Retro A To Z Challenge: Z – Zombieland 2009 (plus May Movie Preview and a Book Award!)

Zombieland – 2009

Funniest zombie movie ever! Columbus has his rules for living in Zombieland (remember to double-tap) and Tallahassee is on a quest for Twinkies. Add trouble in the form of two women, Wichita and Little Rock, and you’re set for a hilarious adventure. Also briefly featuring Bill Murray as himself. (Shame about that double-tap rule.)

2009 fun facts –
*Average income - $39,423.
*Cost of a movie ticket - $7.50
*Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger made a successful crash landing In the Hudson River after US Airways Flight 1549 is struck by a flock of geese shortly after takeoff
*The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century occurred - 6:38.8 minutes long
*The top selling DVDs were Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
*It’s the year I started blogging!

Movies released –
Star Trek
Avatar
Sherlock Holmes
Inglorious Basterds
The Blind Side
Fast and Furious

Music released –
Chevelle – Sci-Fi Crimes
TSO – Night Castle

Games released –
Assassin’s Creed II
Dragon Age: Origins

And why is 2009 special?
It was the year Pat Hatt got his cat Orlin, started his foray into Internet ventures, and won huge money gambling! It’s also the year Cherie Reich decided to write with publication in mind instead of just writing for the sake of writing.

Pat hails from Nova Scotia and is owned by two cats, Orlin and Cassie. He’s the master of rhyme and offers both poems and videos on his site. He’s the author of over thirty books, a blogging machine, and possesses an awesome sense of humor. Pat blogs at It’s Rhyme Time
 

Cherie is the author of many books and an assistant librarian. (Which means she also reads a lot of books!) She is also the master of novelettes and short stories, writing everything from fantasy to horror to science fiction. Cherie is super-friendly, relaxed, and a great friend. Find Cherie HERE

And we’ve finally reached the end of the 2014 A to Z Challenge!

May Movie Preview Part Two

Here is part two of the upcoming theatrical releases for May! (Part one was yesterday.) As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

23 –

X-Men: Days of Future Past
The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.
Director: Bryan Singer
Stars: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy
So many X-Men – the movie just might explode.

30 –

Maleficent
A vindictive fairy is driven to curse an infant princess only to realize the child may be the only one who can restore peace.
Director: Robert Stromberg
Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton
She’s evil. No, she’s good. I’m so confused…

Ninja News

Author Jack Lewis Baillot is hosting a video contest! See her site for details.

I have the honor of wrapping up with Z at both the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and the A to Z Challenge Blog today!

Don’t forget to score my Lord of the Clones performance at Father Dragon Al’s site! The dwarves are conspiring against me and I need your help.

And my big surprise yesterday –

My publisher let me know that CassaStorm has won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award! 



I am just blown away…


Seen Zombieland? Following the awesome Pat and Cherie? Did you survive the Challenge? Excited for either movie? Did you cast your vote for Lord of the Clones? Going to take a long nap now that the Challenge is over? And what do you remember best about 2009…?

A to Z Challenge – Zombieland and Zooropa by U2, Ninja News, and Big Thanks

Last day of the Challenge – did you survive?

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries! Winners will be announced May 6.

Zombieland

One word – hilarious. Two words – double tap! This film isn’t just funny, it’s very educational in learning how to survive a zombie apocalypse. Great performances from everyone, especially Harrelson as he searches for his Twinkies.

Little Rock is wise and crafty for her age. And yet her youthfulness shines through in her uninhibited joy and enthusiasm. All she really wants is to go play at that amusement park and she doesn’t want to do it alone.

Who is Little Rock?

Livia!

(Even though she doesn’t like horror films. And probably thinks I forgot her!)

Livia is young and full of enthusiasm. She’s a bundle of joy and energy that us older folks wish we could bottle as save for later. Livia throws herself into her passions one hundred percent, and that includes her devotion to her friends. It has been a total delight getting to know her.

Livia is a writer, movie buff, and resident cheerleader.

To you I dedicate Zooropa by U2. (Title leads to YouTube.)

Because it has a timeless feel to it, something your spirit possesses. “And I don’t know the limit…” (And because I’m sure dedicating T-Ride’s Zombies From Hell would’ve disturbed you, even if it did fit the movie. That’s all right, Livia – we still adore you!)

Trivia and Facts:

All of the characters in Zombieland were named after cities – name them! (I already gave you one answer.)

Y’s trivia answer – Rush formed in 1968.

Ninja News

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group tomorrow!

Don’t forget the Best/Worst Movie Remake Blogfest on May 17!
Hosted by me, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, and Al Diaz.
When Hollywood runs out of ideas, they remake older films. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it fails miserably.
On May 17, list the best remake you’ve ever seen and the worst.
Added bonus – list the worst and/or best song remake you’ve ever heard!

Big Thanks to the Team!

Thanks to my fellow A to Z Hosts, Damyanti Biswas, Tina Downey, DL Hammons, Jeremy Hawkins, Shannon Lawrence Matthew MacNish Konstanz Silverbow, Stephen Tremp, Livia Peterson, L. Diane Wolfe, and Nicole.
Special thanks to founder Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out. Four years now and it’s still just as awesome! Thanks for your incredible vision.

