Monday, July 16, 2012

Ninja News, Movie Reviews, and 80’s Trivia

Ninja News!

Thanks to everyone who visited me at The Writing Nut last week. The GIVEAWAY for CassaStar and CassaFire is open through July 31, and the winner will be whoever writes the most compelling reason why he or she should win the books. Nutschell is the judge, which is good, because I couldn’t select just one.

I was also blown away by the comments on my guest post at Rachna’s Scriptorium. I really worried I’d mess up on that one, considering the topic. Thanks, guys!

And finally, thanks to Andrew at Strange Pegs for his encouraging and very fair review of CassaStar.

One of the best writer resources is the Writer’s Knowledge Base. Started by author Elizabeth S. Craig and Mike Fleming, it is FULL of information. If you’re a writer, be sure to check it out soon.

Don’t forget to save the date for my next blogfest on September 17. I’ll announce the topic the first full week of August.

Still working hard on CassaStorm. Wrote a scene this weekend that just might be my best ever! I’m sure later I’ll discover I was wrong…

And I won’t be posting again until Friday. But the Ninja will be lurking...

Movie Reviews

Ice Age Continental Drift
The fourth outing with Manny, Diego, and Sid find the boys separated from everyone else and adrift at sea. I’ll just be upfront and state that I am not a big fan of this series. First one was good, but the others have been just all right.
This one relies on a lot of juvenile humor and the scenes with ‘teenager’ Peaches reminded me of just about every bad sitcom I’ve ever seen. The message is the same – herd first – so it doesn’t tackle anything new there.
The animation is beautiful though. The 3D was effective without being overwhelming. Peter Dinklage does an amazing job as the voice of the ape pirate captain – I didn’t even recognize him. And Sid’s cranky Granny utters the funniest lines in the movie.
My wife, who loves these films, found the teen segments a little annoying. However, she giggled throughout the entire movie, and since I find her giggling adorable, I foresee an Ice Age V in my future…
For those of you with kids – go and enjoy!

The Three Musketeers
Reminded me a little of Battleship.
It was dumb, completely implausible, and threw history right out the window. That said, it was also a lot of fun! It tells the basic story and adds nonsense so over the top, you’ll be laughing along with it. Staring A LOT of people: Christoph Waltz, Milla Jovovich, Ray Stevenson, Orlando Bloom, Matthew Macfayden, Mads Mikkelsen, and Logan Lerman from Percy Jackson. Leave brain at door and enjoy the visual feast of a ride.

Trivia Time!

At the request of more trivia, we’re going back to the 80’s for these questions:

1 – To avoid an X rating, ten seconds is cut from this movie staring Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet.

2 – This expansion team joins the NBA the same year as the (former) Charlotte Hornets.

3 – What was the last Bond film to feature Roger Moore as Bond?

4 – This computer company introduces its VIC-20 model personal computer in 1981.

5 – What movie contains the line “This is pure snow. Do you know the street value of this mountain?”

6 – Name U2’s first #1 single on the Billboard chart.


Be sure to enter the giveaway! Do you use the Writer’s Knowledge Base? Seen either of those films? Know the answers to any of the trivia questions? And who is ready for The Dark Knight Returns this Friday?

176 comments:

Jeremy [Retro] said...

first, again?

Jeremy [Retro] said...

saw the new spiderman... i have a so-so opinion, but i am going to share the comparison on my site in a couple days.

i enjoyed your time over on the "nut", fun place...

thanks for the reviews... i am interested in the three musketeers... i always still like the disney version, with the sort of modern brat-pack.

have a great day, dark knight is next.

Jeremy

Suze said...

'Wrote a scene this weekend that just might be my best ever!'

That is *such* a great feeling, Alexo. Congrats, m'boy.

For no. 3: For Your Eyes Only?

Dave said...

I know the answer to question 3 is A View To A Kill, but I have no idea about the others.

Dave
Dave Wrote This

Kyra Lennon said...

Looking forward to your next blogfest!

RaveAir said...

Great trivia again!

I can't answer them without google, because I was born in 1980, so I'll skip them.

RaveAir

Unknown said...

Well, you know me by now, it takes me ages to get to see a film. So your trivia questions are far too advanced for this bad Ninja. But I saw Ice Age. LOL. With an 8 year old. Actually I hadn't seen the others so I laughed more than the 8 year old...hardly surprising. And it was dubbed in Portuguese (they use about 2 actors to do everyone, I think). Little things please little...

Natalie Aguirre said...

Thanks for the heads up on the movies. We'll probably see Ice Age.

And I'm terrible with trivia. I would never win.

The Angry Lurker said...

I did enjoy the Three Musketeers, harmless hokum!

Unknown said...

Loved your advice at Rachna's! Smart and so true.

Ice Age is not one of my fave series, but will probably see it with the younger nephews. I'm taking the older ones to see The Dark Knight Rises and I so cannot wait.

3 Musketeers was a hellagood time. Brainless fun for sure. :)

Rusty Carl said...

1. AngelHeart
2. Miami Heat
3. Uh oh... um....
4. IBM?
5. Better Off Dead
6. With or Without You?

Good stuff all 'round. Enjoy your day off.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Thanks so much for the WKB mention, Alex! :)

I see "Ice Age" in my future...sigh. Good to hear that the animation was nice. My daughter saw a commercial and was already making plans for us to see it!

