Love Connection by Camilla Isley

Love Connection
by Camilla Isley

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon | Goodreads -giveaway ends Dec 6
iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
Website | Facebook
Instagram | Pinterest
YouTube
Twitter @camillaisley

Just released: October 8, 2016
Publisher: Pink Bloom Press
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit
ebook
Rating: 4

First Comes Love series:
Love Connection
book 2 - tba

Zombie sighting:
When she's accomplished the look of a zombie bride from Dawn of the Dead, she starts pulling at the dress like a mad woman. -chapter 4

First sentence(s):
"You've been staring at those two plane tickets for almost an hour now. My role as bartender compels me to ask: what's the big dilemma?"

Have you ever wondered what might have been?

Gemma Dawson is at the airport, staring at two plane tickets to two different cities. Two different weddings. Two possible futures. She’s at a crossroads.

Be maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding or crash her ex’s?
Gemma’s decision, unknown to her, hinges on a delayed flight and a chance meeting. Now her life is about to go down two parallel tracks—will Gemma fly toward a life with her first love or a future with a man she’s not even met yet?

My two-bits:

This is a two-in-one kind of romance told with parallel story lines with generally feel good moments.

The characters are likable and stay true in each scenario. Love all around.

Lots of fun references to the 1980's. Loved the mention of the love of burgers ;-)

Got me thinking of fate and following gut feelings.

~*~
* review copy courtesy of author

The Pharaoh's Cat by Maria Luisa Lang (with giveaway)

The Pharaoh's Cat
by Maria Luisa Lang

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads

Just released: May 16, 2015
Publisher: self
Genre: Cat, Comedy, Fantasy, Egypt, Historical
Paperback: 184 pages
Rating: 4.5

series:
The Pharaoh's Cat
book 2 - tba

First sentence(s):
Water is filling my ears.
"Useless beast. I should cut… tail. Drowning's too good… you…"
Egyptians revere cats, but there are exceptions.

The Pharaoh’s Cat, narrated in the present tense by the cat himself, is the story of a free-spirited, quick-witted stray in ancient Egypt who suddenly finds himself with human powers joined to his feline nature. The cat immediately captures the attention of the seventeen-year-old Pharaoh, making him laugh for the first time since his parents' death, and is brought to live with him at the royal palace. The cat also becomes friends with the High Priest of the god Amun-Ra and seeks his help in solving the mystery of his human powers and the supernatural manifestations that later plague him. He has an enemy in the Vizier—the Pharaoh's uncle and the second most powerful man in Egypt. The Vizier hates him for himself and even more for his relationship with the Pharaoh.

The cat participates in festivities at the royal palace, developing an insatiable appetite for good food, wine, and gossip. He later accompanies the Pharaoh on a trip through his kingdom, all the while renewing the Pharaoh’s ability to enjoy life and inspiring him to become a stronger leader. Between the cat and the Pharaoh a bond of love gradually forms which will determine Egypt's destiny.

The Pharaoh's Cat imaginatively blends Egyptology with comedy, drama, and even time travel--the cat and the High Priest will meet Elena, a resident of the twenty-first century and the daughter of a renowned Egyptologist.

My two-bits:

Quite the cat adventure!

Fun way to learn about Egyptian history with some nitty gritty scenes with what a Pharaoh encounters in daily living.

The story gets into the ancient past and a bit into the present from an unusual cat perspective. This particular cat has the ability to easily interact with fellow cats and humans.

Cat antics made the story of the drama and the politics of the times amusing. Made me chuckle at times ;-)

About the author:

Maria Luisa Lang was born in Rome, Italy, and lives in New York City. She has a degree in art from the City University of New York, and her artwork has been exhibited in New York galleries.

She often returns to Italy to visit her family. She has also stayed for extended periods in Bath and London. She loves all animals and is an amateur Egyptologist. Her love of cats and ancient Egypt inspired her to write two novels about them. The Pharaoh's Cat is her first novel. She has almost completed its sequel, The Lady of Mystery.

WANNA read this?

--~ Book Giveaway ~--
WIN my review copy of this book!

Open to all.

