This week's Dimension Chat - My Pet Monster

You remember My Pet Monster, right? The plush toy from the 80's designed for boys, that launched a made for TV movie, an animated series and an undying love for all things Monster! This week, join me as I look closer at My Pet Monster, the craze and how badly I NEED one!!

Winter Soldier...Fun Film, Great Cinematography

Winter Soldier...Fun Film, Great Cinematography

Hey guys, just got back from seeing the new Captain America: Winter Soldier film and I have to say, what an experience. We made the decision to see this in IMAX and really get a grand scale look at the action...completely the best option.

Instead of a normal, paint by the numbers review of Captain America: Winter Soldier I thought I would compliment and highlight the look from a different perspective....visuals.

When I say visuals I mean Cinematography. Cinematography is really a fine art in filmmaking that sometimes is ignored. It really can enhance the viewing experience. Making the background more interesting, creating a full visual experience. Camera movements that create a flow and keep the story progressing, even though nothing, possibly is being said at the time.

In my later years, especially the filmmaking ones, I have really realized the difference between a good film and a great film is not just the story, its so much more. We, the viewer can be sucked into the film with motion, action, tension and even shakiness of camera work and set design. The little details are what can elevate a film. (Keep in mind, this is just my opinion...right or wrong in yours)

Ok, so Winter Soldier will probably never be revered as a filmmaking masterpiece but you what? Why not?? Because its a comic book film? I can honestly say that I felt captivated throughout the entire movie. So much effort was taken into each shot, keeping things moving, working or interesting not just as a focal point. The background design was flawless. The camera movements, while some may say "Unmotivated", really worked to this movies impact.

Hard to believe, I'm looking at a Marvel film with such an open eye, congratulating them on a job well done with everything but the story. The story was great. Great acting, great characters and this, above every other Marvel film I've seen to date, is now at the top of my list. This is why I'm a comic book fan, this is why I love seeing the comics I loved as a child now on screen and this is why I love making movies.

Will the purists love it? No idea...but I had a blast. Hail Hydra!!

Are Giant Monsters Going to Make a Resurgence?

Are Giant Monsters Going to Make a Resurgence?

With the summer blockbuster trailers making the rounds, I can't help but be excited by a few. I've said it before, I'm a HUGE Giant Monster (Kaiju) fan...I think I was raised at the right time in TV.

 Kaiju is a Japanese term that has been Universally coined to mean "Giant Monster", think Godzilla. Typically, these Giant Monsters reign devastation on city's...usually Japan...those poor people. I still watch my Ultraman DVD's, my Millennium Godzilla series with some zesty Space Giants every once in a while.

Pacific Rim has my interest peaked at an all time high...maybe even Kaiju levels...see what I did there? Guillermo del Toro is leading the giant monster resurgence with his Pacific Rim film that pits giant Mecha Robots vs Giant Monsters, that are actually referred to as Kaiju..yeah US, way to catch up. The trailer looks insane...the time has finally arrived for Kaiju madness to take the World by storm. 

This leads me to a filmmaking question....is it possible to make a legit Kaiju film on the Independent level? Sure, Tom Berdinski, also a Kaiju fan made his Giant Rubber Movie...which was a throw back to the era of past days with a lot of fun involved...but I have to wonder...what kind of a budget would one need to make something of a real magnitude? Something that looks amazing...something that looks real and something that might equate to fear?

Godzilla is also currently under production, filming in Canada and plenty of photos are leaking..but so far..no sight of the Big G. Gareth Edwards has a huge void to fill with this...del Toro is beating him to the starting line plus, as a Kaiju lover..I wasn't really sold on his first entry "Monsters". It was after Kaiju had taken over the Earth, so to speak and it was a battle to get back home from Mexico.


My expectations are high for this. We Kaiju fans already had to deal with the last Godzilla remake in the US. I can't blame Matthew Broderick, but if I ever see him...after I size him up...I might punch him or at least give him a strong talking too. I can't deal with another let down like that film. I've written before and have talked openly about my hatred for it...if it wasn't called Godzilla, it might not have hurt as bad....regardless, I still suffer from night sweats and tend to eat my feelings because of the trauma.

