11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
10 Temmuz 2012 Salı
9 Temmuz 2012 Pazartesi
Freaky Friday: Men in Black 3
SO WRONG. I've got two words for you...Josh Brolin. Brilliant! The man has come a far way from The Goonies beginnings. I swore I was looking at a younger Tommy Lee the whole time. He got everything right. From the phrasing to the tone of voice to the mannerisms. All of it...spot on. |
| Josh Brolin vs. Tommy Lee Jones: Can you tell the difference? |
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| Say What? |
Rating: straight A
What do you think about the MIB films? Too corny or a cool spin on alien flicks?
Take...ahem...Name My Husband
We could not decide on a name for his blogging identity. Thus far, he has been simply called "The Hubs," which I kind of like. Simple, efficient, does the trick. He had some rather 
\Here are some details to help you decide. He's been told he looks like Adam Levine or Stifler. He's got green eyes and brown hair. His name starts with a J.The Puca Tour with Author Heather McCorkle
"I brought wine and chocolate to celebrate the birth of my new book, To Ride A Puca. Before we get to the other goodies I’m giving away (the ones you don’t have to lick the screen for, or be of age), here is a bit about the newborn. It is a young adult historical fantasy about the last of the druids in ancient Ireland. This one was a bit heartbreaking to write and because of that it became very special to me. I hope it will be to you as well. Invaders are coming to take what isn't theirs, again.
Neala wants to stand and fight for her homeland, but as one of the last druids, she may be standing alone.Persecuted, hunted down, forced to live in obscurity, the druids have all but given up. Can the determination of a girl who has barely come into her power bring them together? Or, just when she finally finds her place among her kind, will they end up losing a homeland their very magic is tied to?
Available in eBook and hardback at B&N, Amazon, The Book Depository and other retail sites.
I’ll be giving away great prizes, a new one, every week for the next two weeks. This week I’m giving away a signed hardback of LACRIMOSA by Christine Fonseca. This book is unique among angel stories and once you read it, you will never look at angels and demons the same again. It is one of my favorite books, trust me you’ll love it! The contest will be open until June 10th, the winner to be announced on the 11th. Stop by my blog to enter. *passes around chocolate and wine, checks I.D.s… ;)*"Thanks Heather! If you haven't heard, Heather is a member of The Indie Elite where awesome indie authors come together to share their stories. Check them all out at their home page, The Indie Elite.
And best of luck to Heather and To Ride A Puca!
Social Media's Positive Powers
Crits for Water
Run by the amazing Kat Brauer, Crits for Water is an online project running from March 31, 2012 to June 30, 2012. Writers pledge a donation to charity in return for a critique from authors, agents or editors. All critiquers donate their time to the auctions or raffles. The goal for 2012 is to raise $10,000 to help bring clean water to people in need.
BE HERE NOW
BE HERE NOW is a documentary by the late Andy Whitfield, star of the hit show "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" season 1. It highlights his life and raises awareness for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer. The auctions raise money to ensure completion of the film. Run by wonderful YA writer, Kathy Bradey, up for auction are critiques from tons of writers and agents. Yelena and I found the project so worthwhile, we jumped at the chance to be involved.
Supporting the IS Foundation
Heather McCorkle, the super talented YA writer and co-founder of the Writers Road chat on Twitter, will be donating a portion of her book sales to the IS Foundation. Fans of Lost and Vampire Diaries will know the organization's founder - actor, Ian Somerhalder. The IS Foundation supports programs for global conservation, green energy, ending animal cruelty and works with a multitude of non-profit organizations worldwide. To read more about Heather's support of this cause, check out her post here.
Thank you to all of these amazing authors, agents and editors for doing their best to help support these causes.
Have you spotted a person in the publishing or writing community doing an act of good? Let's talk about the positive.
Celebration Time: Winners of the 1000+ Follower Giveaway
It's time to announce the winners of the 1000+ Follower Giveaway! Sit tight, we've got lots of prizes!
$15 Gift Card to Amazon or B&N WINNER: Lorraine Austerford
3 First Chapter Critiques + Query Critiques
WINNERS: Heather Webb, Angelica R. Jackson, Rachel Patrick
ENTICED BY HIS FORGOTTEN LOVE by Maya Banks
WINNER: Angela Ackerman
A WANTED MAN by Lee Child
WINNER: Melinda S. Collins
FIND YOUR HAPPETITE by Sue Zbornik &
MEAT EATER by Steven Rinella
WINNER: Chani Gomes
ODD APOCALYPSE by Dean Koontz
WINNER: Heather McCorkle
8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar
Graphic Novel Review – Avengers: The Children’s Crusade
The Young Avengers, a team of superhero teens who came together when the Avengers fell apart, now find themselves in the sights of the team they idolize, when Wiccan manifests powers similar to the Wanda, the Scarlet Witch – the Avenger who betrayed her team and could well be one of the most powerful people in the universe. When Wiccan and the Young Avengers decide to seek out Wanda – who may also be his mother – they inadvertently start a conflict between the Avengers and X-Men, who blame her for the decimation of the mutant population. But things are about to get a whole lot worse when the Young Avengers find Wanda – suffering from amnesia, in the hands of Doctor Doom, and planning to marry him. Do they try to stop the wedding? Do they attempt to give her memories back to her when she was responsible for so much death?
This is not a book for the casual reader, for someone just looking to pick up an Avengers book and get a new story featuring some of the characters from the movie. The Children’s Crusade is really the culmination of years of Avengers stories, starting back with Avengers: Disassembled, continuing through House of M, the New Avengers, and of course most especially the Young Avengers. There is a lot of material a reader needs to be familiar with before bothering with The Children’s Crusade, and it’s not something I’d recommend unless you are up to speed on those things.