Heather Murphy said...

The suspense is killing me...I can't wait to see what you are doing for the next blogfest!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

The teen segments in Ice Age 4 were corny, but necessary. After all, Peaches was just a new born baby the last time around, and the creators must have introduced her to the audience in the most innocent way possible. For me, it worked.

But hey, it was fun, wasn't it? Granny stole the show for me. I just adored her!


Three Musketeers was my guiltiest guilty pleasure of 2011. It was super-dumb, yet I enjoyed every second of it.

PK HREZO said...

Oh man that movie Angel Heart ruined Lisa Bonet's career for awhile.
Wouldnt know #2 or 3 or 4 without looking up
But definitely Better Off Dead for #5 (love that movie ... my fave line, "too bad when folks be throwing away a perfectly good white boy..."
And #6, has to be something off The Joshua Tree and I'll say "I Still Havent Found What I'm Looking For"

Anonymous said...

The most important question regarding the new Three Musketeers - does does it live up to Chris O'Donnell's hair in the '90s version?

I was apparently too young in the '80s to know the answers to ANY of those trivia questions. Alas!

Brinda said...

Yay for writitng the best scene EVER and for great reviews. :(

Juliana Haygert said...

Oooo, I love your blogfests. Can't wait to hear what you have in store for us!

I'm gonna take my daughter to see Ice Age 4 this weekend or next one. Not in a hurry, but I'll definitely take her.
I liked The Three Musketeers too. It was super fun ;)

Karen Baldwin said...

LOve that you find your wife's giggling adorable.

Karen Lange said...

I'm drawing a blank on the trivia, but using "It's Monday morning" as an excuse. :) Haven't used the Writer's Knowledge Base. Will have to check it out. Thanks!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeremy, you're on a roll! And so ready for Dark Knight Rises.

Thanks, Suze. And sorry, wrong movie.

Dave, you got it.

RaveAir, you young pup!

Susan, that's all that matters.

Lurker, it was!

Melissa, it was too over the top not to be fun.

Rusty, you got 1, 2, 5, and 6 right! (And good on you for getting the quote.)

Elizabeth, you're welcome!

Heather, a few more weeks!

George, Granny was funny. And I totally enjoyed Three Musketeers.

PK, you got a couple right. And that movie has so many classic lines!

Louise, yes!

Juliana, dumb but fun.

Thanks, Leigh.

Anonymous said...

I heard from others to drop off the kids for Ice Age and then go see Savages. That's what we'll do today.

And Roger Moore was the worst James Bond. Ugh! Charles Nelson Riley would make a better Bond than Moore.

farawayeyes said...

'Ice Age' tonight with my favorite 6 year old. You do have the best reason ever for seeing these 'cute' movies.

Musketeers on Netflix.

Trivia - Ha. Even Rusty's answers didn't make any sense to me. I must have been doing other things during the 80's.

'Best scene ever' - the hope is they keep getting better and better, right?

jaybird said...

It's an amazing feeling to love what you wrote. So happy all is going well on the writing front for you-

#5 has to be a classic line from Better Off Dead. My brother and I watched that movie so many times I still know it by heart.

baygirl32 said...

3 and 5 illude me...

1- angel heart
2- miami heat
4 - commadore
6- with or without you

Annalisa Crawford said...

Yay Ice Age!

Gossip_Grl said...

Nice Review by Andrew. Can't wait to hear about your blogfest. Your Trivia #5 I think is from the movie "Out Cold"- I think.

Jay Noel said...

I want to see 3 Musketeers - lots of steampunkishness in that movie.

1)Angel Heart
2)Miami Heat
3)A View to a Kill (don't remember the movie, but the Duran Duran song was pretty rad)
4)Commodore
5)...I don't know....
6)With or Without You. I saw "Rattle and Hum" in a movie theater in high school, but I was with my girlfriend. Don't remember much of that movie.

Clare said...

Thanks for the heads up about the Writer’s Knowledge Base and your blogfest, and congratulations on your novel progress.

Laura Eno said...

Wrote a scene this weekend that just might be my best ever! I’m sure later I’ll discover I was wrong…
LOL! I love those moments...before the self-doubt crawls in.

shelly said...

I love ICE AGE! But I can't recall any of the eighties moments. Awe man...

Shelly
http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/

Jo said...

Haven't a clue about the trivia. However, you mentioned September 17 for your blogfest. I will be on vacation and away from wifi most of the time. Boo hoo. If you announce it early enough, maybe I can participate.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Alex, it's sad that I knew the answer to three of the questions without even thinking about it. @Karen, I'm the one out of touch.
1- Wild at heart...I think. It's the movie that got her kicked off the Cosby Show.
4 – Commodore. Which also made the underated Amiga.
5 – My favorite 80s movie "Better Off Dead" Two...dollars!
My son desperately wants to see Ice Age, so to the theater I will go!

Alexandra Heep said...

I am up at an ungodly hour and already, 33 comments in. I blame the time zone.

