Monday, June 4, 2012

Huntsman Movie Review, Ninja News, Book Releases, Awards, and Visiting the Geek Twins

Maurice asked me to be a guest at The Geek Twins ages ago – and we finally made it happen! Want to know who I think are the smartest and sexiest women in science fiction and why? Come on, you know you do! Then jump over and visit The Geek Twins, Maurice and Nigel, when you’re done here.

Movie Review

Snow White and the Huntsman
Definitely not the sweet Disney version! This movie had an uneven pace. Certain scenes were well executed and visually stunning, like the faerie forest, while others dragged or seemed odd. I think in the hands of a better director this film would’ve been a major contender. The beginning was slow although it picked up once the dwarves appeared. Stewart did all right although the girl can’t smile to save her life. Ultimately, it was Chris Hemsworth who carried the movie. If not for him, it would’ve had no heart or soul.
Certainly not a bad film but overall a bit disappointing. Full potential not realized.

Ninja News

Anna Smith’s book, Alphabet Wishes, is now available – congratulations, Anna!

Allison at Geek Banter is holding a Hundred Followers giveaway and you could win one of several Terry Brooks novels. Now that is a cool prize. Way to go, Allison!

RaShelle Workman unveiled the cover art for her new book series, Blood and Snow. Looks awesome, RaShelle – you rock!

And my BuNoWriMo progress is around 5000 words so far!

June 5 Book Releases

The Azalea Assault by Alyse Carlson (aka Hart Johnson) Confessions of a Watery Tart
This is Hart’s FIRST book release and I couldn’t be happier for her.
She will be amusing the Ninja Army during her blog tour on June 18.

Quilt or Innocence by Elizabeth Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder
Another great cozy mystery from Elizabeth, founder of the Writers Knowledge Database.

These two ladies have teamed up for the Crazy Cozy Blogfest on June 5. Blog about the craziest idea you have for a cozy mystery. Make it entertaining and humorous. Winner receives signed books from both Hart and Elizabeth. For details, go HERE

Surrender by Elana Johnson
The follow up to her debut novel, Possession!
Elana will be entertaining the Ninja Army on her blog tour June 25.

She is also hosting a contest June 11-15 – the Never Surrender Blogfest. All participants get a swag package and three winners get a Barnes and Noble gift Card. To sign up, visit her BLOG

Awards

I’ve received many awards, including a couple new ones, and been tagged in a blog hop. In the interest of time, I shall do what I do best – be brief!

I received the Fabulous Blog Ribbon from the energetic Cassie Mae.
Name five of your most fabulous moments; five things you love; five things you hate.
One answer for each – Accepting Jesus, my wife, mowing my lawn
Passing this on to the happiest blogger I know, Morgan Shamy.

Napper Blogger Award from the sweet and caring Kela
Name something you do to take time for YOUEasy – play my guitar.
Passing this on to Laura Pauling who probably needs a nap after her blog tour.

Vicki at Page After Page tagged me with the Be Inspired Blog Hop. Thank you Vicki – I will save that one for another day.

Anyone else see Snow White and the Huntsman? Finally watch Hatfield and McCoys? (Surprised so many of you recorded it!) Participating in either Hart and Elizabeth’s or Elana’s book release blog hop/contests? Been awarded lately? And if you are participating in BuNoWriMo or Camp NaNo, are you on track with your writing?Don't forget the next posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group is this Wednesday!

No, go visit The Geek Twins!

155 comments:

Kyra Lennon said...

Congrats on your BuNo progress! I am a little over 5000 words also, so staying on track so far!

Sean McLachlan said...

Lots of book releases today! Nice covers too. Best of luck to all my fellow struggling writers out there. Keep on fighting!

Unknown said...

I was curious about The Huntsman - now, not so much. One to leave until the DVD release methinks.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Congrats on the awards well deserved.




Owing to continuing family issues I find it hard to keep going on Blogland at the moment.I have no one to help me so will take some time out.
See you in the future and thanks for everything.
Yvonne.
.

M.J. Fifield said...

Congrats on the BuNo progress.

I saw The Huntsman movie this weekend. I agree with your take on it. I thought it would've been better if anyone who wasn't Kristen Stewart played Snow White. But Chris Hemsworth was terrific.

