Monday, May 18, 2015

Mad Max Fury Road Review and Blood Boobs and Carnage Blogfest! Plus Nightcrawler and Pompeii Reviews, Dragon News, and Ninja News

Mad Max Fury Road Movie Review

This is one of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen.
You do not go to this film for the deep, complex storyline. You go because this is Road Warrior times a hundred.
Fury Road is a ballet of vehicular manslaughter of the highest order ever put on film. I’m not sure I even breathed during the final thirty minutes. And it’s impressive how little CGI was used. Those car chases are all real.
The world building is amazing and done in a unique manner – they just dump you in the middle of the ride and you learn as you go.

The art direction and cinematography is beyond breathtaking. Every frame is filled with bizarre and surreal imagery that will stick with you for a long time.
Charlize Theron is the real star. She’s the heart of the story. Tom Hardy’s Max is just along for the hellish ride. But he is perfect as Max – distant and just wanting to survive.
All performances are batshit crazy, which fits the film perfectly.
Highly recommended!


Dragon News

I received word from my publisher last Friday - Dragon of the Stars is under consideration for the Philip K. Dick Award! It won’t win, but I am so stoked to know my book was selected and is being read by the judges.

My publisher also sent copies of the program guide for Treklanta. It’s exciting to know that Dragon is appearing in so many science fiction convention guides.

Movie reviews

Nightcrawler
Fascinating movie. It’s like spending two hours with the best used car salesman in the world.
The performances are great. I’m just not sure how I feel about the movie. How do I root for a sociopath?
It’s worth watching for the great directing and acting, but you might want to take a shower afterwards.

Pompeii
This is a film with great special effects but a flat and lame story. They struggled to build a decent story just to showcase the volcano erupting.
Kiefer Sutherland is horribly miscast. His acting is hammy and over the top, and the character is very one-dimensional.
This film is a step up for Emily Browning after Sucker Punch but a huge step down for Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington.


Ninja News

Pat Hatt had a great time with his You Rock award!

Nigel Mitchell posted an excellent piece about book reviews – the do’s and don’t’s.

Operation Underground Railroad is a nonprofit group that works to help rescue some of the 2 million children trafficked as sex slaves around the world. Donna K. Weaver has started a fundraiser for OUR -
We've created a donation campaign called Authors United Against Child Slavery. We're offering people books in exchange for donating money to the campaign--a $20 donation gets a book (paper, ebook, audiobook)--depends upon what authors can donate. Obviously, what we need are books, and that's where I'm hoping you can help. All donations go directly to O.U.R. Our goal is $2,000. That means 100 books.
Sign Up Link - Authors United Against Child Slavery Campaign

Out Now –

Precipice, Backworlds Book 6 by M. Pax
Find it on Amazon, iBookstore, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo

The Mission by Lexa Cain

SF Women A to Z – A Reader’s Guide by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan


Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest!

Hosted by me and Heather Gardner.

Today, post about a movie, television show, book, or all three that falls into the category of Blood, Boobs, and Carnage. (Or just Blood and Carnage or other mixture.) It can be any genre that fits the bill – fantasy, science fiction, action, adventure, western, thriller, etc. Post the badge and visit other participants.

My selections are…

Movie – Conan the Barbarian
Camp classic, it contains everything you’d want in a Conan movie, including a ridiculously pumped Arnold.

Television – Game of Thrones
No other show better exemplifies blood, boobs, and carnage than this. However, in between all that is an incredibly compelling series.

Book – Books of Blood by Clive Barker
If you like your blood mixed with boobs, Barker has a creepy way of mingling sexuality with violence.






Visit other participants below!




Anyone else see Fury Road? Or Nightcrawler or Pompeii? Anyone attend Treklanta? Picked up those books? And what do you consider blood, boobs, and carnage material? 
I am easing back and taking some time off later in the week for a while.

201 comments:

1 – 200 of 201   Newer›   Newest»
dolorah said...

I saw Night Crawler. Freaky movie; but true to life. I could believe it of reporters. I am hoping to see Fury Road, but I've been missing a lot in the theaters lately.

Congrats on the excellent journey of Dragon of the Stars. Yay! Of course you will win the award :)

Loved your BBC pics. Of course GoT, lol. I should read the Clive Barker book.

Thanks for hosting this blogfest. Have a good week Alex.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I'm not keen on the Mad Max film, but Hubby and eldest son are looking forward to it!

Congrats on the Philip K Dick consideration. Fingers crossed and positive thoughts are aimed at the judges :-)

Tony Laplume said...

It's worth reminding fans of the new Mad Max that Doomsday was virtually a new Mad Max film, and arguably a leading reason the new one happened at all. (That is to say, check out Doomsday. It's awesome.)

kaykuala said...

Mad Max should be a great new thriller to see following the positive review. Congrats on the latest on your Dragon news. You are used to winning so it will not be a surprise. Written my BBC blogfest minutes ago. Thanks Alex!

Hank

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Firstly, I'm LOVING This Blogfest, Ninjalex.

I have stumbled across some great new TV series and films to look up.

I'll wait until Mad Max comes out on Netflix.

Thanx for hosting this one.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congratulations for being considered for the Philip K. Dick award!!! I can't wait to see Mad Max! My daughter said it was awesome.

We seem to agree on the Blood, Boobs, & Carnage...

Cindy said...

Congrats for being considered for that award. How exciting!!

Natalie Aguirre said...

Congrats on the nomination for your book. How awesome!

Glad you liked these movies, but they aren't for me. And great choices for the blogfest. Game of Thrones totally fits.

Truedessa said...

Good Morning Alex,

Congrats on having your book nominated. May that dragon soar always.

You need a rest you do too much be kind to yourself.