Anyway, when I read "80s trivia" I was excited, as that is my decade. No, it wasn't the best for me, I just know a lot about the 80s. Yes, I am that old.

Alas, you stumped me except for number 5. I think it's the movie that has the title song "hazy shade of winter."

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Looking forward to your next bloghop! The date should be easy for me to remember, it's my husband's birthday. :)

RaShelle Workman said...

Alex - Cool review for The Musketeers. Maybe I'll red box it. I'll def go see Ice Age. My kids really want to go.

And #6 is going to bug me until I know the answer. I remember the line...

Happy Monday!

David P. King said...

You know I'm ready for some Batman action! Still need to see Spider-Man, though. :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Drawing a blank on these trivia answers, although the movie ones are flitting around the edges. Maybe they'll come to me before you give us the answers.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

The only trivia I knew honestly (without Google) was AngelHeart. THE 3 MUSKETEERS was tempting but Percy Jackson with long flowing locks puts me off -- although the actor may have a true winner with CONFESSIONS OF A WALLFLOWER.

Driving a thousands miles last week in the pouring rain while trying to finish WEDNESDAY'S CHILD kept me from visiting all your guest posts. Sorry. May this week bring more great scenes for CASSASTORM!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephen I believe it would've been a comedy then!

Faraway, the giggling is really cute.

Jaybird, good for you!

Baygirl, you got it!

Gossip Girl, sorry!

Jay, you will eat it up. And you got five right.

Laura, you understand!

Karen, no, I'm just a fountain of useless pop culture information.

Maurice, you got it! And that movie is just classic.

Alexandra, sorry - not Less Than Zero.

David, go see Spiderman! Excellent flick.

Carol, you have all week to think...

LynnRush said...

I didn't get to see any movies this weekend. but Ice Age wouldn't have been one of them. I liked the first one, but left it at that. LOL.

Stumped on the movie trivia. I'm much better at movie quotes. LOL!!

The Dark Night Returns...I think that'll be a good one, but I'll wait for your review first. :)

Miranda Hardy said...

I saw the three Muskateers movie not long ago. It was okay, but probably not one of my favorites.

I'm not even attempting the trivia questions.

mooderino said...

I loved Angel Heart. Spent all my time peeling boiled eggs like de niro.

mood

Hart Johnson said...

I love the Writer's Knowledge Base. Ice Age... probably the 2nd was the last of them for me... meh...

As for 80s... Yeah, Angel Heart was a good one. #4, I'm guessing IBM? That was the first computer giant... #6, In the Name of Love? Both of those are guesses just based on having lived through the 80s.

Rick Daley said...

1 – Angel Heart

2 – ?

3 – A View to a Kill?

4 – Commodore?

5 – Better off Dead.

6 – Pride (In the Name of Love)?

Dang, those were tough. The only one I am certain of is 5, uttered by a pre-Booger Curtis Armstrong, to a ski-ready John Cusak. I want my two-dollars!

And I can't wait for The Dark Knight Returns!!

Matthew MacNish said...

It's always cool how bad movies make for fun reviews!

Nancy Thompson said...

I never know the answers to your trivia questions, but I want to say U2's first hit was "Gloria". That's when I fell in love with them. Sad to say, that affair is over now. But YAY on your best scene yet! I love that feeling! Rock on, Cap'n!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I know the first one. It's Angel Heart. I didn't know it was gonna get an X-rating though. That's just shocking. Mickey Rourke has such a crazy life. And he doesn't look anything like his younger self. Bad plastic surgery and a hard life will do that to you.

Tyrean Martinson said...

1 and 2 ?
3 A View to a Kill (had Duran Duran playing the soundtrack so I remembered)
4 and 5 ?
6 With or Without You, or Sunday Bloody Sunday?

If I had known that The Three Musketeers movie was going be Steampunk style I might have enjoyed it more when I saw it in the theatre, but as soon as those flying airships arrived . . .I started groaning. Few of the Musketeer movies have stayed true to the books and in some ways I'm thankful for that, but I wasn't prepared for this one being so far out there.
Can Orlando be in a movie without a pirate type ship?

Tyrean Martinson said...

oops sorry for the duplictate - just take one off please!

Lydia Kang said...

Is the U2 Question Pride int he Name of Love?

Great stuff, thanks Alex!

Jennie Bennett said...

I have no desire to see either of those movies. Especially Ice Age, ugh. As far as the trivia goes, I have 0 idea. I don't even have an inkling to what the answer could be to any of those questions. I guess I'm out of the pop culture loop :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You got that one, Roland. And thanks, still writing hard.

Lynn, that's how I feel about the Ice Age movies.

Moody, you got that one.

Hart, you got the first one. And I thought the second movie was the weakest of all.

Rick, all but the last one! And bonus points for knowing the actor.

Nancy, I like that song as well. Hope today is better for you.

Michael, it almost did. I've never seen the director's cut, but I did see the original in the theater.

Tyrean, got two. And not sure about Orlando Bloom anymore.

Lydia, sorry!

Sarah Ahiers said...

I suspected that would be the case for Ice Age. For me, i was confused about why they're even bothering with apes. I mean, they already dealt with humans in the first movie, so isn't apes kind of a step backwards? I dunno. I'm probably trying to be too logical

Summer Ross said...

