Accidental Movie Review- Cabin Fever 2016

I did something the other day that I have not done in a super long time...I took the afternoon OFF from doing anything remotely work related and watched a horror movie! Actually, I watched two of them, but...I am only going to write about one of them today.

Said movie watched was the 2016 remake of Cabin Fever. Wait...Let me just disclaimer you- in NO WAY is this me attempting to actually amaturely (not a word?) review a movie, I just wanted to ramble about something other than art...and horror is a hobby of mine.

Okay, back on topic...Cabin Fever remake 2016. It was not terrible. It was not great. I am not sad that I spent the time watching it, as I am never sad spending time watching horror movies. It was "meh" at its best points, which is NEVER something you want to feel about a horror movie, be it a remake, original, or sequel. I found the Marcy character's eyebrows far more attention grabbing than the dried up script, which was damn near word-for-word. Except they removed the humor. All of it.

Perhaps going the straight horror route was their purposeful style imprint- the 2002 version was marketed as comedy-horror, this one stands in the horror category alone. Fine. I accept that, but I just feel like there was something missing from the 2016 version. I had zero attachment to any character, including the dog, which left me with no sense of urgency or anxiety, no real reason to become emotionally involved (AKA scared in this instance). I dunno. All around bland, I'd say.

I *did* really like Deputy Winston as a female switch, though. There was something very sinister about her, not like the male character in the 2002 version, who came across as a dimwitted backwoods too young hillbilly type. The female version just seemed more menacing somehow. I could just be misreading the super dry humor- I am not good at dry humor, often it just pisses me off. Like, be funny or don't, don't fucking take the hoity-toity road WTF NOBODY THINKS THAT SHIT IS FUNNY. Slapstick, fart jokes, genitals, dark humor, and pranks where no one gets seriously injured are funny. Poop...poop is funny. But "I just made a joke and I'm the only one who thinks it's funny because I'm cooler than you hehehe" is not funny. Crack a smile, wink, or something...Sorry, not sorry.

*ahem* ANYWAAAAYYYY that's my stupid ramble. I hope I've made you laugh at least. This is purely bathroom reading material, I admit. So, overall, Cabin Fever 2002 version- I recommend if you are into horror and comedy. Cabin Fever 2016, I'd skip it, unless you like too-big eyebrows.

xo!
Em

PS- Here is a photo of a moth on my porch

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Toy + Doll Collecting pt 2

Okee, part 2 of my toy collecting hobby ramble!

Random notes- I am not a hardcore collector. I am not a completist. I buy what I like in a price range I can afford. I have focuses, rules, and a budget. It's all very scientific. Part of the fun, for me, is finding a doll or toy on my "list" that is A GOOD DEAL. This could mean less than retail price for a new doll, or a decent deal on a vintage item, specialty/limited edition toys, etc. I honestly believe that I get more of a thrill from doing the research behind the toy, and then hunting for a GOOD DEAL in the "wild", than the act of purchasing the toy.

I love the rush I get from discovering a new toy, doll, or brand that speaks to me (I am fairly particular, for space/budget/sanity reasons). I love finding out that the most beloved of my childhood playthings are often harder to find than their counterparts- and often more sought after. This gives me some kind of sick satisfaction at knowing I have good taste in something lol. It ain't movies, or fashion, or food, even, but I sure as heck can pick out the most valuable toy. What a superpower, shit.
Needless to say, I do find toy collecting to be a good exercise in intuition. Plus, I end up with some VERY COOL TOYS!

An example- when I was a wee lass, I had this one doofy bird girl thing that I carried around with me everywhere. She was "dressed" in a molded on bird feather gown, which was shimmery peach at the top and faded to blue at her tail. Her hair was also peach, and she had a sweet little smile on her face. I believe she originally came with a "baby" bird child thing, though I do not recall having that around as a kid.

