Marvel Legends - What If...? Zombie Captain America

When it was first revealed that a animated What If...? series was coming to Disney+ I was excited. I thought this type of series would be the perfect fit for an animated series since these type of stories are usually short and self contained. I wondered if they would tackle some of the classic stories from the comics or do something else. Would be somewhat cannon within the MCU? After months of waiting the series hit the streaming service and I thought it didn't disappoint. While I've still yet to finish the series, the first few episodes were fantastic...including today's subject material.

 

Hasbro's What If...? Marvel Legends series is comprised of 7 figures, 6 of which contain a Build-a-Figure part for Uatu the Watcher. Zombie Captain America is the one figure in this wave that doesn't come with this extra part or really any extra accessories...however the figure is worth every penny of the new $22.99 MSRP.

Straight out of the package you can immediately see all the gory detail oozing out of this figure. This thing is so freaking amazing. The detail sculpted into this figure is accentuated by the stellar paint apps. From the torn costume to the exposed ribs, blood splattered arm and exposed bones in the legs...this figure is horrifyingly beautiful.

A figure like this is only as good as it's head sculpt...and well this one is pretty good. I love the pupil-less eyes, the slightly sunken in nose and overall the expression show on the face. The little bit of splattered blood below the lower lip and on the chin is the icing on the cake!

You'll notice that the left side of his chest has some gruesomely exposed ribs. This carries over to the rear of the figure as well. Part of his bandolier that holds his shield on his back is also ripped (or is it bitten?) over the exposed ribs. Look carefully below that and you'll see the lower part of his uniform is tattered and ripped as well.

When I saw the detail sculpted in the legs I immediately thought back to the Zombie Viper from the 30th Anniversary G.I. Joe series. The exposed flesh and bone itself is pretty wicked, but the fact that you can clear see through the leg is next level.

I haven't had this much fun with a Marvel Legends figure in a long time. Hasbro I feel as really stepped up their game lately as I've seen a lot of great figures on the retail pegs. It has been really hard resisting getting back into collecting Marvel Legends, but when I saw this figure solicited I knew it would be a instant purchase if I happened to find it locally. Thanks to a Walmart out of town that I visited while on a work trip, Zombie Cap has become a prized collection and centerpiece of my collection. 

I thought these photos in black & white looked pretty cool and is my little nod to the godfather of the zombie genre, the late George A. Romero

Cargo

Halloween is almost here and I have only managed to watch a few new horror movies this month. Shameful, right? The other night I made the decision to watch a movie, but what movie? Would I re-watch something I've seen before? Grab a DVD off my shelf? Or search out something new. I opted for the latter and began to browse the offerings on Netflix.

I've said before in the past that I've been disappointed in modern horror for the most part as most new movies seem to fall into the supernatural sub-genre, a genre that I just usually don't care for. I was having a hard time finding a movie until I ran across Cargo and instantly stopped. Why did that name sound so familiar? Then I remembered a 7 minute short film from years ago my older brother told me about that shared the same name. I was a fan of the story, though short, and had no idea it had been turned into a feature length film. 

Before I jumped into the new movie, I had to re-watch the original short from 2013. If you haven't seen it before, you need to watch as it's a clever film and take on the zombie genre.

The 2017 version of the film was produced by the same people that brought us The Babadook, another recommended film I'm told. This new full length movie takes the core of the 7 minute short and expands on it, giving more of the backstory and continuing the story in a sense.

Cargo stars Martin Freeman as Andy and Susie Porter as his wife Kay and a pair of twin babies that play the role of their infant daughter Rosie. The movie opens with them on a house boat floating down the river in the Australian outback. You know they are trying to escape to safety, a military base, but you really don't know what's going on or why. You just know that they "acquired" the house boat and while trying to get to the military base their food supplies are running low.

You get more of an idea of what's going on after his wife is attacked, Andy looking through a pamphlet of what appears to be a part of a government supplied safety kit of sorts. Apparently there is a virus going around effecting people and turning them into zombie like creatures. I will point out the zombie description/word is never used and most of the attacks are implied and not shown. In fact, the "zombies" are actually called "diggers" once or twice, thanks to their desire to dig holes and stick their heads in the ground. Something about being attracted to darkness that leads them to do this.

Andy's main mission is to get his family to safety, but after his wife is infected he knows that mission has just become a lot tougher. Fast forward the story a bit and Andy becomes infected himself...which is partly his fault. In the kit he went through earlier was a large needle like device that an infected person could use to end their life, thus not spreading the infection further. The infection by the way may have seemed to be airborne at one time, though the cause of the outbreak is never mentioned, but hinted at in a few scenes. The infection spreads through biting a non-infected person.