Offer ends: September 30, 2015

TO DO: (2-parts)

1. ADD this book to your Want To Read list on Goodreads (here).

2. SHARE a link to something cat-related in comments.

AND, leave your email.

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Contest has ended - (winner is here)

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~*~
* review copy courtesy of author

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

The Adventures of Captain Underpants
book 1
by Dav Pilkey

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
Website

Published: 1997
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Children's
Paperback: 121 pages
Rating: 5

Captain Underpants series:
The Adventures of Captain Underpants (1997)
Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets (1998)
Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (1999)
Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants (2000)
The Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book o' Fun (2001)
Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman (2001)
The All New Extra Crunchy Captain Underpants Book O' Fun 2 (2002)
Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 1: The Night of the Nasty Nostril Nuggets (2003)
Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part 2: The Revenge of the Ridiculous Robo-Boogers (2003)
Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People (2006)
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Re-Turn of Tippy Tinkletrousers (2012)
Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers (2013)
Captain Underpants and the Tyrannical Retaliation of the Turbo Toilet 2000 (August 2014)[7]
Captain Underpants and the Sensational Saga of Sir Stinks-A-Lot (August 2015)

Pilkey plays with words and pictures, providing great entertainment. The story is immediately engaging - two fourth-grade boys who write comic books and love to pull pranks find themselves in big trouble. Mean Mr. Krupp, their principal, videotapes George and Harold setting up their stunts and threatens to expose them. The boys' luck changes when they send for a 3-D Hypno-Ring and hypnotize Krupp, turning him into Captain Underpants, their own superhero creation. Later, Pilkey includes several pages of flip-o-ramas that animate the action. The simple black-and-white illustrations on every page furnish comic-strip appeal. The cover features Captain Underpants, resplendent in white briefs, on top of a tall building. This book will fly off the shelves.

PeekAbook: here's a preview of another book in the series, but you can get an idea of the basic storyline and illustrations



My two-bits:

Based on the cover, the hero doesn't look appealing like the supermen we are accustomed to which is part of the reason why I never thought to pick up this book. However, the reviews and hype over this got me curious enough to give it a try.

Fantastic!

I found this to be a hilarious and fun super-hero story.

The three main characters are endearing and ones I want to continue to follow in their adventures.

This series will be one of those secret guilty pleasure reads on my nightstand ;-)

~*~
AND, check out the 4th Annual Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop, September 21st to 27th, here

~*~
* part of the Top Ten Challenged Books Lists for 2013

100 Ghosts: A Gallery of Harmless Haunts by Doogie Horner

100 Ghosts:
A Gallery of Harmless Haunts
by Doogie Horner

Visit Doogie:
BookExcerpt
Website
Goodreads
Tumblr
Twitter
YouTube

Just released: yesterday! September 10, 2013
Publisher: Quirk Books
Genre: Art, Comedy, Ghosts
Hardback: 208 pages
Rating: 5

Amazon | BarnesNoble

Cut two eyeholes into a bedsheet and BOO!

You’ve got yourself a classic Halloween icon. But what happens if you tie the bedsheet in knots?

What happens when you set it on fire, hang it from a clothesline, or put a llama underneath it?

100 Ghosts is a brilliantly simple artistic exploration of an icon as familiar as a grinning jack-o-lantern or an arched black cat.

It’s a delightful gift for adults, kids, and anyone who enjoys spooky design.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): ghosts galore
Little (4.50" x 6.14") gem of a book with pages and pages of cute illustrations of themed ghosts to flip through. This is a fun one to have on the coffee table especially during the Halloween season.

May favorite ghost from the collection...

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of publisher ~--
signup to win this book
~*~
* review copy courtesy of publisher

* part of event: Ghostly Ghosts

Snapper by Brian Kimberling

Snapper
by Brian Kimberling

Visit Brian:
Website
Pinterest
Facebook
Goodreads
Shelfari
Twitter
Currently on Tour

Published: April 2013
Publisher: Pantheon
Genre: Comedy, Short Stories
Hardback: 224 pages
Rating: 5

Amazon | BarnesNoble

A great, hilarious new voice in fiction: the poignant, all-too-human recollections of an affable bird researcher in the Indiana backwater as he goes through a disastrous yet heartening love affair with the place and its people.

