Monday, October 15, 2018

Chinese Movies, Write…Edit…Publish – Voodoo, Sicario: Day of the Soldado Review, Con Photos, and More!

Chinese Movies by Sherry Ellis

Thanks for having me as a guest! My new book obviously has something to do with China. Since movies are a big thing here, I thought I’d post about Chinese movies. This required that I put on my thinking cap. What actor makes me think of China? After about ten seconds, I came up with one: Jackie Chan! Martial arts expert. Perfect for the Captain Ninja’s blog. I’ve selected two movies to tell you about. One for the adults. One for the kids.

Kung Fu Yoga was released on January 27, 2017. Jackie Chan plays the role of an archeology professor named Jack. (I suppose it was easy for Jackie to remember his character’s name!) Jack and his team are on a quest to find a lost Indian treasure. Unfortunately, the bad guys are after it, too. It’s a race around the world to beat the bad guys and save an ancient culture.

This is a typical Jackie Chan movie. Full of martial arts action and slapstick comedy. Perfect for Jackie Chan enthusiasts.

Monkey King: Hero is Back was first released on July 10, 2015. Jackie Chan is the voice of the Monkey King. The film won numerous awards including the 2015 Golden Dragon Award for Best Animated Film and Best Director. It was the highest grossing animated film in China until it was surpassed by Zootopia and Kung Fu Panda.

Here’s what it’s about: The all-powerful Monkey King roamed freely between Heaven and Earth. But he ticked off some gods. Not a good thing! The angry gods locked him up in an ice cage deep in the mountains where he stayed for 500 years. He’d probably still be there if it hadn’t been for the monster who attacked a nearby village. A child flees the village and goes into the mountains where he stumbles upon the furry beast. The boy releases the Monkey King, who saves the village from the scary monster.

Kids will like this film for the cool animation. Parents will probably chuckle at some of the humor. A good movie for the whole family.

Have you seen either of these movies? Do you like Jackie Chan films?

It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Sherry Ellis’ BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.

The author is offering a tour-wide international giveaway featuring five autographed copies of her book. More information on the giveaway is listed below.

BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA by Sherry Ellis
Squirt doesn't believe Bubba can dig a hole to China. But when the hole swallows them, the kids find themselves in Xi'an, China, surrounded by Terracotta Warriors…
Available at: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, BAM, iTunes, and Kobo

For more on Sherry and her writing, you can connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, blog, website, and Amazon

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) autographed copies of BUBBA AND SQUIRT’S BIG DIG TO CHINA. The giveaway is open internationally. To enter, go HERE

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Sherry on her month-long tour HERE. You never know what you might find out.


Sicario: Day of the Soldado Review

The drug war on the U.S.-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro.
The movie was good although not as good as the first one. It missed having Emily Blunt in it.
The premise was to stop terrorists from coming across the Mexican border by starting a Cartel war. That gets a bit lost along the way during the kidnapping and attempted return of a Cartel’s daughter. That issue’s never resolved, but maybe that was the point of the film.
Josh Brolin’s character is just ruthless. Benicio Del Toro’s character meanwhile becomes more human along the way.
The cinematography is amazing and it’s well-shot and directed. The music is outstanding, setting a dark mood so effectively.
A good action thriller – recommended.

Write...Edit...Publish

The IWSG has partnered with Write…Edit…Publish!

This month’s challenge - Déjà vu or Voodoo. And I have an entry! It even rhymes...


A blogger buddy sent Mini-Alex to me.

But what if he’s more than he seems to be?


A voodoo doll with an evil spell.

Throw him outside and it's flowers I smell.

Put him in the oven and I smell like roast duck.

If Pat Hatt’s Cat buries him, I'm really out of luck.



Stick him in the dryer and I begin to tumble.

Hit him with a hammer and I begin to crumble.

Carve him like a turkey and I get cut.

Oh how can I break out of this terrible rut?

So I gave Mini-Alex to my wife and she watches him so.

And if she accidentally sits on him, it's not a bad way to go!





More Con Photos and Stuff

My publisher sent some more con photos last month and I just kept forgetting to post them.




Just a couple weeks left to submit to the IWSG Anthology Contest.
Young adult romance is the genre and masquerade the theme.
Entry is free, just need to be a member of the IWSG on some level.
See the site for details.

New Release!
Ashes Burn, Seasons 1-7 by Tyrean Martinson
Want a chance to read and review it?
And get the book for free?
See Tyrean’s site for details.
And help spread the word!





