So Halloween is well behind us and that oh so merry time of year is right around the corner. The weather is definitely frightful (unless your a skier/snowboarder), so best thing to do on those “too cold to go outside” days is become a video game nerd! That’s right… and if you can, get your little mitts on the new “Left 4 Dead 2″ from Valve, you won’t be sorry. Just like the original L4D, there is an abundance of serious zombie killing going on. This time its happening in the Southern states of the U.S. starting in Georgia and ending in New Orleans, Lousisiana.
Based on sales, its pretty likely that you already own a copy of this game. But if you don’t you should. It is similar in play to the original L4D except that this time, there are four new characters, and five new campaigns (Dark Carnival, Hard Rain, Swamp Fever, The Parish, Dead Center). What’s more, there are lots of new weapons and things you can pick up and use for melee. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the all new disgusting special infected characters such as the Spitter, Charger, and Jockey.
The new game isn’t without it’s fair share of controversy. For example, the largest problem was that many people were worried Valve developers were going to stop efforts to support the original Left 4 Dead. Players in the tens of thousands felt so strongly about this that they went as far as joining an online boycott of the new game. There were issues with significant lag in performance for online players in the old and new game. Players of the original were worried that Valve would focus only the newest game and leave the promised enhancements for the original in the dust. At this point, that remains to be seen, but in all, the new game is not to be missed. I’m pretty addicted to playing it now and am feverishly trying to unlock all the achievements. Later I may do a review of the new game as it compares to the original. I’m sure that will spur some controversy!
Well I’ve been away from the blog for awhile with the Turkey day holiday just past. I’m still imagining all that wonderful food as I open my depressingly empty fridge. I was sick over the holiday (boo), and wound up watching way too much TV. However I did manage to go see a movie that you guys have got to see. I’m talking about Zombieland. This movie simply rocked! Especially since I’ve been on a zombie trip lately. (I’ve been playing Left 4 Dead for over 2 months now!) When it comes to blockbuster movies, I really have low expectations, but this one totally surprised me.
Zombieland totally has a video game feel to it. There are a plethora of shoot ‘em up zombie killings with a variety of weapons – both guns and melee. Post-apocalyptic America is now overrun with zombies, and our main character, Columbus, is quick to point out the rules one must follow in order to survive Zombieland. Click on the four images below to see four of the promotional posters created by Columbia Pictures for this film. They really look like zombie trading cards!
Basically the four characters in the movie must figure out how to survive the zombies (and each other) in order to cope with their bleak situation. Woody Harrelson plays an awesomely funny role as the tough-talking, fear-nothing Tallahassee. And there is even a surprise performance by Bill Murrey (as himself). This movie is complete with quick-wit, enjoyable characters, interesting situations, and great one-liners (hence the title of this blog). If your looking for something entertaining to see, go check out Zombieland!
Okay guys… Halloween is way over so get rid of those nasty moldy pumpkins. Or they will share the same fate of the Wicked Witch from the Wizard Of Oz. Can you all say…. “What a world, what a world!”
Can you believe it…after all that planning, preparation and fun its all over. Halloween 2009 is now just a sweet memory. I hope all of you had a great time doing whatever you did. I wound up working my butt off to finish all the decorating and cooking just minutes before my guests arrived. It was a hell of a lot of work, but we did it. And I had a great time. Without further ado, here are some pictures from our Halloween party. (Click on them to see the whole picture).
These couple of ghouls have gone wild. Notice the flicker bulbs in the hanging lamp. These very effective props were bought from Party City. We wrapped the walls in Scene Setters to give the look of a cold dungeon. The man sitting in the chair began as a scarecrow, but I found a great prop laboratory switch. When you switch it down, it lights up as if its electric and a man screams. So this became our electrocution chair. I’m planning on working on this prop to escalate it for next year. Finally the staircase provided a perfect spot for the Hanging Haunted portraits from my previous blog.
Our fog machine zombie was a big hit. We also had the soundtrack to the Disneyland Haunted Mansion playing in the front yard. I think the adults loved it even more than the kids. This year was small but very effective. Next year, I plan to expand the yard haunt and add a few more tricks. You might wonder why I go through so much trouble? The payoff is the expression on the kids faces. I remember seeing awesome yards when I was a kid and I never forgot them. They were so creative and fun to me. So maybe I can do that same thing for someone else, and leave that lasting impression. After all, it helps to preserve the traditions of our favorite holiday. HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone!
So you have two days left to find a Halloween costume? Arg…panic time. Let’s face it…there’s a lot of pressure to come up with a costume that can generate an “OHH THAT’S COOL” comment. I don’t remember having to work so hard at costumes in the past. Maybe our parents did…the ones that went to the local craft stores and actually sewed. Very crafty! But before that there was a time when acceptable costumes had plastic masks (that would stick to your face from all the sweat) and weird plastic/nylon clothing that you jumped into and tied up behind your neck. We had a few good ones… Wolfman, Frankenstein, etc..but I do remember some really weird costumes during that time. Well I almost pee’d my pants when I read Robert Berry’s article Worst Halloween Costumes Of All Time. Give it a read. Robert has some hilarious commentary on those plastic costumes of the late 70’s, early 80’s. I also found this site The Haunted Closet while researching old costumes. The costumes in here are hilarious! Man, there were some weird characters on TV in those days.
