The Constancy of Evil

Of all the constructs created to explain the human experience, none has been so reliable as the concept of evil.  Throughout time a simple resolution to all that ails a human being morally and ethically has been blaming the situation on evil. 

Good, on the other hand, has been transmutable because it is wholly subjective.  In one culture stoning to death for a societal crime is simply upholding the just or good of that culture.  Western perspectives view that act as anything other than good.

Evil, although constant in function, has taken several different forms, though.  Whether one wishes to blame a snake, a devil, a Kali, Hades, vampire, werewolf, ghost, or any number of historical figures that have failed in their machinations, there will always be something to tag with the affiliation of evil to suit the purposes of the moral shortcut.

The concept of evil is something of a copout because it prohibits a logical confrontation of a situation in order to fix the problem. 

TIZ Podcast Episode 13

Carl and the NFL Zombies talk the end of the preseason!  Join us!
Subscribe to the Info Zombie podcast on iTunes if your computer or mobile device doesn't let you use the flash enabled player below.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Review: Godzilla 1985

The not so grand finale.

Review: Porn Gnomes and Other Strange Tales

Once again, he is recording—textually, not audibly.  Paul Chapman (also known as the All-Mighty Gooberzilla) branched out from podcasting to present a collection of fictional short stories that include themes ranging from horror-humor to Southern Fairy Tale.

The compendium has the usual problems that a first time publisher faces.  Some stories have an elevated style that feels out of place for the absurdity of the subject matter.  Other times the dialogue comes off stiff.  “Midnight at the Crossroads features an archdemon named Mack and a human named Louie whose lines are wooden and interchangeable—if not for speaker tags, a reader would be hard pressed to distinguish which character spoke.  Likewise, the humor at points failed miserably.  In “Killing Princess Petunia,” assassin Hraith speaks to a potential mark and states, “I’m working pro bono.”  The princess responds, “My father is paying you with…bones?”  Yeah, that’s a line that makes me wince.  Lastly, the plot of “Always, the Red Reckoning” became so convoluted in the tale’s Beowulf styling that a second read was necessary.

A brilliant tome of tales awaits past those few faults.

In Defense of Drag Me to Hell

Sam Raimi’s May 29^th, 2009 release, Drag Me to Hell (DMTH) made $90 million worldwide against a $30 million dollar budget.  Although it had a budget considerable higher for a horror movie, DMTH made back three times the amount. The movie is a box office success.

Critically speaking, reception for the film has been split.  Rottentomatoes.com ranked the film at 93% approval for critics and 61% for general audiences.  IMDB.com, however, ranks the film at an average 6.8 out of 10.

Having consistently shown the film to my high school classes in the past years, I found DMTH not only works as an extension of the Gothic Tradition but also as a well-rounded horror film.  Raimi’s work on the film deserves more than just an average reception from major audiences, and I would like to share some reasons why.

Spoilers will be discussed.  If you haven’t seen the film, I urge you to give it a viewing and come back.  If you haven’t formed a judgment on the film, may these points help you in the process.

Rule #4: Don’t Mess With Animals

I’m not going to be glib because this article mentions people who have been hurt or killed.  Instead, I’m going to be very blunt. People, please stop messing with dangerous animals. 

We have created these elaborate shelters known as homes and condos for a simple reason--to keep out nature.  Sure, that includes the weather.  But the main reason why we have four walls, a roof, and some glass is to prevent bugs from stinging us, and animals from biting us.

Why do we keep inviting dangerous animals into our homes?

Review: Terror of Mechagodzilla

Darker and edgier.

The Info Zombie Podcast Episode 12

Football talk with Eric, Justin, Vincent, and The Info Zombie.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Video Review: Kabaya Fortress Maximus

David gives us a thorough review of the new three-part Kabaya Fortress Maximus kit.  He predicted this one in a review some time ago, now it's here for you to enjoy.  Autobots, roll out!

Drones Over America: A Compromise

The Federal Administration Association has made it possible for drone aircraft to fly overhead by the year 2015.  Experts estimate that some 30,000 drones will be hovering outside my window watching me masturbate to The Golden Girls by 2020.

