Happiness...Where Art Thou? - The Hatred on Social Media

Happiness...Where Art Thou? 

The Hatred on Social Media

Oh boy...where do I start? As I get older, my eyes become more aware of my surroundings and I realize that this current "mean" world trend isn't for me. It's no secret that the world is full of hate, yet people constantly try to stand up and say "love one another"...but do they practice what they preach?

Those that know me, know I love being sarcastic and having fun..but I also have an off switch. I enjoy being with my family, watching certain shows and just relaxing. Hatred is a growing situation, from our news, our government, religion and constantly on my news feed on Twitter and Facebook. 

On Sunday, the Walking Dead made it's way back for Season 4. I enjoy the show..it's not my favorite and yes, at times, I gripe and groan about it..but it's still fun. Plus, horror on TV is great...as we within the Horror community will agree. Sadly, I noticed some very mean spirited comments the entire day online leading up to the premier. Have we, as a "community" become so full of hate and anger, that we can't let others have enjoyment or excitement? 

I know others have said this before but...WE are supposed to be a strong community of fans, the Horror  Community. Sadly, I see more judgement, more meanness that reminds me of what I saw others say and do in high school. If someone is more popular or has more success that you, can you not be happy for them? Can you not help spread some good within the community? There are plenty of people I don't like...my solution, just don't post or comment about them. Sure, I'm not a fan of all shows...I haven't watched some others just because I have no interest...but I don't openly shit on those who do enjoy them. 

So, here's the challenge for you...take this week and promote the positives..see a comment you don't agree with, instead of being harsh or abrasive, argue your reasoning, but also back up your statements with why you don't agree. Take the time to be positive and show others, that aren't horror fans, that we, as a community don't fill that stereotype. 

Anyways..that's my two cents...just a few weeks until Halloween...let's enjoy the season. 

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!

Warm Bodies - The Perfect Date Movie

Warm Bodies - The Perfect Date Movie

This weekend, I made my way to the movies to catch the zombie love story,"Warm Bodies". Now, Warm Bodies has peeked the interest of some, yet received the typical net hatred based on the idea that we are dealing with another "Twilight-esque" film that will rape our beloved Zombie genre forever!!!

Ok, let's be serious...the Zombie genre has had a lot of bad, bad films with only a select few that have risen to the top. As I write this, the Godfather of Zombies, George A Romero celebrates his birthday today, and even he has stated that zombies need something different. Zombies have never been more popular because of the hit TV series "The Walking Dead" on AMC, which comes back off hiatus this coming Sunday. I think Warm Bodies fills a void that needed to be filled. 

The film is fun, doesn't take it's self serious at all and is the perfect date movie that reminded me of the movies I went too as a young lad, back in the mid 80's. You can go in with an open mind, relax and now get a love story with the addition of ZOMBIES!!! OMG, yes!! 

I'm not going to spoil the movie or give an in-depth review...there are enough of those everywhere else. What I will say, it's a modern twist on Romeo and Juliet. I also feel it has a few messages that you can see through-out the film; People can change and also, we need to re-connect with each other as humans. We've become so caught up in the digital age that we can't enjoy the simple things. Is it a social commentary? Hardly...it's fun...plain and simple. 

My recommendation - grab a date, enjoy the movie for what it is and stop being so over-analyzing everything and enjoy the night.  

Dimension's Horrible Podcast #3 - The Good, the Bad and the Dead

The Good, The Bad and The Dead!!

Episode 3

This week, Philadelphia Horror Host, Rob Dimension (who seems to excel in the Horrible dept.) is back with his "very own Hoss", Big Sal of "ECW Pro Wrestling" fame and Official Zombie master of the show, Sal Valente as they discuss "Horror in Print" and if Horror Magazines can survive or will they fall by the way side. They also talk advertising rates, the overall aspect of dealing in print media and what exactly does the $$$ buy you.

Dimension gives Sal (in imaginary money) a $500 budget to advertise the show, where will he spend it? This might interest those who are looking for learn some creative and fun ideas to help "spread the word" on a limited budget. How would you spend it?

 Plus Rob discusses the Brian Johnson's (Steve Dave from the View Askew Universe) 2000 film "Vulgar", that stars Clerk's star, Brian O'Halloran. With the release of Red State, this borders on the edge of horror for the View Askew guys...well Real Life Horror, at least.