Nathan Lochmueller studies birds, earning just enough money to live on. He drives a glitter-festooned truck, the Gypsy Moth, and he is in love with Lola, a woman so free-spirited and mysterious she can break a man’s heart with a sigh or a shrug. Around them swirls a remarkable cast of characters: the proprietor of Fast Eddie’s Burgers & Beer, the genius behind “Thong Thursdays”; Uncle Dart, a Texan who brings his swagger to Indiana with profound and nearly devastating results; a snapping turtle with a taste for thumbs; a German shepherd who howls backup vocals; and the very charismatic state of Indiana itself. And at the center of it all is Nathan, creeping through the forest to observe the birds he loves and coming to terms with the accidental turns his life has taken.

Amusing quote:
"It's not funny," I protested. "I'm part of case law now or whatever. Ten, fifty, one hundred years from now people will read about me and say oh, Nathan Lochmueller, that charlatan with binoculars."
- page 133, chapter 9

Zombie sighting:
Was there zombies climbing out of open graves?
-page 164, chapter 11

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): Oh, people. -page 210, chapter 13
Very enjoyable read that gives you the vibe of living in Indiana and bird watching details told with a fun sense of humor. Had several laugh out load moments. :-)

There are amusing references to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice that tickled, too.

I read Pride and Prejudice in several installments sitting on a flat marble slab commemorating someone named Elizabeth Bennet. Kia would give me just enought time to wax wroth with Darcy over one thing or another, and then her choke chain would jingle nearby. -page 155, chapter 11

--~ Book Giveaway ~--signup to win this book

~*~* review copy courtesy of publisher
* part of event: On A Sea Voyage

Giveaway: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough
by Ruth Pennebaker

Just released: January 2011
At once a tender and whip-smart read, Women on the Verge depicts a mother, daughter, and grandmother financially forced to live together under one roof:

Joanie is a recently-divorced fiftysomething, shakily re-entering the work force;

Her daughter Caroline is an angry teen in high school, who believes the best way to express herself is with hot pink hair (and “specially” prepared brownies);

Ivy is Joanie’s 78-year-old mother, who has recently taken up shoplifting.

And to top things off, Richard, Joanie's ex-husband, has just announced that his much younger girlfriend is pregnant.

PeekAbook:



Sound like a fun one???

--~ Book Giveaway courtesy of PR by the Book ~--
Open to all.

Offer ends: April 3, 2011

TO DO:

Watch the video above and leave a comment.

AND, leave your email (if I don't already have it)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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Every Zombie Eats Somebody Sometime by Michael P. Spradlin

Every Zombie Eats Somebody Sometime:
A Book of Zombie Love Songs
by Michael P. Spradlin

Published: 2010
Genre: Comedy, Zombies
Paperback: 128 pages
Rating: 3

Description from the amazon:
Zombies have feelings, too. . .

Sure, losing a limb doesn’t faze them in the slightest,but a zombie’s rotting heart can still break justlike anybody else’s. Yes, it’s true: Zombies need loving!

And this soul-stirring collection of more than two dozen classiclove songs is just the ticket for zombie romantics everywhere.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): hardy har
If you like parodies then you may enjoy this collection of zombie-fied favorite classic songs.

You can get an idea of the innards here...

List of songs:
My Fear of a Clown
You'll Scream in Fear
Every Zombie Eats Somebody Sometime
You've Lost That Livin' Feeling
Can You Find My Thumb Tonight?
Imagine (There's No Zombies)
Brains Today
I Want to Eat Your Hand
That'll Be the Day (When I Make You Die)
I Bit You Babe
You Are So Edible
Zombies in the Night
My Heart Will Taste Good
My Undead Love
Fifty Ways to Eat Your Lover
Eat Caroline
I Can't Stop Chewing You

~*~
* i read the ebook version

* part of Zombie Reading Challenge

=== Zombie Rot schedule ===

Tabloids Terrors #3 by S.D. Hintz and Jerrod Balzer

Tabloids Terrors #3
Alien Perverts Wrecked My Pubes
by S.D. Hintz and Jerrod Balzer

with special guests:
L.L. Soares
Louise Bohmer
Daniel Russell

Published: 2009
Genre: Aliens, Comedy
Paperback: 83 pages
Rating: 4

Description from the publisher:
Aliens are total nymphos, and we are their throwaway sluts. Despite their higher intelligence and technological advances, this third romp through the tabloids will expose their insatiable appetite for a piece of ass (or what comes out of it).