Looking forward to your blogfest Alex!
I don't know the trivia answers without looking them up- LOL Hard questions. Though my manly man could do the Bond one. Have a great day!

Unknown said...

Um, I don't know any of the trivia! Disappointing about Ice Age, but I kinda expected it wouldn't be amazing. The first one was too fantastic for the others to live up to it! (Scrat is my fave!) I agree about The Three Musketeers. Over the top, but fun!

Empty Nest Insider said...

I'm excited about your "best scene ever!" I saw the Mickey Rourke/ Lisa Bonet movie, and all I remember was that it had crazy chickens and voodoo in it. Julie

Jemi Fraser said...

Sometimes it's fun to leave the brain at the door and just enjoy! :)

Hope that scene still looks great today!

Unknown said...

I'll confess, my movie radar is homed in on The Dark Knight. (Going to the 6 AM (!) IMAX showing on Saturday morning and couldn't be more excited.)

Like you, I enjoyed the first Ice Age, but haven't watched another after the 2nd. Also like you, I'd watch crickets concerts if my wife got a kick out of it. :)

Unknown said...

Oh, and # 2 is the cursed Miami Heat. Still hate Lebron.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Alex . . . you do make me feel stupid w/ these trivia Q's, lol. My hubby is a huge U2 fan (actaully read a book about them *gasp*--he never reads unless it's a Star Wars book or to our kids). I asked him the Q and he guessed "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"???

Donna K. Weaver said...

That was exactly my take on Battleship. Totally unbelievable but still fun to watch.

Christopher Hudson said...

Didja happen to catch 'Abe Lincoln, Vampire Killer?' ... so far over the top that it came around again ... I liked it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sarah, I think it was a random animal pick.

Rachel, it was great!

Julie, you know the movie!

Jemi, I probably won't look again until after I finish.

EJ, we aim to please them, don't we?

Jamie, hate to disappoint him, but that's not the answer.

Donna, exactly.

Christopher, I'll catch it on NetFlix.

Unknown said...

I haven't seen Ice Age but I have loved the others. I agree with you about the Muskateers movie.

Nate Wilson said...

You might think I'd do better than 3 out of 6 (#s 1-2-5), but I'm not so much a child of the 80s as I was a child in the 80s.

Oh, and I want my two dollars.

Kimberly Gabriel said...

I loved your review of Three Musketeers - cracked me up. ;) Also looking forward to your bloghop!

Tess Julia said...

First, I love that you see a movie just to hear your wife giggle! I think that's sweet and romantic.
Next- I'm terrible at trivia, but I actually knew #5. One of my fav movies that I've seen a million times- Better Off Dead. Hilarious movie!
I haven't seen the new Ice Age movie yet, but it's in my future. I have an 11 and 5 yr. old who are big fans. We saw the latest Madagascar movie though- and I was laughing the whole time.

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I only knew #5 because as a college student, I lived in an apartment where we had a policy before anyone could be promoted to boyfriend status, they had to watch Better Off Dead with all the roomies. If they didn't laugh, they were out.

Andrew Leon said...

Man, I couldn't even sit all the way through Musketeers. I had to get up and do chores and stuff and just watched it peripherally. I think the acting was okay, but the story was just plain stupid. Especially the end. I mean the very end.
My kids want to go see Ice Age, but I'm not sure we'll be able to accommodate them :(

Emily R. King said...

I want to take my kids to see Ice Age. Thanks for the review!

Unknown said...

Yea, Musketeers was a "leave you brain at the door" kind of movie, but fun.

Blogfest, eh? Sign me up :) An Alex blogfest is a quality blogfest.

Charles Gramlich said...

I tell you, I've liked every Musketeers movie I've seen. Love a good swordfight

Johanna Garth said...

This will, most likely, be the only trivia question I ever get right but I think the answer to #1 is Wild Orchid(s).

Anonymous said...

Movie trivia, 80's style eh?

1. Angel Heart
2. Miami Heat
3. A View to a Kill (thanks to mom and dad for making me watch these over and over).
4. I'm only going to guess Commodore because we had a Commodore64 growing up and I don't remember hearing this name amongst Apple and
5. Better Off Dead. Classic Cusack movie, said by Curtis Armstrong.
6. Top of my head? "With or Without You" or "Still Haven't Found..." Those were 80's right?

Misha Gerrick said...

I saw The Three Musketeers and both loved and hated it. In a way, I prefer adaptions this over the top simply because they're fun and don't take themselves too seriously. :-)

Bookmarked the 17th.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nate, well I know you got one right!

Kimberly, I am here to amuse.

Honey, thanks. And yes, you got the movie right. I think the Madagascar movie was much better, but your kids will enjoy Ice Age IV.

Tasha, that's funny!

Andrew, I hope you find a way out of it, for your sake.

Thanks, Jamie!

Charles, same here.

Johanna, no - but good guess!

Joshua, you are the big winner!

Misha, no way you could take that movie seriously.

Anonymous said...

Just a product of the 80's. Spent a third of my life there. Formative years and such.

Leovi said...

I think it's the movie Angel Heart.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Better Off Dead! I love that movie.