They also give you their best 5 minutes for the Walking Dead Season 2 premiere that gained a whopping 11 million viewers. Are Zombies here to stay? Looks that way...atleast for a bit. Plus, hear what George Romero has to say about The Walking Dead and get our opinions.

Sal reviews "High School of the Dead" as his Netflix pick, a zombie filled, fun anime series that is currently streaming online now. The guys also deliver plenty of Horror news from the Independents to what is coming to a theater near you. Another can't miss episode...(ok, probably a lie) - as always, head to http://www.robdimension.com/ for all the latest news!

iTunes Link - http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dimensions-horrible-podcast/id470996331?i=101973773

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Return of the Living Dead 3 - Romeo and Juliet Zombie Version 1.0

Return of the Living Dead Part 3

reviewed by : Rob Dimension

Released in 1993, this entry into the Return of the Living Dead series changed the tone, adding more romance and less comedy. Melinda Clarke plays Julie, our leading...well, zombie with a heart.

Synopsis - Colonel Reynolds and his group of government scientists continue their work on re-animating the dead for military use. His son Curt and his girlfriend Julie use Dad's security pass to sneak in and watch the proceedings. Later when father and son have a disagreement, Curt and Julie take off on a motorcycle and Julie is killed in an accident. Grief-stricken, Curt takes her body to the lab and brings her back to life. Curt must help Julie deal with her new existence as military agents and local gang members try to find them.

Ah, where do I start with this one?? I am a big fan of this version of a Zombie Romero and Juliet so to speak, doesn't get a lot of props. Melinda Clark is attractive and make a seriously sexy zombie, especially towards the end. Fending off her hunger she "self mutilates"herself..you know, similar to the EMO kids at the malls on Friday nights. Constantly on the run and looking for a breather, this film still holds up well and packs some fun Zombie punch.

 "Does this belong with the Return of the Living Dead series?" Yes and No. Yes, because if it didn't have the name credibility that we ALL loved with parts 1 & 2, I don't think it would have garnered the success that it did. No, because on the same token, I thought that Thom Mathews and James Karen literally stole the show in Dan O'Bannon original. I still constantly watch that one....so good easily a top 5 Zombie film for anyone. This 3rd film really needed it's own identity but probably would have been lost in the shuffle. I still highly recommend this one, especially when spending time with that special someone, always tell them you would use Trioxin to stay together forever!!!

Directed by Brian Yuzna, who also directed Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator (also have a huge Cult Following) and wrote Honey I shrunk the Kids does a decent job at getting us exactly what we want...Brains!!! The Gore is fun, nothing too intense or over the top. I actually enjoy the "Half-eaten head" Zombie that attacks the Police. The standard special effects will always be my top choice over CGI, sure it would look better but isn't that part of the charm? Plus, how about that zombie from the Government lab? Almost naked and scary!!

If you are a fan of The Return of the Living Dead series, make sure you grab the "Complete History" book (shown to the left) - this is informative and a MUST have if your a Zombie Fan!!! 

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! 

Psychic Kimberly opens The Gates of Hell in this review

The Gates of Hell Review

by: Psychic Kimberly

Of course I'm not psychic, but I will be one on the show. I was told I needed to pull my weight and start reviewing some films, so here we go (btw:I'm the non-bloody one in the picture)

In the summer of 1980, Italian horror film director Lucio Fulci, known as the “godfather of gore”, released in my opinion, one of his best films, “The Gates of Hell”, aka “City of the Living Dead”.  This film was the first in the “Gates of Hell” trilogy and really kicks the Horror into overdrive, almost instantly, between brain ripping action to the elegantly shot scenery, Fulci covers every base with this zombie masterpiece.

In “The Gates of Hell”, Fulci’s approach to opening the gates of hell was pretty unique in the fact that it seemed almost too easy. You can’t help but wonder if it’s actually, if so, has it been done before? Nah, probably not, but imagine the world in the midst of the Zombie Apocalypse, it’s a vision of hope, despair and tragedy. For some, it would become a living Hell, for others, a dream come true.

I think that Fulci portrays the word hell in a different way than most would. Hell in this movie consisted of fleshing eating zombies with super powers. Yes it’s true, super power like abilities; theses Fulci zombies had super strength, teleportation, and levitation…who doesn’t wanna be a Fulci Zombie? Seeing Fulci’s interpretation of Zombies is different and surreal considering the time and era.

