Reviews – Wild Robot, Black Bag, and The Bondsman; Fanfiction; plus New Releases

Surprise! I’m posting on a non-IWSG day. That’s because I had more reviews and new release announcements than room that day.

And, most importantly, I wanted to highlight something very special.

People write fanfiction all the time for Star Wars and Star Trek. They are huge franchises. But last week, someone wrote fanfiction for me! Truedessa posted part of a story that happens after the end of Dragon of the Stars.

So, please check it out. Truedessa, thank you. I feel like I’ve arrived as an author!

The Wild Robot

An AI service robot is stranded on an island and finds herself raising a baby goose with the help of a fox.
A bit of a clumsy beginning (literally, as Roz is the clumsiest robot ever) but once the orphaned goose and fox enter the picture, the movie shines. It’s about finding one’s place in the world, working together, and the meaning of love and family.
The animation is beautiful and the setting adds to the lushness. (Wild guess is the island is near/actually is Vancouver Island.)
There are some funny moments – when you have voice talents such as Bill Nighy, Ving Rhames, and Mark Hamill, no surprise there!
Recommended

Black Bag

An intelligence agent is giving a list of people and told to find the spy among them. The twist – his wife, also an intelligence agent, is on the list.
This is MI6 – a mix of Mission Impossible meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, it will keep you guessing. The dialogue is fun and the characters quirky.
And at ninety-three minutes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome!
Recommended

The Bondsman

Series streaming on Amazon. A bounty hunter is resurrected and told his new bounty targets are demons.
Stars Kevin Bacon and Beth Grant (who plays his mom) are the reason to watch this show. They are both excellent and funny, with Grant stealing nearly every scene she’s in.
The show is quirky and irreverent, but it also has a heart. It also takes dark subjects and makes them light and sometimes funny.
It is a twisted premise though so the show might not be for everyone.
Love the thirty-minute format though. Again, doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Season ends on a cliffhanger so there better be another one.
Recommended

New Releases

Dirtbag Satan Worshippers From Down by the Bay (Gale Harbour Book 3) by CD-Gallant-King

Niall O’Neil is wallowing in teenage angst, still getting over Harper Jeddore, his childhood crush who helped him save the sleepy town of Gale Harbour from otherworldly monsters. Twice. When he meets a new, less-complicated girl named Stacey, it seems his life might be turning a corner. But Niall is pulled back into his old world when people start disappearing around town again, seemingly abducted by Satan-worshipping rednecks.
Torn between his new existence of simple happiness and his messy feelings for his old flame, Niall must make a decision: Enjoy dating girls, experimenting with drinking and making new friends, or risk his life to save the town one more time?
The fate of the entire world may depend on the choices of a hormonal fourteen-year-old with a flair for the dramatic.
Join Niall, Harper, Pius, Keith and Skidmark as they band together for one last adventure…

Find it on Amazon

A Murder Down Memory Lane by Elizabeth Spann Craig

Reunions can be murder, especially when the past refuses to stay buried.
Myrtle is less than thrilled to receive an invitation to her high school reunion. Fond memories of her teenage years? Not quite. Besides, who throws a 67th reunion, anyway? But curiosity gets the better of her when she learns that several classmates are making the trek from far-flung places.
The reunion turns out to be a haphazard affair, with a sparse turnout. Things take a turn for the mysterious as the event unfolds. Who organized this affair? Who sent out the invitations? And what’s the real reason behind the oddly-timed gathering?
When a body is discovered, the reunion goes from awkward to alarming. It’s up to Myrtle and her trusty sidekick Miles to unravel the mystery before anyone else takes a fatal trip down memory lane.

Find it on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo

Badlands (Book 2 of Savage Land trilogy) by Jacqui Murray

In Badlands, Book Two of the trilogy, the tribes split up, each pursuing dangerous but necessary goals, all at the mercy of the Nature. How they collaborate despite their inborn distrust could end this journey before it starts or forge new relationships that will serve both groups well in the future.

Find it on Amazon Amazon

Have you seen either movie or the show? Which new release strikes your fancy?
Thanks for all the IWSG co-host offers! We are set through September. And the responses to this month’s question were touching.
Enjoy your May and see you next month!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Movie Reviews, and May Movie Preview

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 7 posting of the IWSG are Feather Stone, Janet Alcorn, Rebecca Douglass, Jemima Pett, and Pat Garcia!

May 7 question - Some common fears writers share are rejection, failure, success, and lack of talent or ability. What are your greatest fears as a writer? How do you manage them?