Old Kitty said...

Oh wow!! Of course it's the Nakedest most Naked of all cozy mystery launch of lovely Tart!! So Down with Pants time! Yay!!!!

Take care
x

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kyra, we're rocking the writing!

Michael, I think a DVD rental works for Huntsman.

Yvonne, will miss you while you're gone.

MJ, agreed!

Kitty, that will make Hart happy!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Thanks so much for the mention, Alex!

My daughter was talking about this Snow White movie, but it doesn't look like a kiddie movie! Thinking I might pass for her...and my son likely won't want to see anything with "Snow White" in the title, I'd guess!

Jessica Bell said...

Dying to see Snow White and the Huntsman! Think it's worth it in 3D? I'm hosting the lovely Hart this Thursday! :)

Unknown said...

Leave it to Thor to carry the day. :) Cograts on all the awards and I am definitely hopping over to Geek Twins. I love their site.

Yay on the BuMo count. Now if only I could get my own writing back on track. And I see that i have got some awesome new books to load up on.

Sara said...

I'm right there with you with Snow White and the Huntsman, it had lots of potential...but they killed it by replacing character development and pacing with up close slow motion action scenes of Stewart...which I am guessing was supposed to be artistic, but in a battle scene just throws off the pace.

Hemsworth (aka Thor) carried the movie.

Brinda said...

I still want to see Snow White and the Huntsman. Lots of great blog awards and releases listed up there!

Creepy Query Girl said...

The only comments I read about the huntsman was about how loong it was. Guess that means the pacing wasn't great! I'm not a huge Kristen Stewart fan but it did look like a decent flick from the previews. I'm not sure I can tackle another blogfest this week- I've got Elana doing an interview wednesday but I can't wait to at least hop around and read the entries for the cozy one tomorrow! That should be fun!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I'll watch Snow White and the Huntsman just for the visuals and nothing else, because apparently, it has nothing else to boast with.

Off to Maurice's awesome site now.;)

Rusty Carl said...

I have participated in nothing lately, I've gone incommunicado since early May... I'm thinking of continuing this until the fall... that's probably too long, but still, not being around has freed up a ton of time. I do have vacation coming up mid week too.

Anyway, I didn't go see the movie this weekend, the missus is going to see it after work tonight, I'll get a review from her, she can be pretty insightful about movies so I'll get to know the real deal when she fills me in.

Me, I'll be slaving away at last minute projects before we head out the door later in the week. Ugh.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Holy moly, i'm outta breath just READING this post! So much going on over here in the land of Ninja!!!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Holy moly, i'm outta breath just READING this post! So much going on over here in the land of Ninja!!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, it's really dark. Not for kids at all.

Jessica, 3D can only help!

Melissa, he did carry the movie.

Sara, the pacing was so off for this movie.

Katie, it could've used some serious editing.

George, be curious what you thought of the film.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Thanks Alex for sharing about Elana's blogfest.

Too bad The Huntsman wasn't better. I was really looking forward to it. I'll still probably watch it when it comes out on DVD.

Gail said...

Congratulations on your well-earned awards.

baygirl32 said...

I can't wait ti see Snow White and the Hunstman

I recorded the Hatfield and McMoys - haven't watched it yet though

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Ooh, I want to see the faerie forest now! Too bad the movie seemed uneven, but my expectations weren't super high anyway. I agree with you about Stewart-she never smiles! I always think she looks like a sullen teenager.
Congratulations on the awards! :)

Kimberlee Turley said...

I agree SWATH could have used a better director. The visuals were beautiful, but there was about 45 min worth of story dragged into 2 hours.

I thought the beginning was faster paced, and that the movie started to drag once the dwarves appeared. (Anyone else reminded of LOTR from all the singing and epic scenes of them just walking single file?)

Also, I think I counted 3 scenes from the previews that were different than what actually appeared in the film. (Anyone else remember the queen screaming in front of the mirror as it shatters?)

Emily R. King said...

All great news! I look forward to the two book releases. And the Crazy Cozy Blogfest sounds like fun!

Laura Pauling said...

Thanks for the award! :) I do need a nap! I'm participating in Elana's blogfest. I just have to think of a time I never surrendered. Hmm..