So, with that said, how do I feel about this book assuming the reader is familiar (like I am) with the backstories? Honestly, I had mixed feelings on this story – and that’s coming from someone who’s a big fan of the Young Avengers, and the artist for this book, Jim Cheung. Even the artist for the special issue was Alan Davis, another favorite of mine. And as I was reading the book, I was just so happy to be reading another adventure of the Young Avengers – they’re such a fun group of characters. There’s Patriot, the African-American grandson of the original Captain America, who all too often second guesses himself – and winds up doing that just one too many times in this story. Then there’s the female Hawkeye, the high society girl who finds herself leading this rag-tag bunch – though you’d never know it from the way this whole adventure is really led by Wiccan and Speed – the two boys who just may be Wanda’s long-lost sons. Wiccan has a boyfriend in Hulkling, a Kree/Skrull descendant of Mar-Vell – of note because towards the end of the book there’s a full on shot of the two boys kissing (hey, I don’t care, but this seems to be a big deal in comics right now). There’s also a version of the Vision on this team – who seems to be the same as the original only suffering from amnesia as well, or a reboot to his programming. He has feelings for Callie, or Stature, the daughter of Ant-Man, Scott Lang. Callie is easily one of the best characters in the Young Avengers, the character most easily relatable for the readers – she’s trying to live up to her father, mourning his loss (at the hands of the Scarlet Witch) earnest and striving to do the right thing.
So of course, she’s killed towards the end of the story. There’s little point to it really, just like when years ago the writers decided to kill Blink without realizing they had just gotten rid of the most interesting character in Generation X. There’s no reason for her death other than the shock value, especially after they’ve just managed to find a way to bring her dad back to life. Likewise Wiccan is all over the place – first he doesn’t want the Avengers to protect him (when his friends think he should go with them), then he changes his mind, only to have the other Young Avengers break him out. The story continues in this jerky motion throughout. Wanda doesn’t want to learn about her past, then she does. She doesn’t want to go with the Young Avengers, then she does. And then there’s this “Life Force” that suddenly gets introduced – don’t think too much about it, because it’s never explained. I suspect it was meant to be the Phoenix Force, but then that story got sidelined as it was decided that would be the driver behind the Avengers vs X-Men event. To be honest, that was probably the right decision, as it would have been a poor use of that force in this weak story.
I said near the beginning that I did enjoy reading about the Young Avengers again – honestly, the team is under-utilized because the powers that be at Marvel want the creators of this comic to be the ones driving the story. That’s a shame really, this group does not need that creative guidance in order to function. This is the kind of story that’s necessary, it resolves a lot of plot-lines that have been left open for years, and was probably necessary to set up the next big event – it’s just a shame that it’s so uneven and ultimately unfulfilling. That Alan Davis back-up story held more promise, more intrigue than the main plot – what happens if the Young Avengers do go on the run from the Avengers into the timestream – how do they wind up hunting their former idols? That’s a story I’d like to read more about. Hopefully there will be some follow-up in the eventual next Young Avengers comic.
Kick-Ass (2010)
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Mark Strong, Lyndsy Fonseca
Certificate: 15
Genre: Superhero, Comedy, action
Awards: None
Kick-Ass a comic book adaptation about a kid who decides he's going to become a superhero. Dressed in a green wetsuit and armed with kendo sticks, Kick-Ass (Johnson) takes to the streets to stop crime. After a few bad attempts, he finally stops a mugging and becomes a youtube sensation. Soon he meets other superheroes such as the eleven year old Hit Girl (Moretz) and her father Big Daddy (Cage). He also draws the attention of the mob boss Frank D'Amico (Strong) who makes a dangerous enemy.Kick-Ass is very funny and very violent. The characters are likeable and it feels unique. Nicholas Cage is great as the batman like Big Daddy. There is apparently a sequel on the way. If it's anywhere as good as the original, it will be a great film.
****Good
Alien: Resurrection (1997)
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Winona Rider, Ron Perlman, Dominique Pinon, Gary Dourdan, Michael Wincott
Certificate: 18
Genre: Horror, Sci Fi, Action
Awards: None
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Alien: Resurrection takes place two-hundred years after the happenings of Alien3. Ellen Ripley is dead and she has been cloned by Weyland industries in order to gain possession of an Alien Queen. When the aliens escape, the clone of Ripley (Weaver) then teams up with a pirate crew in order to escape.From what I've heard of this film I expected it to be terrible, but it's not that bad. It's nowhere near Alien and Aliens of course but it doesn't destroy the franchise at all. Most of the crew are enjoyable to watch and you don't want them to die. Winona Rider is a likeable new heroine and Ron Perlman is as awesome as ever.
However, the film is far from perfect. Alien: Resurrection is desperate to create something new in the series. They try human aliens, mutated humans and many others. Unfortunately, none really seem shocking or new.
Alien: Resurrection is tons better than Alien3 but can't compete with the originals. An enjoyable film with a twist I didn't see coming.
****Good
Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
Starring: Dennis Price, Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Valerie Hobson
Certificate: U
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Awards: None
Louis Mazzini (Price) and his mother were cast out of their rich family when his mother married someone below her status. After the death of his mother, Louis is set on avenging himself on the family by killing the eight heirs to the dukedom. All eight and the duke are played by Alec Guinness.Kind Hearts and Coronets show how good an actor Guinness is. The film is definitely his show although Dennis Price makes a good dark protagonist. Although the story was clever and had a good imagination it was not as funny as I expected it to be. It's a dark comedy so it is more subliminal humour, but compared to another ealing comedy -The Lady Killers- it's really just not funny.