If you're like me then you wonder "what if?" a lot of times during movies. Andy's wife was set to accept her fate and be left behind, yet Andy thought he still had time to get her to a hospital and save her before the 48 hour time frame for the infection to spread had elapsed. Because he dragged her back into the car she wound up dying and turning, biting Andy in the chaos.

If Andy thought his mission to protect his family was tough before, well he just jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire. He has 48 hours before he is completely infected to find a safe haven for his daughter in this post apocalyptic world. 

I really don't want to give away any more of the movie than I already have (even though I really haven't spoiled much, especially if you watched the original short film), but let me just say that there is a reason Netflix categories this film more of a thriller than horror. There isn't much gore, again with a lot of things happening off camera. The language isn't too harsh and there isn't any sex or nudity. At the core of the story is human survival and how fragile life can be. Martin Freeman does an excellent job in this film and you quickly find your heart going out to his character of Andy and their daughter Rosie. It's a slow burn at times, but the pacing I thought helped the overall story. There are some incredibly sad moments and even I felt I would become emotional at times, however if you'll stick with it you'll see that it's not all doom and gloom.

I really enjoyed this re-visioning of the Cargo short flick and had wished my wife had stayed up to watch it. She doesn't always care for horror, but since this is movie doesn't follow the traditional horror tropes I believe she'll like it. If you have a current Netflix subscription and enjoy zombie movies or just horror/thriller movies in general, I suggest you check this one out while you can.

The Walking Dead Building Sets (McFarlane): Collectible Figure Blind Bag

I thought with The Walking Dead premiering on AMC this upcoming weekend, now was as good a time to share this little piece than any. Most collectors know that McFarlane Toy has released a series of building sets based on the popular zombie franchise. What I didn't know was how would Todd McFarlane put his own spin on these, especially the figures.

A few months back I found a box of the blind bag packaged figures at my local Toys R Us. I believe they retailed for $3.99 each, but don't hold me to that. It appears that series 1 contains 8 different characters. I grabbed one just because I was curious as to how these looked in hand.

I didn't bother standing there feeling each pack, I just grabbed one and made my way to the checkout. Upon opening the foil packet these were the contents inside, a backpack, two legs, a head, torso, waist, a chain and a little clear figure stand.

I immediately thought these pieces looked like Mega Bloks, but more detailed. The pieces simply snap together and most of them seemed to have a very tight fit.

     

Once everything was snapped together I've got to say I was impressed. The figure overall stands at around 2 inches or so. This zombie of course is one of the two that Michonne was first shown with in the television show. Lots of detail has been given to both the zombie's rotting flesh, but also to his clothing and accessories. 

The figure stand included is done in a way I've never seen before. On the back of the right foot is a rounded hook if you will, molded on the figure's heel. This is so it can clip around the little peg on the back end of the stand. While the figure can stand without the aid of the stand, it's a nice little added touch.

I've yet to buy any others and I'm not sure if I will at this point. It's not because I don't like what McFarlane as done here or it's not because I don't like zombies. I think this is pretty nifty and if money and space weren't an issue with me, I'd probably buy one of the larger building sets. However as-is I have a nice little display piece that represents yet another creative entry into the building block arena of toys.

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

I'm wrapping up the nearly month long horror movie feature with my top horror flick of all time, George A. Romero's 1978 masterpiece Dawn of the Dead. I can't say enough great things about this movie. From the characters to the special effects to the movie's setting. Everything about this movie is just freakin' awesome.

trailer

As the zombie epidemic continues to spread across the country and television executive and her boyfriend take a news copter and try to flee Pittsburgh. Around the same time they meet up with two SWAT team members (one of which is actor Ken Foree!) and the four set off to find somewhere safe. During their escape they start to run low on fuel and need to land. They notice a large mall just outside the city limits and decide to land on the roof as there should be plenty of needed supplies inside. What they find is the mall has been overrun by zombies. As the movie unfolds we get to see this newly formed team try to survive not only the zombies, but living together as well. They eventually make a makeshift shelter in the mall while trying to figure out their next move.

Dawn of the Dead is actually the 2nd movie in Romero's zombie trilogy and easily the best in my opinion. Some may argue that the pace of the movie is too slow or that the characters are stupid. I tend to disagree. One of the things that makes this movie unique if you will is the setting. Taking place inside the Monroeville Mall located just outside of Pittsburg, PA offers up a different vibe when compared to other horror movies. One of the things I found charming about the mall is that it's a real mall - not just a cobbled movie set. Check out this site for an interesting "now and then" look at the mall.