Snow White movie looked so promising. Still think I'll enjoy it when it comes to video.

Ciara said...

We were debating about seeing Snow White. Hmm...maybe I'll wait for it to go to DVD.
Congrats on your BuNoWriMo progress!!
Wow, so many great new releases. I'm going to check them out!!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely LOVED Hatfield & McCoys. The History Channel might be my new fave channel. More, please.

Haven't seen SNOW WHITE yet but plan to. That one looked dark and gritty. My sister and I did see THE AVENGERS, though. Was very disappointed in that one!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Chris Hemsworth is the only reason I'd want to see Snow White.

Delighted for all three authors with book releases tomorrow.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your new awards! I'll have to check out Allison's giveaway The new Snow White movie looks cool from the reviews, I just wish they had picked someone other than Stewart.

Juliana Haygert said...

Ah, I still have high hopes for SnowWhite and the Hunstman ...
You're doing great with your WriMo challenge! Awesome!

Miranda Hardy said...

I did see it yesterday. I enjoyed the special effects and Hemsworth. He was great. I'm not a fan of Stewart. I couldn't help but think she wasn't fairer than the queen.

Christine Danek said...

Congrats on your progress. I've not seen the Snow White movie. I intend to. The special effects look so cool, but Kristen Stewart sort of put the brakes on my want. Maybe when it's out on DVD.
Thanks.

kjmckendry said...

I'm bummed that Snow White didn't live up to its previews. But I still want to see it.

Congrats on all the awards! :)

Michael Abayomi said...

I'm glad Snow White and the Huntsman was moderately successful at the box office this weekend, and better received by both critics and moviegoers than Mirror, Mirror. I'll definitely be waiting for it to come out on Blu-ray and DVD though.

Marta Szemik said...

I was looking forward to the Huntsman but now I may way for the DVD release. Thanks for the review.
Yes, I'm on target with my writing, but lots of editing (again) for next couple of months. I hope it doesn't upset my writing schedule:)
All ready for Wednesday too!

Haddock said...

Like the book cover of Assault by Alyse Carlson.

jaybird said...

So excited for Hart Johnson! Way to go.

I agree with your assessment of Snow White. Chris Helmsworth, made that movie "worth it", pardon the bad pun...LOL

James Anderson said...

Congrats on the BuNo progress. Sounds like The Huntsman was as good as that Red Riding Hood moving that came out a few years ago.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, take your time and work on your projects. Sometimes a break is good.

Cathy, I never lack for blog post material!

Baygirl, you need to watch it soon.

Rachel, I guess she's also really shy in real life.

Kimberlee, that's true. There were scenes missing. And it was much too long for the material.

Laura, you are welcome!

Michael, that seems to be everyone's complaint.

Miranda, she wasn't!

Michael, the box office take exceeded studio expectations.

Jaybird, he was the best part.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Thanks for your views on the Huntsman. I've been torn whether I should go see it or just wait for the DVD. Love what you said about Stewart. So true...

Yay! for Hart! So happy for her. And my BU progress...yeah, none. I should have never signed up with my oldest graduating from HS this Wed. It's been crazy busy. Oh, well...

Lydia Kang said...

Love your Ninja News!

Hooray for Elana and your new blog awards! Hmm, thanks for the Snow White review. Seemed too good to be true!

Karen Lange said...

Heading over to The Geek Twins! Congrats on the awards; congrats to the new winners as well!

Julie Dao said...

I didn't end up seeing Huntsman this weekend but I'm planning to next week. Your review is similar to many that I've heard!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I had decided I wouldn't be seeing The Huntsman. Various reasons. I did go see Mirror Mirror which I felt was more my speed.

T

Cassie Mae said...

I'm so excited for Hart! *throws a buttload of confetti*

Okay, heading over to visit the twins :)

Allison said...

Well that is disappointing about Snow White. I'm not surprised Chris Hemsworth carried it. Thanks for the mention!

Allison (Geek Banter)

Tara Tyler said...

was planning on saving my money =)

and congrats to you & all the awardees and releasers! so much to shout about and you do it so well!

Carol Kilgore said...

I'll be watching both Snow Whites on pay per view. And I'm looking forward to RaShelle Workman's Blood and Snow.

LynnRush said...