Thinking of you!

Sarah Foster said...

I knew someone (if not several people) would pick Game of Thrones! Definitely fits the blogfest :)

Congrats on the award nomination!

nashvillecats2 said...

I didn't see Mad Max but perhaps it will come on the TV,
Congrats on the nomination of your book. Well done.

Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen any of those movies yet, but I think I'm going to have to put some of them on my to be watched.

Congratulations on the award nomination and I have all the faith that good things will happen. Hugs!

Michael Abayomi said...

I need to see the new Mad Max movie, like asap. Seen Nightcrawler and Pompeii; couldn't agree more about Kiefer Sutherland's acting.

I saw the recent Conan remake, which felt like a blatant cash grab to me. Would definitely need to revisit the original someday.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats on the award consideration!

Thanks for mentioning the SF Women A-Z.

I'll check out that link about child slavery.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Thanks for the shout out, Alex. :D

I was at a wonderful writing conference this weekend, so no movies for us. GoT is a great example. My sons are crazy about it.

Leovi said...

Yes, impressive Mad Max Fury Road, I love road movies, the Mad Max 80's I liked!

Murees Dupè said...

Congratulations on your book being considered for the award. That is so exciting. You never know, you might win. I never watched any of the Mad Max movies, but my family did and loved them, so they will probably want to see the new one too, poor me. Congrats to all the authors on their new releases.

Bob/Sally said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bob/Sally said...

Conan and Books of Blood? Nice choices, Alex!

Congrats as well on the PKD nomination.

My Blood, Boobs, and Carnage

Rhonda Albom said...

Sounds like you had a great time watching the movies this week. Big congrats for your book nomination.

Christine Rains said...

I really want to see Mad Max but I must see Avengers 2 first! It is amazing so little CGI was used in it. Congratulations on your book being considered for the award! That's awesome. Great choices for the blogfest. Obvious, yes, but I revel in them too. :) Thanks for hosting!

Nilanjana Bose said...

Congrats on the nomination and best wishes for its success!

The OUR initiative is laudable, I just read a post about unprotected orphans in Nepal being trafficked after the earthquake, makes one sick..

I am wondering now if this blogfest is going to become an annual one like the A-Z? :) a great way to get recos, serious like from me..

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Congrats on the nomination!

mshatch said...

I've been wanting to see Fury Road. Congrats on your nomination!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Donna! It won't win, but I'm all right with that.

Tony, I will!

Lass, glad you are enjoying it.

Natalie, yes it does.

Truedessa, I will rest this week, promise.

Michael, the remake was all right, but forgettable.

Sandra, you're welcome.

Donna, you're welcome!

Murees, the new one trumps all.

Thanks, Bob!

Christine, see both!

Nilanjana, that is sad.

A Beer for the Shower said...

I think that's the first time I've ever seen you use "batshit crazy" to describe something. I love it.

I keep hearing people say such wonderful things about Mad Max. When I first saw a preview some months back I couldn't decide what to think. As of now I have yet to hear someone say they disliked it, or even just thought it was okay. Now I know I'm going to have to see it.

And I loved Nightcrawler. Not because I liked the characters, but because it was a great story and very true to life. I mean, just look at those TMZ assholes.

Tamara Narayan said...

Congrats on the nomination! I just finished Dragon of the Stars this weekend--clean storytelling, sleek as a spaceship. And hey, you never know what judges will do.

Game of Thrones is perfect for this blogfest.

Gail said...

Congratulations on the nomination!

Arlee Bird said...

Congratulations on the award nomination. That's pretty prestigious.

Road Warrior sounds great from your review. This is among my favorite movie franchises so I'll have to see it--when it comes to DVD.

Have not seen or read any of your BBC picks. Thanks for hosting this event.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Road trippin' with A to Z
Tossing It Out

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Congratulation on the award nomination, Alex!

Nightcrawler looked good when I saw the previews way back when. Definitely keeping it on the To Be Watched list.

Misha Gerrick said...

I've heard good things of Nightcrawler, but haven't seen it yet. :-)

Karen Lange said...

It's a busy Monday, isn't it? Thanks for all the info. Congrats on the award consideration!

Jolie du Pre said...

I want to see the new zombie movie called "Maggie," but I also want to see "Mad Max."

Precious Monsters

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Mad Max was amazing... period. You are right though it was her movie and did you get the multiple references to the three prior films, they were every where.

Greatest of luck to you for the PKD award, I got your book... looking forward to reading it.

Congrats to everyone else with cool stuff happening.

Good call on the BB&C... cannot wait for King Conan...

Jeremy [THE WOLF]
Howlin' Wolf Records: On-Line Magazine

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's wonderful news about the award.

I like Fury Road a lot more than I thought I would.

TBM said...

Congrats on the Philip K Dick consideration and for the mentions at fairs. That's pretty exciting! I've heard good things about the latest Mad Max flick. I'm ashamed to admit, I haven't watched the first. Maybe I should soon.

Ted Cross said...

Congratulations on the PKD nod. That has to be exciting even just to be nominated. I know I would be thrilled!

Blue Grumpster said...

Times a hundred? No kidding. You know how I feel about uninspired reboots, but if you say times a hundred, well, I guess I'll have to take your word on it and give it a go, Alex. Thanks for the tip.

Now, Pat tells me there's gonna be a Ghostbusters reboot.... Oh darn.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Congrats on being nominated for the award.

I guess I need to watch Game of Thrones. I don't buy TV so I would have to Netflix it.

I really want to watch the new Max movie, but I think it's too violent for me.

Chrys Fey said...

It's sad that Pompeii couldn't live up to being a good movie as I love volcano movies.