I will give the 2004 remake honorable mention as director Zack Synder did a great job with the re-envisioning of this classic tale. I still prefer the original, but you can't go wrong with the modern film either as it has a new take on the now classic "mall formula".

If I had started this horror movie feature at the beginning of the month I would've showcased a few more films. I guess I'll have to save them for next year. Of those movies honorable mention goes to:

Dawn of the Dead (2004), Diary of the Dead, Feast, Grindhouse, Jeeper's Creepers, Pulse, REC, The Ring, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Vacancy

Night of the Creeps

" If you scream...you're dead. "

I like to think of this movie as the precursor to Slither (2006). Part sci-fi, part horror and all 80's. I remember catching this movie back in my high school days on USA's Up All Night television program. I recently found that this movie is currently streaming on Crackle. Whether you're a fan of 80's horror, zombies, sci-fi or whatever I think you may find this movie enjoyable.

Zombieland

Zombieland...the last movie I saw in the theaters before I became a dad! For several reasons I'll always love this movie. Finding the perfect match of humor and gore can be hard to find, but every once in awhile that perfect marriage comes along in the form of a great movie such as Zombieland.

(Red ban trailer - NSFW?)

I'm not a big fan of Woody Harrelson or Jesse Eisenberg, but the two of them have great chemistry in the movie. I've mentioned before that mixing humor with horror is hard to do, and it's something that I don't always like. However as with Shaun of the Dead, this is the perfect blend of the two elements. Track this one down as it's a very fun and enjoyable ride.

Day of the Dead (1985)

Yes, another movie I had to put the year in parenthesis after the name. This was George A. Romero's last movie in his original trilogy following Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. This is probably my least favorite of the 3, but that doesn't mean that it isn't a good movie.

trailer

Just about the entire movie takes place in an old underground military bunker somewhere in Florida. A small group of scientists and military are the country's last hope at finding a cure. One of the scientist makes a break through discovery with a captured zombie he affectionately calls "Bub".

Being "trapped" in one place for the entire movie really slows down the movie a lot as there isn't a lot of variety in the scenery. Again, the movie isn't bad - it just wasn't as entertaining for me as the two movies that proceeded it. The special effects are quite good as you can see below...

...but the dialog is atrocious. I can't remember a movie where I've heard the "f-bomb" dropped so many times! If you've already seen Night and Dawn then you at least have to finish off the trilogy and watch Day of the Dead. I'll let you form your own opinion.

I wonder what ever happened to Bud?

Dead Alive (Brain Dead)

Most people know director Peter Jackson from the epic Lords of the Ring movies, but back in 1992 he directed an awesome horror comedy flick originally entitled Brain Dead.

As I said earlier with Shaun of the Dead - I don't always like when humor and horror are mixed together.  This movie however is another exception to the rule. When I refer to humor one word usually pops into the minds of people who have seen this movie - the Priest.

Let me also go on to say this is one of the goriest movies ever made. No seriously. Don't believe me?  Watch this clip!

I'm told that over 300 gallons of fake blood were used in the making! I can't say enough good things about this movie. What? You're still sitting here reading this? Why? Do find a copy of this movie pronto! You'll be glad you did.

Night of the Living Dead

   

Come on! You know this movie had to make the cut! When it comes to zombie movies no one makes a better flick than George A. Romero. While there have been some other good zombie movies to come along the way Romero is the grand daddy of the genre.

When it comes to the movie that put Romero on the map I'm divided between the black and white 1968 original and Tom Savini's 1990 remake. Most people would agree remakes of movies aren't as good as the originals. I can think of a few that buck the trend and the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead is one of those for me. Having seen both versions multiple times I just seem to gravitate to the 90's version for several reasons.

1) Color. It makes a difference. Alfred Hitchcock may have made some great black & white movies in his time, but seeing everything happen in vivid colors makes a lot of difference in my book. 2) The actors and actresses. I love Tony Todd and his character of Ben in the 90's version is better. Same goes for Patricia Tallman as Barbara. The original actress that portrayed Barbara was so freakin' annoying in the 1968 movie. At least we see this new version of Barbara get over her fear and fight back. 3) Tom Savini! I love gore in my horror movies and Tom did a great job with the updated special effects in the 1990 version. 4) The ending. If you haven't seen either version (what have you been doing? Seriously!) then I don't want to spoil it for you. I just find the end of the 1990 remake that much better and satisfying. While I love all of (Romero's) sequels that spawned from this movie there is just something so special about the original - whether you prefer 1968 or 1990 - both are classic movies that deserved to be watched each October.