Christine Rains said...

I haven't seen either of those films yet, but I'm behind on my movie watching. I entered the giveaway, and thank you for my Monday dose of Ninja news. :)

kjmckendry said...

Writer's Knowledge Base sounds great!

Congrats on your best ever scene! :)

Cassie Mae said...

You had to do 80's movies, didn't you. Gosh, and my brain isn't working today, so I'm not going to even attempt it. :)

I'll just throw in a Miami Heat, just because that's all my mind can come up with.

S. L. Hennessy said...

I feel exactly the same about the Ice Age movies. They're just 'ehh' at the moment. I hope this one is the last frankly.

~Sia McKye~ said...

You did a great job with Rachna's blog Alex. It's merely speaking from your heart and what you've learned that makes it valid.

I had to laugh over the comment on finding your wife's giggle adorable.

Alex, my brain is too tired to try to figure out your trivia. Kid got stranded at the river last night and I was up 'til 4:30 this morning doing a rescue. 4 hours sleep. Not good. Brain is mush. Kid is grounded. Him and his buddy are painting my ceilings.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Allison said...

I didn't even know they made a new Three Musketeers movie! Well, you saved me the time of going to see it.

Allison (Geek Banter)

Shannon Lawrence said...

I couldn't figure out the ape pirate captain, either! He was great. I have to agree with Jeremy on the Disney Brat Pack version of 3 Musketeers being the best. I watch that movie over and over. Sad thing is, I can't remember if I saw this newest incarnation yet. I don't think so. If I did, though, that is a bad sign.

SC Author said...

No idea about any of those answers :( But, I can NOT wait to read your review of the new Great Gatsby movie! I am SO excited. I love love love the trailer, but I know many other people don't. I can't wait to see your opinion :)

M Pax said...

I think #6 is Bloody Sunday. That's the first song I recall hearing by U2.

Will have to check out the Writers Knowledge Base.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leovi, you got it.

Diane, you're right.

Kathy, up until I read it again!

Cassie, you got that one right.

SL, it's doing well overseas, so I wouldn't count on it being the last.

Sia, that's some serious punishment! Hope they do a good job.

Shannon, at least you know to leave your brain at the door.

SC, I have to see it first.

Mary, great song - not their first number one hit though.

ib said...

1. I have no idea.
2. Orlando Magic?
3. Not a fan of the Bond movies.
4. I'll go with IBM.
5. Better off Dead. Best.movie.ever.
"You would be wise, to not disobey mother."
6. I will follow you?

LynNerdKelley said...

Hey, Alex, that's great that you wrote a scene for CassaStorm that got you all pumped up! Don't you love it when that happens? So uplifting! Woo hoo!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Everyone at my house is waiting fro the Dark Knight on Friday. We don't all get to see it together but maybe the second time.

Bish Denham said...

Ah sucks... the only bit of trivia I might know is the last one. I think it was "With or Without You."

I'll have to check out Writer's Knowledge Base. Sounds like a good one.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I know one!

#4 is Commodore - my dad had one!

When I commented earlier, I don't even think I read this quiz - I'm not good at answering your questions... usually. :-)

Leigh Covington said...

Ooh! I need to come up with something intriguing for the giveaway!

And I want to take the kids to see Ice Age. They're always fun although not usually FABULOUS. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Best scene ever? Nice! That deserves a high five. :)

ediFanoB said...

I liked your "The Three Musketeers" comment

"Leave brain at door and enjoy the visual feast of a ride."

a lot. I remember I watched the trailer but decided to skip my visit to cinema in this case.

September 17 is a Monday. That means I will be at work. Anyway I started to think about your next blogfest. I will wait for the topic before I decide to take part or not.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

IB, you got the fifth one right!

Lynn, yes it is!

Bish, you got it!

Annalisa, you are correct.

Leigh, set your expectations low and you'll be all right.

Edi, it's something that everyone can enjoy - I made sure of that!

Susan Oloier said...

My son is dying to see Ice Age IV, so I have to take him (and the younger one).
I know number 5 without question: Better Off Dead. My brother and I watched that movie over and over again as teens.

Nick Wilford said...

Another blogfest? Look forward to seeing what you've got up your sleeve. You're like the Duracell bunny!

Oops, no clue on the trivia - I'm better on the 90s (born in 1980).

Golden Eagle said...

Can't wait to find out what this blogfest is all about!

I keep meaning to check out the knowledge base . . .

Helena said...

I'm giving up on your trivia questions -- it's embarrassing how I can't answer any of them.

If you feel that the scene you just wrote is your best ever, then trust your gut. Doesn't it feel great when that happens?

Tara Tyler said...

moonraker?

denver nuggets?

and didnt expect much from those movies...saw madagascar this week, it was magical! loved it!

Kela McClelland said...

I'm dying to know what the next blogfest is. And I haven't seen Ice Age yet, but my girls asked me if I'd pleeeeaaaase take them SOON, so, I guess it's in my near future. I AM excited about The Dark Knight Rises and so are they, so we'll be seeing that very soon as well. :)

And YAY! about your progress on CassaStorm. It's a wonderful feeling to write a scene you feel great about. Nice! :)

alexia said...