While I’m 100% against such violations of my privacy (even if I leave the blinds wide open when I’m watching Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia), I feel that drones are as inevitable as Nickleback’s reunion kicking off the 2020 Olympics.

I’m willing to come to an agreement with these nosey aircraft.  Rumors state that realtors will use such drones to provide potential mortgage slaves with aerial views of a property.  I, however, want to be a tad more selfish.

Here are five things that drones can do for me.

The Info Zombie Podcast Episode 11

Mark Gibson is in studio to discuss the best video game of the summer, explain why Aquaman would be a great cinematic hero, and ask the people of the world to be less corrupt.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Review: Paranorman

Paranorman succeeds with kids.  The theater I screened the movie at was full of children giggling, cooing, and fretting at the safe scares on the screen.  When a movie makes that much of an impact on a target audience, it is a success.

Adults and film buffs may recognize some issues with the product.  From here on out I will discuss the film’s successes and flaws in detail.  Spoilers ensue, so please tread carefully if you read past the break.

MechaGodzillas!

We here at the Info Zombie happen to love MechaGodzilla.  So when I came across these models, I knew I had to share them with you.  You can find them at Tate's Comics in Lauderhill Florida.  For those who don't live in Florida, you will will have to find these online somehow because you don't have an awesome comic book store like Tate's.  After the break there's way more to see.

Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla

Jun Fukuda redeems himself.

Charlatans

Take a good look at the above picture.  What do you notice in common with the three images?  Look close.  One is a gypsy fortuneteller.  The next is a picture of news analysts.  The final picture, sports analysts.

Need a hint?

They’re all charlatans. 

Charlatan n  (1) someone who professes knowledge or expertise, especially in medicine, that he does not have; quack (2) a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes

The Info Zombie Podcast Episode 10

Composer and violinist Spencer Robelen discusses the writing process for musicians with The Info Zombie.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

The Info Zombie Podcast Episode 09

Episode 09 brings David Benoit into the Info Zombie studios to talk some Godzilla goodness.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Info Zombie Podcast Episode 08

CBS Fantasy Football guru Mark Gibson, Vincent Patregnani, and Justin Senior join The Info Zombie to discuss fantasy draft picks and the upcoming season.  This is the podcast you need to listen to before your draft.  And, as always, we don't talk about Batman.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Godzilla vs Megalon

Ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Where Was This Stuff When I Was A Kid: Halloween Prequel Edition

 

We’re under 90 days until the greatest holiday of the year: Halloween.  While I’m busy worrying about what costume to create so I can score some pictures with hot girls in slutty costumes, I am pleased to see the first sightings of Halloween themed products hitting stores.

My Halloween started with a simple beer.  I told you that I sampled the UFO Pumpkin Ale, and it was mighty tasty.  And the Halloween merriment continues from there.  In a few weeks Target will shed the back to school section that has been up since Easter and fill the shelves with plastic pumpkins, orange Christmas lights, and bags and bags of candy.

Until then, I am pleased to see the latest line of building kits from LEGO© occupying space in the toy section.  The Monster Fighters line features some of the classic monsters being hunted by characters that sport pith helmets, fly planes, and have no fear.  This is the coolest addition to the Samhain celebration since Charlie Brown’s Halloween special.

Flavorful Brews: Three Beers Tested

If anyone says he or she would rather live in some past time when things were ‘better’, I’d say shuffle off and leave more space for the rest of us.  The reason for my indignant attitude is the new beverage store that opened up close to me.  Total Wine and More is the Disney World equivalent for those with a taste for beer and spirits.  This store has brought together aisles and aisles of concoctions never dreamt of in Horatio’s philosophy.

While I’m not a fan of the liquors and wine, I do admire an exotic brew from time to time.  Total Wine and More provides an ample selection to taste.  I wanted to share with you three beers.  The best way I could categorize them is that they have unique flavors: coconut, apricot, and pumpkin.

Don't Mind Me

<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com">HyperSmash.com</a>

Info Zombie Podcast 07: Yenny Coll

Writer, critic, and feminist Yenny Coll discusses dreams, the writing process, and comic books.  She's the first female Zombie guest, and she's awesome!  Follow her on Twitter @yennycoll or visit her blog.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Godzilla vs Gigan

There is no getting around it. This film is a train wreck.