Bastards of Horror

TOETAG INC. is running a huge 4th of July Weekend sale starting at Midnight on July 2nd, 2010 at our Webstore. We really appreciate all of our fans and do these things for you! All proceeds will go to additional funding for our upcoming feature, Sella Turcica, to make it the best TOETAG movie yet.

In addition to our six movies and the usual items found in our store, we are featuring new T-shirts and clothes (revealed at Cinema Wasteland in April, printed by TOETAG founders Shelby Vogel and Jerami Cruise. This is our inaugural run of these prints. There are many different styles to choose from with limited sizes.

There will also be a limited number of AU Snuff Editions, Signed Out-of-Print Redsin Tower, and cast and crew signed Murder Collection v.1 DVDs available, as well as some rare magazines featuring TOETAG.
Also, Fred and Jerami have put up an assortment of their prized Movie Collectibles as well for all you sickos out there. Fred’s figures/collectibles will come with an 8.5X11 signed print from August Underground.

Everything is discounted including the Pre-Sale Sella Turcica DVD (beginning July 4th, 2010.) Sella Turcica will star Camille Keaton (I Spit on Your Grave), Damien A. Maruscak (MASKHEAD) and Jade Risser (Murder, Set, Pieces.) The independent movie will be directed by controversial director, Fred Vogel and is shooting in July and due for release in Fall 2010. Get it Sunday, July 4th, 2010 for a discount price. Regular price will be $18.95.

A short description Sella Turcica:
Sgt. Bradley Robak (Damien A. Maruscak) returns home from active duty after a mysterious accident leaves him paralyzed and wheelchair bound. 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 so pleased to see him alive that they 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.

So come join us at the TOETAG Webstore July 2nd through the 4th and help Spread the Sickness and support Underground Horror.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toetagpictures.com%2Fwebstore%2F&h=b66c5R5fZxBuZX7UVCzcgrUHKyg

Gross Movie Reviews #194

By Tim Gross

(Remember people don’t forget to buy a book as they are about to disappear soon…)

War of the Worlds 2: The Next Wave (DVD) – To keep track this is a direct sequel to the Sci-Fi/SyFy Channel remake of the famous ‘aliens attack the world’ classic. Now, that we got that straight, apparently the aliens are back and pissed and immune! Now using worm holes, the aliens are taking whats left of earth’s population and using them as experiments on their home planet. Earth’s only hope is an older C. Thomas Howell and one of the guys who was apart of the popular rap group ‘Kid N Play’. Which one I have no fuckin clue? Not very good but I seen much worse these days but take note C. Thomas Howell not only starred but directed the sequel! I give it 1 star.

Night of the Living Dead 3D (DVD/Remake) – Yeah the movie blows ass… but once you get past that fact and try to watch this horrible flick, Sid Haig stars as a mortician who has a secret about the dead that have decided to get up get again and eat the flesh of the living! Honestly I think what hurts the film the most isn’t because they remade the famous classic Romero film it was actually the 3D wasn’t even that good. People we are talking “Friday the 13^th Part 3-D and Jaws 3-D” pulled it off better kind of bad. See… And you thought I was going to shit all over this fucking excuse called a zombie movie? It might be worse than something dead sitting inside a cow’s ass but can you watch it? In the meantime… I give it 0 stars, even the Zombie Fu sucked!

Stonehenge Apocalypse (DVD/SyFy Channel) – This CGI shitfest almost made me swear off watching SyFy Channel ever again? Have trouble sleeping? Watch this film as it was so bad it doesn’t even deserve 0 stars, yes it was that bad that my TV hates me for watching it.