Learn the dangers of eating crotch circle corn. Witness a harrowing battle between alien midgets and a rat while in a crack whore’s vagina. Delight in the thrills of alien probes gone wild and smack your lips on some out-of-this-world barbecue ribs.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): uvf
Beware: adult humor, errrrrr

Hill-lair-ee-ous! What a ride!

Here be aliens in a different light *cough*.

Plenty of LOL and sick moments in this bitty book. However, some underlying messages if you so choose to delve.

PeekAbook:



Could be considered a fun treat or maybe a trick kinda book, you can decide...

-+0+o+ Book Giveaway +o+0+-
Win my book.

Open to those over age 18.

Offer ends: October 31, 2010

TO DO:

1. Sign the guestbook (if you signed it already or in September - no need)

2. You know I like jokes - tell me an alien joke.

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* review copy courtesy of Skullvines Press

-+0+o+ October Trix-n-Treatz schedule +o+0+-

Married and Honeymoon with Zombies

Married With Zombies
by Jesse Petersen
Description from the amazon:
A heartwarming tale of terror in the middle of the zombie apocalypse.

Meet Sarah and David.

Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they're on the verge of divorce and going to couples' counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things - the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client's throat.

Meet the Zombies.

Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn't mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don't eat their brains, they might just kill each other.



Zombie Honeymoon (2004)
Director and Writer: David Gebroe
Genre: Horror, Zombies
Tagline: In sickness and in health.

Description from imdb:
Zombie Honeymoon is a gore-soaked exploration of how far the boundaries of true love can be pushed without reaching a breaking point.


*** Zombiette Book Giveaway ***
sign up for this book giveaway
from adventures of cecelia bedelia


*** Zombie DVD Giveaway ***
AND you can signup here to win my watched-once DVD of Zombie Honeymoon.

Open to all.

Offer ends: September 30, 2010

TO DO (2-parts):

1. Sign guestbook (if you haven't already).

2. Where is an ideal romantic getaway for you? (excluding zombies)

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Ten Little Zombies: A Love Story by Andy Rash

Ten Little Zombies:
A Love Story
by Andy Rash

Published: 2010
Genre: Comedy, Poetry, Zombies
Paperback: 48 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
When being chased by ten little zombies (no matter how cute they are), your only option is to systematically destroy them one by one, or else become zombie number eleven.

In this love story wrapped in a tale of zombie mayhem, a resourceful couple flees from and picks off their undead pursuers with fast-paced ingenuity and an entertaining range of zombie-thwarting tools.

As the zombies shuffle and stumble their way toward a variety of gruesome ends, our heroes must come up with new ways to escape sticky situations and stay together.

This darkly funny illustrated tale think Bunny Suicides meets Edward Gorey meets Hallmark celebrates the romantic side of a zombie plague, with plenty of BRAINS and a lot of heart.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): delightful
Super cute zombie illustrations with a familiar childhood poem that is zombified.

Leaves you with a HA!


*** Zombiette Book Giveaway ***
sign up for this book giveaway and here too!
at the epic rat

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Fried Green Zombies by John A. Allen

Fried Green Zombies
by John A. Allen

Published: 2009
Genre: Action, Comedy, Scifi, Zombies
Paperback: 262 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
Bovina is a sleepy little town, until two friends find themselves battling truck-driving zombies, aliens, and dirty cops after finding a beauiful, busty burqa-bedecked stranger standing on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. Aided by a classic computer nerd and a crazy man wielding a frying pan, follow Chett and Harry as they battle their way across the rural countryside and ultimately save the world. Or do they?

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): hardheaded hot dogs

I found this a fun read with some shoot-em-up scenes and otherworldly and unmentionable characters. Of course, what really got me was the humor.