However, The story was good and it had a clever ending. If you're a fan of Alec Guinness this is absolutely essential watching material.
****Good
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Raul Bova, Lance Henrikson, Ewen Bremmer, Colin Salmon
Certificate: 18
Genre: Sci Fi, thriller
Awards: None
Putting two of the most famous monsters of film history in the same movie and having them kill each other should have been a flawless plan. Both the Alien and Predator franchises have a giant fan base that would definitely watch this film.To be fair, the audience get what they come for. Aliens and Predators are killing each other left right and centre and unlike it's terrible sequel, you can actually see what is going on. Unfortunately it's the characters that let the film down. I found that I did not care about a single character in the whole film. Unlike Alien, Predator or even Alien: Resurrection, I wasn't rooting for the characters to survive. I found the main girl irritating and couldn't wait for her to be turned into a snack for E.T.
This film may be tons better than AVPR, but that's not hard to do. Alien vs. Predator has a poor story, cringe worthy dialogue and unlikeable cardboard cut-out characters. If you've just come here to see Predators and Aliens clawing at each others throats however, you will be satisfied.
***Okay
7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi
Review: The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2)
Should she trust the Alchemists -- or her heart?
The Golden Lily, by Richelle Mead, is the second novel in the Bloodlines series. Sydney Sage, an Alchemist, is undercover as a high school student at a Californian-based boarding school to protect Jill Dragomir, a Moroi princess, from assassins who want to throw the Moroi kingdom into civil war. Formerly in disgrace for her association with vampires and dhampirs, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience among the Alchemists when she successfully investigated a tattoo ink shop using vampire magic.
She lives among other dhampirs (Dimitri, Eddie and Angeline) and Moroi (Adrian, Sonya) in the city. In this secret location, the spirit users (Adrian and Sonya) conduct experiments to find a cure for Strigoi victims. Once a Strigoi (an evil vampire with superhuman strength and fierce taste for blood) has returned to its normal form (Moroi, dhampir, or human), that person can no longer become Strigoi again. As Sydney becomes closer to her friends, she begins to question her centuries-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of a normal teenage life, and which path should she follow. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may prevent--and even cure--Strigoi transformations.
But it’s her fear of being different and using magic that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her. When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.
Bloodlines is a spin-off series from Vampire Academy that focuses on Sydney Sage, an alchemist and human teen who serves to protect vampire secrets and human lives. She bears proof of her Alchemist lineage with the golden lily tattoo on her cheek. She spent her entire life learning that vampires and dhampirs (half-vampires) are evil and unnatural beings, but those beliefs are put to the test when she must live among them in Palm Springs, CA.
Although Sydney was a minor character in the last two books of Vampire Academy, she has become a remarkable lead character in her own series. I am starting to admire Sydney in the same way I cheered for Rose in her efforts to reunite with her true love and former Strigoi, Dimitri. I love this series so much because Mead challenges and inspires her characters to face risks and overcome the odds. In the end, they become stronger, happier, and wiser individuals.
[Warning: this section contain spoilers.] There is also growing chemistry between Sydney and Adrian. Should a human and a Moroi engage in a romantic relationship? How can Sydney ignore Alchemist beliefs that she has ingrained for her entire life to love Adrian? In some ways, I am happy that Adrian can finally focus his attention on someone other than Rose Hathaway (from Vampire Academy series). Sydney and Adrian initially seem like an odd couple, but they do complement one another. Adrian was trying too hard to impress Rose, whereas he wants to become a better man because of Sydney. The book ends on a cliffhanger with a huge question mark on whether their relationship could possibly work. The next novel may address Sydney's status with the Alchemists. Meanwhile, I can't wait to learn more about the history behind the Warriors of Light, a group of guardians that splintered from the Alchemists.
Stay tuned for the next novel in the Bloodlines series, The Indigo Spell. In the meantime, check out this latest Los Angeles Times interview with Richelle Mead. You can also find more information about the third novel in this MTV article.
Its release date is February 12, 2013. Stay tuned!
Review: Kaichou wa Maid Sama! (2010)
Kaichou wa Maid Sama! ~The President Is a Maid!~ (2010) is a Japanese teen romance comedy about a female high school student who secretly balances her work as a waitress with her duties as student council president. It contains 26 episodes + 1 OVA.
Misaki Ayuzawa is the first female student council president at Seika High School, formerly an all-boys school with a notorious reputation for its wild students. She rules the school with a strict iron-clad discipline, acting as an anti-boys dictator so that the girls can feel safe in the predominately male environment. Despite her tough demeanor in school, she secretly works as a part-time waitress at a maid cafe to financially support her impoverished family.
One day, Takumi Usui, a mysterious and handsome student known for brushing off girls' love letters, accidentally discovers Misaki's secret. He is also her academic rival, always placing one-spot ahead of her in class rank exams. Takumi promises to keep her part-time job a secret from the student body if he can spend quality time with her. Suddenly, Misaki finds her reputation at Seika High School at his mercy. Little will she know that their time together will gradually lead to a blossoming yet erratic romance.
Kaichou wa Maid-sama is your typical but slightly unique teen romance story that makes you laugh, cry and smile. Besides that, it's not original but has an interesting lead (Misaki) and sexy suitor/potential partner (Takumi). Misaki is assertive girl with difficult family circumstances, but nevertheless tries to improve herself. Takumi, while seeming almost too-perfect, has a laidback, common-sense attitude and cares deeply about Misaki's well-being. Overall, they make a cute couple. The minor characters provide a lot of funny and suspenseful moments. I highly recommend this anime.