I've never watched Game of Thrones because I don't get the channel it's on but I sure feel like I'm missing out.

Chemist Ken said...

It was campy, but the original Conan was great. I still remember a scene early in the movie where Arnold is slaughtering his way through hordes of people while the narrator is intoning, "And over time, he began to gain a sense of worth." Classic.

Glad to see Dragon is doing well and making the rounds.

Jo said...

Well I am way outside this week. Not seen any movies other than the Avengers on disc, I am delighted your book has been submitted for a Philip K. Dick award - you might win, you never know. I will be rooting for you.

Blood Boobs and Carnage is so very you Alex. Sorry I am not participating.

Jemi Fraser said...

I think I might be able to talk my hubby into going to Mad Max with me! Sounds awesome :)

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Think positive. Your books been nominated. That's the first step. It just might win.
Haven't seen any of the movies.
Congratulations to authors of all the new books.
Have a super week.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Pompeii was a terrible movie and I've been thinking about seeing Nightcrawler. Not sure about Mad Max. Conan was a good choice. Completely forgot about that movie. Congrats on all the well-deserved recognition.

shelly said...

Hi, Alex: nice review of the new Mad Max movie. I've seen the old one several times and found it engaging. There was something else I wanted to say but the thought has left me.

Robyn Campbell said...

I was coming over here just as I saw you commenting over there (my blog). Uncanny? I think so.

HUGE congrats on Dragon of the Stars being considered for that award. I still have to do a review. Will get over to Amazon and the other places this week. Stoked is exactly how you should feel. I believe it has a chance to win.

I feel the need to help Donna's cause. I will talk with her. I don't have a book yet (I have them with publishers though), so maybe there's something else I can do. Or I can donate others books.

Game of Thrones? YEAH!

Huntress said...

Congrats on Dragon's nomination!

Nightcrawler sounds just plain creepy. Good premise but hard to digest. Like the TV/book series Dexter I think.

Charles Gramlich said...

well, almost universal raves for Fury Road. Now I'm gonna have to see it.

msmariah said...

Hi Alex! I couldn't agree with you more about Mad Max. Beautiful, beautiful film. I also enjoyed Nightcrawler, but the main character was such a scheming sociopath it was hard to root for him.

I love this blogfest. Your choices are perfect! I wish I had known about it earlier. I'm trying to get back into the swing of the things and work on my blog this summer!

Shell Flower said...

Wow, that is huge to be considered for the Philip K. Dick award. Awesome. Yay Game of Thrones, too :) Thanks for the fun blogfest.

Pat Hatt said...

Gonna see Mad Max soon indeed, only heard good things about it. Got Nightcrawler on the netflix cue to watch. Game of Thrones is a good one for it indeed. The only thing I find about that show is there are so many characters that barely anything happens until the end of the episode, they just stand around and talk for the whole thing.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Fingers crossed that Dragon of the Stars wins the Philip K. Dick Award. Glad that Dragon of the Stars is appearing in so many science fiction convention guides.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Brandon and Bryan, it was true to life. Glad I could amuse you with batshit crazy. I'll have to use it more often. Now, go see Fury Road!!

Tamara, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

Lee, it is!

Jolie, I want to see that one as well.

Jeremy, yes I did. The film was just amazing.

Ted, it's amazing!

Blue, it is times a hundred. And fortunately this wasn't a reboot but a continuation.

Teresa, it is violent.

Ken, that was a classic moment.

Jo, no worries.

Beverly, that's true.

Robyn, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

Charles, go!

MsMariah, sorry you didn't catch it sooner.

Thanks, everyone!!

Luanne G. Smith said...

I'm seeing Mad Max this week (had to skip the crowds this weekend). But, yeah, this franchise is one of my all time favorites. Can't wait to see it. :)

Liesel K. Hill said...

Thanks for the Mad Max review. Wasn't sure if I wanted to pay to see that one. Now I kind of do. I saw Night Crawler and I concur. Fascinating movie, but hard to actually...like. Game of Thrones is another great one for the blogfest. I debated posting about that one, but ultimately--of course--had to go with TWD. Awesome blogfest! :D

L.G. Keltner said...

My husband and I definitely want to see the new Mad Max film.

Game of Thrones is definitely the hands down winner for blood, boobs, and carnage on TV.

Unknown said...

WOW! You must be over the moon to be considered for this award. How are you sleeping at night? I would be a nervous wreck. I will say this. If you win, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU and best wishes.

Cathy Kennedy said...

I heard Game of Thrones was excellent, but have yet to see it. Perhaps, if it shows up on Netflix then we'll give it a try. If it's anything like Spartacus then I know it fits perfectly in line with Blood, Boobs, and Carnage. Thanks for hosting the fun. I got my post up, finally! Enjoy your time off later in the week.

Enter mature audience only #bloodboobscarnage

Tonja Drecker said...

Congratulations on being considered for the award! See, it was worth writing another book ;)

Fundy Blue said...

Congrats on being read for the Phillip K. Dick award, Alex! I did see "Pompeii", but it was preposterous! From a geological point of view. And you're right, step way down for Kit Harington. Love Game of Throne, show and books. The Outlander series on Starz could fit in this category! Have a good week!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I have little input on any of this, except to say CONGRATULATIONS on the nomination (I'm refraining from adding "for the Dick Award. Unfortunate name). You keep getting better and better, Alex.

Michelle Wallace said...

I popped over to the Philip K. Dick Award organisation to check out the site.
Wow! Congrats on being considered for the award.
That is AWESOME! Really exciting!

I didn't sign up for the blogfest because I wracked my brains trying to think of a book that fits Blood, Boobs & Carnage - but came up BLANK.

Congrats to authors who have new book releases

Holy Ghost Writer said...

