Howdy all. Starting with a recent horror collage with a Heaven and Hell theme. Did a few of them you’ll find on Instagram, but this is my favorite, I think.
Anyway, Halloween is fast approaching, and it’s always been my absolute favorite time of year. It brings out my creative side like no other holiday. I love the eerie, otherworldly vibe that comes with it. It’s been so warm in Colorado this year, so it’s been a magical time, sitting on the deck, sipping wine longer than usual in 70-80 degree temperatures. Where I’m going after writing and releasing this post. Unfortunately, we don’t have Halloween decorations on the neighbors’ lawns to enjoy and I don’t decorate anymore, mostly because I’ve gotten very lazy about the holidays in general.
I haven’t watched as many horror movies as I expected, but I did watch a really bad horror comedy recently that totally shocked me. Here are my thoughts about the movie.
The Munsters (2022) Review
I had no expectations going into a viewing of Rob Zombie’s 2022 version of The Munsters, and maybe that was a good thing. While the film shines in its visual presentation, it falls flatter than a pancake in pacing, writing, and overall entertainment value. I wish I could say better things, but…
Sure, it had an impressive set design and a campy Gothic style that kept my eyes glued to the screen. Loved the purple and green colors that gave it an old-style monster movie vibe. But I kept shaking my head at the poor acting, or should I say over acting. I particularly hated Sheri Moon Zombie’s portrayal of Lily Munster, whom I consider being one of early TV’s strongest female characters. The guy that played Herman was a dim-witted caricature of the lovable character from the TV show, but at least Grandpa was entertaining at times.
This movie is WAYYYYY too long. The humor is just off in a bad way. And I won’t even waste my time talking about the poorly developed plot. The movie has a 4.5 on IMDB, and I just don’t get it other than that colorful Gothic atmosphere I mentioned earlier.
Rob Zombie may have had good intentions, but this version of The Munsters turned out to be an opportunity to check my email way too many times. In case you forget, if I’m tempted to check email during a movie, it’s a very bad thing.
Yes, it’s been another month instead of a week. I’m trying. Anyway,a few weeks ago, I posted a remembrance to Shaun of the Dead on Instagram, and a week ago I watched Zombieland with my nephew (his first viewing), so I thought it fitting to write about both these movies I love so much!
Zombie comedies, or “zom-coms,” have carved out a unique niche in the horror genre, blending the thrills of the undead with humor that ranges from slapstick to dark satire. Just so happens that both movies are two of the most iconic films in this subgenre are Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead. They approach the zombie apocalypse from different angles, offering distinct flavors of comedy and horror.
American Wit vs British Satire
The obvious differences between Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead is their approach to humor, rooted in their respective American and British origins.
Zombieland, directed by Ruben Fleischer, leans heavily on American wit and over-the-top antics. The humor is loud and in-your-face, with a focus on physical comedy and quick, sarcastic dialogue. The film embraces the absurdity of the zombie apocalypse, with memorable scenes like the “Zombie Kill of the Week” and the Jesse Eisenberg’s obsession with survival rules and his general fears. I love this film for its fast-pace and action-oriented comedy.
Shaun of the Dead, directed by Edgar Wright, showcases British satire and dry humor. The film’s comedy is more understated, relying on situational irony, deadpan delivery, and clever wordplay. Shaun’s mundane life is hilarious in the middle of the chaos of the zombie outbreak, especially his being obliviousness to the surrounding danger.
Archetypes vs. Everymen
Another key difference lies in the characters and how they reflect their respective films’ tones.
Zombieland features exaggerated archetype characters. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is the neurotic, rule-following survivor; Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) is the gun-toting, zombie-killing cowboy; Wichita (Emma Stone) is the clever, independent con artist; and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) is the tough, resourceful teenager. Each character is distinct and larger-than-life, contributing to the film’s high-energy vibe. Their personalities drive much of the humor, particularly in how they interact with each other and navigate the post-apocalyptic world.