You can continue to follow the story in the manga. After you finish the anime, the arc picks up at Chapter 36. The manga further explores Takumi's family background and the reappearance of Misaki's father. Misaki continues to face obstacles that truly test her relationship with Takumi. I really hope that the producers (J.C. Staff) consider a second season. The anime gained international fanfare among many female viewers. Since it's been two years since its original run, it is becoming less likely that will happen.
Opening Theme: "Secret" by Saya Mizuno
Ending Theme: "Heidi" by Yokan
Review: Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels #4)
"Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for the magic. When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it rose."
Magic Bleeds, by Ilona Andrews, is the fourth novel in the Kate Daniels series. It takes place in futuristic Atlanta where magic has overtaken technology. Supernatural beings and experienced mages roam the land. When the magic is up, guns refuse to start and cars fail to start. The process repeats itself unpredictably. Thus, society has had to readjust infrastructure and protocols according to the new times.
Kate Daniels works for the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, officially as a liaison with the mercenary guild. She also cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle—especially if they involve Atlanta’s shape-shifting community. When she receives an order to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar midway between the territories of the shape-shifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers something powerful has entered Atlanta. Worse, this foe is related to her notorious father, whose powerful magic created the first vampire thousands of years ago.
This battle may be too much for Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts. Panic spreads throughout Atlanta when mysterious deaths and diseases appear in sequences. With Kate trying to keep her special blood a secret, she may have no choice but to take on family.
[Warning: this section contains spoilers] Andrews never ceases to amaze me with her vivid storytelling skills in the world of Kate Daniels. I believe this was the climax of the series -- will Kate stay with the Order (whose policies she always had doubts), or switch sides to the Pack (while not entirely open to non-shape-shifter members, she does have much support and clout in the community)? I think she made the best decision (the Pack) given her extreme circumstances. She met her greatest foe (her aunt, Roland's sister) and learned a lot about her family background.
Kate also found love in Curran, the Beast Lord. Together, they've been through the best and worst of times. Although Kate didn't want to admit it, she truly desired companionship with him. She always used her occupation as a mercenary for the Order as an excuse to avoid hurting other people and keep her family blood a secret. Curran and Kate work well together as couple, and I look forward to their romantic moments. His strong desire to rescue Kate and stay by her side sealed the deal.
Stay tuned for the next novel in the Kate Daniels series, Magic Slays.
Review: Aquarion (2005, 2012)
Aquarion (2005, 2012) is a Japanese science fiction anime about the continuous battles between humans and the Shadow Angels. Twelve thousand years ago in the past, humanity was under the control of mythical creatures known as Shadow Angels, immortal winged beings with supernatural powers and advanced technology. One day, Apollonius, a Shadow Angel, fell in love with a female human warrior, Celiane. By becoming a fallen angel, he joins forces with the humans to free them from their oppression, by using the legendary flying robot, Aquarion. Each season has 26 episodes.
First Season: Genesis of Aquarion
Eleven years prior to the story, known as the "Great Catastrophe" destroyed significant parts of the world and killed off many of its inhabitants. Along with the disaster came the return of the Shadow Angels. They began invading human cites on Earth to harvest human beings, dubbing them as "the wingless ones", to extract the prana (life force) from the harvested humans not only to serve as energy and nutrition to them, but also to feed the legendary Tree of Life.
To fight against the Shadow Angels, young people with special powers called Elements from around the world were gathered and trained to pilot the "vector machines", three ancient ships that together form mankind's ultimate weapon, "Aquarion". They also discover the Elements can ultimately unite the vectors into one of three formations and can use Aquarion to defeat the Cherubim. The story primarily focuses on Apollo, who seems to be the reincarnation of Apollonius. The people become convinced when he single-handedly unites the vector machines into the Solar Aquarion formation and defeats the enemy, thus recruiting him to join their ranks.
Second Season: Aquarion EVOL
12,000 years later after Sousei no Aquarion, mankind on planet Vega are threatened by a new enemy by the planet, Altair. The female population has mysteriously died to a disease called the Curse of Eve on Altair. They send Abductors (much like the Shadow Angels) to Vega to retrieve female inhabitants and search for the true Eve who can save their planet.
Meanwhile, the story of Apollon and Sylvie have become a children's story called "Skies Of Aquaria". DEAVA, the Aquaria Academy, trains young men and women to use Aquaria, but they cannot ever merge because of Guize stones, blocking an "unholy union" between genders. The story follows Amata and Mikono as they enrolled in DEAVA and fight the Abductors. With his help, he combines the Vectors with female and male pilots into one single robot, the legendary Aquarion.
There is also an OAV (2007) and movie (2007) adaptation of the series.
Sousei no Aquarion was a fresh idea with an epic ending. I enjoyed the characters and how they overcame their challenges and fears on their own. The action scenes were great and well-designed. Although it didn't have a happy ending, it felt complete with the "we've saved the world as martyrs" theme.
Meanwhile, It is still hard to believe that Aquarion is back with a second season. When I heard the news (I am one of the few who watched the original seven years ago!), I had to publish this review. I really enjoyed Sousei no Aquarion and thought the studio would take the franchise to the next level. What would happen 12,000 years later between the reincarnations of Apollo and Sylvie?
