tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63181558390421487422024-02-20T02:24:38.294-08:00Theres a Girl in the Garden...Zombie Media ReviewsNicola Bowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04493780965905150877noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318155839042148742.post-74787420137578030552010-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:002010-08-30T14:05:42.289-07:00Etiquette, Morals… and Zombies?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWXbUXx2GYiHblvqF_otJjygTfyQ5cxhIk9ylOp7pKu8s_RPJSek-0cIQeWYyh_zs1qB_gqi1XLN3wj0XA-xAUJXLFaMi0rCI6uuLWve8QEBxDYUmZ4_YAK9kRlxb9AFBHSEGaHDZd9s/s1600/zombie1x-large.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWXbUXx2GYiHblvqF_otJjygTfyQ5cxhIk9ylOp7pKu8s_RPJSek-0cIQeWYyh_zs1qB_gqi1XLN3wj0XA-xAUJXLFaMi0rCI6uuLWve8QEBxDYUmZ4_YAK9kRlxb9AFBHSEGaHDZd9s/s320/zombie1x-large.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511310250460729362" /></a><br /><br />Having already read and loved the novel written by Seth Grahame-Smith, and indeed Jane Austen’s classic, reading the graphic novel was a must. So, I went out and purchased the graphic novel, and here is what I thought. <br /><br />For those who don’t know, Pride and Prejudice is a classic love story set in the 1800s. And to explain, very briefly, the story follows a woman of lower societal rank as she unintentionally seduces a man of great wealth, ultimately ending in their partnership. Now imagine this premise, and then chuck a few zombies and some bad ass martial artistry in there. Well done you have successfully been introduced to Seth Graham-Smith’s brainchild, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. <br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Now to start with, many people would see this re-imagining of a well established, well academically discussed novel as some kind of travesty. I would whole heartedly disagree. I unashamedly love the original novel, the film and the BBC series. The incorporation of zombies into a novel I know and love was, to me at least, ingenious (not just because I love zombies… But mainly because I love zombies). Whilst still crediting and staying true to Austin’s original, Seth Graham Smith’s book intelligently parodied the sexist nature of the 18th century and by doing so created something contemporary, whilst also adding some in jokes for those of us who have read and re-read the original. This is only enhanced by publishing the story once again but in the form of a graphic novel.<br /><br />I love comics and graphic novels, zombies and Pride and Prejudice, I am basically Seth Graham Smith’s target demographic. This of course makes me the most likely person to give a praising review. And I would love to be able to contradict this, but I cannot. The graphic novel not only gives us the opportunity to see the action described in the book but the artistry from Cliff Richards is nothing other than brilliant. It combines the period look with gore to rival ‘The Walking Dead’ series.<br /><br />The story line doesn’t much differ from the book, the detail is intact in the drawings and the comedy is still there. As from the first book the zombies are referred to as ‘unmentionables’ and things are described in such a way as to remain classic. This is complimented by the way that etiquette is still used within the fight scenes and in situations where manners would usually be dropped, which is not only funny but in keeping with the style of Jane Austin’s original. Do not let the romantic nature of the story put you off either, although still integral, it is approached in a completely different way to that of the original novel. <br /><br />Finally, this graphic novel is for those of you who have read Pride and Prejudice (even if it wasn’t your cup of tea), just plain love zombies or the lazy ones who just cant be bothered to read Seth Graham Smith’s novel. Also, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains… <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsENMtTtvCF9xRHXXOntEgOMvkj0tJRfaxL1y4FTJoBeM1kDJIS9leNV8r3fuY-STXlgEb2JTDbEOrbZga8J-t8tcX4XBcQjo1S4y32INu6vded0H2BSAEAGPNXNL5lQOAPAt86EERXCw/s1600/PPz.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsENMtTtvCF9xRHXXOntEgOMvkj0tJRfaxL1y4FTJoBeM1kDJIS9leNV8r3fuY-STXlgEb2JTDbEOrbZga8J-t8tcX4XBcQjo1S4y32INu6vded0H2BSAEAGPNXNL5lQOAPAt86EERXCw/s320/PPz.