Movie Trivia Answers:
He won an Oscar for his role in City Slickers - Jack Palance
Who played Doc Brown in Back to the Future? Christopher Lloyd



Have you seen those Chinese movies? (Or ever wanted to dig to China?) Seen Sicario: Day of the Soldado? Think Mini-Alex is a voodoo doll? (Or are you still stunned that I managed a rhyme?) Ever been to a comic con? And are you entering the IWSG Anthology Contest?

97 comments:

Mason Canyon said...

Alex, thanks for being a part of Sherry's tour. Love the Mini-Alex!

nashvillecats2 said...

Hi Alex, been a follower of Sherry's for a long while now. I wish her well with her book.
Loved Pat's verse on the Deja Vu or Voodoo.
Lots to read and take in.

Yvonne.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Good Luck to Sherry! Her book sounds intriguing.

Thank you for the Monday Morning chuckle. Your Mini-Alex rhyme is awesome, especially the two last lines.

Have a good one!

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Nice rhyming skills!

I haven't seen the two movies, but I'll have to check them out. I didn't realize Chan was doing voice work--very cool!

kaykuala said...

A nice dig into China movies. Great to be presented with a lot of martial arts actions. Pat's Voodoo and lots of Mini-Alex action sequences is also a great privilege.

Hank

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mason, happy to do so!

Yvonne, the Cat has buried Mini-Alex before.

Thanks, Cathrina!

Elizabeth, voice work is safer for him.

Joanne said...

nice blurb for Sherry - such a good writer for kid books.
Love the mini-Alex....fun
have a good week

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

It's nice to see my good friend Sherry's smiling face on your blog today. I enjoyed her Chinese movie reviews. I can relate to the Monkey King. For 33 years, before moving to Florida, I was locked in an ice cage deep in the mountains. It was was called Pennsylvania. (BA-DUM-BUMP)

Sicario: Day of the Soldado sounds good but, when it comes to stories about drug cartels, Breaking Bad is a tough act to follow.

Have a wonderful week, good buddy Alex!

mshatch said...

Haven't seen those movies or the Sicario sequel. I still need to see the first! And if Mini-Alex is a voodoo doll you better get rid of him fast.

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to Sherry! I've seen a bunch of Jackie Chan movies, but not those two. And those are very cool pics from the comic con. As for Mini-Alex being a voodoo doll, if he is, he's been having fun! :)

Patricia Stoltey said...

I haven't seen a good China movie since watching those old Charlie Chan movies on the late show when I was a kid. You've piqued my interest. Also, I have both Sicario movies lined up on my Netflix list. They sound pretty good.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to Sherry! When I think of movies about China, I think of Raise the Red Lantern, something a little different from the other movies mentioned.

Where were those con pictures taken?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Shady, that is a hard act to follow.

Christine, I think he's having a good time.

Sandra, I think in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Birgit said...

I'm scared that if the scarf falls off Mini Alex will come to life and try to kill & possess me:) I don't mind Jackie Chan but I have not seen these 2 films.Love seeing the Star wars people pick up your book:)

Tonja Drecker said...

Mini-Alex is sure up for adventure! Congrats to Sherry! My daughter was convinced Jackie Chan was the greatest for so many years. She even wrote him a letter once, and we got our hands on a signed copy of his autobiography. Have a great week!

The Angry Lurker said...

In the middle of actually watching Sicario 2 and loving it!

Arlee Bird said...

All my best to Sherry. I haven't seen either of those films mentioned, but I do like Jackie Chan.

It seems like they've been showing those "Sicario" trailers on TV for months now. I liked the first one and this one looks pretty good. I'll probably see this film eventually.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Carrie-Anne said...

I really liked your rhyme. Mini-Alex has a lot of adventures.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - great shout out for Sherry ... Bubba and Squirt sound like ideal characters for a delightful kid's story telling them somethings about China. The movies I haven't seen - and really should learn more about China. WEP is coming up - love the mini Alex poem ... very appropriate for us all and for your WEP entry. Good to see two more con photos - they look like a fun time was had by all ... take care and have a good week - cheers Hilary

Lidy said...

I love Jackie Chan. I also like Donnie Yen but when he's doing a historical martial art film. I also love Jet Li and Stephen Chow and watched his movie Kung Fu Hustle this past weekend. And watched Rumble in the Bronx last week with my sons which they loved. Have Kung Fu Yoga on my Netflix queue but didn't watch all of it. So will have to watch it again later with no interruptions.

Preparing something for the IWSG anthology contest. It's mostly written out in my head and typed most of it as well. Now to push myself to complete it all.

