Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts

Friday, July 4, 2014

While Karly was busy honing her skills for the zombie apocalypse, I jumped in to count down the top five zombie, pandemic, and apocalyptic films from the past 20 years.

By MrBeach83 [CC SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
#5. Resident Evil (2002) and Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) - In my not-so-humble opinion, the first two films are the only ones worth watching from the franchise. Even if you're not a fan of zombie films and/or didn't play the video games, you should still check out this film. Alice, played by the stunning Milla Jovovich, is such a kickass heroine.

#4. The Road (2009) - There's so much desolation and brutality in this film, but the injections of tender flashbacks and merciful moments are what make it stand out among its contemporaries.

#3. Land of the Dead (2005) - We're not saying there will be a zombie apocalypse - but if there ever is one, you'll want a vehicle like Dead Reckoning. It's heavily armored and armed with remote-controlled machine guns, video cameras, and even fireworks. Because zombies love those fireworks, folks.

#2. 28 Days Later (2002) - This film does a great job of setting the scary, creepy tone before you even see one zombie / infected person. That's quite a tall feat, so it deserves praise for that alone - in addition to the excellent performances by Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris.

#1. 12 Monkeys (1995) - What happens when you combine an outstanding script with a perfect cast? 12 Monkeys. If you haven't seen this movie, stop what you're doing right now and go watch it. NOW.

TOP FIVE FOR EPISODE #37: Top 5 Zombie, Pandemic, and Apocalyptic Films

Posted on by Zoe Grimm with No comments
While Karly was busy honing her skills for the zombie apocalypse, I jumped in to count down the top five zombie, pandemic, and apocalyptic films from the past 20 years.

By MrBeach83 [CC SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
#5. Resident Evil (2002) and Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004) - In my not-so-humble opinion, the first two films are the only ones worth watching from the franchise. Even if you're not a fan of zombie films and/or didn't play the video games, you should still check out this film. Alice, played by the stunning Milla Jovovich, is such a kickass heroine.

#4. The Road (2009) - There's so much desolation and brutality in this film, but the injections of tender flashbacks and merciful moments are what make it stand out among its contemporaries.

#3. Land of the Dead (2005) - We're not saying there will be a zombie apocalypse - but if there ever is one, you'll want a vehicle like Dead Reckoning. It's heavily armored and armed with remote-controlled machine guns, video cameras, and even fireworks. Because zombies love those fireworks, folks.

#2. 28 Days Later (2002) - This film does a great job of setting the scary, creepy tone before you even see one zombie / infected person. That's quite a tall feat, so it deserves praise for that alone - in addition to the excellent performances by Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris.

#1. 12 Monkeys (1995) - What happens when you combine an outstanding script with a perfect cast? 12 Monkeys. If you haven't seen this movie, stop what you're doing right now and go watch it. NOW.

EPISODE #37: The Link List

Posted on by The Vodka Press with No comments

Friday, March 21, 2014

For this week's episode, we watched two movies, the dark comedy "Sexy Evil Genius," and the documentary "Hungry for Change," and while the first movie was a good flick, it's the second that I really urge everyone to sit down and take the time to watch.

www.imdb.com
From IMDB: HUNGRY FOR CHANGE exposes shocking secrets the diet, weight loss and food industries don't want you to know about deceptive strategies designed to keep you coming back for more. Find out what's keeping you from having the body and health you deserve.

The documentary went in depth about our countries struggle with a silent killer: sugar.

Five Shocking Facts about Sugar:

#5. Studies have shown that sugar is more addictive than heroin - In fact, this film adds that it is an opiate, or a morphine-like substance. In the 1900's people consumed about 15 grams of sugar a day. Now, people are consuming between 28-150 grams per day because it is hidden in our food.

#4. Sugar promotes belly fat - Adolescent obesity rates have tripled in the last 30 years and childhood obesity has doubled and one of the culprits that has caused this may be the fructose-laden beverages more people are consuming. A 2010 study found that excess fructose intake actually caused fat cells to mature.

#3. Sugar hides in many everyday "non-sugar" foods - While many strive to avoid the "normal" sugary culprits (candy, cookies, cake, etc.), they often are duped when they discover some of their favorite foods also contain lots of sugar like tomato sauce, fat free dressing, tonic water, marinates, crackers and even bread.

