The Burning - movie review - This Pig is on FIRE!!!

Does it burn?

The Burning: (1981)
Director: Tony Maylam

Reviewed by : Pigamortis Wrex

One of Ole Pigamortis' favorites. Ahhhh the 80's, how i love thee.

Take a group of unheard of teen actors as a group of horny councelors/campers, one horribly deformed, angry caretaker and the make up Fx of the master, TOM SAVINI and what you end up with is one of the greats in the slasher genre. The Burning is without question the epitome of the slasher in the woods story. The story itself is based on a campfire tale told at camps throughout NY and NJ. I remember as a lil piglet hearing about Cropsey at camp. Maybe its nostalgia that makes me love this movie so much. It brings me back to a simpler time. Before CGI and before those overused "twists" that everyone seems to be so fond of at the end of movies these days. This movie is pure and simple, killer + victims = one helluva movie.

The story is back in the day of Camp Blackfoot, some smug lil camper bastards decided to play a joke on the "creepy caretaker" Cropsey... As with all tales,things go horribly awry and poor Cropsey is burned horribly and hospitalized. He was released after skin grafts didn't take and the horribly disfigured(and bitter) Cropsey is set upon an unknowing world. Where do you think he goes? Thats right kiddies, right back to the camp. TALK ABOUT DEDICATION! Well, I don't s'pose Pigamortis would be givin away any endings if I tell you its camp shenannigans and blood and boobs the rest of the movie. "The Hooker" scene is memorable for gorehounds as well as a bit that got this movie banned in more than one venue.

What is both amazing and amusing about this movie is the list of "Unknown" actors and actresses that appeared in this film who went on to do som pretty big things.

The likes of Jason "seinfeld" Alexander, Fisher "Short Circuit 1&2" Stevens, Holly "the Closer" Hunter, as well as the semi-known Leah "Bloodsport"Ayres, and Brian "Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol" Backer. We can't forget the others who we never heard from again who gave the movie that real camp feel. The acting was solid and they covered all the stereotypes, the hustler, the jock, the nerd, the pretty girl, the horny campers, they covered all bases here. They even broke some tradition (before it became tradition). The girl who DIDN'T wanna have sex got killed just as readily as the slut. They just don't make movies like this anymore.

I feel a big part of this was in part to the fact that there WAS no CGI, only physical FX and gallons of blood, done by the MASTER, Tom Savini. Savini actually turned down the job to do FX on Friday the 13th part 2 to work on "The Burning".

I remember watching some interviews with Savini where he talked about working on this film. The RAFT scene is incredible and well worth the wait. Your ole pal Pigamortis highly recommends you get your grubby lil hooves on this lil grisly morsel.

I HATED camp, but i LOVED this movie!

Martyrs movie review - Not for the Feint of Heart!

Martyrs 

Reviewed by Michael K. Snyder

Pascal Laugier’s ­­_­film about abuse, torment, victims and of course, martyrdom is one of my favorite DVDs in m 400+ collection. I love everything about this film from start to finish.  Laugier’s vision is tragic, gore-filled, and deeper than any mainstream horror film in recent memory.

            When I first watched Martyrs, it was when it was first released, and I found it hidden in a local Blockbuster. I had heard of how intense, violent, and gory the film was and I was just really getting into French horror films. So, out of curiosity, I grabbed the DVD, paid the rental fee and went back to my apartment to venture deep into Hell on celluloid.

            At first, the film feels like another Hostel, Saw, or any torture porn films that have seen a spike in acceptance in the past few years. I saw acceptance because back when films like I Spit on Your Grave came out, they were simply considered video nasties. Now, these films are accepting horror film awards worldwide, but that’s a whole other discussion all together.

         

             Pascal does a great job using intrusive filmmaking to keep an uneasy feeling constant throughout the film. Combining these tight, relentless frames with great art direction and a dark color scheme creates an atmosphere that truly gets under your skin. The best part about this entire film is Pascal’s boldness and no-holds barred attitude. He doesn’t care if you don’t like it, and that makes him powerful outside of the “studio” system.

            The acting in Martyrs is excellent, as the actors and actresses truly live their roles. The intensity felt in the two lead actresses performances brings an element of drama to the film that most horror films have never even touched upon. I look forward to seeing more work from the leads.

            Of course, the film will feed any gore-hound, and shock any pregnant mother. It’s level of violence isn’t something we have quite grasped upon here in America. Sure, we have a lot of very violent films and TV shows, but nothing really touches the reality of Martyrs, and not many American directors have the balls to take their films over the line. The subject matter of the film adds to the intensity of the violence in the film, along with amazing special effects.

