The Evolution of Zombies in Film

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Like most of you, I’m a fan of (most) zombie movies.  Recently The Hollywood Reporter took a look at “Night of the Living Dead” to “World War Z”: The Evolution of Zombie Movies.  The title of the article is a little deceptive since the first zombie movie they look at is 1932’s White Zombie that starred Bela Lugosi (which premiered 37 years before Night of the Living Dead).

But I digress, the article shows how zombies in movies have changed over the years.  Initially zombies were people put into a trance or raised from the dead.  Slowly zombies became anyone who had lost self-control and were influenced by some outside source (black magic, aliens, etc.).

George Romero reinvigorated the zombie genre with his classic Night of the Living Dead.  Romero’s zombies were the standard for several years and then folks started to play with the zombie concept.  This led to zombies that could learn, zombies that could run, zombie comedies, and even a zombie romance.  Yeesh.

Using just the films in The Hollywood Reporter post, here are my top five and a couple of closing comments:

  • Night of the Living Dead (1968): George Romero set the bar high, reinvented the zombie movie and NOTLD remains the standard to shoot for when making a zombie movie
  • 28 Days Later (2002): While pureists would argue that 28 Days Later isn’t a zombie movie, I disagree.  Not only is it a zombie movie, it’s a great one.
  • World War Z (2013): Yeah, I agree.  World War Z the movie is not World War Z the novel.  To those who complain that the movie isn’t the book, I say, “Of course not.  It’s a movie and a very good one! If you want the book, it”s still available.
  • Dawn of the Dead (1979): Romero’s return to the genre that made him world famous.  I saw it twice in the original theatrical run.  The first time was with my wife-to-be and we walked out after the helicopter scene.  The gore was just too much for her.  I returned to a later showing without her and my appreciation of a zombie apocalypse continued. 
  • Zombieland (2009): Zombieland wasn’t the first zombie comedy, but for my money it is the best.   

Some final thoughts: I love well-done apocalyptic movies and a zombie film can easily fill the bill.  I don’t care if the zombies move fast or slow. A little gore is fine, but I’m not there to see how many ways I can be grossed out.  I don’t want zombies that learn, talk or have romantic feelings.  That’s just gross.  And, as I said, I’m not there to be grossed out.

The Evolution of Soda Cans

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Recently Buzzfeed posted a piece called The Evolution of Soda Cans.  

Although here we’re just looking at Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola cans [at Buzzfeed they also look at Dr. Pepper, 7-Up and Orange Crush], it becomes clear how the design for soda cans has changed over the years and how  the companies seem to follow each other.

My grandpa [mom’s father] and dad both worked many years for Coca-Cola.  I can remember the big deal made in 1970 when Coke went to the new mod design.  They came out with Coke coolers, hats and bellbottom pants with the new logo.  I also believe that Rachel Welch was somehow involved with the roll-out.

It’s funny how what was mod then, is so retro now.

 

The Guns of Shadow Valley Creators Speak

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Under the Radar posted a nice little interview with The Guns of Shadow Vallery co-creators, [artist] Dave Wachter and [writer] James Andrew Clark.  

If you’re already aware of The Guns of Shadow Valley, you’ve probably backed their Kickstarter project.  If you aren’t or haven’t, please consider learning more or doing so.

I did and am looking forward to to getting the book in my mitts.

The Gravedigger Challenge

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Gravedigger by Chris Mills and Rick Burchett is the best web comic going.  Heck, drop the web comic distinction because Gravedigger is one of the best comics of any kind regularly published these days.

If you’re a fan of crime stories, Lee Marvin, or great comics [as in amazing writing and art] then you should be reading this free web comic. [Keep in mind that Gravedigger is not for children since adult language and situations sometimes appear — it is a crime comic after all.]

I’d like to see Gravedigger and the talents of Chris Mills and Rick Burchett reach a wider audience.  So, I’ve come up with the Gravedigger Challenge.

Give Gravedigger a try and if you don’t like it, I owe ya a Coke [or Diet Coke, if you prefer]. If you do like Gravedigger, you owe me nothing.

I would appreciate it though, especially if you like Gravedigger, if you would help spread the word. Send out a Tweet, a Facebook / blog post or, simply tell a friend!

 

Rocky Balboa a G.I. Joe?

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Did you know that Rocky Balboa was once a member of G.I. Joe?  In 1986 it was announced that he was.

But then a month later came… 

So the question remains… was Rocky a member of team G.I. Joe or was it a mistake made by an overzealous member of the G.I. Joe publicity team?  

Or perhaps… just maybe, Rocky was a secret member of the Joe’s and the first file was somehow leaked so a denial was needed.  ; )   – Craig

Source: iFanboy