So this week I was going to talk about 3rd rock from the sun but I felt the need to change it at the last minute and instead have done my first film review ever.
Warm bodies is a surprisingly original zombie flick. Told from the perspective of a young zombie, it tells the tale of zombie/human relations and co-operation against a mutual threat.
The detail of the zombie perspective is probably the best thing about this film (even though the comedy is hilarious).The zombies are people in a state of flux, in between being human and a skeleton (what zombies become when they loose all memories, humanity and skin). The skeletons will eat anything that is more human than the average zombie (our main character for example). The zombies eat people (and feel kinda guilty about it) but they pay special attention to the brain because when they eat it, it gives them the memories and feelings of their victim, which helps them to hold on to their humanity. Fabulous, I know.
Also this is quite spectacularly the only zombie film I have seen where no one gets bitten/infected (a few people get eaten at the start but come on it is a zombie film) and, in fact, we get to see the human to zombie change in reverse.
Starring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer and John Malcovitch, this film is awesome. The characters are well written, realistic and farcical at the same time. So refreshing, funny, dry and pithy. If I didn't know better I'd say it was British (because the humour doesn't immediately smack you as American). They even have a zombie makeover scene (which, granted, is quite American)... what more can you ask for?
I'll tell you what... outtakes and a secret scene at the end of the credits but that's mainly because I think all films should have them.
Bypassing that, the first ever zom-rom-com was a huge success but I don't think that you should take my word for it... I think you should make a date to see this film with a few friends, beers and two pizzas. One veggie and one meat. Trust me it will be a GOOD time.
Monday, 20 May 2013
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
DEFIANCE
Ok, Defiance is a brand new original show by the SyFi Channel. Its based in a world where aliens have not only landed but they have terra formed earth into something partway between two worlds. The world is at peace, but only barely, and the 9 different sentient life forms (8 kinds of Voltans and Humans) are working out how to coexist in such a volatile and violent world. Set in the town Defiance where every species is represented in some way, Defiance is kind of a cross between the game Borderlands and the TV show Farscape. Unfortunately I don't think it will be as popular as either.
Being that we have only just seen episode six, we have about 5 different and complex plot lines happening, add to that an almost instantaneous love triangle between the main character and a pair of sisters (one the mayor and one a hooker) and finish it off with the main characters adoptive daughter having some kind of psychic ability that no one really knows much about.... I'm betting on cancellation.
Which is a real shame. Because there is nothing in particular that the show is lacking in. We have the strong and compassionate leader, the plays by his own rules lawman, the troubled yet vulnerable daughter, the spunky and fun loving prostitute, star crossed lovers and the manipulative and wily businessman with his even more so wife.
I mean, the places that you COULD take this show is just astronomical. However, the writing and the rush that the writers seem to be in, strips this possibly stellar show down to its skeleton which unfortunately isn't interesting enough. The only reason I am still watching is the cast and makeup department.
Julie Benz (Darla in Buffy and Rita in Dexter) is one reason to watch this show. She is just so good at what she does. I have no complaints where she is concerned. Jaime Murray (Lila in Dexter) is someone else whom I watch this show for because the two faced scheming wife she plays is so well done that I am in love with the character.
Its bizarre, the character backstories and possible character development is wonderful as is most of the makeup (yes you can see a few seams here and there but all in all quite original and a bit star treckky, which I love) but I do honestly think that the writers have no idea of where they are going and they should pick a couple of storylines and run with them or at least give us a few more episodes in which to get to know the characters. I mean, for goodness sake, the first episode had a cataclysmic battle between all the cast we met so far and a race of conquerors (practically undefeatable conquerors) that they won with only 41 casualties... come on. Too soon and too far fetched.
But hey, give it a go. I'm still watching despite my issues with the writers. And we are missing good old fashioned alien shows on the tube atm.
Ok, Defiance is a brand new original show by the SyFi Channel. Its based in a world where aliens have not only landed but they have terra formed earth into something partway between two worlds. The world is at peace, but only barely, and the 9 different sentient life forms (8 kinds of Voltans and Humans) are working out how to coexist in such a volatile and violent world. Set in the town Defiance where every species is represented in some way, Defiance is kind of a cross between the game Borderlands and the TV show Farscape. Unfortunately I don't think it will be as popular as either.
Being that we have only just seen episode six, we have about 5 different and complex plot lines happening, add to that an almost instantaneous love triangle between the main character and a pair of sisters (one the mayor and one a hooker) and finish it off with the main characters adoptive daughter having some kind of psychic ability that no one really knows much about.... I'm betting on cancellation.
Which is a real shame. Because there is nothing in particular that the show is lacking in. We have the strong and compassionate leader, the plays by his own rules lawman, the troubled yet vulnerable daughter, the spunky and fun loving prostitute, star crossed lovers and the manipulative and wily businessman with his even more so wife.