On the other hand, Shaun of the Dead presents characters who are more relatable and grounded. Shaun (Simon Pegg) and his best friend Ed (Nick Frost) are average, unremarkable men caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Shaun’s journey is one of reluctant heroism, as he’s forced to step up and take charge in a situation that’s far beyond his usual scope of experience. The supporting characters, including Shaun’s girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield) and his mother Barbara (Penelope Wilton), add to the film’s focus on personal relationships and the mundane struggles of everyday life. Shaun of the Dead feels less like an action movie and more like a slice-of-life comedy that just happens to feature zombies and lots of blood and guts.
Road Trip vs Survival at Home
The settings of the two films are completely different considering one is on the road as I mentioned earlier and one is in a local town.
Zombieland follows a road trip, with the characters constantly on the move as they search for safety and Twinkies in a world overrun by zombies. They encounter a series of adventures with unique challenges and opportunities for humor. The film is fast-paced, and the journey is a key element of the story, emphasizing the thrill of the open road in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
In contrast, Shaun of the Dead is more contained, with much of the action taking place in Shaun’s home, the local pub, and the streets of suburban London. The film’s focus is on the internal growth of its characters, particularly Shaun. As they make their way through the zombie horde and try to survive, life’s little dramas persist.
Action-Packed vs. Subtly Satirical
Finally, the overall tone of each film reflects their distinct approaches to the zom-com genre.
Zombieland is action-packed and fun, with a crazy entertaining tone. The film’s emphasis on rule-breaking, zombie-killing, and high-stakes adventures creates a sense of exhilaration that engages viewers from start to finish. It’s a film that invites you to sit on the edge of your seat and enjoy the ride.
On the other hand, Shaun of the Dead balances its humor with moments of genuine emotion and social commentary. The film’s satirical tone invites viewers to reflect on the absurdities of modern life, particularly the monotony and routine that can make even a zombie apocalypse seem like just another day. Characters face genuine loss and personal growth, making the humor more poignant and the horror more impactful.
Each film offers a unique take on the undead apocalypse. While Zombieland dazzles with its fast-paced action and larger-than-life characters, Shaun of the Dead charms with its subtle satire and relatability. They show that there’s more than one way to survive—and laugh through—a zombie apocalypse. Both films are must-watches, so introduce them to the younger generations because they are certainly timeless.
A week of editing and book formatting means I needed a huge break with crazy murderous donuts. I knew I had to watch Attack of the Killer Donuts when I encountered it in the Horror section on Peacock. Then I was sure it was a must watch when I found it had a 3.8 rating on IMDB. I really live for movies like this! Unfortunately, a lot of the poorly rated horror movies don’t deliver, but this one did!
Attack of the Killer Donuts embraces its ridiculous premise with gusto, delivering a blend of comedy and horror that’s as entertaining as it is absurd. Sure—this isn’t high cinema. But if you’re in the mood for a B-movie that revels in its own silliness, you’ve found a gem. The acting is cheesy but passable, and there’s a surprisingly strong female lead who acts better than the rest. What will she think, reminiscing about being in this film 20 years from now?
While some may find the effects and CGI poorly done, I loved the donuts, especially the way they bounced around from victim to victim. Then again, I’m a seasoned B-movie viewer and a bit forgiving, considering I’ve seen WAY WORSE!
In the realm of comedy horror, the humor is unapologetically campy, as it should be. You just gotta sit back and embrace the absurdity of killer donuts with rainbow sprinkles.
This wonderfully ridiculous film kept me engaged and entertained from start to finish. If only the 1-star reviewers could enjoy movies like this for what they are, so bad they’re awesome!
That’s all I got for you this time. Too busy this week with paid work and a checklist I’m writing on cleaning up a manuscript with lots of spaces and inconsistent punctuation. Yeah, again, too much of the technical creates a need for the absurd.
It’s been a week filled with artistic inspiration and thrilling TV marathons.