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511311999369060434" /></a><br /><br />5/5Nicola Bowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04493780965905150877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318155839042148742.post-16415339233234799022010-03-15T16:33:00.001-07:002010-03-15T18:02:06.757-07:00You never forget your first time…<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1o3Ebg8WcotmcYtqx2Bo3CXTvQsdAk7DilELetURr75diucibzKFj-xAt7rMKmoM3JUDgrhnwMAh8QEwC302GkQU0UMOUAI-AFYkMhf9x5n-SZb7P5W90-m9HEbAnSOxzkOQPgbt4dY/s1600-h/Deadgirl2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1o3Ebg8WcotmcYtqx2Bo3CXTvQsdAk7DilELetURr75diucibzKFj-xAt7rMKmoM3JUDgrhnwMAh8QEwC302GkQU0UMOUAI-AFYkMhf9x5n-SZb7P5W90-m9HEbAnSOxzkOQPgbt4dY/s320/Deadgirl2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449008012448986306" border="0" /></a><br />So, you’re an adolescent man… (probably not… but just imagine you are). You bunk off school to drink beer and trash an already decaying, derelict mental home (as you do). You come across a naked, restrained and obviously malnourished female, which it later becomes apparent, cannot die (ZOMBIE!)… What do you do?!?… Call the police?!?… Run off screaming like a little girl?!?…<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Well according to writer Tom Haaga’s characters, J.T and Rickie… You have sex with her… (Well technically just J.T, but Rickie thought about it!.. Dirty little man). Though a disturbing take on male adolescence, Deadgirl (Harel, Sarmiento, 2008) is not without merit. The locations, especially the mental home, are impressive and atmospheric, which aids to the pacing of the film. For those who prefer little gore will appreciate the quick cuts during the more violent scenes (and if you ever decide to watch the film and are of the male variety, there is one particular scene that you will prefer not to see in detail…). The lack of attention on gore seems strange as the film was marketed as being produced by Christopher Webster, whom also helped produce Hellraiser (Barker, 1987), a classic gore fest.<br /><br />The film uses typical scare tactics but fails in producing any horror other than that produced in the actions of the teenagers. The issues of necrophilia and the fetishization of the female body make this film ideal for scaring off the old, the prude and the feminist. Though an inventive take on the zombie film, I would argue the film does not execute it in a very competent way. It only seems to provoke issues of misogyny and shows neither the male nor female adolescents in a positive light. Though it would seem that some of the male characters invite more sympathy than the female, as Rickie’s love and devotion to JoAnn redeems him, her cold and heartless actions towards him only instigate negativity.<br /><br />The film has also gained some level of controversy within its critics, as many argue the film is distasteful, others praise it for its creativity and innovation. Though personally I feel the films unnatural dialogue and sometimes awkward acting negate most of its creative praise. The film also uses music from the scored soundtrack of Donnie Darko (Kelly, 2001). Though edited and perhaps only noticed because it is a soundtrack I own and love, I feel the film would have benefited from its own score or perhaps use of one less iconic.<br /><br />The film proposes interesting ideas but the somewhat disturbing way in which these ideas are visualized and the lack of acting talent does not impress. Though it would seem that many disagree, so perhaps its worth a watch… Just not a great choice of date movie.<br /><br />2/5Nicola Bowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04493780965905150877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318155839042148742.post-90078166850635050032010-03-08T17:19:00.001-08:002010-03-15T18:01:34.944-07:00“City of Rott; the worst place on earth and you’re looking for a pair of shoes!”Frank Sudol’s City of Rott (2006) follows its hero, pensioner Fred, as he searches a zombie infested city for a pair of new slippers… (Yes… It is as odd as it sounds). Sudol’s innovative animation immediately entertains, though far from ‘Pixar’ perfect, it’s simplistic, low budget nature impresses and fits the film suitably. This is made all the more impressive by Frank Sudol being the sole contributor in all aspects of the films construction… (Voices and all).<br /><br />The infection within this film is a virus/parasite which was spread within contaminated rain water and eventually tap water. The parasite, worms in this case, effectively control the brain and feed off of human flesh. Interestingly the film was released just a few days before the game Dead Rising which, of course, shares roughly the same concept. The concentration upon the old man is a stroke of genius, forget John McClane, here is Fred! (I lie… Nobody is more ‘badass’ than John McClane… May god have mercy on my soul).