I popped over to your guest post at Rachna's - good stuff! Yes, I liked 3 Musketeers. It was silly but great fun. Don't know any of the trivia answers :(

DL Hammons said...

The answer to #3 is one Bond film too many! :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, you are correct!

Nick, you're a young pup!

Helena, I just worry I'm wrong!

Tara, sorry! Madagascar was fun.

Kela, just four more days to Dark Knight Rises...

Thanks, Alexia!

Dl, that's funny.

LD Masterson said...

I'm starting to wonder what I was doing during the 80's. I have no idea on any of these.

But I do know that every Bond after Sean Connery was a waste of film.

Unknown said...

Looking forward to your new blogfest. I guess '80s trivia is not my thing because I'm stumped on all of them. I'm going to venture a guess for U2 and say Sunday Bloody Sunday, but I'm fairly confident that's wrong. I don't know when I'll be able to get a sitter, but I can't wait for The Dark Knight Rises!

Hildie McQueen said...

I'm going to have to go see Ice Age! I'm sure your scene is more than amazing.

Anonymous said...

I want to see The Three Musketeers - just for fun:) Ice Age I'll wait till it comes on TV... wasn't a fan of the last one... yep I'm a big kid.

Jennie Bailey said...

I really enjoyed Three Muskateers - and I used to be embarrassed to admit it. But now that I've found one other person besides my husband who thought it was fun? Still a little embarrassed. ;-) Okay, trivia! I was shockingly bad at this. I knew the answer to #1 Angel Heart (because they made such a huge deal out of it that it stuck in my mind) and #5 which is one of my all time favorite movies, Better Off Dead ("Two dollars!" "You know, friends.")

Anonymous said...

I love 80's trivia.

I haven't seen any Three Musketeer movies and I haven't read the book. I wouldn't mind seeing this one. It sounds fun.

Michael Abayomi said...

I can't believe The Dark Knight Rises is almost here! Really hope it lives up to the standard already set by Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. *crosses fingers*

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I don't mind a little implausibility when it comes to fun over-the-top movies.

That's awesome to hear about your scene for Storm :)

Michelle Wallace said...

Another blogfest looming? Wow, I'm slightly out of the loop (due to unplanned absence from Bloggyland...)
I'm off to The Writing Nut to check it out-------- WHOOSHES OFF----------

Unknown said...

Looking forward to reading the best scene you have ever written, congrats on your progress with Cassa Storm.

The Trivia quizz is a little too hard for me, so I am not going to try that one, my life was extremely busy in the 80's, did not get to movies as much back then.

Sangu Mandanna said...

Ooooh a best scene ever! I hope you'll let us know which one it was when CassaStorm is out! (Unless, of course, it's so blindingly obvious that that's your best work ever that there's no need to tell us... :-))

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LD, that's harsh!

Michael, sorry!

Jennie, you got two right. And feel free to admit you liked the movie!

Michael, it's doing well on Rotten Tomatoes.

Sangu, sure it won't blind anyone!

Mina Burrows said...

Sept. 17th is on the calendar. Cool.
Can't wait for the best scene ever too!

I agree about Ice Age, but I'm sure I'll with my kids. They love the series.

Yvonne Osborne said...

Glad the writing is going well. My God! You have so many comments, you probably won't even see my little blurb:) I would like to join one of your blogfests sometime. Maybe things will slow down on the farm by Sept. and I'll be able to.

Unknown said...

Always a huge fan of Sid, since he reminds me of one of our dogs. His "nobody loves me" attitude broke my heart when his family not only left him again, but dumped Granny on him! Poor Sid. Granny was hilarious. My daughter was embarrassed when I fell asleep twice during the movie. She nudged me both times, "Mother, please!" It was a predictable plot, plus it had been a long week!

Glad you're getting a bunch of writing done. :)

Melissa said...

"Wrote a scene this weekend that just might be my best ever!" Don't you love it when that happens?! :D

"I’m sure later I’ll discover I was wrong…" I doubt it, but that happens sometimes. (Darn critters, spoiling our fun. LOL) :P

Sherry Ellis said...

Thanks for sharing the information about the Writer's Base. I'll have to stop by and check it out. My kids are begging to see the new Ice Age movie. I'm sure it'll be right up their alley.

Lisa Regan said...

Wow, I know the answer to none of those! My daughter wants to see the new Ice Age. I thought the first 3 were cute. Four year olds aren't as particular as adults though, thank goodness!

Lisa Regan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Lisa Regan said...

Alex, NO idea why the computer just posted my comment a billion times. Sorry about that!

Julie Flanders said...

I wasn't aware of the Writer's Knowledge Base, thanks so much for sharing it. Definitely going to bookmark that one.

I love 80s trivia but you've stumped me on most of these. I knew Better off Dead and With or Without You so not a total loss LOL.

Looking forward to the next Blogfest!

Stephsco said...

I was curious on The Three Musketeers when it was in theatres, then it disappeared pretty quick. I guess it wasn't one of the good ones; I'll probably watch it sometime if it's on TV.

Cherie Reich said...

You keep teasing us with your blogfest! ;)

And I can't wait to see The Dark Knight Rises. I already have my tickets for the midnight showing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mina, at least you know what to expect.