After watching the second season, I felt disappointed with the entire delivery. Since the characters are much younger in the sequel, I realized the producers were aiming for the teen demographic.The plot felt cheesy, characters seemed more immature, the acting was somewhat robotic, and the ending left little to desire. Although first season characters make cameo appearances in latter episodes, they did little to help uplift Aquarion EVOL into a masterpiece worth praising. I also thought the directors rushed the ending hastily with no complete closure on the relationship between Amata and Mikono. Nevertehles, to my knowledge, the curse of another 12,000 years of ill-fated love and conquest has been broken.
As for the music, both seasons have good music soundtracks. You can hear an English rendition of the first season's opening theme in the sequel. Overall, I highly recommend the first season, and viewers should skip the second season altogether. Although viewers will discover the true identity of Toma's lover in the sequel (was this the main purpose of the show? If yes, why were viewers forced to endure the Amata-Kagura-Mikono-Zessica love triangle every week??), the rest of the episodes are not worth watching because of the bad acting and poor plot development.
First Season Opening Theme: Sousei no Aquarion" by AKINO
First Season Ending Theme: "Omna Magni" by Yui Makino
Second Season Opening Theme: "Kimi no Shinwa ~ Aquarion Dai Ni Shou" by AKINO with bless4
Second Season Ending Theme: "Gekk� Symphonia" (Moonlight Symphonia) by AKINO & AIKI from bless4
Review: Intimations of Mortality (Forever Knight #2)
"He has walked the night beat for centuries. He is one of the finest homicide detectives in Toronto. But Nick Knight wishes he could shed the curse of this true calling. The burn of the thirst. The thrill of the kill, the endless nights longing to be human...not a vampire."
Intimations of Mortality, by Susan M. Garrett, is the second novel in the Forever Knight novel series, based on the 1990s television series produced by Paragon Entertainment Corporation in association with TriStar Television. In his quest for mortality, Nick Knight meets a mysterious woman who claims she can grant his wish. Faced with two different worlds, his dream world brought upon by a mysterious doll, and the real world, Nick soon finds himself torn between himself as a vampire in the real world and mortal in the dream world.
In the dream, he is mortal working in a police department dominated by vampires. LaCroix has also become mortal and is the leader of the anti-vampire underground. Everyone else he knows in the real world has turned into vampires. The vampires in the dream world must struggle between the vampire law, the bloodlust, their lingering attachments to the mortal world left behind, and feelings for some of those mortals. Natalie, his lover, has been assigned to turn Nick into an immortal again for his excellent work performance.
When Nick wakes up from his dreams, he can feel himself becoming a mortal each day. Has he finally found the cure for the 800-year-old monster that lives within him? However, what one desires comes with a price. Is he willing to pay dearly for it?
I think this is the best book among the three Forever Knight novels. Susan M. Garrett ingenuously captured the characters' personalities from the television series. She gives Nick Knight the ultimate challenge when he must ask himself, "What is mortality? What is it like to be human?" The moral of the story seems to be that "the grass is not always greener" on the other side. Nick Knight finds himself conflicted in both worlds and the outcomes end with mixed results. In other words, what Nick Knight may ultimately seek is not mortality per se but actually redemption. He comes to the realization that he is a vampire...forever.
For Forever Knight fans, this is an excellent novel. The characters are all true to the series, and the action is faithful to the timeline of the last half of the final season. The interactions of the various characters and how they change as the realities shift is done quite well. If you have not heard of Forever Knight, I highly recommend you rent or buy the DVDs soon!
If you are looking for a similar television series, check out Moonlight (2007). Although only one season was produced, it carries the same theme of a vampire named Nick St. John, who longs to be mortal again and works as a private investigator as his way of regaining his humanity. It has very positive reviews, and I should have a review of the television series available on this website soon.
Stay tuned to the final novel in the Forever Knight series, These Our Revels, which is a flashback of Nick's life in Elizabethan England (1500-1600s).
5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe
Girlz 'N' Games comic #100: Achievement Unlocked!
Sure, Falkor is probably an epic flying mount, but I think we can safely assume that Erin put in the time and effort grinding for him once she met all the other requirements...
Anyway, here we are: the milestone 100th Girlz ‘N’ Games comic! It’s been a bumpy ride at times, but to the GNG fans out there, thanks for sticking around. Your support is appreciated. Now let’s all have some cake to celebrate.
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P.S. If you got a kick out of this Girlz 'N' Games comic, please "Like" the Girlz 'N' Games Facebook page.
Monday recap: The past 2 months of blog posts
News:
Paddington Bear hits the big screen
Magnificent Malificent
Opinion Features:
“Just the Pussy I’ve Been Looking For”: Defending Catwoman
My comics experiences: Superman (Part 1)
The Booth Babe Controversy
Film reviews:
Prometheus (3D)
Battleship
Snow White and the Huntsman
Dark Shadows
Mirror Mirror
The Avengers
The Grey
Book reviews:
Deadlands
Grant Morrison’s Supergods
Live show reviews:
Henry Rollins brings The Long March to Durban
Trailer profiles:
Frankenweenie
Sinister
The Possession
Wreck-It Ralph
The Great Gatsby
Rock of Ages
The Amazing Spider-Man
Magic Mike
Comics and miscellaneous fun:Girlz 'N' Games #99: The trends they are a-changin'Girlz 'N' Games #100: Achievement Unlocked! Dark Elf Sorceress CosplayMore about me
Spreading the posts
Trailer Tuesday: Red Lights
Calling all skeptics! Horror thriller Red Lights is all about scientists out to debunk headline-grabbing psychics, faith healers and supernatural occurrences.