Congratulations on being nominated for the award. Mad Max was very well done

Lisa said...

Guess I'm glad I've never seen Nightcrawler or Pompeii. Too bad on the Pompeii one, as I love Roman history. I'm trying to find out how to sign up for the O.U.R. to donate a book or two... What a great idea. Congratulations on the consideration for Philip K. Dick's award! Go dude! I don't care what you say, I think you are a serious contender. I will watch Mad Max only because I've watched ALL the others! I've watched Conan the Barbarian three times! Never hear of Books of Blood...Thanks for this blogfest and for visiting my blog! Lisa @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

Unknown said...

Congrats on the award nomination! I'm stoked to see the new Mad Max movie and your review makes me want to see it even more. Great choices on the blogfest, even though I am exceptionally partial to one of them...haha.

Jennifer Hawes said...

Congrats on your book doing so well!! That's a great feeling:) I've heard good things about the Mad Max movie.

Hart Johnson said...

Oh--looking forward to Mad Max, though I nearly never see anything in the theater. Maybe my son will want to go. Best of luck toward that award! An honor to even be on the list!

Dixie@dcrelief said...

Alex, your blogfest has been successful and a lot of fun!

Pat Hatt is something else. Congrats on: Philip K. Dick Award consideration. Hooray for Treklanta, and other interested publishing group mags.

I've seen Conan so many times!! Anything by Clive Barker gets me! Great choices, Alex!

ELAdams said...

Congratulations on the award nomination!

Everyone seems to be talking about Mad Max. I think I'll have to watch it!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LG, you will dig it!

Liesel, that's why I can't say I liked the film.

Thanks, Anne!

T, I guess it was.

Fundy, I've heard good things about that series.

Robyn, that made me chuckle.

Michelle, no worries.

Lisa, no history involved I'm afraid. And thanks.

Hart - go!

Thanks everyone!

SpacerGuy said...

I watched Mad Max growing up when the whole idea of road warriors was a laugh. Mad Max Fury has definely upped the stakes. I'll have to see it now.

Congratulations on getting nominated for the Philip K Dick Award. A lot of macho men dominate the sci-fi genre, I chose a female warrior for the BBC blogfest.

Suzanne Furness said...

Firstly, many congratulations on the award nomination. Exciting news.

I know my hubby wants to see Mad Max, not quite so sure it is my thing but maybe I'll go along anyway.

Enjoy your time out, you sure deserve it.

mail4rosey said...

Maybe you will win the award!! A nomination means a chance. I'm wishing you good luck on it too. :)

I think my hubby will want to see Mad Max.

Stephen Tremp said...

The whole sex and violence together thing I'm just not into. Not my thing. Separate, yes. Together, no.

Good luck with the nomination! You have a great publisher.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats on being considered for the special award. Alex! Nightcrawler was such an unusual movie. I agree that "it's hard to root for a sociopath," but I think Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was outstanding. Game of Thrones is a perfect choice for your blogfest!

Julie

Birgit said...

You should be so proud about your book being considered for this award. Congratulations! I think I will wait until Mad Max is on DVD. Conan has it all for Blood, Boobs and Carnage and the acting-what acting?? It is a fun flick to see

Maurice Mitchell said...

I've heard Mad Max is pure brilliant insanity and it's amazing that it lost out of the top spot by "Pitch Perfect"! Not that I'm hating on the movie though, since my wife saw PP2 and says it's hilarious. Congrats on the Philip K. Dick Award consideration! Thanks for the link back to Nigel and Congrats to M.Pax for "Precipice, Backworlds Book 6"!

Timothy S. Brannan said...

Excellent choices.

I went with Hammer Films today.
http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2015/05/blood-boobs-and-carnage-blogfest-films.html

cleemckenzie said...

I've put Lexa's story on my Kindle for my road trip. I have a ton of books loaded, and hope I can read, read, read.

The Blood, Boobs and Carnage is a hoot! Enjoy. I'm sitting this one out.

Congrats on the nomination. That's such a pat on the back.

Anonymous said...

Hubby and I saw Fury Road yesterday. It was a wild ride and I enjoyed it.

Congrats on your book. A nomination in itself is awesome.

Sandra Cox said...

Many congrats on the nomination and well deserved.

Joanne said...

guy at work hated Fury Road, but I question his judgement. I'm listening to you. Nightcrawler was creepy good. Pompeii - cheesy. Good luck on your contest - you can win!
The MAD to see this weekend was the Mad Men finale - such a great show and it gave us closure. Have a good week

A Tarkabarka Hölgy said...

I'd say Game of Thrones exemplifies all three of the Blogfest categories :D And any of the three can make a great drinking game...
Enjoying the blogfest! :)

Lauren Farrow said...

Dragon of the Stars will win!
Think Positive.

DL Kennedy said...

Congrats on being considered for the Philip K. Dick Award! That's awesome, and my fingers are crossed that you do win!

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm so excited about seeing Mad Max - I'm going this weekend! And I loved the original Conan movies. Cheesy awesome.

~Sia McKye~ said...

Well, Congratulations Alex! Very cool promotion going on for your book and getting nominated for awards is very cool whether you win it or not. Next thing you know, the fans are going to be wanting to meet you at the cons.

I'm sure Fury will find it's way to our house. Hubs has watched all the others. Have no desire to see Nightcrawler. I wanted to see Pompeii. After seeing the ruins, which are rather haunting, but after reading about it here...

Sia McKye Over Coffee

Sherry Ellis said...

I saw the trailer for Mad Max. It looks wild!

Congratulations on your book being considered for the award. That's great! And you never know - you might win!

Susan Kane said...

Big fist bump on your nomination!