Kindle version is currently available for $2.39 here.

OR try your luck here...

*** Zombie Book Giveaway courtesy of author ***
Win the book.

Open to all.

Offer ends: September 30, 2010

TO DO (2-parts):

1. Sign guestbook (if you haven't already).

2. Visit John's site and tell me something you learned about him.

OR

Download the pdf for free, at John's site. Yes, you can!

OR

Listen to the free podcast version. It's a riot ;-D

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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=== September Zombies schedule of events
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes===

Raising The Perfect Child by Elizabeth Beckwith

Raising the Perfect Child Through Guilt and Manipulation
by Elizabeth Beckwith

Published: 2009
Genre: Comedy
Paperback: 256 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
Raising the Perfect Child Through Guilt and Manipulation is not one of those traditional, all-too-earnest parenting guides that, for generations, have sucked all the fun out of child rearing. The foundation of Elizabeth Beckwith's Guilt and Manipulation family philosophy is simple: We do things a certain way, and everyone else is an a**hole.

Is that something you should put on a bumper sticker and slap on your minivan? Of course not—that would be trashy. But in the privacy of your own home, you can employ these essential components of Guilt and Manipulation to mold the little runts ruthlessly yet effectively into children you won't be embarrassed to admit are yours:

-Creating a Team: "Us" vs. "Them"

-How to Scare the Crap Out of Your Child (in a Positive Way)

-Don't Be Afraid to Raise a Nerd

-Mind Control: Why It's a Good Thing

My two-bits:
In-a-word: shame

Before I continue, I must say I first heard of this book from listening to the Authors on Tour podcast of Elizabeth Beckwith. Listen to it here. She was so engaging and funny that I just had to highlight her book.

The book is hilarious! I enjoyed the tips on her parenting methods. The personal stories and examples are just as fun to read. For a chuckle or two or three give this one a read ;-D

~*~

*review copy
Thanks to Elizabeth Beckwith
Thanks to Vanessa of Harper Collins

* this book is flying to France to Charlotte of The Book On The Hill for her awesome guest posts created for Alice in Whatsitland

* part of Alice in Whatsitland (see schedule)


* wanna be a part of Alice's adventure in Whatsitland? join the challenge!

*** Giveaway ***

Win this book.

Open to all.

Offer ends: April 11, 2010

To do:

Read Elizabeth's guest post - Mr Snail - and leave her a comment.

Comment below with your email.

+2 Listen to the podcast about this book and let me know in comments.

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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Dead Like Me: Life After Death (2009)

Dead Like Me:
Life After Death (2009)

movie based on tv series: Dead Like Me
Director: Stephen Herek
Writers: Stephen Godchaux and John Masius
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Rating: 4

Description from imdb:
After the departure of Rube Sofer, a new head reaper named Cameron Kane takes over. He's a slick businessman who couldn't care less about helping the newly dead. Chaos ensues and brings out the worst in Daisy and Mason who begin drinking anew. George and Reggie re-connect for the first time when George reaps a new friend of Reggie's.

Description of tv series from wikipedia:
Dead Like Me is an American television comedy-drama starring Ellen Muth and Mandy Patinkin as grim reapers who "live" and work in Seattle, Washington.

The show explores the "lives" and experiences of a small team of such Reapers, as well as the post-mortem changes in George and her family as they deal with George's death.

Grim Reapers:
In the world of Dead Like Me, Grim reapers do not wear black cloaks or carry scythes (cloaks and scythes are only featured during the opening credits, for humorous effect), but their role remains traditional: they remove the souls of the living shortly before death and escort them into their afterlife.

Death has a list of who is scheduled to die and when. This list is delivered to the head of each group by a shadowy figure (when the delivery is made to Rube's apartment, it is shown that the delivery is made by an actual shadow, with only the list of names becoming corporeal when it is delivered). The head of each group then gives each Reaper a non-transferable assignment to collect a particular soul or souls.

My two bits:
In-a-word: graveling

The tv series ended after two seasons in 2004. This movie was released in February and because I enjoyed the show, I was compelled to watch this latest creation.

It starts off with a recap of the tv series in comic book form. I always think it's so cool when movies incorporate animation or comics in the storytelling.