Red Lights features a very strong cast for what looks like glossy genre fare. Cillian Murphy is the physicist assistant of Sigourney Weaver's seasoned paranormal investigator, and the pair have great success until a legendary blind psychic Simon Silver (Robert De Niro) resurfaces after 30 years of retirement. Murphy's character becomes obsessed with exposing the psychic as a fraud but finds himself caught up in increasingly inexplicable events that test his world views. Elizabeth Olsen and Joely Richardson also star.
Now admittedly the concept for Red Lights sounds better than the execution looks in the trailer. Movies like this almost always insist in turning doubters into believers, and evidently this one - from the Spanish director of highly acclaimed, but little seen, claustrophobia tale Buried - is sticking to formula as well.
Having debuted at the Sundance Film Festival at the beginning of the year, Red Lights is currently sitting with a divisive aggregated review score of 50%. Some have loved the film's many, many, many twists while others have dismissed the multiple direction changes as contrived and increasingly ludicrous. Evidently the consciously "smart" Red Lights is a mixed bag, with credible performances and an intriguing start countered by an overwrought, over-explained conclusion. The film may still be worth catching though, particularly if you're in the market for something a bit more cerebral and crafted.
Red Lights is set for a limited US release on 13 July. The film's South African release date has yet to be set.
"Guuurl Gaaamer" bashing and Girlz 'N' Games comic #101
Originally posted on my web comic, Girlz 'N' Games.
“That’s no game...”
But you know what? I think for a lot of people out there in Internet-land it is.
When it comes to online attacks on women in/around gaming, it’s about posting the “smartest”, most insulting and memorable comment.
It’s an antisocial thrill: the online textual equivalent of having sex with a hooker in GTA III and then squashing her with your car immediately afterwards to claim back your cash. It’s morally wrong, obviously, but it’s fun for the “player.” It’s a chance to act out your dark fantasies without consequence because you’re sitting safe and comfy behind your screen.
Except in this case we’re not driving over some blocky, nameless NPC. We’re hit-and-running a real human being, who is also sitting somewhere out there behind a computer screen. Probably hurting over the awful, demeaning comments being directed their way. And it takes something like this – transplanting online-style abuse to the real world – to really highlight how horrible this kind of thing is.
So far in the first 6 months of 2012 there have been 2 high profile, gaming-related attacks on women – the Jennifer Hepler/BioWare incident in February and, most recently, the Anita Sarkeesian/Kickstarter controversy. And personally I've had my own brush with this brand of "infamy."
Now either the media is reporting on this special brand of cyberbullying more frequently or, more worrying, this kind of behaviour is increasing in frequency – and in the process is becoming normalised, accepted and formulaic. For some, cloaked in the anonymity of the Internet, laying into women connected to gaming has become a hobby.
So where has this all come from? Why is it escalating?
Well, in terms of the escalation, I think it’s like most popular forms of entertainment. When the sequel comes around, it has to up the stakes to lure back an easily bored audience always demanding more. Softcore content doesn’t cut it anymore. They have to move on to the hard stuff to still feel something. So the insults get worse; the abuse darker.
In terms of the cause of this violent “Gaaamer Guuuurl” bashing, I suspect part of it has to do with insecurity on the part of an emotionally stunted minority who can’t handle the fact that they’re no longer gaming gods. Gaming has gone mainstream, with women and other “minority” groups embracing the pastime, and becoming a large enough, passionate consumer presence to start demanding that their needs and wants are respected. Sorry to all the disgruntled members of the G.R.O.S.S. Club out there. You’re not “special snowflakes”; your turf is no longer reserved just for you.
And how do these entitled brats act when they’re resistant to sharing? They hog their toys, tantrum, lash out and demean anyone who's not one of them.
Of course, it doesn’t help that online attacks on vocal game-playing women coincide with America’s current “War on the Vag” as Henry Rollins calls it – where conservative US politicians seem more intent than ever on reducing women’s position in society to submissive, silent baby ovens, with no rights; no choices. Again, I think this stems from deep-seated personal insecurity, which has resulted in desperate, weird acts of protectionism.
When it comes to online attacks, unfortunately still the best thing the victim can do is shut up and take the punches because furious retaliation just feeds the flames. All you can do is carry on with your plans, refuse to be deterred and prove the haters wrong.
For the record, I certainly don’t believe that their sex means women deserve an automatic pass when it comes to criticism. Absolutely not. But calling someone a “Jew” and a “terrorist” and a “dumb cunt” and posting fake pornography of them is no way to express your disagreement with what they’re saying/doing. These below-the-belt attempts at character assassination display striking immaturity and no critical substance to be taken seriously.
And frankly, this kind of behaviour is generating a new misconception about gamers that is far more damaging than the popular belief in basement-dwelling, pimply virgins on the brink of a shooting spree. If gamers want to stop being the butt of jokes, and improve their standing in wider society, they certainly shouldn’t be indulging in such miscreant, misogynistic behaviour.
It’s also certainly not fair to the many game-playing men and women I’ve met who are great people: decent, supportive and well-rounded, with a healthy sense of humour and, just as importantly, the ability to express their criticisms articulately without generic personal attacks (for the most part;)).
I will finally add though, to be fair, that anonymous online abuse isn’t only restricted to gamer sectors of the Internet – although that group seems to be getting a lot of press coverage for it at the moment. This marvellous British parody video reveals how widespread this shameful problem has become in all places where online commenting is permitted. It's time to show some decency, humanity.
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P.S. If you got a kick out of this Girlz 'N' Games comic, please "Like" the Girlz 'N' Games Facebook page.
25 movies to watch in 2012 – July to December
Back at the beginning of the year I profiled the 25 most interesting and eagerly anticipated movie releases from the first 6 months of 2012. Now it’s time to consider the treats in store for cinemagoers in the second half of the year.