My husband liked Nightcrawler (cannot trust his choices, since he watches everything). We both hated Pompeii; the lava scenes were great.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Congratulations on being considered for the Phillip K. Dick award. I hope you win. Next up it's Hugo and Nebula time :). You can do it Alex!

Jay Noel said...

I am going to see Mad Max, but I'll see it alone, probably. That's the way it goes!

Arnold really was the epitome of Conan the Barbarian. I don't think anyone else can pull off that character in a remake.

Debbie D. said...

I saw Pompeii and sort of enjoyed it, even though it was a bit hackneyed. As for the BBC Blogfest, I devoted my post to one specific TV series that fits the bill to a T. Thanks for hosting this fun party! Conan was campy fun, for sure. Heard a lot about Game of Thrones, but have yet to see it. So far behind on my reading! Haven't read any books recently - spending way too much time online and elsewhere. Have a great week!

Carrie-Anne said...

Congratulations on being considered for the PKD award!

This new Pompeii film sounds like Gli Ultimi Giorni di Pompei (The Last Days of Pompeii), a 1913 film which is so slow-paced and dull. A film needs more than a disaster sequence to be good.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

FURY ROAD strikes me as being a good candidate for this blogfest. GOT just turns me off as does Hostel, Saw, and other entertainments of having victims being mauled and killed on and on. Besides, even Scooby Doo and Shaggy would have seen the Red Wedding was a trap. :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Julie, his performance was so believable.

Birgit, acting wasn't required, which was a good thing.

Maurice, I know! The Pitch Perfect craze is just insane.

Joanne, how could he have hated that film?

Sia, just stick with the real ruins.

Glad you could join us, Debbie.

Roland, that made me chuckle. And I almost picked Fury Road, but since I was already reviewing it, went with something different.

Botanist said...

Awesome news about the award! Just being considered for something like that is amazing!

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Thanks for visiting my blog on top of everything else you had to do today, Alex.

This blogfest was a lot of fun! I'm glad you and Heather came up with it.

Sadly, I haven't seen those movies or read the books, but I'm going to change that. Nightcrawler definitely sounds interesting.

Andrew Leon said...

I'm ambivalent about Fury Road.

Nick Wilford said...

Good to hear Fury Road was well done. Congrats on the nomination, that's very prestigious. And sounds like Dragon is making a splash at the conventions.

Bish Denham said...

Oh my goodness Alex! The Philip K. Dick Award? Win or not, what an incredible honor! Congratulations!!! Maybe now you can start to think of yourself as a "real" author? :)

Mad Max sounds like it could have been posted in the BB & C blogfest.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

You make me want to see this movie, but we never go to movies. I watch live satellite baseball instead and don't have time for both!

What an amazing honor!!! Congratulations!

Al Diaz said...

Well, you already know my thoughts about Mad Max. I did see Conan and amazingly enough, I haven't seen one single episode of Game of Thrones. Maybe one day.

Congratulations again for that nomination. It's really cool.

Elephant's Child said...

Never say never. Congratulations on the nomination for the award.
Batshit crazy belongs in a Mad Max film. They wouldn't be as convincing without it. Not sure I could watch it though.

farawayeyes said...

Dang it! I had toyed with the idea of entering this blog hop. Your mention of Zardoz a few weeks back gave me the idea that it would be the perfect movie. Oh, well, I'm enjoying reading the other posts.

I am definitely impressed that you are up for a...wait for it...Dick Award. OK, now I got that out of my system. I'm late getting here and don't have time to read all the comments, so it's probably an old joke by now, but that is exactly what I intended. In reality I think it's a well deserved honor and I hope you win.

Michele at Angels Bark said...

Thanks for putting together such an awesome blogfest! You and Heather make a great team.
Great picks you chose. I haven't read the Barker book but I may have to now...
Michele at Angels Bark

XmasDolly said...

Not knowing much about your blog hop I joined anyway because I wanted you to know I was here, and I want to give you a piece of my mind first of all! HOW DARE YOU! YES, I SAID HOW DARE YOU put yourself down like that! Now with that being said WOO HOO CONGRATS CONGRATS... I HAVE SO GOT TO READ ONE OF YOUR BOOKS, but which one shall I start out with. What you write about is right up my alley! hehehe Meaning other stories put me to sleep i.e. love stories & who dunnits ~yawn~! Now for you to say that the Judges are reading your book & your stoked... DUDE AS WELL YOU SHOULD BE~! LOOK HOW FAR YOU GOT! DANG! CONGRATS CONGRATS! AMAZING How some of you writers down yourselves when you're so good. Okay so I didn't read any of your books, but for example... (omg I'm on a roll... sorry apologizing now)... when you reviewed that first movie.. now I have GOT TO SEE IT! You speak pictorially and that is where you capture your audience. I love your reviews it's almost like being there. Well, anyway I've said my piece & as far as that I won't win hooey... I'm praying that you do & crossing my fingers & you now have the Sicilian pride on your side. Sorry can't send my Guardian Angel to help you along I'm kind of needing her right now, but I'll ask her to talk to yours... maybe we can all gang up on them!!! Dear Lord, guide the words to the minds of their hearts & let them hear the faithfulness & pride that went into the work of one man's dream. Let them understand that with each letter & each word went many of hours of talent, pride, and hard work & dear Lord please shine down on my new friend & give him more faith in his talents that You gave to him, and that he nurtured & help blossom from within. Amen! Have a rockin' week Alex & thanks for stopping by! HUGS

J E Oneil said...

Congratulations on the nomination! But who says it won't win?

Fury Road was soooo awesome. The fact that it makes all the MRAs go nuts is just the cherry on top of the sundae.

Jeffrey Scott said...