The movie was just as entertaining as the tv series and answered more questions in regards to the Reaper life. However, there are still more things that need explaining and a continuation of the show or another movie would be grand.

Loved getting in touch with the characters again, although the Daisy actress changed which was okay :-(

Treat to see:
Henry Ian Cusick starring as Cameron
--aka Desmond in LOST

Any other watchers of this show out there?


p.s.
Watch out for the upcoming YA paranormal story with another kind of dead-related theme:






Hollyweird
by E. Van Lowe

A series about a 15 1/2 year old, bi-racial necromancer who lives in Hollywood California. Kris Golden has a relationship with all things dead. She can raise the dead, spot the dead walking among us, but her main goal in life is to help lay the risen dead back to rest.

Men Who Stare At Goats (2009) movie

Men Who Stare At Goats (2009)

Director: Grant Heslov
Screenplay by: Peter Straughan (screenplay)
Based on book by: Jon Ronson

Genre: Comedy, Paranormal

Rating: 4

Starring:
George Clooney
Jeff Bridges
Kevin Spacey
Ewan McGregor ;-D

Tagline: No goats. No glory.

Fun quote:
Bob Wilton: So what you're saying is that... you, are a uh... psychic spy?
Lyn Cassady: A Jedi warrior.

Description from imdb:
A reporter, trying to lose himself in the romance of war after his marriage fails, gets more than he bargains for when he meets a special forces agent who reveals the existence of a secret, psychic military unit whose goal is to end war as we know it. The founder of the unit has gone missing and the trail leads to another psychic soldier who has distorted the mission to serve his own ends.

My thoughts:

In-a-word(s): think Jedi

Hilarious!

Loved George with his sparkle eyes!

Boy Eats Girl (2005) movie

Boy Eats Girl (2005)

Director: Stephen Bradley

Writer(s): Derek Landry

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Zombies

Rating: 4

Inspiration: Weekly Zombies - check out September Zombies for more zombie posts and this work for my Helluva Halloween challenge too

Description from imdb:

A boy declares his love for his girlfriend, only to die the same night. He is brought back to life by his mother as a flesh-craving zombie, who sires more teen undead while trying to control his, er, appetite for his beloved.

Zombie speed: fast

Zombification: first zombie created with voodoo and then others formed by being bitten

Zombie mode: feral except for the voodoo one who zombifies at a slower rate

My thoughts:

In-a-word(s): nothing like a mother's love

Teen raging hormones and zombie flesh eating tendencies are no different in Ireland. Yes, along with fairy inhabitants there are zombies in Ireland. ;-D

This flick had enough zombie action to keep you entertained. The gore factor was low but funny in keeping with its campy feel.

Ewww moment: lawn mower segment

Interesting to note: the girl the guy ends up falling for in this movie and in the German film I reviewed earlier, Night of the Living Dorks, are non-white. I like seeing these racial mixes.

*Forgot to mention: there is a cool part I liked which was when zombification of the main character takes place. Flashes of scenes and sounds were used effectively.

Zombieland (2009) movie

Zombieland (2009)

Director: Ruben Fleischer
Writer(s): Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Zombies
Rating: 5

Inspiration: Weekly Zombies - check out September Zombies for more zombie posts and if you have a zombie post for the week please comment below with your link and part of my Helluva Halloween challenge

Description from imdb:
In the horror comedy Zombieland focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. Columbus is a big wuss -- but when you're afraid of being eaten by zombies, fear can keep you alive. Tallahassee is an AK-toting, zombie-slaying' bad ass whose single determination is to get the last Twinkie on earth. As they join forces with Wichita and Little Rock, who have also found unique ways to survive the zombie mayhem, they will have to determine which is worse: relying on each other or succumbing to the zombies.

Tagline: This place is so dead

Amusing quote: I could tell she knew what I was feeling, we all are orphans in Zombieland. -Columbus

Zombie speed: fast

Zombification: virus related to mad cow disease

Zombie mode: feral

My thoughts:
In-a-word(s): Double Tap

I agree with Fishmuffins of Doom, this is a heartwarming movie.