Funny rhyme Alex. Don't think mini-Alex is a voodoo doll but you never know. Halloween is around the corner.

...cue spooky sounds.

Chemist Ken said...

Every year I talk about entering the anthology contest, but never quite get around to it. This year, with the genre being romance, I know I won't be entering. That's nowhere near my wheelhouse.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Birgit, I won't take off the scarf.

Tonja, that's awesome.

Fran, excellent!

Lee, if you liked the first, you'll like this one.

Lidy, get that entry done!

Ken, understood.

Cherie Reich said...

I love Jackie Chan, and I would likely enjoy watching Kung Fu Yoga. Congrats, Sherry!

Lisa said...

I love Jackie Chan and will see anything he is in! Thanks Sherry, for the recommendations. The border war movie looks frightening...

The Cynical Sailor said...

Congrats to Sherry and Tyrean on their new releases! Love your WEP entry. Very cute and such a creative use of Mini-Alex :-)

Juneta key said...

Congrats to Sherry. Lots of fun stuff to see here today. Enjoyed.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you for featuring Sherry today.

Your poem was funny.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Alex - it is fabulously fun to read your silly rhyme. I love when you let that playful side shine. Mini is a great inspiration, clearly.
Have a smooth new week.

J E Oneil said...

Whew, I can finally visit your blog again. That's a relief.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I never saw a Jackie Chan film. Guess I ought to.
Mini Alex is adorable.
I'm reading about Bubba and Squirt now. Such great characters, like real brothers and sisters, who like to dig.
Have a great week.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Bubba and Squirt sound like great fun to adventure with. Best of sales, Sherry!

With Voodoo as a prompt, how could I not participate this WEP?

SpacerGuy said...

Good luck to Sherry with her book. Chinese movies are good fun really, its all bout the company you keep. Thanks for the heads up on Sicario Alex, I'll have to check it out.

Sandra Cox said...

Wow, Alex. I love the Con photos! Impressive and fun.
Congrats to Sherry and Tyrean. Wishing them many sales and reads.

Elephant's Child said...

Broad smiles at your poem. And yes, I hope that you are safe from Pat Hatt's cat.

XmasDolly said...

Thank you so much for stopping by. I've been limited on who to comment on & how long I comment. I'm allowed to sit for half hour intervals and then do some therapy & then lay down.. this is truly a bummer... but for you I'll cheat. Thanks for stopping by today and leaving your comment. It did my heart good. BIG HUGS....

Pat Hatt said...

Great con shots indeed. I never saw the second movie. haha look at you go, and we knew you had flow, all from that past years ago. But the litter is still there, so voodoo or not, better beware.

Roland Clarke said...

Pin-cushion doll?

Natalie Aguirre said...

Cngrats to Sherry on her book. Must watch The Monkey King. And your entry made me smile, Alex.

Susan Kane said...

We love Jackie Chan movies. Just saw two over the wkend. Also like Jet Li, but he doesn't have the humor, just the moves.

We went to a ComicCon two decades ago in San Diego. Was overwhelming in our nerd way. Wish we could go again, but $$ is out of our range, venue is too small now, and getting tickets is nigh impossible.

Truedessa said...

Congrats to Sherry, I wish her success! I enjoy Jackie Chan movies they are action packed.

Interesting about the association with Mini Alex. Hey, stranger things have happened. Everything has energy even Mini Alex.

Smiled at all the rhymes.

Have a wonderful week!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Ellen!

Thank you, Robyn - I did my silliest.

JE, told you it would go away eventually.

Beverly, that's cool.

Roland, I'm definitely looking forward to yours.

Marie, thank you for cheating!

Pat, tell the Cat I'm watching him...

Roland, funny!

Susan, it's been a while since I went to one, which is why getting those photos was so cool.

Olga Godim said...

LOL. Love your mini-Alex poem. Scary, isn't it? But the wife would take good care of you. One hopes...

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Sherry.

Your poem made me laugh, Alex.

Botanist said...

I do like Jackie Chan. Not seen these movies but by amazing coincidence we watched The Spy Next Door on Netflix last night :)

Denise Covey said...

Great to hear about Sherry's new release. Also Tyrean's. And thanks for your little rhyming poem for Deju Vu. Love the last two lines. Go wife!

Lynda Dietz said...

Hmm. I live in northwestern Pennsylvania, and I'll vouch that Shady is telling the truth.

And that rhyme! Pat Hatt's better watch his back.

Liz A. said...

