Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings In the world of supernatural fiction, there have been countless tales of curses, monsters, and zombies. But one story that stands out from the rest is "Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings." This Filipino horror-comedy film, directed by Jade Castro, tells the story of a young man named Remington who finds himself at the center of a strange and terrifying curse. The story begins innocently enough, with Remington living a normal life in a small town. However, everything changes when he inadvertently insults a mysterious woman named Madam Claring, who happens to be a powerful ghost. Angered by Remington's words, Madam Claring casts a curse on him, turning him into a gay man at night.
Angered by Remington's words, Madam Claring casts a curse on him, turning him into a gay man at night. This curse, referred to as the "Zombadings" curse, is not only a physical transformation but also a psychological one. Remington unwillingly becomes a member of the LGBTQ+ community during his nighttime transformations.
The subversive messages hidden in The Wizard of Oz
It’s easy to mistake the 1939 classic as traditional family entertainment – but 80 years on from its release, the musical is more radical and surreal than ever, writes Nicholas Barber.
In December 1937, Walt Disney Productions released its first feature-length cartoon, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It went on to be cinema’s biggest hit of 1938, a success that not only encouraged Disney to make other fairy-tale cartoons for decades to come, but also encouraged another studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, to try its own fantasy musical about an orphaned girl and a wicked witch: The Wizard of Oz.
More like this:
But for all of its similarities to the Disney film, MGM’s version was more of an anti-fairy tale than a fairy tale. Just look at the trio of frightened and feeble misfits that accompanies its heroine along the yellow brick road. None of them is what you’d call a handsome prince. In the clanking of the Tin Man’s rusty limbs, you can hear echoes of Don Quixote’s home-made armour. In the trio’s moaning and blubbing as they prepare to sneak into the witch’s castle, you can see a foreshadowing of Westley, Inigo and Fezzik invading Humperdinck’s castle in The Princess Bride. The pig-tailed Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland) is so wholesome, the Harburg and Arlen songs are so delightful, and the Technicolor adventures are so exciting that it’s still easy to mistake The Wizard of Oz for traditional family entertainment, 80 years on from its release in August 1939. But it upends the conventions of good-v-evil storytelling in ways that would have had Walt Disney fuming.
The film’s Technicolor adventures are so engaging it’s easy to mistake The Wizard of Oz for traditional family entertainment (Credit: Alamy)
In the sepia opening scenes, we are warned that the magic we’re about to see might not be wholly magical. Having run away from her home in Kansas to stop her pet dog Toto being put down, Dorothy meets a travelling clairvoyant named Professor Marvel (Frank Morgan) – a character who isn’t in L Frank Baum’s source novel, but was created by screenwriters Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf. As kindly as he is, the professor is a con artist who pretends to be psychic by peeking at a photo Dorothy is carrying. Another film might have contrasted this earthbound huckster with the genuine marvels performed by the wonderful Wizard of Oz, but in this one the wizard is played by the same actor as Professor Marvel, and he turns out to be much the same character: a fast-talking fairground showman who hides behind a curtain, waggling levers, and using mechanical trickery to keep his subjects loyal and afraid. He admits that he ended up in the land of Oz when his hot air balloon was blown there – and even that balloon is beyond his control. In a gloriously gonzo final flourish, he floats off into the sky with a cheerful cry of: “I can’t come back. I don’t know how it works!” There aren’t many films that show politicians being quite as brazenly incompetent as that.
This twist adds a unique layer of social commentary to the story, exploring themes of acceptance, homophobia, and the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community. As Remington navigates his new life, he encounters a group of flamboyant gay men who become his allies and mentor him in embracing his newfound identity. Despite the challenges he faces, Remington's journey helps him understand the importance of self-acceptance and the power of love in overcoming adversity. The film cleverly combines elements of horror, comedy, and social commentary to create an entertaining and thought-provoking narrative. It challenges societal norms and explores the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in a predominantly conservative society. "Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings" stands out not only for its engaging storyline but also for its well-rounded characters. The cast delivers exceptional performances, injecting humor and heart into the film. The visual effects and makeup work are also commendable, bringing the zombadings to life in a realistic and chilling manner. Ultimately, this film serves as a reminder of the power of inclusivity and acceptance. It stands as a testament to the idea that love transcends gender and that everyone has the right to be true to their identity. In conclusion, "Remington and the Curse of the Zombadings" is a unique and captivating horror-comedy that delves into the complexities of identity and acceptance. Through its engaging storyline, strong performances, and social commentary, the film provides an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. This tale of curses, monsters, and self-discovery offers a fresh perspective on the supernatural genre and leaves a lasting impression on its audience..
Reviews for "The Undead Menace: Remington vs. the Zombadins"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "Remington and the Curse of the Zombadinhs" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The plot was weak and predictable, lacking any depth or originality. The characters were underdeveloped and one-dimensional, making it difficult to connect with them on any level. Additionally, the writing style was lackluster and lacked the captivating prose that I enjoy in fantasy novels. Overall, I found "Remington and the Curse of the Zombadinhs" to be a disappointing read that failed to engage me.
2. Jonathan - 1 star
I found "Remington and the Curse of the Zombadinhs" to be a complete bore. The pacing was sluggish, and the story dragged on unnecessarily. The author seemed more focused on describing every minute detail of the surroundings rather than moving the plot forward or building suspense. The dialogue was also stilted and unrealistic, making it hard for me to believe in the characters and their interactions. I struggled to finish this book and was left feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied with the end result. I do not recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging fantasy read.
3. Amanda - 2 stars
"Remington and the Curse of the Zombadinhs" had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver. The world-building was superficial, leaving me with more questions than answers. The action scenes lacked excitement and were poorly executed. Moreover, the romantic subplot felt forced and unnecessary, adding nothing substantial to the overall story. I was hoping for a thrilling and immersive adventure, but instead, I was met with a forgettable and uninspiring tale. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.