When it comes to Pompeii, I think Dr. Who did it best. But then, I might be a little biased.

Jenni said...

Congrats on Dragon's nomination! Fingers crossed for you!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ian, it is!

JH, of course I visit you.

Bish, maybe!

Faraway, thanks for the chuckle.

Michele, that's because Heather rocks.

Marie, thank you! I think I'm blushing...

Thanks, everyone!

Patricia Stoltey said...

Charlize Theron is the one reason I will watch the new Mad Max movie. I think she's super!

Carol Kilgore said...

I was pretty sure you'd see Mad Max. Sounds fun!

Congrats to those with new books!

Li said...

Awesome news! Congrats on the nomination. And who says you won't win? Fingers crossed! :)

Unknown said...

Conan! Of course! A classic for sure. As is GoT :) I've only read a couple of Clive Barker's books. I may have to try a few more :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, she excels in this film.

Lisa, I won't, but it's all right.

Stephanie Faris said...

The Philip K. Dick award? Congratulations!!! That's awesome. Fingers crossed that you win. Think positive.

Liz A. said...

I've seen the ad for Nightcrawler so many times I have to hit mute when it comes on. I think it's too creepy for me.

X said...

Dude. The Philip K Dick award is nothing to scoff at. Nicely done Alex.

Can't wait to see Mad Max. Your review making it all the more.

Kathryn Thornton said...

I heard the same thing about Mad Max- story you need to suspend disbelief but all real car crashes and chases.

interesting idea for a blog fest.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the Philip K. Dick nomination! Good luck! I haven't watched Game of Thrones, but Conan definitely fits the BBC fest.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congrats on that nomination and the mention for Treklanta!!!

Good pics for BBC!

And, thank you for the review. :)

Congrats to M Pax and Lexa!

And . . . I'll be checking out that campaign!

John Wiswell said...

I've been eying Nightcrawler. It looks problematic in very interesting ways, such that even if it fails as a movie I might learn something useful about handling heavy material. Not surprised the performances are great!

Heather M. Gardner said...

ALEX!
What a great day its been!
I'm still visiting our friends, I had to go make food for the firefighters again, but I will hit everyone! I love some of these choices!

I love your choices! Well done!

I'm so glad Mad Max was good!

Thank you!
Heather

~Brandy~ said...

Congrats on making the list for the Philip K. Dick Award and really, who cares if you win. The nom is way cool!

I just saw Fury Road as well and I have to agree. Insane! Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy are my celebrity crushes so them playing the lead roles made it so much better!

Brandy from Brandy's Bustlings

LynNerdKelley said...

Congrats on the nomination for your new book, Alex. I hope you win! Thanks for all the great news, especially about OUR taking donations for the fundraiser. Such a worthy cause. Take care!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Don't say you won't win! Congratulations on being nominated.

I finally get to see Mad Max tomorrow. I'm so excited! It will be our final "day date" for the summer since my kiddos get out of school this week. Now we'll have to pay babysitters again.

I haven't watched Nightcrawler yet. Soon.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I was thinking about sending my son off with my husband to watch the Mad Max movie, but I'm wondering if maybe I could manage watching it. Is it really gritty? I can handle violence, but I'm squeamish.

Theresa Milstein said...

Although I don't remember much of it, I liked the first Mad Max. I really want to see this one now!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, it is creepy all right.

John, it works as a movie, but it was hard to watch.

Heather! It was an awesome day and very successful blogfest. Thanks for co-hosting with me.

Brandy, thanks, and it was insane.

Shannon, go enjoy!

Elizabeth, I don't think it was quite as gritty as The Road Warrior.

Thanks, everyone!

Kristin Smith said...

Congrats on the award nomination!! I think of those movies, the only one I've seen is Pompeii.

And way to go Donna Weaver for starting such an awesome campaign to help raise money for OUR!

Yolanda Renée said...

Congrats on the Philip K. Dick Award - too awesome.

I've seen many takes on the new Mad Max movie - some like it some hate it. Interesting.

Grest choices for the blog hop! Conan is perfect!

EEGiorgi said...

Ooooh, everyone's talking about Mad Max... I guess I'll have to watch it too! :D Are you going to see Tomorrowland next week-end, Alex?

Julie Flanders said...

Congratulations on the award consideration!! I know you said you won't win but I will keep my fingers crossed that you do. :)

Robin said...

I admit I forgot about your Bloghop. I didn't have something immediately spring to mind, so I kept putting it off until... too late.

Game Of Thrones... right on target there. I'm in the middle of season three (I think) right now. Lots of Everything.

I've read a lot of James Patterson (though not recently). After seeing your book choice, it made me think that Kiss The Girls would qualify. I made the mistake of listening to that entire book on audio CD. Horrifying. Absolutely horrifying.

Anonymous said...

Oh, dang! Now I definately want to see Fury Road! I've heard from nearly everyone that it's awesome. Once my husband gets back from his work trip, maybe we'll go on a movie date! :D

Cherie Reich said...

Fury Road does look like a non-stop action movie.

I still need to read/watch Game of Thrones. I have the first book and the first season, but I haven't gotten around to either.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on getting considered for the Philip K Dick Award. Hope they make the right decision - not that I'm biased.

Dixie@dcrelief said...

You wrote:
"All performances are batshit crazy, which fits the film perfectly."

How did I miss that one sentence the first time around? Never mind responding. I'll be laughing all day!

Cherie Colyer said...

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Mad Max. I'm sure I'll see it, if not at the movies on DVD.

Congrats on your good news.

cheerfuloptimistic said...

It must feel good to see Dragon Of The Stars being recommended. Congrats.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yolanda, I don't know how they hate it.

EE, not sure! I want to, but reviews are a little split.

