etched in the minds of everyone who was witnessed it, since it would be everyone's worst fear, A zombie impales a characters eye onto a splinter of wood, very slowly and what seems to be painfully. The special effects are decent enough to enjoy the film and I feel, without a doubt, this film belongs in ANY top five based on zombie and horror.

3. Day of the Dead (1985) - George A. Romero's third installment into his Dead series takes place well into the Zombie Apocalypse. I feel this film is more of a psychological horror film that just a gore fest since the remaining survivors are left to deal with mental breakdowns and the breakdown of their inner society.


Taking place in an underground military shelter, our survivors are all Government employees consisting of soldiers, internal help and doctors. Lead by Captain Rhodes who is a dictator using power to force others to maintain day to day operations is an over the top, selfish, demented leader. Temptations and pure insanity rule the day while Zombies rule the Earth. Trying to connect with the zombies (Bub) may be the last hope of survival.

Romero proves why he is the Zombie King providing the viewer with a real glimpse at social disorder and martial law. Plenty of gore to satisfy the biggest gore hound. I highly recommend this one.Tom Savini does a fantastic job supplying us with special effects that STILL are better than most in films today - Highly Recommended film.

2. Dawn of the Dead (1978) - In my opinion, this might be the film that really made people aware of zombies. The original George A. Romero classic, not to be confused with the Zack Synder remake, was originally given an X rating upon release and still today is regarded as one of, if the THE greatest Zombie films of all time. Released numerous times in various forms of box sets, special editions on VHS, DVD Blu-ray and Laserdisc, DOTD was highly profitable for Romero and all involved. Released also as Zombi internationally by Italian horror director Dario Argento and has an AMAZING soundtrack by Goblin.


Taking place in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the Monroeville Mall is the main setting for this classic. Our survivors hold up in the greatest, plush mall I have ever seen. Battling zombies, a biker gang and themselves makes you think of your percentages of survival in this situation. Due to the setting of this film, Malls would be everyone's first place to head to making the malls probably the last place you would actually want to head to.

Special Effects master and wizard Tom Savini heads the task of giving the Zombies life. Great kill scenes, plenty of gore, a great script and good acting makes Dawn of the Dead an obvious choice to watch, this time of year. One a zombie scale based on an overall great time, I give this film a 10.

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968) - "They're coming to get you, Barbra!". Yes, the original zombie classic takes the number 1 spot on my countdown. Yet another George A Romero film leads the pack and rightfully so. The Independent black and white thriller is the story of a group of 5 people trapped in a rural Pennsylvania farm home. The sheer horror of the public, for the late sixties was the launching pad that Romero needed to become a success.


In 1999, the Library of Congress placed it on the National Film Registry as a film deemed "historically, culturally or aesthetically important", not to shabby for a zombie film.
 
Romero's vision really captivated the viewers, being remade, re released, mocked and re-imagined Night of the Living Dead also had it's share of problems. The film lapsed into the public domain because the original theatrical distributor and was released through several companies attempting to cash in on the film. George Romero felt "ripped off" but stayed true to his Zombie roots. Romero has since released numerous zombie films including "Survival of the Dead" based on an island off the coast of North America, where local residents simultaneously fight a zombie epidemic while hoping for a cure to return their undead relatives back to their human state. Looks like George still has some left in the tank.