Ok, so back to my question....can it be done? A Giant Monster movie on an independent level...with an independent budget? Editing software is incredible but come on...to make a serious giant monster movie we need more than that. We need miniatures to destroy, plus we really need 2 giant monsters to fight and wreck shit!! Yeah, that's what we need!! Oh man, the thought of this has two sides..one is the fan boy in me that says "Oh, I will wear the suit and devastate everything!! Then the other part of me, the realistic, budget conscious producer thinks of the headache of getting the right shots, having one set, having suits of Kaiju's that look like something that someone should have wiped after dropping it off...plus, let's not forget that TOHO, the people behind Godzilla will SUE your ass if it even remotely looks like anything Godzilla related.


So, as I now have shown my nerdiness for Giant Monster films and shared that I lay around on Sunday mornings in my underwear watching repeats of Ultraman....errr..wait, I guess, I'm saying that now...this is the questions that take up space within this tiny cranium....will I ever make the attempt of a Kaiju film??? Maybe..

This is an 8 minute Kaiju film by Studio Ghibli, the people behind so many people anime's like Princess Mononoke, Totoro and Nausicaa Valley of the Wind, titled Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo....it's their first step away from anime and their first attempt at a Kaiju...it's not bad. Even sense a little Evangelion in the design, maybe some Go Nagi's Devilman...check it out.

Everyone's a Critic.

Everyone's a Critic.

As I scroll through my Facebook feed today, I can't tell you how sad it makes me. People have become so critical of everything and I think it will only become worse. Granted, this is only MY opinion....some will agree, some won't and that's ok.

I think we have lost the process of understanding that we have an opinion. Making such a bold statement as "If you liked the Walking Dead's finale, please unfriend me" really is kind of shocking to me. You're basing your friendships on if someone liked a Tv show? This can't be serious....right? (I will make another blog about why I believed that the season finale of the Walking Dead worked for me later). Honestly, those that make those statements make it easy for me to see who I will be unfriending this week.

I used to love reviewing films and there was a time when I felt my opinion mattered but one day I woke up and realized that what I like, you might not...that certainly doesn't mean you have bad taste or you're an awful person. Not everyone is the same, which is a great thing. You feel that a great Saturday night might be a warm cup of tea, watching the Notebook, cuddled up next to your loved one...while for me...it might be a Coke, watching some Horror movie, playing UNO with my Wife and kids...which is better? Everyone is different...some enjoy partying, some enjoy romance...everyone different.

Let's get this straight...there is no such thing as a professional opinion. Sure, there are people who are paid to review, that are well versed in the subject and are amazing writers but it is still just an opinion. Obviously, I trust a lot of different people's opinions and words of advice in life or profession, but the bottom line...you have to be your own judge. You can only decide what you like and enjoy. I think this is something that you learn as you grow older and see life...maybe not..I don't know. It just seems as life continues and I start to progress through my 40's I begin to worry about less about the nonsense and do more for me...after all, at the end of the day, it's my life, my thoughts and my happiness. This certainly isn't a self-entitlment issue for me, just a free thinking entitlement. 

I can honestly say, a critics review of a film has NEVER swayed me from watching something I want to see (most recently, the Texas Chainsaw remake as an example...still went and was still sad). I do though, whole heartily agree that several strong reviews do create hype and even I fall victim to it. Let's look at two movies I'm hyped for - Evil Dead and Pacific Rim..both are getting raving reviews and it does make me extremely eager to see them. At the end of the day...regardless of what anyone says, I would still stand in line, spend my $14 and go watch them both. Will I sing their praises if they're amazing?? Of course!! Will I blast them if they are bad?? Of course!! It's the internet and I have a voice too...BUT, I won't ever say "If you liked or disliked these movies..we aren't friends anymore"...(maybe jokingly I might). 

This is my blog post to plead for society to stop taking their opinion too seriously. Sure, real life beliefs are on an entirely different scale, but we are talking about movies and Tv here....pure silliness and full of make believe. Have a great week!