The movie takes you into a zombie comedy-adventure with 4 survivors in a zombocalyptic world.

You'll see some:

grocery shopping and zombie slaying

road trip bonding and zombie slaying

amusement park ride riding and zombie slaying

What more can you ask for in a zombie movie?

Lessons to be learned? Yessum. The big block-lettered rules are thrown into the movie - literally. So, if anything, you'll be a little bit more prepared if when there is a zombie threat.

Ewww moment: the manwiche

Amusing moment: Columbus's Rules pop-ups

End credits: must stick around for the very end of the movie, like, past the very last credit because you'll get a little something extraaaaaa!

Spoiler: Below is Columbus's list of rules for surviving in the zombie-infested world. This is a partial list. These rules are the ones that appear in the movie. I have a hunch the complete list will appear in the DVD (i hope).

According to Wikipedia, A series of non-canonical promotional videos starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg have expanded on the list. Also, in pre-release trailers for the film, some of the rules were presented in a different order.

Zombieland Rules is compiling the rest of the list.

This is a spoiler, so if you're going to watch the movie just make your eyes all glazed-like and bypass this section or stop reading this post altogether.

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1. Cardio

2. Double tap

3. Beware of bathrooms

4. Seatbelts

7. Travel light

17. (Don't) Be a hero

18. Limber up

22. When in doubt, know your way out

31. Check the back seat

32. Enjoy the little things

Tokyo Zombie by Yusaku Hanakuma

Tokyo Zombie

by Yusaku Hanakuma

Published: 2008 (first Japanese series 1998)

Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror, Zombies, Grapic Novel

Paperback: 164 pages

Rating: 5

Inspiration: my challenges R.I.P., Helluva Halloween, Japanese Literature and Weekly Zombies (check out this week's zombie reviews and blogosphere finds)

Description from publisher:

A horror-comedy manga about two blue-collar factory workers and jiu-jitsu experts who deal with a zombie uprising in Tokyo. When the story begins, Fujio and Mitsuo dream of training in martial arts overseas and becoming famous. When they accidentally kill their overbearing boss, they bury him at a man-made garbage mountain known as Dark Fuji, where tons of rotting garbage have been contaminated with industrial waste which, naturally, transforms the bodies of the dead into ravenous, flesh-eating zombies.

Fuji and Mitsuo try their best to survive in this horrific new landscape, but the hapless pair become separated after an idiotic mistake involving potato chips and a stray dog. A few years later, post-apocalyptic Tokyo has become a feudalistic society, in which the rich have enslaved the lower classes, and created gladiator death matches, pitting zombies against slaves, and Fuji and Misuo meet again.

Zombification: Black Fuji mountain which is a waste dump that became toxic

Zombie mode: feral, but some were captured and controlled

My thoughts:

In-a-word(s): uber-zombie

This is the basis for the movie version so it is not too different (my review of film). Beware, there is a warning on the cover "Adults Only" for some explicit scenes. You will not see the bubble-eyed bubbly gals in this manga.

Like the movie, the emphasis between the haves and have nots in a zombie world is portrayed.

Overall, the story comes across well in manga form. But, watch the movie for embellishment.

Night of the Living Dorks (2006) movie

Night of the Living Dorks (2006)

aka Die Nacht der lebenden Loser (2004)

Director & Writer:  Mathias Dinter

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Zombies

Rating:  4

Inspiration: September Zombies week

(Aug 29 to Sep 6, 2009)

- check out today's goodies

Description from Netflix: 

Philip (Tino Mewes), Konrad (Thomas Schmieder) and Weener (Manuel Cortez) -- the three biggest dorks at Frederich Nietzsche High School -- get a second stab at coolness when they're killed in an auto accident and reanimated as flesh-eating zombies. Thanks to their rapidly decomposing bodies, there's no need for eating or sleeping, which leaves plenty of time for partying, girl-chasing -- and getting even with their enemies.

Zombie speed: normal but with superhuman strength

Zombification: zombie ashes used with a Haitian spell. also, the "goodness" factor inside the person determines the rate of transformation

Zombie mode: high functioning 

My thoughts: 

In-a-word: loser - not

I'm offering up a German zombie film today. Yes, this is one of those teenage boy fantasy flicks with the usual cliches and fun zombie action thrown in. There's a crazy scramble for a "cure" after the zombification process begins. 