Survival of the Dead (On Demand) – Romero’s latest zombie feature that once again has horror fans either calling for his head or cherishing another great zombie masterpiece from the legendary filmmaker. But recently, it seems to be the cool thing to put down Romero for doing this film let alone making it a direct sequel to “Diary”. Horror fans writing on their blogs and doing their podcasts bitching about Romero not making a classic like “Dawn” or “Day” saying he should just retire? So I tried to stay away from reading all the crap that was spewing out about Romero’s latest and waited to form my own opinion about it. Hell, I even thought Romero was done and going to ride off into the sunset after his studio-filmed zombie flick “Land”? I mean shit horror movie fans; the man has gone ‘rogue’… He is ‘independent’ again! What established horror filmmaker is actually willing to even take that chance these days, that’s right nobody? You bitch and moan about every little thing in “Diary” and now “Survival” and don’t sit back and think for a second that Romero is one bad ass of a horror movie filmmaker! Why? Who knows…? At least Romero isn’t smoking dope at home, doing nothing with life, and for the most part becoming a fuckin hermit, John Carpenter!!!? Oh shit, don’t let me forget Wes “I’m going to see what horror film I have made 25 years ago that needs remade in a very shitty manner all for the money” Craven. And Tobe Hooper, I think that pretty much sums it up. What Romero is doing is fucking awesome! It’s cool to see one of the last true great horror filmmakers still willing to go out and take a fucking chance today unlike most of the Hollywood force-fed so-called horror directors (Paul Anderson to name one) who are only ‘yes’ men these days instead of filmmakers… FUCKKK! Ok, the rant is over, but anyway this sequel picks directly up from ‘Diary’ following soldiers who are looking for a place to lay low and are just done with the whole zombie apocalypse. Problem is they make the mistake of listening to an old Irish man on YouTube who talks about a peaceful island without the threat of zombie problems? The Irish man not only leads them to the island but leads them to a war between two old Irish families that have been going on for many decades with the zombies now in-between them. A very solid zombie flick from George A. Romero that continues the whole Romero zombie universe. And possibly taking it into a whole new Romero direction. Once again it’s another enjoyable Romero zombie film but one thing that does take away from the good film is the horrible CGI. Note to Romero: Quit now, just quit it, it does not work and looks worse than hot balls on a summer day! I give the new Romero zombie flick 3 stars and cannot wait for the next entry. Yes, it isn’t as good as “Dawn” or “Day”, but when was the last time you made a horror film that fucking good?

Dinocroc vs. Supergator (DVD/SyFy Channel) – You knew it was going to be made… and Corman is still alive and kicking and made sure the title speaks for itself. You get what you pay for here. It is nowhere near “Godzilla vs. Kong”, but after a six pack, some friends, and a pizza, it’s worth at least one watch as I give it 1 ½ stars as it stars the recently deceased David Carridine.

The Seamstress (DVD) – Lance Henriksen stars as a drunk and retired sheriff of a small town that is home to a serial killer who tortured and murdered 12 kids years ago and was never caught. What doesn’t help the matter is the sheriff and some townsfolk tortured and murdered a woman who they thought did it and now her spirit has been disturbed when a twenty something girl comes snooping around looking for her missing dad and the real story of what happen years ago. An interesting horror film that mixes a little ghost story, a little slasher film, and a little serial killer storyline that is a good watch but would have been better with less annoying characters that did not help the flow of the horror film. I give the flick 2 stars.

Clive Barker’s Book of Blood (DVD) – After “Midnight Meat Train”, next up was this tale of horror where a man tells a story of how his skin is where the dead come to tell their story by writing on his skin and a woman who believes in the paranormal, exploits him by writing novels. Most likely not the best film to follow up such a cool film as “Midnight Meat Train” but does have its share of Barker blood and weirdness you come to expect as I give the film 2 ½ stars.

Samhain: Night Feast (DVD) – A short film from filmmaker Johnny Daggers about a couple on Halloween night that is haunted by more than your normal trick-r-treaters. Filmed on DV with one of those grain filters to give it that classic Black & White feel has the typical couple arguing about not having enough candy and Johnny has to go to the store to get more. His girlfriend is haunted by a weird pumpkin-masked figure while Johnny must take on zombies that have risen from the grave. The short film also stars popular horror writer Mario Dominick. The short film doesn’t cover any new ground but is a fun watch for zombie film collectors. Daggers’ film does suffer in the ‘fleshing out the storyline department’ but the film’s quick 20 minute running time helps diminish that minor problem. I give the short film 2 ½ stars and from what I have been told Daggers does have another project coming along, so keep an eye out for more Indy projects from filmmaker Johnny Daggers.

Hell Ride (DVD) – A great movie idea that is about 35 years too late. The film stars Michael Madsen, David Carridine, Vinny Jones, and Dennis Hopper all as bikers who are apart of outlaw biker gangs who are about to wage war over a Indian woman who died in 1976 and her safety deposit box left for her only son that only one man knows exactly where it is. If you like the old biker films of the 60s and early 70s this film is right up your alley with great shots of awesome senseless violence and lots of nudity! I give the throwback film 3 stars.

Any comments or questions please send to: GrossMovieReview@aol.com or www.facebook.com/grossmoviereviews . If you want to help support my movie habits please buy a book for the love of god! You can purchase any of my five “Gross Movie Reviews” books at www.lulu.com or www.amazon.com . You can also find other shit from me at www.bastardsofhorror.com . Remember folks always support your local independent movie theater (unless you are banned for some stupid reason), independent video store, and independent filmmakers! It will keep horror alive………