After Father William Thomas hangs himself, the Gates of Hell swing open, now it’s a matter of time to close the Gate before All Saints Day. This is a recipe for disaster and let the Zombies hit the floor, as Hell really breaks loose.

Fantastic gore, a decent story and some good ole’ underground dwellings make this a classic Fulci’s Bloodfest, a must see. 

What am I reading this week?

What am I reading this week?

by : Rob Dimension

Well another week of comic book reading and movie watching has come to a close. I figured I would share what I am reading, what looks good and what I saw for the week. This way I can cover a few mini opinionated reviews and not be stuck for a long drawn out blog. As you can tell by my picture (on the left) I am very excited with this weeks reading material. I spent this week grabbing some older trades, re reading some and regretting not picking up others sooner. On a whole, this weeks stash was very good.

The Walking Dead - I had read issues here and there and never really got wrapped into the story as much as I should. For me, comic reading is like phases, some weeks I enjoy The Red Hulk stuff (the last year has been very good Hulk reading), while other weeks I might grab some off title that no one gives a chance too. Robert Kirkman had really grabbed my attention with Marvel Zombie trades 1 & 2 plus Dead Days, so I had to go back and read The Walking Dead series (currently issue #71 is in stores). Like all comics, it's never to late to jump in, so I wanted to read about the Zombie Apocalypse, I'm a sucker for love stories. 

The story follows a group of survivors though-out the ordeal, problems on the road, how they survive but what intrigues me the most, the topic that hardly anyone talks about ..... the social issues. How people within your group cope with death, if they can mentally handle what's going on around them. Kirkman does a fantastic job touching on those issues, feeding you the minor details that get you wrapped up within the story and the characters. Very smart writing, makes the good guys likable and the bad guys, not...very simple, yet hard to achieve for many. 

I am 1/2 way through the 2nd Hardback and have set myself a mission to ingest as much as I can to get current. I still have Hardbacks 3 & 4 sitting here and will hopefully be done with those by the end of next week. So, if you haven't read comic in a while and want to check something out, go grab the 1st trade of the Walking Dead by Image, it retails for $9.99 and is worth every penny.

Yep, another trade I slept on...Hack/Slash. Devils Due Publishing puts this one out (currently issue #31 is out) and was pretty big in 2008 but I always just kind of wrote it off and another, cute girl, no storyline comic...man, I was wayyy wrong. Filled with plenty of slasher material that would make any horror fan happy, Hack/Slash delivers the goods on more than one level.

The story follows Cassie Hack, a social misfit whose own Mother murdered for the sake of her daughter's feelings, on a quest to take out the bad and evil slashers. Accompanied by her trusty, equally freakish sidekick, Vlad, Cassie roams from town to town and gives you plenty of adventure, hot scenes that make any fanboys glasses fog up and some laugh out loud moments. Paying tribute to many horror icons today, I spotted a Troma sticker, a few mentions of other pop culture Icons and even a side story with Chucky (yup..the crazy, murderous Good Guys doll). 

I grabbed the Omnibus Volume 1, think a larger trade paperback with numerous chapters, that retails for $34.99 but is full of tons of reading. I can't recommend this one enough. I think fans of Troma, bad B movies and well, lonely nerds world wide will enjoy this one... especially the nerds (like me) since Cassie wears very little. Ladies and Gents..there is a new ass-kicker of slashers and her name is Cassie Hack.

On to the other comics I grabbed for the week - I will admit, it was rather light for me this week. Only so much time in my days for comics and the two mentioned above have taken over...

• Siege #1 - I went back and want to read this, since people are pimping it to me. Norman Osborn was Marvel's go to villain last year and it continues on here. Claiming his new identity as the Iron Patriot, Norman has assembled his own Avengers Initiative and is set to take down Asgard. I have never been a big fan of Thor or Loki, as they are just too wordy for me. But, so far I am enjoying this one...there are only 4 in the series and it isn't too hard to just jump right in. So go check it out! If you wanted to be even more caught up, check out The Dark Avengers series.

• Fall of the Hulks #1 Alpha - I grabbed this simply because within the last year, anything pertaining to the Red Hulk/Green Hulk war has been pretty fun. The smart Hulk vs The Dumb one...equally as powerful, blah, blah, blah...this comic is more of a set up story. Plenty of super villains, I just can't get enough of Doom lately..he is so BA, plenty of back ground knowledge to get you set for the remainder issues. I look forward to reading more about this...the plan of capturing the World's smartest is never an easy task.