#2. Sugar and alcohol have similar toxic liver effects on the body - There has been evidence that shows that fructose and glucose in excess can have the same toxic effect on the liver as the metabolism of ethanol -- the alcohol contained in alcoholic beverages had similarities to the metabolic pathways that fructose took. Further, sugar increased the risk for several of the same chronic conditions that alcohol was responsible for.

#1. Sugar may sap your brain power - Sugar has been known to accelerate the aging process. Aging of the cells consequently can be the cause of something as simple as wrinkles to something as dire as chronic disease but there is other alarming evidence that sugar may affect the aging of your brain as well. A 2009 study in rats found that excess sugar consumption was linked to deficiencies in memory and overall cognitive health.

Top Five for Episode #22: Top Five Shocking Dietary Facts About Sugar

Posted on by Karly Kingsley with No comments
For this week's episode, we watched two movies, the dark comedy "Sexy Evil Genius," and the documentary "Hungry for Change," and while the first movie was a good flick, it's the second that I really urge everyone to sit down and take the time to watch.

www.imdb.com
From IMDB: HUNGRY FOR CHANGE exposes shocking secrets the diet, weight loss and food industries don't want you to know about deceptive strategies designed to keep you coming back for more. Find out what's keeping you from having the body and health you deserve.

The documentary went in depth about our countries struggle with a silent killer: sugar.

Five Shocking Facts about Sugar:

#5. Studies have shown that sugar is more addictive than heroin - In fact, this film adds that it is an opiate, or a morphine-like substance. In the 1900's people consumed about 15 grams of sugar a day. Now, people are consuming between 28-150 grams per day because it is hidden in our food.

#4. Sugar promotes belly fat - Adolescent obesity rates have tripled in the last 30 years and childhood obesity has doubled and one of the culprits that has caused this may be the fructose-laden beverages more people are consuming. A 2010 study found that excess fructose intake actually caused fat cells to mature.

#3. Sugar hides in many everyday "non-sugar" foods - While many strive to avoid the "normal" sugary culprits (candy, cookies, cake, etc.), they often are duped when they discover some of their favorite foods also contain lots of sugar like tomato sauce, fat free dressing, tonic water, marinates, crackers and even bread.

#2. Sugar and alcohol have similar toxic liver effects on the body - There has been evidence that shows that fructose and glucose in excess can have the same toxic effect on the liver as the metabolism of ethanol -- the alcohol contained in alcoholic beverages had similarities to the metabolic pathways that fructose took. Further, sugar increased the risk for several of the same chronic conditions that alcohol was responsible for.

#1. Sugar may sap your brain power - Sugar has been known to accelerate the aging process. Aging of the cells consequently can be the cause of something as simple as wrinkles to something as dire as chronic disease but there is other alarming evidence that sugar may affect the aging of your brain as well. A 2009 study in rats found that excess sugar consumption was linked to deficiencies in memory and overall cognitive health.

Episode #22: The Link List

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Friday, February 7, 2014

Just because the episode's over, doesn't mean the conversation has to end. I'm releasing some bonus content for Episode #16: Scandal-ous TV.

By Qurren (Qurren's file) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

***

EP 16 Extra: Reality TV's Gender Balance?

The conversation from Episode #16: Scandal-ous TV was so good that I had a hard time editing it down. This is a short clip that did not make it into the final cut - of our discussion on reality TV's gender balance. The article we reference during this discussion is off our Link List, "Working Women On Television: A Mixed Bag At Best" from npr.org.


EP 16 Extra: Interview with Bryan McClure

I also sat down for a Skype interview with actor Bryan McClure. We discussed the Space Command franchise as well as Bryan's other projects, including an upcoming webseries. Bryan also shared some advice and a great book recommendation for aspiring actors. You can find out more about Space Command at the project's official website: spacecommandmovie.com. For more info on Bryan, check out his imdb page and his website, bryanmcclure.net.

Exclusive Bonus EP 16 Content: The Extras

Posted on by Zoe Grimm with No comments
Just because the episode's over, doesn't mean the conversation has to end. I'm releasing some bonus content for Episode #16: Scandal-ous TV.