I mean, the places that you COULD take this show is just astronomical. However, the writing and the rush that the writers seem to be in, strips this possibly stellar show down to its skeleton which unfortunately isn't interesting enough. The only reason I am still watching is the cast and makeup department.
Julie Benz (Darla in Buffy and Rita in Dexter) is one reason to watch this show. She is just so good at what she does. I have no complaints where she is concerned. Jaime Murray (Lila in Dexter) is someone else whom I watch this show for because the two faced scheming wife she plays is so well done that I am in love with the character.
Its bizarre, the character backstories and possible character development is wonderful as is most of the makeup (yes you can see a few seams here and there but all in all quite original and a bit star treckky, which I love) but I do honestly think that the writers have no idea of where they are going and they should pick a couple of storylines and run with them or at least give us a few more episodes in which to get to know the characters. I mean, for goodness sake, the first episode had a cataclysmic battle between all the cast we met so far and a race of conquerors (practically undefeatable conquerors) that they won with only 41 casualties... come on. Too soon and too far fetched.
But hey, give it a go. I'm still watching despite my issues with the writers. And we are missing good old fashioned alien shows on the tube atm.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
So, welcome to my blog. For my first post, I am going to talk about something brand new... (BTW I DONT DO SPOILERS SO READ AWAY)
Zombieland: The Series
I have just finished watching the first episode on amazon and can safely say that it is worth checking out. Sure, they don't have any of the original cast but they do have the writers. Its pithy, dry and almost everything you could expect from Zombieland (especially as the original concept was for a TV show, not a film). It does, however, make me wonder about Zombieland 2. Yes, they have shelved the idea for now but if and when they decide to pick up the script again... will acknowledge the story chalked out by the series (set a few months after the end of the film) or will they create their own thing? Will they have an homage to the show by introducing the show cast into the film as additional characters? Will the show become big enough to even impact on the Joe public? If not, will it kill the Zombieland franchise? I wish the creators of the show luck because unfortunately I think they are gunna need it. Webisodes don't tend to have much impact if the show has no movement anywhere else.
They do however have potential here for great backstory to the characters, which I have been thirsting for, since the film didn't quite offer enough. And the potential for a great zomcom show. Zombie TV is fairly new (even though zombies are f***ing everywhere) and I haven't seen a zomcom show yet. I am hoping for a hell of a lot of character development and "zombie kills of the week" to keep me engaged. Oh and by the way, they do have a "zombie kill of the week" in the show.
Ok, now onto the new cast... The characters return genuinely but its only the writing that reflects that. I understand how difficult it is to rehash someone else's character and I respect Tallahassee for not trying to. The other three, however, seem to have given nothing of themselves to the roles and appear as ghosts next to the original cast. But don't let this dissuade you. The first episode was funny, kitsch and laid out a few solid goals for the series. I for one am looking forward to seeing if they can make it happen. So all in all a strong concept, great writing, startling humour that makes you bark with laughter when you least expect it, average casting and probably a big fat cancellation sign looming in the future so watch while you can and enjoy the numerous references to the Zombieland rules for survival.
Zombieland: The Series
I have just finished watching the first episode on amazon and can safely say that it is worth checking out. Sure, they don't have any of the original cast but they do have the writers. Its pithy, dry and almost everything you could expect from Zombieland (especially as the original concept was for a TV show, not a film). It does, however, make me wonder about Zombieland 2. Yes, they have shelved the idea for now but if and when they decide to pick up the script again... will acknowledge the story chalked out by the series (set a few months after the end of the film) or will they create their own thing? Will they have an homage to the show by introducing the show cast into the film as additional characters? Will the show become big enough to even impact on the Joe public? If not, will it kill the Zombieland franchise? I wish the creators of the show luck because unfortunately I think they are gunna need it. Webisodes don't tend to have much impact if the show has no movement anywhere else.
They do however have potential here for great backstory to the characters, which I have been thirsting for, since the film didn't quite offer enough. And the potential for a great zomcom show. Zombie TV is fairly new (even though zombies are f***ing everywhere) and I haven't seen a zomcom show yet. I am hoping for a hell of a lot of character development and "zombie kills of the week" to keep me engaged. Oh and by the way, they do have a "zombie kill of the week" in the show.
Ok, now onto the new cast... The characters return genuinely but its only the writing that reflects that. I understand how difficult it is to rehash someone else's character and I respect Tallahassee for not trying to. The other three, however, seem to have given nothing of themselves to the roles and appear as ghosts next to the original cast. But don't let this dissuade you. The first episode was funny, kitsch and laid out a few solid goals for the series. I for one am looking forward to seeing if they can make it happen. So all in all a strong concept, great writing, startling humour that makes you bark with laughter when you least expect it, average casting and probably a big fat cancellation sign looming in the future so watch while you can and enjoy the numerous references to the Zombieland rules for survival.
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