I was worried about the Snow White & the Huntsman, because of STEWART specifically. I'll still probably go see it, but....my hopes are not high.

Have a SUPER DAY

RaShelle Workman said...

Congrats on the awards, and congrats on how much you've done for BuNo.
Glad you reviewed the Huntsman. I'll go into it with lower expectations.

Good luck on your writing today.

Hildie McQueen said...

Hey Alex, I hated the movie! Even Chris could barely help me remain in my seat. I kept saying "Really?!" followed by "Seriously!?" I preferred Mirror Mirror, that one is awesome. Congrats on the awards, very much deserved. :-)))))

Cate Masters said...

Too bad The Huntsman didn't quite work. The trailer's great. Someone else said they were rooting for the Queen.
I managed to catch the last two episodes of The Hatfields and McCoys. Depressing stuff, but riveting because it's true.
Off to The Geek Twins

Budd said...

neither of this years snow white movies got me excited enough to want to see them. Maybe once the both hit DVD I will watch and compare.

cleemckenzie said...

I haven't seen Snow White and the Hunstman, but we'd planned on it this week. Now, I'm wondering if I want to see another movie about a classic tale I love, if that movie lacks heart. I still haven't recovered from A Christmas Carol. While it was amazing from a special effects point of view, the story was lost on me. I'm sure Dickens would have demanded his money back.

Mina Burrows said...

Aw man, I'm disappointed about the Snow White movie. Oh well. 5000 words is awesome, Alex. Great job. I'm at 3500, but I'll be at 5000 by the end of today. :)

Christopher Hudson said...

Didn't see Huntsman ... but wife did ... she liked it.

Leslie said...

Great reviews and congrats on the awards! I'm bummed about the mixed reviews about Snow White that I'm reading online today. But it's still intriguing enough I maybe have to go see it.

All the books you mentioned sound great! I know Elana Johnson's is already on my must-buy list!

And thanks for stopping by my blog today (from Leigh's link/interview). I really appreciate!

LTM said...

Hmm... OK, well thanks for that review of SW&TH! I was on the fence about it, and I can totally see how what you're saying could happen.

Personally, canNOT wait for BRAVE & PROMETHEUS!!!

And woo hoo!!! Tami Hart Johnson in da house!!! Love some Azalea Assault--everyone go buy it, now! ;p <3

Unknown said...

Oh, so that's how you do the blogfest. I'm taking part tomorrow but I didn't know what I was suppose to do. Thanks!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congrats on your progress!!! Thanks for the movie review -sounds like a DVD flick. And all that awesome ninja news! Congrats to all those authors.

TL Conway said...

Oh, you always have real interesting insights into movies. Glad I read this--maybe I'll wait until it's on DVD!

Congrats to the new books coming out and all the amazing Ninja News.

And for your progress on BuNo...!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lydia, I really wanted to like it more.

Julie, you know what to expect then.

Cassie, how much is a 'buttload?'

Allison, you're welcome!

Lynn, keep expectations low and you might enjoy it.

RaShelle, really low.

Hilde, I haven't seen the other Snow White movie yet.

Cate, Hatfields and McCoys was an excellent mini series.

CLee, that's funny!

Mina, that's still a good pace.

Leslie, and thank you for visiting me!

LTM, I will buy it, promise!

Clarissa, that made me laugh.

Sarah Ahiers said...

Yeah i heard Stewart mostly looked constipated.
I haven't even started BuNo yet. I'm just so swamped with work and my weekends are full. Sigh

Cherie Reich said...

I had a feeling that there might be problems with Snow White and the Huntsman. I'd still like to see it eventually, but I think it might be a better rental movie than movie theater one.

Congrats on your BuNoWriMo word count and awards!

Congrats to all the books coming out too!

Heading over to The Geek Twins.

Charles Gramlich said...

Did you see the movie "Real Steel?" I can't remember if you reviewed it or not. What did you think if you did?

Jen said...

Whew! That was an info packed post! No wri-mos for me until November!! I had a feeling that would be the case with Huntsman. Probably wait for Netflix to get it :)

Off to visit the Geek Twins!

Cheers,
Jen

Anonymous said...