Robin, I bet it was!

Madilyn, go!

Dixie, I am here to amuse!!

Thanks, everyone!!

Sandra Cox said...

Conan definitely works for BB and C:)

Leslie S. Rose said...

I forgot to breathe during the MMFR trailer, so I'll probably need oxygen when I go see the film.

alexia said...

I've been on the fence about Mad Max, so this tips me in the 'yes' direction. And congrats on the award nomination!!

Al Penwasser said...

I don't even notice the boobs on Game of Thrones*. I just think the story is fantastic!

*A lie.

Elizabeth said...

If I had participated in the blogfest, I probably would have picked The Departed. Not because I particularly liked it, although it was one of my favorite Leonardo Dicaprio performances, but because it has all of the above, especially blood.

Congrats on your award consideration and Treklanta feature!

Helena said...

Whaddya mean, you won't win the award? YOU DESERVE IT!

I caught part of Pompeii on TV and was glad I didn't see it in the theater. The real Pompeii exhibit that was at Denver's Nature museum not too long ago was better.

The Happy Whisk said...

Here's hoping you DO win.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - the films pass me by ... but I hope you win the award - that's great news to be put forward.

Everyone's enjoying the BBC blog hop ... and I saw the exhibition at the British Museum on Pompeii - which was really good and very interesting .. another post to write up sometime.

Good luck with your book - cheers Hilary

J.L. Campbell said...

Sounds like you're doing something right, Alex. Hope you book wins an award, if not the main event.

Congrats to those with new books and I need to sit still for a minute and go check out the donation campaign.

H. R. Sinclair said...

First off, congrats on the award nomination. That's pretty cool.

It's nice to hear Mad Max is a fun time.

Shah Wharton said...
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Shah Wharton said...
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Shah Wharton said...
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Shah Wharton said...

Huge congrats for your award nomination and for getting into those sci-fi mags. :)

I so wanted to do this meme, but have my own Mental Muse meme on the 18th of every month so had to give this a miss.

So glad you rated Mad Max so highly. I'm dying to see it but hubs allowed the critics to put him off. I can now tell him to ignore them without risk. :)

shahwharton.com

Bevimus said...

I was never a huge fan of the original mad max series but you've sparked my curiosity for the new one and those other movies sound like the kind of terrible horror romps my husband and I would love.

Gotta love Conan= such a classic. And yay! GoT!!! Haven't read Clive Barker but heard of him.

Congrats on the award nomination! That is huge!!!

Mina Burrows said...

Congrats on the nomination! WOW! That is fantastic. So excited for you.

I want to see MadMax so bad too.

I hadn't thought about Conan for BB&C. That's a good one. :)

Nicki Elson said...

Why does Google keep eating my comment??

CONGRATS in the nomination! That's so exciting. Your publisher is doing a bang up job on promo - glad to know your gorgeous cover is getting lots of exposure.

Great cause by Donna Weaver.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

Congratulations on being listed for the Philip K. Dick award! It's amazing to make the list and know that the judges are reading your book. Woot!

Unknown said...

yay for Dragon appearing in sci fi conv. guides! that's awesoe. and the award! you're killing it. and so excited for Lexa's book :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Leslie, you will!

Al, total lie!

Elizabeth, lots of blood in that one!

Helena, I'm sure it was.

Hilary, you should do a post on it.

Shah, what critics? It's almost perfect on Rotten Tomatoes.

Nicki, I'm sorry!

Thanks, everyone!

M Pax said...

Thank you for the mention of Precipice, Alex. Congrats on the award! That's really exciting and the ads at all the conventions. Awesome.

Kathe W. said...

Thumbs up on your Dragon of the Stars! And many thanks for being such a great visitor to my blog- much appreciated!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

By the look of the choices Miss Theron is making, guaranteed she'll be around for a long, long time. I loved the original series. Glad they've done this one justice. Thanks, Alex.

Loni Townsend said...

Mad Max is one of those where I saw the trailer and said, "I want to see that!" It looks like it'll be fun.

I wasn't impressed by Pompeii either.

I hope you win the award! Don't discount yourself yet. :)

Liz Blocker said...

Congratulations on the nomination, Alex!! That's amazing!

I think GoT is probably the best example of blood, boobs, and carnage :)

Karen M. Peterson said...

I'm in a very tiny minority, but I really didn't love Nightcrawler and I felt like Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was lackluster.

I haven't seen Mad Max. I figured Chris would drag me to it, but he saw it while I was out of town, so now I don't know if I will or won't. I do like the buzz I've heard about it being very pro-feminist...

SpacerGuy said...

I'm still going through the BBC blog list of bloggies. Game of Thrones was popular and I got a great reaction to Aliens.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

While Mad Max sounds great, I am not fond of the sexual in-your-face scenes or the violence. yeah. I am a goody-two shoes and proud of it! ;)

Sandra Cox said...

That really is exciting that you are getting press at conventions. Kudos.

Unknown said...

OMG! The Philip K. Dick Award is huge! Good luck!

I'm dying to see Mad Max. Of all the movies I imagined being remade well, this wasn't one of them. lol

Thanks SO much for putting my new release up! For horror, it's a very clean read, reminiscent of RL Stine.

Mason T. Matchak said...

"Fury Road" was awesome. In addition to everything you said, I think Nux stole quite a bit of the movie, seeming like a side character who'd make some noise and die but in the end showing how important compassion is in bringing people together and giving them something to live for other than a glorious death. And the movie was filled with strong women taking their lives into their own hands, which is something I wish I could say more often.

Also, congratulations on the Philip K. Dick Award nomination! While "It's an honor just to be nominated" is a cliche, it's still very true. ^_^

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the recognition and coverage.