The Dictator:
The latest no holds barred, politically incorrect comedy from Borat and Ali G star Sacha Baron Cohen. This time Middle Eastern dictators are the target as Cohen plays an eccentric Gaddafi-esque ruler forced into hiding in New York City. With Anna Faris, Ben Kingsley and John C Reilly. Overseas the film sports a mixed 58% Fresh Rotten Tomatoes rating. Very uneven apparently, mixing satirical brilliance with many misfire moments.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 16 May (United States), 6 July (South Africa)
The Amazing Spider-Man:
The Spider-Man movie franchise gets unexpectedly rebooted with lanky Andrew Garfield donning Peter Parker’s tights and dorkiness. Emma Stone is Gwen Stacey and Rhys Ifans one-armed Doc Connors in this “untold story,” which sees Spidey out to discover why his parents abandoned him. A rare 3D movie that begs to be experienced in that format.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 3 July (United States), 13 July (South Africa)
The Woman in Black:
This one was a surprise hit for star Daniel Radcliffe. In his first grown-up role post-Harry Potter, Radcliffe plays a young Edwardian Era lawyer, who is forced to visit sinister (and obviously haunted) Eel Marsh House while wrapping up an estate. Based on the novel and stage play. A resoundingly “old school” horror film from resurgent Hammer Film – more about mood than gore.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 3 February (United States), 20 July (South Africa)
Magic Mike:
Cinema chains have no doubt already marked this one down for their Girls’ Night Out evenings. Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey and Joe Manganiello all get their kit off for this comedy drama about a male stripper/entrepreneur living the good life in Miami. Surprisingly directed by Academy Award-winner Steven Soderbergh.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 29 June (United States), 20 July (South Africa)
The Cabin in the Woods:
It’s taken months for it to reach us, but it looks like South Africans (all 10 of us who care) will be able to watch Joss Whedon and Drew (Cloverfield) Goddard’s genre-smart, funny and highly original take on horror movies. Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly and Anna Hutchison are some of the college kids subjected to an unusual experiment when they vacation in a remote log cabin. 90% Fresh.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 13 April (United States), 27 July (South Africa)
The Dark Knight Rises:
Christopher Nolan wraps up his super smash hit Batman trilogy with this highly anticipated comic actioner, set 8 years after the events of The Dark Knight – which is, of course, a very tough act to follow! This time Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has to contend with brilliant, brutal terrorist Bane (Tom Hardy) and slinky Selina Kyle/Catwoman (Anne Hathaway). Also with Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and returning Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 20 July (United States), 27 July (South Africa)
Brave:
Pixar-Disney’s big 3D release of 2012, which hopefully should make up for the disappointment of Cars 2. Brave is the first Pixar tale to be in the traditional folk tale mould, as well as feature the animation studio’s first female lead – a feisty princess rebelling against tradition in the Scottish highlands. Even if this apparently “safe” fantasy adventure doesn’t sit amongst Pixar’s best efforts, you know it's still going to be stunning. Voices of Kelly Macdonald, Julie Walters, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 22 June (United States), 3 August (South Africa)
Haywire:
It’s taken almost 9 months to reach South African cinemas, but locals can finally watch Women’s MMA star Gina Carano deliver as a convincing action heroine in Steven (Traffic) Soderbergh’s stab at the action espionage genre. As a betrayed agent on the run, Carano delivers her devastating kicks, armbars and triangles to an A-list cast including Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor and Antonio Banderas. 80% Fresh.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 20 January (United States), 10 August (South Africa)
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter:
This alternate history actioner could be marvellous over-the-top fun... or it could be awful. From Timur Bekmambetov, the director of Wanted, and produced by Tim Burton, so you know this one is gonna be all about the visual flair. Based on the mash-up novel of the same name, Benjamin Walker plays the 16th US president in his youth, when ol' Abe was an ax-wielding vampire slayer. Supposedly a bit too serious and one-note for its own good.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 22 June (United States), 10 August (South Africa)
Ted:
Family Guy and American Dad’s Seth MacFarlane makes his debut as a live-action feature film director with this R-rated comedy. Mark Wahlberg is a man whose best friend is his childhood teddy bear (voiced by MacFarlane) – a vulgar, talking creature magically brought to life. Ted, however, gets in the way of Wahlberg’s relationship with surprisingly accepting girlfriend Mila Kunis. A simplistic premise but it should still please MacFarlane fans.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 29 June (United States), 17 August (South Africa)
The Expendables 2:
Brace yourself for another action hero overload. The first film kind of disappointed – it just wasn’t fun – so Sylvester Stallone has upped the roundhouse kicking quotient by adding Jean-Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris to a cast that already includes Jason Statham, Jet Li and Dolph Lundgren. No doubt due to fan demand, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger have bigger roles this time as well.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 17 August (United States), 24 August (South Africa)
Total Recall:
Arnie fans may be resistant to this remake, also based on the Philip K Dick short story, about an ordinary guy (Colin Farrell) whose attempt to liven up his existence with implanted memories reveals he was once a spy. Maybe. Cue Kate Beckinsale out to kill him and Jessica Biel fighting at his side. The film looks like it delivers the slick sci-fi action goods, but hopefully it's got some brains as well. From the maker of Die Hard 4 and Underworld.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 3 August (United States), 31 August (South Africa)
Gangster Squad:
The director of Zombieland pulls together a highly impressive cast – including Ryan Gosling, Sean Penn, Emma Stone, Josh Brolin, Nick Nolte and Giovanni Ribisi – for a stylish crime drama set in the 1940s and early 50s. In this “Untouchables for the West Coast”, a band of Los Angeles detectives resort to unlawful measures to take down Penn’s all-powerful crime boss.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 7 September (United States), Unknown (South Africa)