           
              When it comes down to it, Martyrs is a smart, depressing, gloomy, and sadistic film that wields great acting, directing, and a great screenplay. I thought about the film for days after I first watched it, and after it finally sank in, and I finally understood my own personal meaning behind the film, I bought it.  It’s not for the feint of heart nor is it for the youth, but this is a great example of filmmaking and once again proves that horror films CAN be GOOD films.

Michael K. Snyder is a student filmmaker in Winter Park, Florida. When he's not in class he is working on screenplays, short films, working with Rob and the Late Night Crew and anything film related to keep him busy. He is always looking for work and is currently seeking an agent or any form of representation. If you are interested in working with Michael please email him at mksnyder1990@gmail.com

ToeTag Inc's Sella Turcica review and then some...

Sella Turcica review

by Rob Dimension

Over the past 8 years I have watched ToeTag grow leaps and bounds. From the once small renegade, underground film crew to a full fledged, movie and special effects leader in the Horror genre.  From the early incarnations of shock, point of view, in your face films like August Underground to highly polished, well developed features like Redsin Tower. They, to me have always delivered the goods in the Horror and Gore departments.

This past Sunday I was given, what I felt was a chance of a lifetime, a private screening of there newest, yet released feature Sella Turcica at ToeTag studios with Writers and Director Fred Vogel, Don Moore, Shelby Vogel (not pictured) and Lead Star, Damien Marusca. How could I resist? Simple answer...I couldn't. I will share my thoughts on the overall experience at the end of this, but here is enough about Sella Turcica to wet your appetite.

Plot Synopsis - Sgt. Bradley Roback (Damien A. Maruscak) returns home from active duty after a mysterious accident leaves him paralyzed. Awaiting his return, his mother, Karmen (Camille Keaton), and younger sister, Ashley (Jade Risser), remain unaware of the details of the accident and severity of Brad‘s condition. Once he arrives, though he looks sickly, his family members are pleased to see him alive and don’t bring attention to his ill appearance. Over the next twenty-six hours Brad’s condition terribly worsens, barreling down to a gruesome conclusion that will change the family forever.

Okay, first let's get a definition of what exactly Sella Turcica is (credit Wiki) - The sella turcica (literally Turkish saddle) is a saddle-shaped depression in the sphenoid bone at the base of the human skull. Are you more confused? I bet your thinking, what the hell does this have to do with anything?? I think that's what ToeTag does best....they make you think.

This film is different than anything ToeTag has put out to date, this shows how Fred and company have really grown. This film is a Drama with horror mixed in perfectly, where needed. The gore is kept to a minimum and this film is carried by the acting. The cast does a tremendous job in developing a relationship with the viewer, a rarity in today's cinema. Camille Keaton, (I Spit on Your Grave) pulls off a great role as a concerned Mother who simply is happy her son is home from war but, won't admit there is a problem. Damien A. Maruscak, for me, steals the show.....his portrayal of a soldier who just wants to keep his family protected, plus going to great lengths to hide what is truly happening is fantastic (his physical performance is something you will all be talking about...guaranteed).

If it sounds like I am being vague, I have been sworn to secrecy (can't really reveal much plot detail) and will fully review the film once it hits DVD. This film, to me, carries a few heavy political messages - I really can see possible frustration on the writers about the way our soldiers are treated once they are home. Our soldiers that fight for our freedom, when injured, are often just cast aside in our busy lives. Many times the families are left to clean up the mess. 

I also can see what the writers perceive as a modern family, and how it's often dysfunctional. You have two brothers who are mismatched but have a great connection, they also, both protect their younger sister. A Mother who just wants her children happy and will always try her best to keep the peace. The arrogant boyfriend of the younger sister, who is (at least to me) a massive douche bag.....played perfectly on film. I fell for all of these characters, hook - line and sinker.

ToeTag Studios was a great place to visit: Jerami Cruise's laboratory of monstrous creations was a sight to see...props from past films and replica's that he has made. Just awesome. Fred and Shelby have plenty of collectibles of their own...Frankenstein's of every size and shape, chainsaw's signed by the entire cast of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (actually 2 of them) plus countless prints of different feature films. 

Did I mention I raided the ToeTag store? I had too...how often do you get this chance? 

In closing...HUGE Thank you to the entire ToeTag Ink crew for the hospitality. Knowing Fred and Shelby for over 8 years now, for me as a friend and fan, this was a fantastic day.

For more info - Visit www.ToeTag.Biz