Yvonne, I read every comment! Hope you can join us in September.

Candy, that's funny! Our theater was too loud for sleeping.

Melissa, if it still rocks when I start editing, I'll be really happy.

Sherry, I'm sure they will enjoy it.

Lisa, no problem! I fixed the extra comments.

Julie, two right is good!

Stephsco, not good, but fun.

Cherie, I'll be seeing the first showing on Friday.

Glynis Peters said...

DH enjoyed the Ice Age movie. I am no good with movie quizzes as I rarely watch them. :)

Leovi said...

Alex again I hope we remember that later on September 17.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Holy Crap! I'm comment 134. You are totally rocking it, Alex. (Now...I totally forgot what I was going to say. Summer has infected me...)

Rachel Frost said...

"Wrote a scene this weekend that just might be my best ever! I’m sure later I’ll discover I was wrong…"

No, no, of course not--unless you think it was funny. At least for me, when I'm laughing at something I've written (because I have a great*not* sense of humor), it sucks.

However, if it made you cry, it will make everyone else cry too. :) That emotional energy carries really well into writing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leovi, I won't let anyone forget!

Shari, that is funny! Made me laugh.

Rachel, it wasn't funny, but it certainly didn't make me cry. It was just an intense scene with two characters.

Chuck said...

I know I am way behind reading your site but I am here.

I would love to read you "best scene ever" ...and the whole book for sure. When is the planned release??

My wife wants to see the Three Musketeers for the action and no mention of any reality so I'm in.

On your trivia:

1. The name of this movie is on the tip of my tongue (I think) but wasn't Rourke a cop and the setting was New Orleans? If this is what I think it is I really like the movie.

2. Carolina Bobcats??

3. Live and Let Die? No idea really

4. Compac? Again, no real idea.

5. Blow? First thought and guess.

6. Sunday Bloody Sunday? Last gasp and guess!!

I will see the Dark Knight...right after I see the Avengers :)

cleemckenzie said...

Total escape=Ice Age. Loved the mastadon. Congrats on the thoughtful and complete review by Andrew Leon. That is really a coup.

mshatch said...

1. Angel Heart
2. Timberwolves?
3. No idea but when I went to look I saw that Daniel Craig is in the next Bond film, Skyfall, due out Nov. 2012 :)
4. Atari (I'm guessing)
5. Blow (another wild guess)
6. Sunday Bloody Sunday

I'll be back on Friday for the answers!

Laura Pauling said...

Yikes. When you already have like 139 comments I wonder if I should wait until the next blog post!

Congrats on writing what you think is your best scene eva! I love moments like that.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I don't know any of the answers, and I'm late. I should've skipped class, but it wouldn't feel right. I hope you're well, Alex.

xoRobyn

Patricia Stoltey said...

I flunked the quiz, but I am looking forward to the dark knight...although I'll wait to watch it on DVD.

The Happy Whisk said...

I don't know any of those quiz answers, but wanted to come by and say boogie boogie boogie.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I will check out Writer's Knowledge Base. The Ice Age movies are my favourite.

Alex, your guest post increased my blog traffic. Wow! I have never had so many visitors or comments. Thanks a ton.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with CassaStorm, Alex! I'm always in awe of anyone who can write a continuing series. And those book titles rock. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, I hope to have it to my publisher late fall, and from that point it's their call. As for the answers... well, you're on the right track with the first one.

Lee, he did a good job.

MsHatch, you got the first one right.

Thanks, Laura. And I read each and every comment, no matter how many.

Whisk, boogie right back!

Rachna, thank YOU!

Thanks, Liz.

AuthorAlden said...

Thanks for sharing the Writer's Knowledge Base! Looks like an awesome tool. I'm sure I'll be putting it to use.

J.W.

Arlee Bird said...

Not much I can add to all these comments that probably hasn't been said already. I think I have a Hijack! guest scheduled for the Blogfest date. I suppose I could do it on one of my other blogs, but I'll have to assess things after I return from my trip.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Jen said...

Glad to see you're taking a bit of a break. I'm just getting back after (finally) restoring some semblance of order to life after moving :)

A new blog fest? Multiple interviews? My, my, Alex, you have been a busy bee!

Have a wonderful week,
Jen

Powdered Toast Man said...

I am so disappointed in myself that I don't know any of the trivia. I am usually good at trivia. I am so psyched for Dark Knight Rises. I just rewatched The Dark Knight to set the mood.

I told you to rig the book raffle so I'd win.

Callie Leuck said...

I haven't used the knowledge base much, but I have used it and am aware of its existence. I also really love Elizabeth's twitter link roundups.

Gwen Gardner said...

Whoa, Alex - 151 comments before me! I've been to the Writer's Knowledge Base - tons of information there. Elizabeth is always helpful:)

nutschell said...

Wohoo! It was great having you on my blog Alex. I'm having trouble judging as well, thanks to all the amazingly creative comments left there by folks!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, you have time at least!

Jen, that's how I roll!

PTM, I think you're one of those in the lead though!

Callie, it's amazing she finds all of those links.

Gwen, yes she is!

Nicki Elson said...