Jealousy and why it doesn't work

Jealousy and why it doesn't work

Being in entertainment, I have felt jealousy and dealt with jealousy. Jealousy is really just our own insecurities coming to the surface. It could be fueled by someone doing something similar, maybe something that's done better or sometimes it's just because "I wish I thought of it first". I have dealt with it but as you get older you quickly realize...jealousy just gets in the way. Focusing on a negative doesn't work...ever.

Let me use this as an example - I see some filmmakers just outright blasting others or not supporting, based on jealousy. Now, having said that, let's also note that some people are assholes and shouldn't be supported. On the flip side, I encourage a lot of people to make movies and make them better. Why? Because as a fan of the Horror genre I WANT things better. I almost feel that on an Independent level we are sometimes cast aside or even ignored because of the subpar quality work that has been done...but...let's also not forget those that have laid the ground work for people to become better. There is a huge difference between bad and working with what was available at the time. A good eye is still a good eye, regardless.

It pains me when I don't see a lot of filmmakers working together, even supporting each others projects. Maybe because I started as a reviewer and made it common practice to promote others. Just being negative or talking down others to hope elevate yourself is a lose, lose situation. It draws negative attention to yourself while making the genre pool look bad. I handle this the way I handled my reviews...if I'm not a fan, I opt to not talk about it..but if I AM a fan, then I will gladly help promote it. Standing on the sidelines, being jealous will never accomplish anything. 

Other people have podcasts..some better some worse...other people have short films, some amazing stuff, some just thrown together in their backyard. I want people to elevate their game...it only helps everyone. It pushes others to be better...isn't that what you want? Don't you, as a creator what to be the best you can be? That's what I want. I will always support those who support others. I will always be there to pat them on the back when they've done as great job...even if it's not needed. Negativity just hampers things...sure, it's natural, but let's work harder to raise the bar. I want to be my best, I want to work with others that have the same goal...I want to be positive.

Anyways..that's my rant for the day...go be your best!

Success vs The Not

Success vs The Unsuccessful

I came across this chart/poster that inspired me to write. I often wonder what to classify myself as; since I write almost daily, we will stick with writer. Lately I have been working on my future...when I say that, I mean what will this year hold? Sure, across the last few months I've written out goals for this year but sometimes, things happen and they change the path you follow.

Now, looking at this chart, I can only speak for myself. I can look at both sides and say to myself "I want to be successful". What does that mean? Success can have countless meanings...if you follow this blog, I've written a lot of positives that I've come across. I've shared my personal life on my podcasts and interviews. I sometimes think it's a challenge to get better, so if I put it out there, I now have to work harder to be better. I've never been one to sit and whine about what I should be getting, I just continue forward, work harder and believe in myself.

I've been fortunate, I've been a published writer, online and in magazine print. I've performed on television live and in front of over 10,000 people (and kept my cool). I've developed a podcast following, from both the Extreme Odd Couple Podcast and now Monster-Mania Radio, plus recently, I've written, starred and produced my own film. Were any of things handed to me? Nope...and that's what makes me the happiest. The difference is, Am I satisfied? Nope.

   When looking at the chart, some, including myself have said I'm a little of both. I can agree with that. Let's see what I feel I work the hardest at : Giving Gratitude - I always am thankful for opportunities. Giving Credit - look at any of my articles or even this site, I also am the first to say, I had help and who helped me. Talk about Ideas - constantly, I even have a list of ideas in my phone. I am always thinking of something new and working things out. Share Info and Data - yep, can't tell you how many times I helped people start their own podcasts. Why would I not? Want Others to Succeed - Yepper - look at all my reviews..I share constantly and have no problem with it. As for film making as an example, the battle isn't about each other, we are all in the battle to get Independents more recognition. Accept Responsibility for My Failures - I sure do! Blaming others will get you no where fast. It's the truth. Accept it for what it is..and move on. Our show Late Night at the Horror Hotel failed due to poor planning, poor choices and it can sit on my shoulders. I'm accepting of that. Forgive Others - this is a tough one, as everyone wants to hold a grudge. I can say this - if you burn the bridge between us, my decision making about things having you involved will be different for the future. I've given people plenty of second chances...call me gullible. Most times, I just move forward and worry about me...but it can be hard at times.