It was interesting to see the German take on zombies and popularity. Very colorful movie in regards to how it was shot. Also, very entertaining in a Weird Science kind of way.

Ewwww moment:  stapler and a certain body part

Extra tidbit:

According to IMDb, another Night of the Living Dorks is slated to be released in 2010. I'm guessing it will be the American version.

Tokyo Zombie (2005) movie

Tokyo Zombie (2005) 

Director & Screenplay:  Sakichi Sato

Based on manga by:  Yusaku Hanakuma

Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror, Zombies

Rating:  5

Inspiration: September Zombies week 

(Aug 29 - Sep 6, 2009)

-check out today's events and giveaways

Description from amazon.com: 

Tadanobu Asano and Sho Ikawa star as full time slackers and wannabe jiu-jitsu champions who bring the body of their murdered boss to Tokyo's towering toxic waste dump known as "Black Fuji". But when an army of the undead rises from the massic trash peak, these bonehead buddies must survive a non-stop onslaught of hasty decapitations, pervert teachers, tasty snack foods, stormy romance and zombie professional wrestling. Can even the most devoted of friendships survive an apocalypse of the undead?

Zombie speed: slow

Zombification: something triggers Black Fuji to spout out zombies. Black Fuji is a waste dump that got as big as a mountain and became toxic over time.

Zombie mode: feral and they're green

My thoughts: 

In-a-word(s):  Jiu-Jitsu

As you can see from my genre list - Action, Comedy, Horror - this movie is jam-packed with lots of angles of Japanese zombie-ness.  I should mention that there is a touch of romance - just a touch. Something for everyone.

The film is Not Rated, but I would give it an R for all the usual reasons - sex, profanity, gore, etc. If you liked Kill Bill, Kung Fu Hustle and/ or any of George Romero's zombie movies then you'll most likely get a kick out of this movie.

Being a Japanese film, you have the option of watching it with subtitles or dubbed. I watched it with subtitles. I always prefer watching foreign films with subtitles in order to get into the ambiance of the film. However, if you want to add campy-ness to your viewing pleasure then watch the film the dubbed version.   

There is a super cool animated segment that moves the story along in which the zombie take-over is explained. Reminded me of the animated segment in Kill Bill where O-ren Ishii's traumatic background history is revealed. Things too ugly in real life becomes animated in re-tellings - easier to stomach.

In this zombocalyptic world the division of "the haves" and "the have nots" are defined to the extreme. Zombies aside, this is a movie to watch with the serious issue of classism to ponder on. In fact, I need to give this film a re-watch.

If you've seen this movie or watch it later, please come back and tell me your thoughts or comment below with a link to your review. 

Ewww moment:  gym teacher being attacked on Black Fuji

Cute Tokyo Zombie Kubrick and Bearbrick set:

I Was a Teenage Zombie (1987) movie

I Was a Teenage Zombie (1987)

Director: John Elias Michalakis
Written by: James Aviles Martin
Steve McKoy
George Seminara

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Zombies

Rating: 3

Tagline: I was young, reckless, and in love. Then... I was DEAD, young, reckless, and in love.

Inspiration: September Zombies Week

-check out daily events for this week

Description from IMDB:

Six high school buddies accidentally kill a drug pusher and dump his body in toxic waters. When the pusher returns as a zombie and goes on a killing spree, their only recourse is to dump the body of one of their own recently dead, and have him return as a "good" zombie to face off with the "bad" one.

Zombie speed: A bit superhuman.

Zombification: Toxic waste in water from a nuclear power plant. However, only two zombies are in the movie. No one gets zombified by bites.

Zombie mode:  one is somewhat feral and the other is high functioning

My thoughts:

In-a-word: green

Hoke-y and camp-y with an off into the sunset ending.

While the concept of a good guy zombie was cool, I did not like the bad guy zombie. He was such a wacky vengeful one.

Ewww moment: teen girl attacked on car - ick - this scene alone, turns me off - ick.