That's a lot going on! Thanks for the review of Snow White. I was considering seeing it, but may wait for the DVD release as there are so many good movies coming out.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Thanks for the link to the Geek Twins. I want to watch the Snow White movie.

Nancy Thompson said...

Whew! That's a lot of stuff happening. I've been so busy with my book lately, I haven't had time for anything else. I haven't even been able to troll the blogs. Time to fix that. Thanks for all the updates. Congrats on all the progress! WOW! 5000 words! I'm impressed.

Colene Murphy said...

I wondered how Stewart would do with her smiling thing in this one. In the previews she looked like she was better, but best foot forward dealy there, I'm sure. Oh well! Will see it eventually, but may not be in as big a hurry now. Chris Hemsworth could carry me anywhere...

ehem

Congrats to all the new releases this week in books too! Yeay Hart!

Unknown said...

I want to see Snow White and the Huntsman this weekend just to see if it is good. Yes, Kristen has an issue smiling.

Good job get 5K written. *Claps* Keep on going, sir!

I still need to read Possesion by Elana Johson. Too many books to read. I took a class by her about Blogging. She's super cool. She even gave us candy in the class.

Heather Murphy said...

I'm waiting for Huntsmen to come out on DVD. However Hatfields and McCoys was good...brutal!
Congrats to those with new books

nutschell said...

So that's why Snow White isn't doing as well as it should. Well, I"m going to go watch it anyway, but at least now I know what to expect. Thanks for your movie reviews, Alex!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Nick Wilford said...

Well done on the BuNo progress! Keep it up!

I was sure Hart had books out already. Her blog seems so professional!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cherie, wait for DVD.

Charles, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would!

Nancy, I'm writing as fast as I can.

Colene, that's funny!

Julia, that's cool you met her!

Heather, it was brutal all right.

Nutschell, lower your expectations and you might enjoy it.

Anonymous said...

I agree with your assessment of Snow White and the Huntsman. Still, I really enjoyed it.

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

My son saw it and liked it overall but had mixed reviews as you did. The only reason I will go see it is because my son said it was worth it and I trust him more than most when it comes to movies.

I've never been a Charlize fan and Christine Stewart hasn't done any acting worthwhile since Panick Room but I am a HUGE Chris Hemsworth fan.

Ridley better not let me down. I'm looking forward to Prometheus.

farawayeyes said...

I still want to see Snow White, but figured it would be at least a partial bomb.

Since the beach was calling this weekend, I've been out of the loop. Time to start checking everything out.

Anonymous said...

Can't say I'll be running out to see Snow White & the Huntsman. I'll be waiting for when it gets to the theatre that only charges me $1.75.

Big congrats to Anna! And to your 5,000 word count. Headed over to Allison's and RaShelle's now.

Katherines Corner said...

Congrats on your well deserved awards. I am looking forward to seeing Snow White and the Huntsman. I feel the same way about Kristin Stewart by the way, giggle.Quilt or Innocence is on our book club summer reading list! Hugs and wishes for a beautiful week ahead.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Your comments about the movie are exactly what I heard from others. They ragged on Charlize's horrible accent too. Oh well.

I gave more money to The Avengers. Ahhh. Was even better than the first time! Was able to pay more attention to the dialogue and the sets. Really awesome.

Glad you are writing! Great progress, sir!

Thanks for all the info.
Going to the GEEK!
HMG

Julie Flanders said...

Wow, congrats on your BuNo progress!! That's awesome. Lots of great books coming out this week.

Sherry Ellis said...

That's too bad about Snow White and the Huntsman. You're right, though, Stewart is one broading individual.

Congratulations on all of your awards. I'll have to check out the other bloggers you've passed the awards on to.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Wendy, you're in luck that Hemsworth carries the film then.

Katherine, Elizabeth will be excited to hear that!

Heather, that was money well spent!

Nicole said...

Interesting take on The Huntsman. I've been on the fence about that one, so your insights are good!

LD Masterson said...

Congratulations on the awards and the BuNoWriMo progress. Thanks for the review - I was debating about seeing that one. Now I think I'll wait for cable.

Best of luck to all on their new book releases.

Morgan said...

Ohhhhh... *wipes tears* Oh wait---I forgot, I'm a happy blogger! ;) I think my whole month is made... *walks around with a big goofy grin on my face* Thanks, Alex! <3

Christine Rains said...