DENIS THEATRE FOUNDATION’S PURCHASE OPTION DEADLINE EXTENDED

EXTENSION BASED ON NONPROFIT’S SUCCESS IN FUNDRAISING,

HIGHLIGHTED BY RECENT FOUNDATION GRANT,

STRONG EARLY RESPONSE TO MATCHING GRANT FROM ANONYMOUS DONOR

MT. LEBANON, PA., JULY 1, 2010…. The Denis Theatre Foundation board of directors has announced that the organization has received an extension until August 31, 2010 from the building owner on its option to purchase the Denis Theatre in Mt. Lebanon, a direct result of its success in raising nearly 70% of the $750,000 needed to purchase the building since launching a capital campaign in October 2009.  Half of the funds raised so far have been raised in the last six weeks alone.  The Foundation is excited by the level of commitment demonstrated by the Pittsburgh community in recent weeks and grateful to their donors for their recent support, but acknowledges they do not yet have enough to purchase the building. “We are grateful to all of our stakeholders for their support,” said Anne Kemerer, executive director. “More contributions at all levels are important in order for us to reach the $750,000 target by August 31 and we are looking for donors to make multi-year commitments if they can to help us attain the vision for a new Denis Theatre.”

The first extension on the purchase option expired June 30.  Seeing the progress of fundraising, the building’s owner agreed to this second extension. In the last six weeks, the Denis Theatre Foundation’s fundraising has garnered extra momentum with the announcement of a $100,000 grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation in May and of a $155,000 challenge grant in June from an anonymous donor.  The terms of that challenge grant are that it must be met by September 1, and the new purchase option expiration date is set to coincide with that.  The Denis Theatre Foundation has since raised $76,000 in matching funds from individual donors toward the $155,000 challenge grant.

“The Denis Theatre Foundation is delighted with the extension of the purchase option deadline because it is a testament to the community’s strong interest in seeing the Denis Theatre restored to its former prominence as a community icon,” said Kemerer.  “We know that this extension will provide added impetus to what is already a robust campaign and sufficient time to make the purchase of this historic building a reality for the residents of the South Hills and beyond.

Although contributions at all levels are important,” added Kemerer, “in order for us to reach the $750,000 target and our Phase I goal of $2.5 million, we also need donors to make multi-year commitments of four and five figures, and above. We are also asking current supporters to consider adding to their gifts, such as increasing their pledges by extending their payments for an additional year.  Of course, every new or increased gift between now and September 1 will be doubled if we are successful in meeting the $155,000 challenge grant.

Kemerer pointed out that the campaign has received nearly 20 gifts and pledges at $10,000 and above.

The Denis Theatre Foundation’s mission is to purchase, renovate, and reopen the iconic Denis Theatre as an independent film theater, community cultural center and key contributor to the region’s economic vitality.  From 1938 to its closing in 2004, the Denis Theatre served as a leading destination for arts, culture and social activity.  When completed, the Denis Theatre will show independent, foreign language and documentary films; offer lectures; host film series; provide a small stage for live performances; showcase the productions of film students; and provide meeting rooms and space for cultural activities, partnerships with area social services agencies and private special events.

For more information about the Denis Theatre Foundation or to contribute to the campaign, please visit www.denistheatre.org or call Anne Kemerer at 412-480-0187.  A.L. Brourman Associates, Inc., is serving as fundraising counsel.

About the Denis Theatre

The Denis Theatre, from 1938 to its last film showing in 2004, served as a gathering place for an entertaining afternoon or evening. It originally seated more than 1,200, but by the 1980s had been divided into four smaller auditoriums in response to competition from multiplex cinemas.  The Denis, located at 685 Washington Road, continued to operate, carving out a niche as an independent film venue and popular destination for area residents.  When it closed in 2004 the loss was devastating to area movie-goers, and particularly to the citizens throughout the South Hills.  The mission of The Denis Theatre Foundation is to purchase, renovate and reopen the Denis Theatre as an independent film theater, community cultural center and key contributor to the region’s economic vitality.
You can learn more at www.denistheatre.org.

2010 HORROR SCREENPLAY CONTEST – CAUTION: DEADLINE APPROACHING

www.HorrorScreenplayContest.com

Hollywood, CA – The creators of www.ScreenplayContests.com and Executive Producer, Michael David Jensen present the 2010 Horror Screenplay Contest.

The mission of the Horror Screenplay Contest – www.HorrorScreenplayContest.com is to further promote the horror genre in screenplay form. The contest is open to all writers, eighteen years and older. The contest is limited to the first 600 entries and the submission deadline is July 20, 2010. Writers may also submit their material online.

The 2010 Horror Screenplay Contest is sponsored by: Brain Damage Films, Gorilla Software, www.ScreenplayContests.com, www.TopFilmFestivals.com, Cherub Productions, www.KillerPumpkins.com , Final Draft, Palace of Horror, The Haunted Studio and Instock Costumes.

Winners of the 2010 contest will receive cash and industry related prizes in addition to having their material submitted to Hollywood producers, agents and studios.

The 2010 HORROR SCREENPLAY CONTEST is now accepting entries. Contest rules, information, and entry forms are available at: www.HorrorScreenplayContest.com