1968 Trailer

1990 Trailer

Shaun of the Dead

I don't always care for the mix of horror and humor. I tried watching the Return of the Living Dead movies and they just didn't appeal to me. However one one movie combining these two elements that is so much fun to watch is Shaun of the Dead.

Trailer

I'm not sure if it's the British wit that makes this so great, but Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are absolutely hilarious in this movie. Great story and special effects to top things off. I'm looking forward to dusting off my HD DVD version and plopping down on the couch for this one!

City of the Living Dead (The Gates of Hell)

I like horror movies. I always have. Not sure why, but I love 'em. I especially love a good zombie or slasher flick. Ever since I started this blog I've always wanted to spot light a few movies come October. I guess I've just been too busy to do so. This month however I plan to change that. The movies I'll share over the coming weeks aren't in any sort of order. Trying to rank them would be too hard anyhow.

We'll kick things off with a Lucio Fulci movie originally titled "The Gates of Hell" or better known to some as "The City of the Living Dead". I'll start off by saying this isn't the greatest movie I've ever seen, but there are some redeeming qualities...namely the gore. The story goes something like this. The suicide of a priest has opened the gates of hell and a reporter and a psychic try to close the gates all the while the dead have risen from their graves. Yes - it's a hokey story.  It doesn't help that the acting and script aren't that strong either. The movie was released in Italy in 1983. The DVD I own is in English, but I can't help think it was dubbed as the words and the mouths of the characters don't always seem to be in synch.

I never did understand everything that was going on in the movie - like how did the hanging death of a priest cause the gates of Hell to open? How does one close said gate? All I know is that I heard that the gore scenes were some of the best and that Lucio Fulci was a "legend" in the horror genre. I happened across the DVD years ago while at Best Buy so I thought I'd give it a try. Watch the trailer and if you have the stomach watch the other two clips. I warn you however that they aren't for the faint at heart!

Trailer

Death by drill!

CAUTION!  Click at your own risk!

This is an odd movie. It's not quite your standard zombie flick and I'm not really sure how to classify it. It is worth the watch if this type of  movie is up your alley.

LEGO Mini Figure Collection Series 1

The idea of blind packaging exclusive LEGO mini figures and selling them a $1.99 a pop is sheer genius! When I first saw some blurry pics of the figures on-line I just new I had to own a few. Then they were released without a lot of hoop-la and I had no idea they were sitting down at my local Toys R Us store - only being bought up by people to re-sell them on eBay for outrageous prices. Here's a look at 2 of the figures that I frustratingly paid $5 each for.

The figures come packaged in small foil bags that show several of the different figures possibly in the bag. It didn't take long however for someone to figure out that the non-UPC bar code on the back of the packaging can be used (with the proper info) what figure was inside. Boo, what fun is there in cheating?!

Each pack contains a catalog of sorts depicting all 16 figures in series 1. Now let's take a look at the first figure....THE ZOMBIE!!

First off let me say how hard it's been for me not to buy several of this figure. I love zombie movies (esp. George A. Romero's flicks) so when I first heard there would be an actual LEGO zombie figure I freaked. This is so awesome, though the inclusion of the chicken leg accessory is a little weird. We all know zombie's don't eat chicken...they eat flesh! Yup, no zombie's yelling "braaaaains" here. I also love the little black stands included. I don't think I knew about those going in so that was a nice little surprise when I opened the bag.

The facial design and the clothes are spot on. I love it. Now I don't have to take the head & hands from my Castle goblin figures and to make zombie townsfolk. I only have one at the moment and with the high prices it's made it easier to resist buying multiples, but I know I'll probably end up w/ multiples at some point in the near future.

The other figure I picked up is the nurse. While I love the Castle/Kingdom themes I grew up with the Town/City theme. I don't own many medical sets anymore so I chose to pick up the nurse over the cheerleader. It was a hard choice, but I feel I made the right one. The nurse comes with a brown pony tail hair piece, nurse outfit, a chart and 2 syringes. Excellent. On second look perhaps she is a EMT and not a nurse. Whatever the case may be it's a great mini figure with great accessories. Now if only those older medical sets weren't so dang expensive!

I believe my next purchases will include the masked wrestler and the cheerleader. Stay tuned for more!