I wasn't intrigued by the commercials for Snow White and the Huntsman. It felt like it could have been a glorified Syfy flick but not as funny!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

so glad for your review on the movie... i didn't want to pay a lot to see it. i am showing your words to the wife... i watched Mi4:GP... wow one of the best window jump ever and i am not a fan of cruise, but wow...

have a great week!

Johanna Garth said...

Thanks for the movie review. Was on the fence despite daughter's desperation to see it.

Congrats on your awards! I love your blog because I feel like it's like the blogger watercooler where everyone stops by to hang out and chat!

The Angry Lurker said...

Still waiting for the Hatfields and NcCoys over here and congrats on even more awards Alex!

Gossip_Grl said...

Congrats on the blogger awards. I didn't see any movies this weekend, due to that blah word called "work".
It sounds as though Snow White is a bummer. I guess this will be another one I will wait to rent from Red Box.
Loved the Hatfield's and McCoy's movie.

Andrew Leon said...

Everyone's saying that Theron was the real master in Snow White, so I'm a bit surprised you didn't mention her.

I'll be waiting for dvd for this one.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

It's overwhelming (in a good way) how many great blogger-authors are publishing. Thanks for always highlighting these.

PS I just finished and posted a review of CF. =)

xoRobyn

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Morgan, you're a super happy blogger!

Christine, definitely not as funny.

Jeremy, now MI4 was a much better choice!

Aw Johanna, thanks!

Thanks, Lurker. Think you'll really like the series when you finally get to see it.

Andrew, Theron was good, but Hemsworth the real heart of the film.

Robyn, really??? Thank you!

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I thought Snow White looked interesting, but Kristen Stewart drives me crazy and to know that she still drives people crazy means I'll probably wait until it's a movie on TV - then I can at least enjoy her poor acting in the comfort of my pajamas :)

ediFanoB said...

After reading your movie review I decided to pass on Snow White and the Huntsman.

Laura Eno said...

That's disappointing to hear about Snow White. Oh well.
Congrats to everybody on the Ninja's newsfront!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tasha, that sounds like a plan!

Edi, I really wanted to like it, but the more I think about the film, the more I see wrong with it.

Bish Denham said...

I was wondering about the Snow White movie... I can wait til it comes out on Netflix. Congrats to those with new book releases and to you, Alex and the adding of awards to your collection.

Summer Ross said...

Congrats on your awards! I still want to see snow white- though I have heard mixed reviews on like it's the best role for Stewart and such. Thanks for the review and the news!

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm hosting Elana for her tour - so excited - Surrender is an awesome book :)

M Pax said...

Congrats to Anna, Hart, Elizabeth, and Elana. Woot!

Too bad the Huntsman was disappointing. Will wait for it to go cheap on dvd then.

Krista McLaughlin said...

I've considered seeing that movie, but I just don't like Kristen Stewart. She can't act, though I wouldn't mind drooling over Chris Hemsworth.

I'll have to go check out those books!

Lauren said...

Yeah, I've read a few unimpressed reviews of SWATH. I wasn't too keen on seeing it anyway - it seems like a remake of every fantasy movie ever made - but starring Bella and Thor.

Libby said...

I've heard different things about The Huntsman. It's been moved to Netflix for me because it doesn't seem worth a movie trip.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

On my planet, we breathe oxygen and Charlize Theron is fairer than Stewart ... even with your eyes closed!

I want to see it for Ms. Theron, but I will wait for the DVD release. PROMETHEUS is a go for next weekend!

The ghost of Ernest Hemingway, Gore Vidal, and I are not fans of the novel-in-a-month craze. But we know we are in the minority! LOL.

Helena said...

Congratulations on receiving yet more blog awards. As for The Huntsman -- maybe I'll see it, but if it does fall flat in places as you say, that will be frustrating; yet another potentially great movie not measuring up. And yes, I'll be part of Hart's blog hop for tomorrow

Luanne G. Smith said...

I appreciate it when you get out to see these new movies on opening weekend. I will probably still try to make it out to see Snow White, but if I don't, it's good to know I'm not missing a must-see blockbuster. :)

Suze said...

'Stewart did all right although the girl can’t smile to save her life.'