By Qurren (Qurren's file) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

***

EP 16 Extra: Reality TV's Gender Balance?

The conversation from Episode #16: Scandal-ous TV was so good that I had a hard time editing it down. This is a short clip that did not make it into the final cut - of our discussion on reality TV's gender balance. The article we reference during this discussion is off our Link List, "Working Women On Television: A Mixed Bag At Best" from npr.org.


EP 16 Extra: Interview with Bryan McClure

I also sat down for a Skype interview with actor Bryan McClure. We discussed the Space Command franchise as well as Bryan's other projects, including an upcoming webseries. Bryan also shared some advice and a great book recommendation for aspiring actors. You can find out more about Space Command at the project's official website: spacecommandmovie.com. For more info on Bryan, check out his imdb page and his website, bryanmcclure.net.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Another Friday, and another episode of The Vodka Press podcast released - time to celebrate with some cocktails.

During EP #06, I recommended the Vesper and one of our own concoctions, the Cinematic Climactic.

Tabascoman77 [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Vesper (martini) is a sophisticated drink, one that I often order when I'm at formal events. It's sexier - and tastier - than just a glass of champagne or white wine, don't you agree?

Vesper (according to iba-world.com)
  • 6 cl Gin
  • 1.5 cl Vodka
  • 0.75 cl Lillet Blonde
  • Lemon twist (garnish)

After watching Starsuckers and This Film is Not Yet Rated in preparation for EP #06, I had a fire in my belly - the excellent (and disturbing) points those films brought up about the entertainment industry, ah my mind was racing! So I channeled that energy into whipping up this week's cocktail, the Cinematic Climactic.

Cinematic Climactic 

I'm not the only one who likes a good cocktail. Our pal Laura, aka Laureliz, recommends The Trash Can. As she so eloquently puts it, "Hans Garden on Washington St. in Haverhill, MA makes an infamous drink called The Trash Can. Energy, strong liquor yet a smooth gulp (don’t make it dirty!) makes this a go-to drink in downtown on a Friday night."

The Trash Can
  • 1/2 oz gin
  • 1/2 oz light rum
  • 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz peach schnapps
  • 1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 1 can Red Bull® energy drink

Drink Recipes for Episode #06: Vesper, Cinematic Climactic, and a bonus special guest drink!

Posted on by Zoe Grimm with No comments
Another Friday, and another episode of The Vodka Press podcast released - time to celebrate with some cocktails.

During EP #06, I recommended the Vesper and one of our own concoctions, the Cinematic Climactic.

Tabascoman77 [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The Vesper (martini) is a sophisticated drink, one that I often order when I'm at formal events. It's sexier - and tastier - than just a glass of champagne or white wine, don't you agree?

Vesper (according to iba-world.com)
  • 6 cl Gin
  • 1.5 cl Vodka
  • 0.75 cl Lillet Blonde
  • Lemon twist (garnish)

After watching Starsuckers and This Film is Not Yet Rated in preparation for EP #06, I had a fire in my belly - the excellent (and disturbing) points those films brought up about the entertainment industry, ah my mind was racing! So I channeled that energy into whipping up this week's cocktail, the Cinematic Climactic.

Cinematic Climactic 

I'm not the only one who likes a good cocktail. Our pal Laura, aka Laureliz, recommends The Trash Can. As she so eloquently puts it, "Hans Garden on Washington St. in Haverhill, MA makes an infamous drink called The Trash Can. Energy, strong liquor yet a smooth gulp (don’t make it dirty!) makes this a go-to drink in downtown on a Friday night."

The Trash Can
  • 1/2 oz gin
  • 1/2 oz light rum
  • 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1/2 oz peach schnapps
  • 1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
  • 1/2 oz triple sec
  • 1 can Red Bull® energy drink
Have you ever been watching a movie and wondered how and when you've started rooting for someone who clearly lacks moral fiber? Here's a list of five tricks used in cinema to make sure you're rooting for the guy you're supposed to.

#5 - Give them a dog - How can you not help but sympathize with someone who has a furry little buddy. The truth is that people seem to have more of an attachment to animals than they do humans so the pairing only seems obvious.