Dredd:
This British production could be great and gritty, or cheap and nasty. Reportedly more faithful to the 2000 AD comic that that 1995 Sylvester Stallone flick, Karl Urban is the grim, helmeted, all-in-one law enforcer in a dystopian future where humanity is crammed into grim mega-cities. Olivia Thirlby is rookie Judge Anderson and Lena Headey the film’s drug-peddling villain. Shot for 3D and filmed in Cape Town.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 21 September (United States), 28 September (South Africa)
Looper:
Time-travel sc-fi fans love a good mind fuck. And here we have Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing a hitman forced to hunt down and execute his future self (Bruce Willis). Emily Blunt, Paul Dano and Jeff Daniels round out the cast of this techno-crime noir from acclaimed writer-director Rian Johnson. Here’s hoping the execution is as strong as the intriguing concept... unlike last year’s In Time.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 28 September (United States), Unknown (South Africa)
Sinister:
Incredibly well received when it screened at the SXSW festival in Texas earlier this year, this effective and artistically controlled horror flick comes from the writer-director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and the producer of Paranormal Activity. Ethan Hawke is a true crime writer who accidentally puts his family at risk from a malevolent pagan entity called Baghul.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 5 October (United States), Unknown (South Africa)
Frankenweenie:
Tim Burton remakes his career-launching live-action short as a full length stop-motion animated film for Walt Disney Pictures. Transplanting the Frankenstein tale to suburbia, Frankenweenie sees young Victor resolve to bring his dead dog Sparky back to life. Given the subject matter (death and letting go), it could mix some real heart with Burton’s gothic aesthetic. In black & white, and 3D.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 5 October (United States), Unknown (South Africa)
Wreck-It Ralph:
Disney’s other big animation release of 2012 is this comedy, sure to please gamers and geeks. John C. Reilly voices an arcade game bad guy who, after 30 tedious years of 8-bit villainy, decides to wander between video game universes, reinventing himself as a hero. It’s going to be fun playing “Spot the Well-known Video Game Character.” Jane Lynch even pops up, barking orders as a Gears of War-style sergeant.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 2 November (United States), Unknown (South Africa)
ParaNorman:
Didn’t get your quirky animated horror thrills from Frankenweenie? The studio responsible for quirky Coraline (one of my all-time animation faves) releases this stop-motion comedy about a young social outcast with the ability to communicate with the dead. This skill comes in handy when a witch’s curse triggers a zombie invasion of Norman’s home town. Looks as fun as Monster House.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 17 August (United States), 9 November (South Africa)
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2:
Five movies later, novel series adaptation The Twilight Saga wraps up with an epic face-off between the “vegetarian” Cullen vampires, their supernatural allies and the powerful Volturi coven. All because of a little misunderstanding regarding the hybrid daughter of Edward (Robert Pattinson) and Bella (Kristen Stewart). As usual, expect this final instalment to be love-it-hate-it-or-mock-it stuff. Only for the already converted.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 16 November (United States), 16 November (South Africa)
Skyfall:
Daniel Craig’s third outing as Ian Fleming’s iconic British secret agent, 007. This time James Bond has to come to the defense of MI6 head M (Judi Dench) when her past surfaces to threaten the Secret Service. Javier Bardem is the villain; Naomie Harris the chief Bond Girl and American Beauty and Road to Perdition’s Sam Mendes provides the directing pedigree. Here’s hoping this one makes up for the visually incoherent, disappointing Quantum of Solace.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 9 November (United States), 30 November (South Africa)
Rise of the Guardians:
It’s the fairy tale Avengers! DreamWorks Animation’s 3D release for the festive season is based on the children’s books by William Joyce. Looking refreshingly more serious and action-packed than most other animated flicks these days, Guardians has Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), the Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher), Jack Frost (Chris Pine) and the Sandman joining forces to defeat the Boogeyman (Jude Law).
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 21 November (United States), 7 December (South Africa)
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey:
Who isn’t giddy at the thought of returning to Middle-earth? This live-action version of Tolkien’s fantasy adventure The Hobbit comes to the big screen in 3D, 48fps and 2 parts (like Twilight: Breaking Dawn and Harry Potter 7). A young, hesitant Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is recruited by Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) to join 13 dwarves on a quest to retrieve treasure from Smaug the Dragon (performed by Benedict Cumberbatch). With the Lord of the Rings' Peter Jackson helming this prequel, expect new and familiar faces. Guaranteed to be one of 2012’s biggest box office hits.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 14 December (United States), 14 December (South Africa)
The Great Gatsby:
Moulin Rouge! director Baz Luhrmann applies his distinctive, hyper-stylised aesthetic to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary classic: a tale of romance and deception in New York during the frenzied decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Leonardo DiCaprio is the mysterious title character, while Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton also star. Brace yourself for a Spectacular Spectacular.
Trailer Tuesday profile.
Release date: 25 December (United States), 4 January 2013 (South Africa)
Django Unchained:
Whether the end result is overrated or not, it’s always worth sitting up and paying attention when a new Quentin Tarantino film is imminent. Here the writer-director is back muddling genre expectations with this Spaghetti Western set in America’s Deep South. Jamie Foxx is a badass slave Django who strikes a deal with Christoph Waltz’s bounty hunter to free his wife (Kerry Washington) from Leonardo DiCaprio’s showy plantation owner.
Watch the trailer.
Release date: 25 December (United States), 18 January 2013 (South Africa)