Man do I suck at your 80s trivia - we were definitely watching different kinds a movies. But I'm gonna randomly guess on #5 - Beverly Hills Cop? (How much did I just embarrass myself?) and #6 Sunday Bloody Sunday??

In response to your comment at my place - we have a legit (if little...and crumbling) castle in the Cinque Terra for you. :)
http://www.cepolina.com/Vernazza_castle_village.html

Tonja said...

I asked my husband, who loves 'vintage' hardware. He said, "I didn't have one of those." He was only 5 in 1981. If it was a 1982 model, he probably would know. :))

Jennifer Hillier said...

Oh my gawd, why am I so BAD at trivia? I've seen that Mickey Rourke movie a bunch of times but I can't remember the name, for the life of me.

#2 - Raptors? (probably not)

#3 - Never Say Never?

Have no clue as to the rest, darn it.

Yes, I'm that bad.

Anne said...

Hey, Alex! Just read about the 300/following cap and was wondering about the Google Reader you mentioned...(I guess I COULD look it up, couldn't I?) ~ Anyway, I guess I was just curious about your blog ~ VERY interesting! I don't think you'll be losing any followers ~ :)BTW, I'm now following you...come and visit me!
Best,
Anne

MOCK! said...

Dead on observation for Three Musketeers! My son ADORED it! I think I will pick it up for his birthday!

MOCK! said...

Dead on observation for Three Musketeers! My son ADORED it! I think I will pick it up for his birthday!

Laura said...

Hi mr ninja
looking forward to hearing about your new blogfest!Off to investigate the Writer's Knowledge Base
Thanks for stopping by earlier
Laura x

tigey said...

Thanks for sharing this trivia, I love a good trivia !

Ciara said...

I will probably take kiddos to Ice Age. My little one has such an infectious laugh. That line about your wife's giggle sounds like a hero's line. I think that was the sweetest thing you've ever written on your blog.
I'm thinking the computer was a Commadore. I'm not sure why, not even sure I spelled it right. LOL
Oh, I might actually go see a movie this weekend. If it is The Dark Knight Returns, I'm going to try to have a review up before you. Yeah, right. LOL

klahanie said...

There you go Alex, lots of positive feedback over at "The Writing Nut".
Positivity breeds positivity, my friend. Keep sharing and caring.
And a bit out of left field, the NBA needs to get the Grizzlies back to Vancouver!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nutschell, I'm glad you had such a good turnout.

Nicki, sorry! And the castle sounds cool!

Tonja, I was... much older at the time. We'll just leave it at that.

Jennifer, sorry!

Hi Anne! Thanks.

Mock, that sounds like a fine birthday present.

Laura, just glad you're back.

Ciara, mine won't go up until Monday, so you might beat me. Right on the computer. And thanks for the hero comment. I try!

Talli Roland said...

More great links! I'm really looking forward to seeing the new Ice Age.

Anonymous said...

Lots of fab info here, as always Alex and another blogfest. Not sure I'll have time to enter as I'll be starting a new job, but good luck with it.

Mark said...

Rachna's blog is awesome, great guest post there:)

Laura Josephsen said...

Ohh, a blogfest in September! I might actually have time to do that one! :D Looking forward to seeing what the topic is.

Ella said...

Wow, you have been busy~ Congrats on this scene. I bet it is brilliant!
Give us a clue about the blogfest..
C'mon Captain.... ;D

Oh, damn I should know #3 I want to say, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, but that is wrong...still thinking about this one!

#1 Oh, I remember the buzz about that flick...Damn!

My son is going to see THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, tonight midnight show~ I bet it will be good~
I'm ready, but not going...yet.

Home improvement hell is still happening at my house~ My second house is Lowe's, lol

Glad you and Mrs. Ninja had fun :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gary, I'm trying! And not sure what it would take to return the Grizzlies to Vancouver.

Laura, I will announce it soon...

Ella, I don't get to see The Dark Knight Rises until the first showing Friday. Sorry your house is still in disarray. And no hints! Except that it will rock.

Jeremy Bates said...

first, thanks for the happy birthday!
i like most animated movies... some are great--the ones that get the story right--but even those that don't (mostly sequels like the ice age one u reviewed) are still cool bc of the special effects
i dont get excited to see them, but i dont mind them
im a sucker for historical stuff so im going to see three musks even though ive seen all the other remakes
on that note, a couple great flicks in this period are: The Man in the Iron Mask and The Count of Monte Cristo
Cheers, Alex, and thanks for always popping by!!

Unknown said...

I'm going to see The Dark Knight Returns on Saturday. I canna be bothered with midnight showings. Getting too old for those. haha

I should know all of the 80's trivia because I was a product of the 80's. haha But most certainly the U2 question because they are my favorite. I'm going to take a stab at it before I google cheat ---> "I Will Follow"
Ok, I'm Googling it now. Let's see if I'm right ---> Whoa I was waaaayyyy off. *shakes head* I should've known. Drat.

Ella said...

;D Thanks Captain!

Catherine Stine said...

With or Without You, first us hit for U2?
Joshua Tree knocked me out it was so great.
The Writers' Knowledge Base sounds cool, and good luck with your giveaway!