Now, what do I need to work harder on? Fly by the Seat of my Pants - hahaha...who hasn't? I think as I've gotten older, I strive to put plans into motion but I think sometimes, it just happens. Watch TV Everyday - No doubt about it...I am a TV junkie. I watch a lot of movies...but, honestly, in a lot of instances, I am trying to learn. I look for new camera angles, the use of shadow, how people edit, placement of shot or even how one movie pulls me in more than another. 

Someone had mentioned - Keeping a Journal - well, I consider this blog as my journal. I often write about a thought, an inspiration, reviews, personal experiences or whatever. Also, I podcast...this is where I have shared everything with complete strangers. The nearly 30,000 listeners that I can't thank enough, get to hear me talk about Horror, my life, share times with my best friend and even my own failures. I have no problem with passing along info. I've gotten emails from people that have said "Rob, your talks about marriage helped saved my own marriage". Or even people asking for advice. My response is simple "Be the best you can be...believe in yourself." I didn't help save anything..YOU helped save it..if you didn't want it saved, it wouldn't have been. 

I encourage people to look at the chart, don't focus on one or two specifics...focus on the general idea of being a better person. 

NCA's Hometown Premier will be at _____________!!!!

NCA's Hometown Premier will be at

MONSTER-MANIA!!!!

Yes, you read that right, Monster-Fkn- Mania!! Rob Dimension was informed by promoter Dave Hagan on New Years Eve that "No Clowning Around" would be screening at the East Coast's largest Horror convention. This is an amazing opportunity for us and we can not thank Dave enough. 

Details are being worked out, like time and day, so stay tuned. We hope everyone who attends the convention, makes a point to reserve 30 minutes to come watch the film. 

This convention is shaping up to be HUGE - come see stars from the Walking Dead and many, many more to come. 

Monster-Mania Con

March 8-10 in Cherry Hill, NJ

www.MonsterMania.net

Read My Script?

Read My Script?

First, let me say this "I'm just a depressed nerd, who watches a lot of movies". With that being said, I hope that takes my credibility away from people asking me to read their scripts, treatments or ideas. As of late, a lot of people have been asking me to read or give my impressions about their ideas, but, I just can't...let me explain.

I can only speak from my own personal journey - From writing out story-lines in pro wrestling, to working as a writer on my own TV show to, most recently, writing my own film...I sat and wrote and shared with no one until I was ready. I often have no rhyme or reason in writing, nor am I a professional in any way. As I write, I might run a few jokes or ideas past my wife but she typically will just listen, nod and go with the flow. We've been together long enough, she knows how I just bounce ideas around and sometimes hearing them out-loud, helps me decide if it's good or not. Most often, I write about things that are on my mind, or might even entertain myself. I'm way to low on the ladder to worry about entertaining others. Maybe that is my lack of self esteem talking, but I just don't have enough reach to worry about an imaginary mass of followers that I don't have..haha. I truly appreciate every word of advice, every compliment and even the negatives that people have to say, but you have to create for you!

When someone asks me for advice, I say the same thing I will say here : Stop procrastinating and start doing. Believe in yourself and work towards getting something done. If you're relying on someone else, you will not make it. Don't let things get in your way, don't take No for an answer and help make your own luck.


The biggest part of of me not reading anyone's work is simply this - The last thing I want is to be influenced by your work or ideas or even worse, dismiss your hopes or dreams. Believe it or not, even if nothing happens, I'm working on scripts, treatments and ideas all the time. You must be careful who you share your ideas with...while I sit here and tell you the truth, so many others will lie to you. This just protects me and you. Don't take it as "being too big" or "unwilling to help" because that's far from the truth. I will offer advice about film crews, maybe point you in the direction of someone else that can help your dream become a reality but it's YOUR dream and your project,  it's YOUR idea...make sure you remember that.The satisfaction you will feel once you've reached your goal will be that much better.


Self Check Time - So, before you send off your ideas to someone else...are you just looking for someone to do all the work so you can have the easy way out? It's a legit question and requires you to be honest with yourself. There is no easy way to accomplish anything. It will require your attention, your love and a lot of times a lot of money. The options are out there, from self publishing to making your own movie to anything you want. Indiegogo and Kickstarter exist for a reason, LuLu is out there...so many options but it just isn't easy and it's a long, lonely road sometimes...but when you succeed, it's great.


