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.

Video Blog for August 11th - Monster-Mania, Horror Club and more!!

Video Blog for August 11th - Dimension is back with his side-kick Hack, the clerk and they discuss The upcoming Monster-Mania Convention, August 19th-21st in Cherry Hill, NJ (http://www.monstermania.net/)!! Plus they talk about the upcoming PA/NJ Horror Club taking place on Thursday August 25th at 7pm. Location - Capes and Cowls and Bensalem, PA...we are screening "ToeTag Pictures - Sella Turcica" plus discuss the age old debate - Remakes vs. Originals!!

Plus..is the question finally answered...Who is Rob Dimension??

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