New Art Pieces
Ghouly Haunted Collage: I threw together a spooky haunted collage that kinda captures the eerie essence of the supernatural. I had the hardest time finding pieces for this, but it combines various elements to create a chilling yet captivating scene, right? Quick is not always good. But I had a fantastic time putting it together.
New Abstract Painting: Alongside the haunted collage, I’ve also completed a new painting. It’s another Hilma af Klint inspired piece. I love the color combo on this one. It was difficult to complete at the end, the large circles not coming together quite right. All-in-all, I love it.
TV Show Rewatch: Dexter
In addition to my artistic ventures, I’ve been rewatching the TV show Dexter, and let me tell you—I’m as hooked as ever! This morning I got up and heard the theme song playing over and over in my head. The intricate plot, the complex characters, and the dark humor make it an unforgettable experience every time. Michael C. Hall’s portrayal of Dexter Morgan is nothing short of brilliant, and the suspense keeps me on the edge of my seat. If you haven’t seen it yet, where have you been? It’s the perfect blend of crime, drama, and dark comedy.
Which of the crazy killers Dexter encountered were your favorites? Mine were the Ice Truck Killer and Hannah McKay. Here’s a starter list of the majors.
The Ice Truck Killer (Rudy Cooper/Brian Moser): Dexter’s biological brother, who taunts Dexter with crime scenes that hint at Dexter’s own past.
The Skinner (George King): A serial killer who tortures and skins his victims alive.
The Trinity Killer (Arthur Mitchell): A seemingly normal family man who has been committing a cycle of three murders at a time for decades.
The Barrel Girl Gang: A group of men who kidnap, rape, and kill women, storing their bodies in barrels. Dexter teams up with Lumen Pierce to take them down.
The Doomsday Killer (Travis Marshall): A delusional killer who believes he is enacting the Book of Revelation’s apocalyptic prophecies.
Hannah McKay: A former accomplice in a series of murders and Dexter’s love interest, who later becomes a killer herself.
Or another killer because I left off the Bay Harbor Butcher and some of the minor ones he encountered along the way were way COOL! There are certain episodes that stick with you.
This week has reminded me of the joy and fulfillment that come from balancing creative work with personal enjoyment. I hope you enjoy the new pieces I’ve shared and feel inspired.
Not much artwork to brag about this week. It was a week of catching up on marketing activities and editing other people’s work. Not always the most fun, but something that must be done.
Class of Nuke ‘Em High (1986) Review
I watched a few horror movies while posting on social media. Puppet Master, one of my favorite horror movies, was one of them. Considering the title above and the picture to the right, the main feature was Class of Nuke ‘Em High. Wasn’t my first time watching the movie, but it had been many years since I’d seen it back when it was first released.
If you’re a fan of 1980s horror comedies, it’s a cult classic that delivers a delightful blend of absurdity and nostalgia. My favorite students in the movie is a reminder of the the weird shit I used to wear in high school.
The cheesy FX is delightfully low-budget and campy, adding to the film’s charm. From grotesque mutations to exaggerated explosions, the special effects perfectly capture the outrageous spirit of 80s B-movies. The movie oozes with an 80s vibe—from the neon colors and wild fashion to the punk rock soundtrack. It’s a time capsule that transports you back to my era of carefree fun and unapologetic camp. Despite its horror label, it leans heavily into comedy, especially with the bad boy/girl characters. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, often stemming from the absurd situations and the characters’ over-the-top reactions.
While the acting contributes to the film’s campy appeal, some viewers might find it lacking. But in the realm of Troma films, the less-than-stellar acting is almost a feature, not a bug. For a movie with a radioactive premise, I expected a bit more gore. The film delivers some gruesome scenes, but it’s relatively tame compared to other entries in the genre.
Overall, “Class of Nuke ‘Em High” is a fun, nostalgic ride that captures the essence of 80s horror comedies. If you enjoy cheesy effects, a vibrant 80s setting, and a healthy dose of absurd humor, this film is a must-watch. Just grab some popcorn and prepare for a radioactive good time!