My research shows that she was part of the Kenner Sea Wees offshoot line Shimmers, little fantasy girl creatures. There was a butterfly, a centaur, a fancy mermaid, a bird girl, and possibly one other I am forgetting. So cute! Here is the one I am speaking of, "Sunstreak"


Kenner Sea Wees Shimmers Sunstreak doll circa 1986

Of the Shimmers, Sunstreak is harder to find. Perhaps because ALL the little girls had one, and they all got played to death in the late 80s, or that those left are favored by collectors (they are gorgeous and so sweet). It is rare that I see one in decent shape with an affordable price tag. I have never seen one listed NIB (New In Box), though I have seen other Shimmers NIB. Why, Sunstreak? What makes you more elusive? These are the things I spend my time pondering. But, yay, go little Emily for having some toy picking skills!

Dang it, this is getting long again...I see a part 3 is in order...sorry, not sorry!

xo!
Em
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Toy + Doll Collecting pt 1

Hello!
Alright, I'm gonna talk about one of my hobbies today...Do not be alarmed...I collect toys and dolls. Mostly dolls. Go ahead and laugh, IDGAF.

My collection is small, and is made up of mostly Monster High Dolls at the moment. I do have an eye for the (now vintage!) toys I had as a child, though some of those are rather pricey, so they are on my Wish List.

I could lie and tell you "It all started 2 years ago when I discovered repainted dolls" but it really all started back in 1986 or 87. There was this My Little Pony. She was yellow- something that truly excited me, because even as a small girl, I was not very fond of the color pink. ALL THE GIRL TOYS IN THE 80s ARE PINK. But, this pony...OMG, you guys. YOU GUYS. I was not the type of kid to throw tantrums, really, at least not for material possessions. Maybe I'd freak if I was tired or hungry, but I have two younger sisters, and was taught to set a good example. So, not a tantrum thrower overall. Yet this yellow hunk of vinyl with gaudy butterflies painted all over it seemed to change me.

I NEED HER. When I discover that one of my neighbor friends has acquired this pony, I NEED HER EVEN MORE. I ask. I beg. I pleade, promise, pray for her. We are not the kind of family to spend frivolously on stupid crap, and we have enough toys, FFS. This rationale does not stop me. I hound my parents for this pony. Weeks go by. I continue pestering.

Finally, my mother gives in. She takes me, sisters in tow, to the local KB Toys in the mall. THERE IS THE PONY, in all her yellow glory, she's almost miiiiiine!!!! Mom looks at the price tag, and insists I look for another pony that is cheaper. There are lots of other ponies On Sale, Em, look at this one, she is red!

I stand in the girl's toy aisle, and I feel faint. Suddenly, a great wail comes from me, and I am throwing myself to the carpeted cement floor, pounding my fists and crying like a banshee. Drool and snots are all over my face, in my hair. I have rug burn. I do not care. Nothing matters, I can't have the PONY OMGGGG life as I know it is OVER.

I don't remember the rest, but I did get that pony. I'm not proud of it, in retrospect. I was also like 4, gimme a break lol.

So, that's the story of how I started toy collecting! I recently re-added her to my collection, though she is not in my possession at this very moment. Here is a picture, for those of you who may be curious as to 4-year-old Emily's style choices:


My Little Pony Twice as Fancy Dancing Butterflies Pegasus circa 1986-87 (G1, year 5)

I did not realize this post would be so long! I will have to do a sequel, I think...Draw out my boring hobby talk over more than one entry? Sure!

xo!
Em
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A Different Animal

There are a lot of times in my life where, I swear to god, people think I am some sort of magician, or superhero, or a miracle worker...Alas, I am none of these things. I can only work with what I have at hand. If that is crappy produce, a defunct word processing program, or $5 to my name for art supplies, so be it. I will find a way, which most likely will include lots of grumbling and some colorful language. And then I will draw a comic about my frustration:



That is Bruce, by the way- he has not been introduced until now! We love Bruce.

xo!
Em
I just added a bunch of BRAND NEW items to my zombietoes etsy shop for your pleasure!