Well, I guess all the figures in the upcoming subscription service can't be winners.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Transformers Animated Kirakira Trading Collection
After I finished opening the rest of the packs it appears I have one full set of 30 cards and I think all of the "power up" cards. I haven't collated my stack of doubles yet, but I'm pretty sure I have at least one more full set. They'll be up for sale or trade if you are interested. Stay tuned for a more in depth look soon (I hope).
Monday, October 31, 2011
Horror movie month #21 - 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.
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 2 SWAT team members (one of which is actor Ken Foree!) and the 4 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.
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), The Devil's Rejects, Diary of the Dead, Feast, Grindhouse, Jeeper's Creepers, Pulse, REC, The Ring, Rubber, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Vacancy
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.
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), The Devil's Rejects, Diary of the Dead, Feast, Grindhouse, Jeeper's Creepers, Pulse, REC, The Ring, Rubber, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Vacancy
Horror movie month #20 - Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood
Are you surprised that a Friday the 13th movie didn't make an appearance before now? While I love the first film it's been showcased all over the place so I wanted to pick another movie in the series. While I'm partial to part 3 (long before 3D special effects were used in just about every new movie), but for some reason I chose part 7 instead (Kane Hodder?). As a whole most of the Friday movies are pretty good, heck even Jason X has it's moments. The tag line for part VII: The New Blood is "Jason is back, but this time someone is waiting for him!"
Tommy Jarvis chained Jason Voorhees to the bottom of Camp Crystal Lake where he has laid dormant for many years. That is until a young telekinetic girl, Tina Sheperd inadvertently awakes him from his long slumber.
I guess what I remember most about this movie was how Jason himself had a nemesis of sorts. In the previous movies there really is no adversary for Jason as he just hacks away at his helpless victims. Not so much in this movie. I love the scene towards the end of the movie when Jason and Tina go head to toe. Tina throws (literally) a lot at Jason and he takes the abuse and keeps getting up for more. Kudos to Kane Hodder here as his acting is great. In my opinion Kane was the best actor ever to wear the iconic hockey mask. During the fight scene Jason truly looks puzzled over what is happening to him. There is this sense of disbelieve that he is having someone stand up against him. Take a look if you don't remember the scene:
I guess what I remember most about this movie was how Jason himself had a nemesis of sorts. In the previous movies there really is no adversary for Jason as he just hacks away at his helpless victims. Not so much in this movie. I love the scene towards the end of the movie when Jason and Tina go head to toe. Tina throws (literally) a lot at Jason and he takes the abuse and keeps getting up for more. Kudos to Kane Hodder here as his acting is great. In my opinion Kane was the best actor ever to wear the iconic hockey mask. During the fight scene Jason truly looks puzzled over what is happening to him. There is this sense of disbelieve that he is having someone stand up against him. Take a look if you don't remember the scene:
I don't know about you, but this was an entertaining film thanks to the big fight scene. All of the Friday the 13th movies have their moments. Some are better than others, but part VII will always stand out in my memory. As a bonus treat here is another video I found compiling Jason's kills. Stayed tuned as my favorite horror flick is up next!
Horror movie month #19 - Halloween (2007)
I never was a big fan of John Carpenter's Halloween franchise. I've seen most of the movies, but the Michael Myers character just never appealed to me in the way other horror villains have. When I heard Rob Zombie was releasing his own version of Halloween I didn't know what to expect, but I eventually saw it anyway. Wow. What an intense ride.
So there was this big debate over John Carpenter versus Rob Zombie and which version of the movie and or Michael Myers is more terrifying. Who cares. I read that John told Rob to make the movie "his own" and that's what Rob did. Both are great movies and you can't go wrong with either. I just found Rob's version of the movie a little more, well, violent.
In the original you don't get to see Michael's family much so you really don't know why he turns out as he does. In Rob's version you get a more in depth look at Michael in his early years and his dysfunctional family. For me this helped set up the movie a little bit more. I get the whole argument of we the movie viewer isn't supposed to feel compassion for the killer (who felt sorry for Freddy Kruger?) and not knowing what sets off someone and turns them into a killer is far more scary. I get all that. Valid points. Remakes aren't for everyone, but if you can be subjective enough and separate the two movies and take them for what they are I think you'll see that both movies stand on their own as fantastic additions to the slasher genre.
It's Halloween and I've got two more movies coming up. Stay tuned for my favorite horror movie of all time.
In the original you don't get to see Michael's family much so you really don't know why he turns out as he does. In Rob's version you get a more in depth look at Michael in his early years and his dysfunctional family. For me this helped set up the movie a little bit more. I get the whole argument of we the movie viewer isn't supposed to feel compassion for the killer (who felt sorry for Freddy Kruger?) and not knowing what sets off someone and turns them into a killer is far more scary. I get all that. Valid points. Remakes aren't for everyone, but if you can be subjective enough and separate the two movies and take them for what they are I think you'll see that both movies stand on their own as fantastic additions to the slasher genre.
It's Halloween and I've got two more movies coming up. Stay tuned for my favorite horror movie of all time.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Horror movie month #18 - Frozen
I've never actually been skiing or snow boarding before and I can tell you after watching this movie I never will! More of a survival horror this moving is probably more terrifying than all of the other slasher and zombie flicks combined.