I really enjoyed L.X.'s latest short story.

I read Books of Blood long ago and loved them. I read them as singles, but later on they were compiled together.

Anonymous said...

I'm dying to see Mad Max . . . if only hubby & I could ever get a night to ourselves *sigh*

Unknown said...

I've heard only good things about Fury Road (except from menimists, who view it as feminist propaganda). I still need to see the original Mad Max movies first :P

Anonymous said...

You never know, Alex…you may just win that award. Good luck and I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

GOT has got all the boobs, blood and carnage you could ask for but not as much as Spartacus. That series was brutal!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, you're welcome.

Kathe, I enjoy your blog!

Karen, you should go see it.

Elizabeth, it was very low on the sexual stuff.

Lexa, you're welcome. And Fury Road continues the story, so it avoids the remake pitfall.

Mason, he was a great character.

Thanks everyone!

Powdered Toast Man said...

Maybe I am a robot. Wouldn't you want to know?

I like Nightcrawler but i wasn't stoked on the ending. Jake is underrated.

DMS said...

I have not seen Fury Road, but I have been curious about it. I can see how stunning the visuals must be from the trailers. Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much!

Congrats on all the great news!
~Jess

J Lenni Dorner said...

Congrats on being in the competition! And in that newsletter thing. WTG.

I have heard the new Mad Max is good. May have to go check it out.

Pompeii was disappointing. I love disaster movies. I hoped for more.

GoT - I'm seeing several people select that as the TV show for this BB&C fest. It certainly fits the bill!

Cool cool. Thanks for visiting me. And thanks for cohosting this hop! Looking forward to more.

randi lee said...

Hi Alex! I was so entertained by Conan when I was a kid. It was probably one of those VHS tapes that I wore out...you know, along with My Little Pony and Care Bears Movie II....

Catherine Stine said...

Congrats on your book being nominated for the PKD award thing! As far as the movies, I GOTTA see Fury Road. I love awesome SF visuals in a film. The blogfest sounds really fun too.

AJ Lauer said...

I absolutely CANNOT WAIT to see Mad Max!! I think we're going this weekend :D

Mark said...

Neat reviews. Maybe I'll have to checkout Mad Max, although I don't think I'd go wrong with Conan either;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

PTM, robots don't breed though...

J Lenni, glad you had fun!

Randi Lee, odd combination!

AJ, go and enjoy!

Livia Peterson said...

I liked Fury Road a lot despite I haven't seen the previous three films. Theron stole the show. The production design and visual effects are amazing. Agreed with your review, Alex!

Sandra Cox said...

I don't think Nightcrawler is my kinda movie. I had mixed emotions on Pompeii.
Enjoy your weekend, Alex.

Unknown said...

I've been wondering about the Mad Max movie...hmmm.. Alex! Good luck with the Philip K. Dick Award - all fingers and toes are crossed for you.

pamlovesbooks said...

i saw the first one decades ago with Tina Turner. not my fave. but i could totally get behind a good car chase!

Toi Thomas said...

I've been so out of the loop for a while, but glad to back. Haven't seen Fury Road yet, but I will. Love your BLOOD, BOOBS, and Carnage picks, but I've heard Game of Thrones has been taking things too far. I'm behind in the book series and haven't watched the show, so IDK, but it still seems like something I'll check out one day. The new releases look great too.

Anonymous said...

Great day here in NC for a Road Trip. Found your busy writing life/blog and information. The #Challenge is always a great experience. If you have a minute I hope you will read my reflection where I have written my experience. My 3rd year and continue to love the whole opportunity.

klahanie said...

Hey Alex,

I've finally arrived so you can relax. I shall keep this brief. Mad Max, maybe I can get my son to take me to that film. I like batshit crazy.

How do you know you wont win that "Dick" award? Sorry, couldn't resist. All the best with that one, good sir.

I shall make no mention of yet another blog fest. Maybe it's time for me to satirise such things. Just like the good old days.

Take care and rock on, dude.

Gary

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Livia! Good to hear from you. Yeah, the visuals were stunning.

Pam, Beyond Thunderdome was not good, but the first two were.

Toi, I've never read the books, so no idea.

Stepheny, this was my sixth Challenge.

Gary! Yes, you and Tristan should go see Fury Road.

D.G. Hudson said...

Congrats, Alex, on being considered for the Philip K. Dyck award. That's huge. Getting acknowledgement must be satisfying.

Mad Max is still quite mad and I hope the world never comes to that. I watched the old version the other day which I think was set in Australia. It seems a bit dated, but yet. . .

Mary B said...

Making my way around on the A to Z Road trip! Stopping by to say hello and I hope to see you again next year, if not sooner!

Mary
www.JingleJangleJungle.net

kimlajevardi.com said...

My son loved Mad Max, but he agreed with all the reviews about thin plot. He said it didn't matter, though, because as you said the action is AMAZING. Sounds like a good remake.

Congrats on the newsletter!

XmasDolly said...

I wonder if you read all your comments I surely hope you do. thank you so very much for stopping by. I always smile when I see your name. I love the way you review movies/books etc. I still say I'm going to get one of your books & I've asked you a few times if you could recommend one for me. I don't like blood & gore, however, I do like the beyond or haunted houses or fantasy. Anyway. thank you again my friend, and I hope you have a very happy Memorial Day weekend and have fun and be safe.

Nigel G Mitchell said...

Thanks for the link! And I have yet to see Mad Max, although I want to. Congratulations on the Philip K Dick consideration!

Blue Grumpster said...

Yes, I was pleasantly shocked to find it was not a reboot but a continuation. Minor problem: I was not impressed by this Max. He didn't seem as mad as Mel, who we all know is nuts for real.

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