<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Fred’s zombie killing expertise, witty dialogue and his motorbike/skateboarding skills, mark him as one of the greatest protagonists in zombie film history. (Maybe that’s a little rash, but he skateboards for gods sake! Marty McFly skateboards! And he’s AWESOME!). On Fred’s continuing quest for his slippers he encounters a bridge and is gradually swarmed by hundreds of flesh eating zombies… Oh no! But what’s that? He proceeds to kick ass and take names!<br /><br />This is defiantly one of the most memorable scenes, as we are delighted with Fred’s masterful use of his walker and his skilful use of… a machine gun… Which, once out of ammo, he shoves in a zombies head. The mono music is reminiscent of that found in old fashioned action games, (it reminded me of all those hours playing Die Hard Trilogy) which adds, at least for me, to the scenes comedy value. The scene continues for around 5-10 minutes but by no means does this detract from its overall ‘awesomeness’.<br /><br />This film also makes reference to some old zombie flicks, most obvious is the reference to the zombies within Horror of the Zombies (Ossorio, 1974) which continually make an appearance. A reference to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Hooper, 1974) is also noticeable as a shop is aptly named ‘Tex’s Chainsaws’ and of course these subtle nods are quite nice to spot for those pretentious horror film fans.<br /><br />Although it seems im only giving praise here, the film does gradually loose its appeal. It lacks pace just over halfway through and soon becomes tedious. Although the animation is still entertaining, the story ends up becoming slightly disappointing. The film would also benefit from tighter editing and less lingering on events purely to show off the animation, although of course impressive. But don’t let this put you off, the film is defiantly worth watching, whether a fan of horror film, zombie film or even animation and if none of those, then just to enjoy Fred‘s nonsensical arguments with his walker.<br /><br />Finally, just a word of advice, to survive a zombie attack, its probably best you don’t nail yourself into a metal box…<br /><br />3/5<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRFvCd2cV5odJGwP2T5CTI6SQA55IYBh_8V4QZyvs_wrddSFDt1QpXw_OL8uxSB6XPw3CEWZOpnNtjVAvyIbL_6UNNPx6NzqOgodJNUAPPI-vqXd1FgiBFZOkFWzZmlij0waEFCJY1x8/s1600-h/Cityofrott.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRFvCd2cV5odJGwP2T5CTI6SQA55IYBh_8V4QZyvs_wrddSFDt1QpXw_OL8uxSB6XPw3CEWZOpnNtjVAvyIbL_6UNNPx6NzqOgodJNUAPPI-vqXd1FgiBFZOkFWzZmlij0waEFCJY1x8/s320/Cityofrott.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449016654709773426" border="0" /></a>Nicola Bowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04493780965905150877noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6318155839042148742.post-51100401534058940992010-03-08T17:08:00.000-08:002010-03-15T17:10:42.487-07:00...Oh hi!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1oBdu8kBuIHYutXo__Vh_lIMiWGHhIThGNfVLi5xOiznUu5GAUo9QTvs9Os9XdlSMZKvmVngmgRj2UqAKpzSPSG4urMsbToIIBiW6H7wtPON-AmvUEhSAwFpO7uspEbW2URFsjAyo38/s1600-h/n674123956_349412_3644.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1oBdu8kBuIHYutXo__Vh_lIMiWGHhIThGNfVLi5xOiznUu5GAUo9QTvs9Os9XdlSMZKvmVngmgRj2UqAKpzSPSG4urMsbToIIBiW6H7wtPON-AmvUEhSAwFpO7uspEbW2URFsjAyo38/s320/n674123956_349412_3644.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449017426642741890" border="0" /></a><br />Im Nicola, I love zombie related media and one day wish to make use of the multiple zombie survival plans I have created in my very few years on earth.<br /><br />I am 20 years of age and plan to write my university dissertation on zombie films, specifically those including zombie soldiers and even more specifically, Nazi zombie soldiers. This blog is my way of making myself watch the many, countless, numerous zombie films that are out there… Whilst reading a few books and playing a few games on the way.<br /><br />So I leave you with this picture of me reading Max Brooks’ Zombie Survival Guide with my good friend Sean Brown, may he rest in pieces.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeUe79y18MawtZOmuctkQrNPqXDSfoufrjSLv3jvp5IgLHCw_Lhm5CP3EUrUvsQV7lgR2OKvK8zItTtV-Ky_SvwwXvdfRTvnHDy78wQ4LCVrZUkSttl-SKPLUQlwViA2la2LlG7p7PGY/s1600-h/n674123956_349412_3644.jpg"><br /></a>Nicola Bowerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04493780965905150877noreply@blogger.com0