Ironically, this had me smiling. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Bish, I'd wait!

Jemi, I hope to read it soon.

Mary, I'd wait.

Krista, it might be worth it for you then.

Lauren, at least Thor did a good job with his role!

Roland, Theron is fairer than Stewart. And I am making such great progress on CassaStorm...

Helena, that's great!

LG, you're not. And it's rare I don't see a movie on day one of its release.

Suze, and your comment made me laugh!

Anonymous said...

A shame Snow White wasn't better... I was really looking forward to it... will still watch it though:) Congrats on the awards.

Theresa Milstein said...

Once I saw Stewart was cast as Snow White, I didn't have high hopes.

I'm so excited about Elana's new release.

Anonymous said...

I'm not a mystery writer, but I'm ready to post for tomorrow's Crazy Cozy Blogfest.

Stewart isn't much for smiling.

Yay for Elana and your blog awards.

Robin said...

Saw Snow White this weekend. Hemsworth and Theron were awesome. I read somewhere that they did something like 8 rewrites on this thing, so it became very muddled in editing. Hence all of the problems in the final draft. I think they couldn't make a decision about how they wanted it to end, so the whole thing turned out like what you saw: bad pacing, bad execution, and characters who didn't seem committed ENOUGH. It would have been better all-around had everyone decided what they really wanted and gone for it. Much more interesting to watch... and it would have solved all of those pacing problems because it would have given us *something* to watch.

Julie Musil said...

Sheesh, I'm the 116th person to comment? Someone around here is a bit popular :)

I haven't seen Huntsman...not my thing, but I agree about the smiling thing.

And I'm so happy for Hart and Elizabeth!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

TF, watch it anyway.

Medeia, glad you're ready for tomorrow.

Robin, agreed!

Julie, I blog, they comment!

Chuck said...

I still want to see the Huntsman in the theatre, and by that I mean my wife does. She saw Dark Shadows with her girlfriend on Saturday night and was not impressed...so now I HAVE to see it!!

And still have not watched the H&M mini-series. Got it on the DVR but have to wait til the wife finishes all.5.seasons.of.Mad.Men...

Angela Brown said...

You're making great progress with yor challenge. Keep it up.

I haven't seen Snow White and the Huntsman though I've seen the trailer and wanted to see the movie. I can't help asking if Stewart, again, spent much of the moving with her eyes downcast as if the ground is trying to tell her something. I was hoping that wouldn't be the case, not with Chris Hemsworth to look at.

Going to check out what you had to say over at the Twins' place :-)

Tina said...

I've known Hart for a while, and pre-ordered her book. I love a good cozy from time to time, and judging by her always a hoot blog, I won't be disappointed. Congrats on your awards!
Tina @ Life is Good

Leigh Covington said...

I have been wondering about the Huntsman. Cracking me up how you say that Stewart can't smile to save her life! LOL. So true!

Jennifer Hillier said...

Aw, I'm bummed you didn't love love Snow White. That's how I felt about Dark Shadows. I'll probably still see it but now I know to keep my expectations in check.

Trisha said...

I'm definitely gonna see that movie, it looks cool. And I thought Stewart did a fab job in THE RUNAWAYS, but the rest of her stuff is a bit 2-dimensional I guess.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I watched Snow White and the Huntsman and really thought some parts of it were way too long.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats on your awards and your progress with BuNo! Julie

Ella said...

Congrats on your awards and your word count! I will have to make the rounds later in the morning! These all look great :D

I loved your Stewart comment. It is true! Thank goodness for Hemsworth's heart~

Missed Periods said...

I want to see the Huntsman, and I know this may be superficial, but it seems so unbelievable to me that Kristen Stewart is supposed to rival Charlize Theron in beauty. She's cute, but she's no Charlize.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, all five seasons? That might take a while.

Angela, the pouting look wasn't just reserved for the ground in this film!

Leigh, she can't!

Jennifer, keep them low and you might enjoy it.

Michael, part of that uneven pacing.

Ella, he saved it as best he could.

Missed, no, I totally agree with you!

Talli Roland said...

Congrats to Elana, Hart and everyone else with books out! *throw confetti*

Jennifer said...