Loved the poem. No, I haven't seen either of those movies. Mini-Alex is definitely a voodoo doll :)

Fundy Blue said...

Wow! I think my answers to all the questions is no! I got a kick out of your poem. I think mini-Alex is too cute! Good luck to Sherry on her book release. Love the con pics!

Jemi Fraser said...

LOVE the poem!!! Mini Alex rocks!! :)
Also love the storm trooper checking out your book - so very cool!

dolorah said...

Congrats Sherry! I do like Jackie Chan movies. He is talented. I don't think I've seen either of those movies yet.

Alex I am surprised you came up with a rhyme for this challenge. Hmm, perhaps mini Alex is a voodoo doll. Well, at least he hasn't made life too challenging for you.

Great pictures!

Helena said...

Mini-Alex rhymes! And he's everywhere, so that's a tough job you've given your wife.

Love how you've got Star War fans reading your books, which of course you deserve.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Olga, hopefully she takes care of him.

Patricia, I am here to amuse!

Denise, a first for everything!

Jemi, thanks.

Dolorah, I had to dig deep for that one.

Michelle Wallace said...

Sherry's book sounds cute!
I've already posted my Deja Vu/Voodoo story and poem for the IWSG+WEP October challenge... it's not scary at all.
I like your poem. It made me laugh at the end... poor Mini-Alex squashed by Mrs. Alex!

Yolanda Renée said...

Shout out to Sherry! Congratulations! Charlie Chan is my favorite! Love his detective movies! :)

And thanks so much for participating this WEP/IWSG challenge. I especially love that you chose poetry! Halloween and poetry do go together! Well done!

Julie Flanders said...

Yay, Sherry!
Love the Mini-Alex poem LOL. Poor Mini-Alex. :D

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Aw, cute poem, Alex.

I absolutely love China. It's one of my all-time favourite places, and I ended up setting a book there as well. It's impossible not to be inspired by that country.

Have a great week!

Mary Kirkland said...

I've never been to Comic Con. I've watched a few Jackie Chan movies but not those.
My brother and I wanted to dig to China when we were little. We dug this huge hole in the backyard over about a year. My dad finally saw it one day and just wanted to know where all the dirt from the hole went. lol I have no idea.

John Wiswell said...

Kung Fu Yoga sounds exactly like the sort of movie I could use right now. Thanks for the recommendation!

Sandra Cox said...

A fun verse on Mini-Alex.
:)

desk49 said...

What kind of
a wife would
she be

If she let
any old body
set on thee

Rhonda Albom said...

I haven't tried to dig to China, but from my house, I think we would end up in Spain. I have been to China, if that counts for anything. Unrelated to China, I love the silly mini-Alex poem.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Michelle, not a bad way to go though.

Yolanda, it was a stretch, but I made it happen.

Mary, funny!

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

I love your poem entry. Great job! Hmmm, putting a woman in charge of her hubby's voodoo doll is a great way to "encourage" him to be a model husband.
:)

Those pics from comic con are awesome! It must make you feel reeeeeally good to look at them.

Kalpana said...

Mini Alex is a lovely entry for WEP this month - not too horrorful and with just the right touch of humour.

Erika Beebe said...

Congratulations Sherry! Alex, your mini Ninja thoughts hd me laughing out loud! Thank you. Have a great rest of your week.

Sherry Ellis said...

Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your blog and for all of your support not only during this tour, but with all the other things you've done. I very much appreciate it!

I like your poem. Pat Hatt will be very impressed! The pictures from Comic Con are cool, too. You got some good ones!

Sandra Cox said...

I never caught any of the Jackie Chan movies. Lots of folks enjoyed them.

Loni Townsend said...

Love Jackie Chan. :)

Hey, you did some pretty good rhyming there. And I hope little Alex doesn't meet his end!

D.G. Hudson said...

Love the last line on that poem! So the spell only works on you, Alex, which is the voodoo way. At least you're the one manipulating the doll, it could be worse.
As for Jackie Chan, I do like his movies, especially the one where he sings a bit of the WAR song (what is it good for?)

Powdered Toast Man said...

there is always so much to comment on with your posts. I think without Jackie Chan, a lot of us wouldn't know who Chris Tucker is.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, don't give her any ideas.

Erika, I am here to amuse!

Sherry, you're welcome. Photos came from our publisher.

Powdered Toast Man, unfortunately I have seen all of the Madagascar movies...

Anonymous said...

Big congratulations to Sherry!