I guess lack of talent weighs on my most. For those who don’t know, I am the author of five books, a short story, contributor to numerous anthologies, and several magazine articles. And while I was really nervous the first couple of books, the last ones weigh on me the most. For better or for worse, my first two books sold huge. Four digits worth for many months. The others have not lived up to that success. Which bums me out as the next books were far better. So, I wonder if I was ever a decent writer.

And if you are curious, these are my books:
CassaDawn (free short story)
CassaStar
CassaFire
CassaStorm
CassaDark
Dragon of the Stars

We need co-hosts for July 2, August 6, and September 3. Anywhere from three to five co-hosts for each month. If you can help out, leave a comment or shoot me an email. Remember, it’s a ton of fun on the host side!

Movie Reviews

Companion

Directed by Drew Hancock and starring Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, and Harvey Guillen..
Begins with a group of friends gathering at a remote luxury cabin, and when one of them accidentally kill another, things get interesting.
I can’t give away too much and the less you know about it going in, the better the experience. What sets this apart from the obvious is the unique direction the film takes. It’s a mix of mystery and thriller, with a dose of drama and a dash of horror. Who is really more human and decent?
This one surprised me. I definitely recommend watching it.

Havoc

On Netflix, directed by Gareth Evans (who also wrote it) and staring Tom Hardy, Jessie Mei Li, Justin Cornwell, Quelin Sepulveda, Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker.
A messed-up detective, in a messed-up web of corruption, has to rescue a politician’s messed-up son.
I used messed-up a lot because that pretty much defines this film.
The action scenes are great. They really kick in during the second half of the film and are very impressive.
The problem lies with the writing. It’s a good story idea, just not well executed. (And since the writer was also the director, you would think he would’ve looked around and asked the actors if any of it made sense. I guarantee they would’ve said no.) So the story line is convoluted and challenging to follow.
If you like action films, give it a shot and keep your expectations very low.

May Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for May. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

2 –

Thunderbolts
Director: Jake Schreier
Stars: Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen
After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap, an unconventional team of antiheroes must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts.
Thunderbolts are go!

9 –

Clown in a Cornfield
Director: Eli Craig
Stars: Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac
A fading midwestern town in which Frendo the clown, a symbol of bygone success, reemerges as a terrifying scourge.
All I can think about is MST3K…Kitten with a Whip! Puppy with Nunchucks! Dik-dik with Brass Knuckles!

15 –

The Lost Princess
Director Hicham Hajji
Stars: Eric Roberts, Robert Knepper, Cillian O'Sullivan
A Billionaire discovers his true destiny after stumbling upon a haunted castle and fights to protect the castle's legacy.
I watched the trailer and just like the princess, I am lost…

23 –

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Stars: Tom Cruise, Vanessa Kirby, Janet McTeer
Our lives are the sum of our choices. Tom Cruise is Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.
At this point, the tagline should be Ethan Hunt has fallen and he can’t get up.

30 –

Karate Kid Legends
Director: Jonathan Entwistle
Stars: Joshua Jackson, Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio
After kung fu prodigy Li Fong relocates to New York City, he attracts unwanted attention from a local karate champion and embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition with the help of Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso.
Kid moves to new city, is bullied, and competes in a Karate tournament. Sound familiar?

What are some of your fears as a writer? Have you seen either movie? What movies might you go see this month?
And can you co-host this summer?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, April Movie Preview, Reuben Hayes and Westerns, and Catcher’s Mask and Sports

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The awesome co-hosts for the April 2 posting of the IWSG are Jennifer Lane, L Diane Wolfe, Jenni Enzor, and Natalie Aguirre!

April 2 question - What fantasy character would you like to fight, go on a quest with, or have a beer/glass of wine with?

Conan the Barbarian was always a fun drunk! Or Conan O’Brien. Either works.

The IWSG had a guest article at the My Story Doctor site! Quite the honor. We talk about dealing with negative, so please check it out.

We could also use one more co-host on May 7! Let me know if you can help.

Reuban Hayes

Alex asked for five movies similar to my new release. My picks: Big Jake, Silverado, Shane, Jeremiah Johnson and The Virginian. In all the movies the plots differ but the Western ethos or trope remains the same. A strong moral code, possessed by men and women of the old West. They did what was right. Regardless of risk. Regardless of consequence.
Reuben is no different.

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.
Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator James Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger. Between the two men, and Reuben’s cranky ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Find Reuben on Amazon. Find Sandra on her blog.