So, do I get to call myself a ninja if I follow your blog? I'm in!! :)

Disppointed to hear about SWATH but it did seem to good to be true. I'll still see it; I'm just not quite so excited now. I'd also like to see Dark Shadows but have heard that's a bit of a disappointment too.

Jack said...

I thought the Huntsmen wouldn't be all that great. I'm glad I've not gone to the theature to see it. Maybe when it comes out.

Elise Fallson said...

Not surprised about the Huntsmen but I'll see it when it comes out on DVD for Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron. Congrats on the awards and thanks for the book news too!

Hart Johnson said...

That's too bad Snow White doesn't quite cut it. It seems like it really has potential.

Thank you SO MUCH for the shout out for both my book and our blogfest!!! You're the dude, Alex!

Jack said...

P.S
I agree, Enya's song fit The Lord of the Rings really well.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jenn, you are a Ninja! Yeah, I didn't even see Dark Shadows since so many were disappointed with the movie.

Miss Jack, catch it on NetFlix instead.

Hart, you're welcome!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Great guest post Alex. Thanks for visiting. Keep up the BuNoWriMo progress!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Haven't had a chance to see Huntsman yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

So excited for Elana's release.

Leovi said...

I feel that bittersweet with Snow White and the Huntsman.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I really like Snow White and the Huntsman, but I'd definitely agree that it had an uneven pace. And Chris Hemsworth definitely carried the film. I was surprised at how good he was (though I shouldn't have been after The Avengers).

Pat Tillett said...

I will visit them straight away!
I'm pretty sure that I'll be seeing the movie. Just need to find the time... Thanks for the review!

Patsy said...

Congratulations on your well deserved awards, Alex.

Lisa Regan said...

I've been trying to follow your blog for months but alas, I am not tech savvy. Anyway, blogger finally allowed me to do it! I'm not at all surprised by your Huntsman review but would see it anyway because I love Chris Hemsworth. He could probably carry any movie!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks again, Maurice!

SL, he was the highlight.

Pat, probably not many theaters in the desert!

Lisa, thanks for not giving up!

Golden Eagle said...

Congratulations on the awards and your BuNoWriMo progress!

Thanks for the movie review.

Michelle Wallace said...

Congrats on the awards... and the BuNoWriMo thinggie...

Phew! All the WriMo thinggies got my brain in a knot. I wonder if somebody could write a post explaining the JuNoWriMo, BuNoWriMo, NaNoWriMo, Camp-something-or-the-other... they pop up all over, like jack-in-the-boxes... any others I missed? Are they related? Like cousins or something?

Tonja said...

I haven't even seen Avengers yet. Snow White sounds good. I signed up for NaNo summer camp but haven't written word 1. Awesome so many people are releasing books!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I think I need to do the NaNoWriMo camp in August in order to finish the November NaNoWriMo novel. And I can't wait to read Elizabeth's new novel and Hart's debut novel. I do love those cozies.

dolorah said...

A lot of stuff there Dude :) I'm glad The Huntsman isn't another Disney version; I'm in the mood for some dark fairy tale.

I'll head over to Geek Twins.

BTW: just reminding you you haven't played your guitar for me yet . .

........dhole

Carrie Butler said...

Sorry, I'm so behind on my blog rounds!

Congratulations to all of those lovely writers on their book releases, congratulations to Allison for hitting a hundred followers, and congratulations to you for your awards! I'm off to visit The Geek Twins. :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Congrats on your awards!! They aren't ones I've seen before.

I want to see Snow White and the Huntsman, even though I'm not expecting a lot from it.

Unknown said...

I was gonna ask - can Stewart actually smile?! I'd see it for Hemsworth and the battle scenes, but maybe on DVD. I don't want to content with Kristen 'I have no nerves in my face' Stewart

Rachel Frost said...

Ahaha, Kristen Stewart can't smile. So, so true!

Martha said...

You deserve all the awards out there in the blogsphere Alex :)

DMS said...

I haven't seen Snow White yet- but I have been wanting to see it since I first heard about it. I did watch The Hatfield and McCoy movie- all three parts. I thought it was fascinating and it has really made me think!

Congrats on all the awards!

~Jess

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michelle, someone does need to do a post explaining them.

Donna, I know!

Carrie, that's all right. It happens.

Martha, thank you!