A big thanks to my awesome Ninja Minions team, Al Diaz, Baygirl, Ciara Knight, Elise Fallson, Heather Gardner, JL Campbell, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Michelle. You helped me far more than you realize.

Special note to Father Dragon Al-

Good news and bad news!

No dwarves were harmed or killed while performing their minion duties. In fact, they have picked up many amazing Ninja skills. Even Pancholin is graceful and confident now.

However, they found the clone machine. I will be returning four times as many dwarves as were sent.

Oh, and they now want a cloning machine for the Dragon Cave. And a teleporter if possible.

Sorry. I think I spoiled them.

Good luck and thanks, Al!

Fan of Zombieland? Following Livia? Any U2 fans out there? Ready for the IWSG tomorrow? Signed up for the blogfest? And did you have a good time with the Challenge?

Big thanks to everyone who visited me this past month – you guys rock!

THOUGHTFUL/TENACIOUS - A to Z Challenge

It’s the third A to Z Challenge! Blog the letters of the alphabet in order every day except Sundays The participation list is HERE – start with the blog after yours and visit at least five blogs a day. Mostly, make new friends and have fun!

My theme – I have selected a word for each day and will present to you blogger buddies who fit that description, along with movies, music, etc. My theme is to give back, highlight some awesome bloggers, and have fun in the process.

THOUGHTFUL/TENACIOUS

Mark at Aloha! Mark Koopmans says hi from HI
At first glance, Mark appears just a little crazy. He’s Mr. Super Irish Guy. He’s a stay at home dad with three boys. (Now that would make me crazy!) But once you get to know Mark, you realize he is incredibly thoughtful. He has that genuine spirit of love that makes anyone around him feel blessed. Mark, may your green luck never run out!

Michael at In Time
I’ve know Michael for almost two years now. The man does not give up. He is tenacious times ten when it comes to his writing. Michael might have moments of despair, but those set backs only seem to make him more determined to succeed. And if you’ve ever read any of his Earthly Angels posts or received an email from Michael, then you know he is as thoughtful and considerate as they come. Michael, don’t ever give up on that writing dream – you rock, dude!

Zombieland
Without a doubt one of the best zombie movies ever (and certainly the funniest) this film features four people trying to survive the zombie apocalypse. While their determination to remain human is strong, it is redneck, gun-toting tough guy Tallahassee’s Twinkie quest that burns stronger. He is tenacious in his pursuit of the creamy Hostess desert. (Fortunately for him, Twinkies would survive any disaster.)

NINJA NEWS!

Real Steel - Movie review
It was formula and predictable but really enjoyable. The relationships were touching and pulled on the heartstrings. (My wife cried near the end, but not sure if that was due to the story or the Hugh Jackman. I didn’t ask!)

Elizabeth Craig and Hart Johnson are celebrating the joint release of their books with the Crazy Cozy Blogfest Congratulations, ladies!

And a special thanks to EJ for his post on Saturday. I really appreciated your kind words!

NINJA CONTEST!

To celebrate 1500 followers (something I never thought I’d hit – thank you everyone) I’m holding a giveaway – a copy of CassaStar and CassaFire! This will be a little different though. The books will be donated to the winner’s choice of public or high school library, along with a selection of bookmarks, in his or her name. (The winner also gets bookmarks.)

How to enter (must be a follower):

Comment on my posts (just once) U-X (Tuesday through Friday) – one point

Ten extra points for the first comment (please don’t melt my blog)

Ten extra points if you blog about this contest (leave a link so I know)

Winner will be announced Monday during the Z post!

Following Mark and Michael? Seen Zombieland or Real Steel? Participating in Elizabeth and Hart’s blogfest? Want to win the contest? 1500 followers – does this mean I need a ranking other than Captain? And who do you know who is thoughtful or tenacious?

Super Bowl, Commercials, and Zombieland

The Super Bowl-

In one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent years, the Saints beat the Colts 31-17. The Colts started off in high Colts fashion, and it appeared the Saints would be no match. They remained calm and collected though, and simply wouldn't give up. The gutsy onside kick at the start of the second half really changed the tempo of the game. Payton's interception with only three minutes to go sealed the Colts' fate.

There were only seven penalties the entire game and Brees tied the record for most completed passes in a Super Bowl - 32.

I was pulling for the Saints! Ever since Brees' arrival, they've been a damned good team. Brees always flew just below the radar, but now he'll finally get some dap! Overall, a satisfying game.

The Commercials-

Not so satisfying! Very few commercials stood out from the crowd this year. Home Away with Chevy Chase was funny, as was the Doritos bit with the boy telling his mother's date to stay away from her and his Doritos. There were a few laughs, but rather a flat year for commercials.

And what was with all the men in their underwear? We didn't want to see that!!!

Zombieland-

Picked this up on DVD this past week. This is without a doubt the funniest movie of 2009. Woody Harrelson is in top form in his role as a man who has found his calling in life - killing zombies.
The zombies aren't actually undead - they are diseased. Driven mad with rage. And they are out to kill anyone in their path.
Yes, it's a gore fest. But it's more than that. It's four people coming together as a family in a time of crisis. And what keeps either aspect from being the 'heavy' in this film is the rapid-fire comedy. (Always remember the Double-Tap!) Add some heavy metal music and an amusement park, and this is one fun ride.