Three friends bride the ski lift operator for a lift ticket on a Sunday afternoon. Wanting to get in one last run for the night the three friends hop in the ski lift and make their way to the mountain's peak. All the while back at the ski resort there is some miscommunication and the worker stops the lift...stranding the three. What happens next is the survival of the three and their attempts to get off the lift and back down the mountain. One of the quotes on the poster is "Terrifying. Will do for skiing what Jaws did for swimming.". I couldn't agree more.
My wife has often said she won't watch horror movies with me that could really happen. I blame it on taking her to see the uncut version of the original Exorcist when it was re-released to theaters. She will not watch this movie. Period. I guess the most frightening part of the movie is it's realism. The film is directed by Adam Green (Hatchet) and the stunts are coordinated by Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees, Friday the 13th). It's a very intense and fun ride once the terror sets in. Highly recommended.
Halloween is almost here and I just couldn't stop at just sharing one movie on the 31st. So make sure to stop back by here tomorrow for three more movies!
My wife has often said she won't watch horror movies with me that could really happen. I blame it on taking her to see the uncut version of the original Exorcist when it was re-released to theaters. She will not watch this movie. Period. I guess the most frightening part of the movie is it's realism. The film is directed by Adam Green (Hatchet) and the stunts are coordinated by Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees, Friday the 13th). It's a very intense and fun ride once the terror sets in. Highly recommended.
Halloween is almost here and I just couldn't stop at just sharing one movie on the 31st. So make sure to stop back by here tomorrow for three more movies!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
G.I. Joe subscription Preview - Jinx!
The G.I. Joe Club has done it again! Jinx is the figure that a lot of fans have been asking for. I'm getting more and more impressed with every teaser image the club releases. I wonder if the bandana around her eyes is removable or not.
Horror movie month #17 - The Descent
I hate this movie poster, but I love the film. This is a keep you on your edge of the seat and bite your nails until your fingers hurt kind of movie. If you are claustrophobic then I highly suggest you don't watch this movie!
The movie takes place one year after a woman vacationing with her family suffers a horrible traffic accident. Her friends encourage her to go on a caving expedition in the mountains of North Carolina. During their adventure they suffer one horrible thing after another. Trapped inside a dark cave with no real sense of direction and running low on supplies should be enough to scare you. Throw in some sort of cave dwelling underground predators and you've got the perfect mix of fear to make an excellent movie.
From the opening traffic accident scene I knew I was in for a good ride (no pun intended). Most of this movie takes place in a dark cave and the lack of lighting really helps the overall creepy atmosphere of this movie. I've never been much of an outdoors adventurous type of person and after seeing this movie I don't ever intend to be. I found this movie a refreshing change of pace from the typical horror movie. You may classify this as more of a thriller, but either way its a great movie. I believe a sequel came out a few years later, but at this time I've yet to check it out.
From the opening traffic accident scene I knew I was in for a good ride (no pun intended). Most of this movie takes place in a dark cave and the lack of lighting really helps the overall creepy atmosphere of this movie. I've never been much of an outdoors adventurous type of person and after seeing this movie I don't ever intend to be. I found this movie a refreshing change of pace from the typical horror movie. You may classify this as more of a thriller, but either way its a great movie. I believe a sequel came out a few years later, but at this time I've yet to check it out.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Horror movie month #16 - The Strangers
Dating couple (Liv Tyler & Scott Speedman) stop off at the family's remote summer home after attending a wedding only to be terrorized by 3 individuals.
This movie I had heard about some time before it was finally released in 2008. Some people classify this sub-genre of horror movie as "home invasion". I believe that tag couldn't be more accurate. There really is no plot to this movie. If you watched the trailer you heard Liv's character asking the masked assailants "Why are you doing this to us?" and the response is simply "Because you were home."
I don't say that to take anything away from the movie. There are a lot of really intense moments during the movie, but most of the scares are all loud noises and things that jump out at you. This isn't horror in the sense of Friday the 13th. I found the movie decent. Liv does a pretty good job as a "scream queen" which was a little surprising. Movies like this don't appeal to everyone, but if you are a fan of this type then at least give it a shot.
I don't say that to take anything away from the movie. There are a lot of really intense moments during the movie, but most of the scares are all loud noises and things that jump out at you. This isn't horror in the sense of Friday the 13th. I found the movie decent. Liv does a pretty good job as a "scream queen" which was a little surprising. Movies like this don't appeal to everyone, but if you are a fan of this type then at least give it a shot.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Horror movie month #15 - 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.
The premise of the movie is simple. Colombus (Eisenberg) is trying to reach his family in Ohio when he crosses paths with a tough guy (Harrelson) who's looking for the last Twinkee. On their journey they meet up w/ a pair of sisters on their way to an amusement park. See. I told you the plot was simple. Oh yeah. Forgot to mention their journey takes place during the zombie apocalypse!
If you haven't seen this movie then please do yourself a favor and get up and go rent or buy this movie. If you like comedy or zombies or both then you'll be happy. The casting of the characters is excellent and I
don't really care for Jesse Eisenberg (with the exception of his role in Arrested Development) or Woody Harrelson. Throw in the two sisters (Emma Stone & Abigail Breslin) and you've got a fun bunch.
If you haven't seen this movie then please do yourself a favor and get up and go rent or buy this movie. If you like comedy or zombies or both then you'll be happy. The casting of the characters is excellent and I
don't really care for Jesse Eisenberg (with the exception of his role in Arrested Development) or Woody Harrelson. Throw in the two sisters (Emma Stone & Abigail Breslin) and you've got a fun bunch.
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