Remember, my opinion matters no more than yours. Who am I too tell you if your idea is "dumb" or "won't work"? Do for you...it's a new year, maybe it's YOUR year! If anything, I hope you have an idea, read this and decide that you're ready to create.

Some No Clowning Around updates!

Some No Clowning Around updates!

As we get closer to December 28th, I can't help but feel excited, nervous and maybe have a small, evil grin. I wanted to catch people up on how things are looking. 

Official one sheet for the film

This is the final movie poster for the film and will be available shortly online and at upcoming appearances. Special thank you to Brian Mitchell for his hard work. 

Remember, you can pre order the film at www.NoClowningAround.com 

This will be the official DVD release cover art work. The DVD has a 10 minute gag reel, plus the 30 min film and the trailer. 

The first official review for the film hit the internet yesterday, special thank you to Jimmy Terror for putting effort into the review and giving a damn about Independent Film Making. You can read the review here - REVIEW 

We will be announcing venues to see No Clowning Around shortly. Once again, thank you too everyone for your support, thank you to the cast and crew for putting so much effort into something and for believing in my dream. Hard too believe it's almost time.

"Superfights" is a Martial Arts Masterpiece!

SuperFights

(1995)

You ever stumble upon a movie that, only You talk about, so you try to tell more people just to share the sheer awesomeness? Me too!! That's my plan with this review...I plan to hype this film so huge, that once you watch it, you will want a Jack Cody Tattoo or maybe wish that Superfights was on TV weekly.

For years, growing up in the 80's I was glued to the television every Saturday afternoon, watching Shaw Brother's Kung Fu theater, then through the power of VHS, watching Enter the Ninja, Gymkata and even No Retreat, No Surrender (which has never been released on Dvd and IS a real crime). The fast paced, high energy martial artists, kicking, punching with the "smack" sound effect and story lines that seemed like backdrops for the action was why I loved those movies. The outrageous, ridiculousness of the punch power of the Boy with the Golden Arm or superfeats of the Crippled Masters (yes, you bet your ass I have this movie) was what movie magic was all about. You know the stories of the pupil that always wants to surpass the master....actually that sounds like almost every movie I enjoy! (I really need therapy)

Fast forward to 1995 and a 25 yr old, young Dimension is up late at night, flipping the channels of cable tv and I stumble upon this movie, the movie that inspired this write up, Superfights. I quickly look for the next showing because I HAVE to record this on a VHS tape. Using a book they called "The TV Guide", I set my VCR to record and everything is set. For the next several years I'm able to watch this throwback to corny, zany Karate action and I love every minute of it.

Let me give you the synopsis : Simple box boy Jack Cody is a karate dreamer. On his way home, Jack prevents a mugging and is thrust into stardom, instantly. Being offered a contract into the "Superfights", quite honestly, likened to WWE, that is all glitz and fame...on the outside. Cody quickly realizes it's an underground world of crime, drugs and a battle of good and evil.

That synopsis does not do this film any justice. With a really fimilar cast of Martial Arts veterans of 80's Kung Fu films, plus an appearance of a very young former ECW, WWE star Rob Van Dam and International Wrestling star Jim Steele (yep, Jungle Jim) this movie delivers on the action....and the cheese. Steroid usage, sex, shake downs of business owners and low level drug dealers (oh yeah...I said Shake Down) from this crooked Superfights promoter (geez, this kind of sounds like the Vince McMahin story) all make Superfights a plethera of happiness. Clearly not meant to be a comedy, it comes across so silly but for me, that's the charm for this movie.

From the amazing Kung Fu elderly master (all I could think of was Remo Williams) to the outlandish fellow super fighters. The fight scenes are what makes this movie so good, I'm serious about this. This movie is a must see! I wish I could could find Brandon Gaines, the lead, who only did this and not really anything else after, to sign my dvd.

 

Keep in mind, this movie will not be for everyone. In fact, I might be the only one this movie is for, but if you remember the action flicks that were built around fun, then you might really enjoy this one. It's a winner!!