Oh no, say it ain't so, Mini-Alex can't be a voodoo doll. Although I wouldn't put it past the evil cat to do something so terrible. I'm impressed with your rhyming skills, Alex. Maybe there will be a rap battle between you and Pat someday soon!

Elsie

Tanya Miranda said...

Hmm, Mini Alex as a voodoo doll? I was always suspicious of that little bugger...

Been to NYC comicon about 8 years ago with husband and daughter. We got a few postcards and trading cards for new releases or unknown authors/artists that were trying to get known. We bought a signed poster from an author my husband loved. It was an overall nice time. My husband went this year with my son and he said it was too commercialized. Not much for kids, very little swag, and a lot less cosplay than years before. Not sure we'll be going again.

Sandra Cox said...

Just stopped by to say hey. Hope your day is filled with creativity and your evening pleasant.

Adura Ojo said...

Mini Alex is cool. Love the way you weaved the voodoo theme around him.

L.G. Keltner said...

I love how you used mini Alex in your WEP entry! This was so much fun to read, and the ending gave me a good laugh!

DMS said...

Love seeing Sherry and her book here today. I have not seen either of the movies she let us know about- but the animated one looks very cute. Wishing her all the best!
~Jess

Magic Love Crow said...

Congrats Sherry! So happy for you! I always thoughts Jackie Chan was fun! Mini-Alex is adorable!!! Take Care Alex!

Rebecca M. Douglass said...

Good luck with that voodoo doll :D

Mini-Alex is cute!

alexia said...

Hey, Alex! Ha, little mini Alex. How funny :)

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Wow, Alex! You're still hopping!

I've always liked Jackie Chan. As for Write...Edit...Publish, I'm following the provided link to learn more! :D

Thank you for visiting my blog. Hope you're doing well!

Nilanjana Bose said...

Your poem put a wide smile on my face, thank you. A great take on the WEP prompt! I have to say Mini-Alex looks cooler and more finished than the usual voodoo doll :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elsie, pretty sure I would lose that battle.

Tanya, that's a bummer.

Sandra, so far so good!

LG, I am here to amuse.

Elizabeth, you should join in the next WEP prompt.

Patsy said...

I don't think mini Alex is a voodoo doll - just a lucky mascot.

M Pax said...

Congrats to Sherry and Tyrean!

Unknown said...

A humorous well paced poem. Well done.

Michael Di Gesu said...

HI Alex,

Nice work on the poem and picks! Never knew you were a poet, too!

ALL the best to Sherry and her new book!

Now that I am writing every day again.... GEEZ it feels GREAT! I may have to verge off of the memoir and write a story for the anthology... The theme is a perfect fit for my writing.

Toi Thomas said...

I haven't seen those two Chinese movies, but I have been watching a lot of Chinese cinema lately. I didn't know there was a cartoon version of the Monkey King Story. I like that story and may just have to check that out.

Good job on your rhyme. I don't think Mini-Alex is a voodoo doll. I think maybe you just have a lot of empathy for him. He's such a cool little dude.

I adore comic cons. I missed out on them this year but I'm going to at least one local con in 2019.

Chrys Fey said...

I love Jackie Chan! Sherry, have you ever seen The Forbidden Kingdom with Jackie Chan and Jet Li?

Vicki Rocho said...

Love the ninja Alex rhyme. I really don't know how you find the time to do all the things you do!

cleemckenzie said...

A huge hurray for Sherry and Tyrean and for your clever WEP entry. That Ninja gets a workout, doesn't he?

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thanks for the shout-out, Alex!!!

J Lenni Dorner said...

I haven't seen either of those films. Monkey King sounds interesting.
The mini Alex poem for the WEP entry is hilarious! Hope it made your wife chuckle. You should certainly score at least an honorable mention for that.
I hope the stormtrooper reading your book isn't learning how to be a half decent shot. ROFLMAO
Yup, I entered the contest.
I've considered going to a comic con. But honestly, with the costumes, not sure it'd be much different from going to work. Plus, I'm not big on crowds indoors. Maybe if there's an outdoor one.

Jamie said...

Haven't seen many of Chan's movies. The ninja doll is cute! Adorable entry. I went to a con awhile back. It was fun.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Pat must be jealous of that little poem. There is definitely something magical about mini-Alex.
Not of fan of Jackie Chan movies though that kid's movie sounds pretty good.

mail4rosey said...

I love the poem. The pics from Comic Con are great. How awesome that your book was there!

Deniz Bevan said...

Love that poem!
Say, have you ever posted links to your band's music before? Is any of it on YouTube?