#4 - Make them inferior - This is especially true in sports movies. The well seasoned and highly skilled team is always "evil." People love an underdog story. If they suck at first - chances are you're going to be rooting them on. 

#3 -Make them American, even if America hasn't even existed yet - It doesn't matter if it's 450 BC. This trick plays to everyone's patriotic nature..but definitely not everyone's knowledge of history. 

#2 - Excuse violent behavior with an emotional back story - The more we know about a person, the more apt we are to excuse their behavior (even if the villain in the movie is doing exactly the same things).

#1 - If they are a villain, make them sophisticated - No one is going to be rooting for the cracked out male who deals meth to school children. Unless you give him a taste for fine wines, classical music, a decent IQ, some nice threads, and a little bit of poise and grace...and BINGO. it's that easy. 

Episode #06 Top Five: Tricks Used To Make Sure You Root for the Right Guy

Posted on by Karly Kingsley with No comments
Have you ever been watching a movie and wondered how and when you've started rooting for someone who clearly lacks moral fiber? Here's a list of five tricks used in cinema to make sure you're rooting for the guy you're supposed to.

#5 - Give them a dog - How can you not help but sympathize with someone who has a furry little buddy. The truth is that people seem to have more of an attachment to animals than they do humans so the pairing only seems obvious.

#4 - Make them inferior - This is especially true in sports movies. The well seasoned and highly skilled team is always "evil." People love an underdog story. If they suck at first - chances are you're going to be rooting them on. 

#3 -Make them American, even if America hasn't even existed yet - It doesn't matter if it's 450 BC. This trick plays to everyone's patriotic nature..but definitely not everyone's knowledge of history. 

#2 - Excuse violent behavior with an emotional back story - The more we know about a person, the more apt we are to excuse their behavior (even if the villain in the movie is doing exactly the same things).

#1 - If they are a villain, make them sophisticated - No one is going to be rooting for the cracked out male who deals meth to school children. Unless you give him a taste for fine wines, classical music, a decent IQ, some nice threads, and a little bit of poise and grace...and BINGO. it's that easy. 

Episode #06 Chaser: The Link List

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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Links We Referenced During Episode #01: Halloween, Horrors, and Haunted Toasters


If you're interested in watching American Mary, why not check out the film's imdb.com page? You can read reviews, scope out the cast, and even watch the teaser trailer. More about the Soska Sisters (the dynamic sisters who wrote and directed the film) can be found on their site, twistedtwinsproductions.

Episode #01 Chaser: The Link List

Posted on by The Vodka Press with No comments
Links We Referenced During Episode #01: Halloween, Horrors, and Haunted Toasters


If you're interested in watching American Mary, why not check out the film's imdb.com page? You can read reviews, scope out the cast, and even watch the teaser trailer. More about the Soska Sisters (the dynamic sisters who wrote and directed the film) can be found on their site, twistedtwinsproductions.

Monday, October 28, 2013

You might just be suprised. I know I was.

5. Cloverfield - A small group of New Yorkers recounting a monster attack. 

4. Psycho - Aptly named. Dominating Mommies, thieving secretaries, and a motel. Creeeepy.

 3. Shaun of the Dead - Because nothing is more confusing than laughing while you're scared...

2. Alien - A movie full of crazy Aliens that lay babies inside you and pop out of your chest. Enough Said.

1. The Shining - I dare you to find something scarier than being locked in an isolated hotel with just your family. I'm not saying I condoned Jack Torrence's actions.... i'm just saying I understand them. 

Episode #01 Top Five: Horror films according to IMDB

Posted on by Karly Kingsley with No comments
You might just be suprised. I know I was.

5. Cloverfield - A small group of New Yorkers recounting a monster attack. 

4. Psycho - Aptly named. Dominating Mommies, thieving secretaries, and a motel. Creeeepy.

 3. Shaun of the Dead - Because nothing is more confusing than laughing while you're scared...

2. Alien - A movie full of crazy Aliens that lay babies inside you and pop out of your chest. Enough Said.

1. The Shining - I dare you to find something scarier than being locked in an isolated hotel with just your family. I'm not saying I condoned Jack Torrence's actions.... i'm just saying I understand them.