The Poughkeepsie Tapes reviewed - "Hey Mom...look what I found!!"

The Poughkeepsie Tapes

Reviewed by: Rob Dimension

I have been waiting to see this one for a while now, I felt it delivered. Being stuck in the unreleasable hell of Hollywood, I am really lost as to why they would fear the release of this film. It certainly is not a film that is too shocking or too brutal….it just adds another twist to the lost/found footage angle. I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of Faux-snuff films....after all, I have sat threw all of August Underground trilogy, watched The Murder Collection and countless others from the sub genre of Horror.

Plot Synopsis - In September 2001 the Poughkeepsie Police Dept. discovered over 800 video tapes that contained horrific and brutal images uncovering the story of one of America's most disturbing serial killers to date.

 

This film follows the before and after events of a sadistic, brutal killer who abducts children to adult females in the Poughkeepsie, NY area. Playing brutal, demoralizing games before ending each victim’s life, This madman increasing his toying with Police and see's how far he can push the envelope. Our killer has one particular victim that you see more of, her name is Cheryl Dempsey. I actually felt for this character, such a great role she plays. Even through the end of this film you really witness REAL affects of abduction and torture.

The mixture of Police, Doctors and Eye Witnesses footage are a great mix to add to this story. The found footage is very grainy and uneasy to watch at times, simply due to the mind games he plays. Preying on children is a touchy area, they do this perfect. The special effects are few and far between, but what they show…works. It comes across more real than many of the same simply because of how the family members describe the fear….to me this is what REAL horror really is. Imagine your 8 yr old daughter playing out front of your house and this guy takes her….simply because he can.

If anything, my opinion is that this film brings real life into the mix. More like something you would watch as a docu-drama or on an episode of Law and Order SVU. The killer is found out near the end as someone you would trust, which makes this subject even worse. I hope this film see’s a release sooner or later, as of now, still, it has no official date of release is scheduled. 

In the modern world, a world where the news is the most terrifying thing on TV, the Poughkeepsie Tapes works. It works because we all have heard a story similar to this one, we have all witnessed the after effects…we all pray that this never happens to us. No one wants to have the last memories of their image left on a VHS tape, found in some scum bags closet.

Saw 3D reviewed - Want to play a game?..do you still really care?

Saw 3D

reviewed by: Michael K. Snyder 

Let me start this off by letting all you readers know that I am not the biggest fan of the Saw franchise. That being said, I am a huge fan of everything horror and after being pushed into the theater by my wonderful fiancé, I decided to give Saw 3D a chance. 

I think the biggest problem I’ve had with the franchise is how unreal the films seem to me. For instance, in the first film all the good doctor has to do is shoot someone he’s never met to save his life and the life of his family. That’s too easy, and I don’t see any humans besides monks and nuns not pulling the trigger. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d react differently in certain of the franchises situations. 

That being said, I’ve always been a fan of gore, and the Saw films always have a good share of violence, blood and guts. Saw 3D is no exception; the violence is plentiful and often humorous, besides the occasional pinkish tinted blood which sent me into a fit of hysteria. The film will keep most mainstream gore-fiends satisfied, but fans of underground horror will be disappointed. 

The 3D in the film is a gimmick and was clearly used only to raise ticket prices, which always pisses me off. The effects are super cheesy, and after a TERRIBLE opening scene, add a more comedic element to the film. Honestly, I felt like I was watching a B-movie, when I knew the budget behind this behemoth was astronomical as always. 

The filmmakers behind Saw 3D were in it for one thing, and one thing only; money. They clearly don’t care about intelligent audiences or keeping the franchises fans pleased. They threw in scene after scene of random 3D deaths, terrible acting, and a horrible plot. This film contains one of the worst screenplays I’ve seen produced by a mainstream studio in a long time. The actors all seemed like the only prior experience they had were bad pornos and films even my good friend’s over at Troma wouldn’t put out. 

This film reminds me of an ideal I was starting to loose sight of. Independent filmmaking is a must to keep cinema out of the trashcans and into the minds of intelligent moviegoers. As more and more of these terrible big films are being put out everyday, it is time for us as moviegoers to demand more from the studios.

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