Behind the Catcher’s Mask

Behind the Catcher’s Mask features a sweet romance between a softball pitcher and baseball catcher. As an author of sports romance and a psychologist who works with athletes, I adore all things sports-related, including sports movies. Here are some of my favorites:

Hoosiers (1986). A tiny high school basketball team coached by Gene Hackman (RIP to a fantastic actor) dreams of a state championship. When I counsel athletes feeling anxious about the big game or taper swim meet, I show them this genius coaching lesson.
A League of Their Own (1992). With all the men off fighting WWII, Major League Baseball has to recruit women to fill the rosters. Shining moments include a compelling character arc for the coach played by Tom Hanks, an intense sibling rivalry, and the delights of female friendship.
Remember the Titans (2000). When a 1971 Virginia school board integrates all-Black and all-White high schools, football coach Denzel Washington has his work cut out for him. One of the best parts of sports is bringing people from disparate backgrounds together, and working toward a common goal may just be the unifier these students need.
Cutting Edge (1992). A rich, snobbish pairs figure skater needs a partner, so her Russian coach recruits an ice hockey player down on his luck. It’s an opposite-attracts romance with all the feels. Toe pick!
Honorable Mentions: The Karate Kid (fun Netflix series, too), Slap Shot (hysterical), Field of Dreams, The Way Back, Rudy, Breaking Away, Rocky IV, Miracle, and the TV show Ted Lasso.

Fast-pitch softball is Andie Wilson’s life. She’s a fierce pitcher hoping to score a college scholarship, and she hates the annoying distraction of cocky baseball players crashing her high-school charity game. But she doesn’t anticipate the impact of one baseball player: Colt Turner. As Colt stares at her through his catcher’s mask, his steadfast gaze may be just what she needs to guide her through a crisis. And Colt may need Andie, too—to cope with the secret hiding behind his mask.

Universal Book Link or Amazon

Author Jennifer Lane - Psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane invites you to her world of sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist!

April Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for April. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

4 –

Minecraft
Four misfits are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination. To get back home, they'll have to master this world while embarking on a quest with an unexpected, expert crafter.
Director - Jared Hess
Stars - Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa, Emma Myers
In the game, you make crap. In the movie, they hopefully avoid making crap.

11 –

The King of Kings
The story of our Lord Jesus Christ as told by Charles Dickens and seen through the innocent eyes of a child.
Director - Seong-ho Jang
Stars - Pierce Brosnan, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac
Dickens telling the story of Jesus – sounds odd, but it looks inspirational.

18 –

Sinners
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
Director - Ryan Coogler
Stars - Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Michael B. Jordan
It’s about vampires, so we certainly hope it sucks!

The Accountant 2
Christian Wolff applies his brilliant mind and illegal methods to reconstruct the unsolved puzzle of a Treasury chief's murder.
Director - Gavin O'Connor
Stars - Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson
Never in the history of cinema has filling out a 1040 tax form been so dangerous!

Until Dawn
A group of friends trapped in a time loop, where mysterious foes are chasing and killing them in gruesome ways, must survive until dawn to escape it.
Director - David F. Sandberg
Stars - Ella Rubin, Odessa A'zion, Michael Cimino
Unlike Sinners, I really hope this one doesn’t suck!

Who would you like to go on a quest with? Can you co-host next month? Into Westerns? How about sports films? And what movie do you want to watch this month?

You crazy A to Z Challenge people have fun this month!

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Irascible Immortals Jams, and March Movie Preview

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The awesome co-hosts for the March 5 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse Van Vuuren, Pat Garcia, and Liza @ Middle Passages!

March 5 question - If for one day you could be anyone or *thing* in the world, what would it be? Describe, tell why, and any themes, goals, or values they/it inspire in you.

Honestly, I just want to be me. That’s enough. Sure, I could be John Petrucci for a day – I’m the greatest guitarist in the world. And then it would be – Hey, I’m back to sucking again. Too disappointing!

We are saying goodbye to Michelle Wallace who has been an IWSG admin since the beginning. We will really miss her and appreciate all the years of dedication she has given us.
Diane has stepped up to take over the IWSG Facebook group and introduced several new weekly prompts, so be sure to check them out this month.
We do need another admin who is also on Facebook to help with the group. If you are interested in becoming a part of the awesome IWSG team, working behind the scenes, send me an email or leave a comment!

And finally, special mention to the awesome Truedessa who wrote a poem that ties in with my book, Dragon of the Stars - Somewhere Beyond the Stars

Irascible Immortals Jams!

I enjoy listening to music while writing. Because the Irascible Immortals series needed a bit of crazy, I added some songs that aren’t my usual style (think Vengaboys and Wham!), but I had a lot of rock songs to keep me company, too. I listen to my playlist on repeat – something which I’ve heard can drive others crazy – to keep me in the right headspace while writing. This playlist helps to keep the tone, themes and characters consistent throughout the series.

My favourite rock songs for this series:

• Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park
• Supremacy by Muse
• How You Remind Me by Nickelback
• Blaze of Glory by Bon Jovi
• Symphony of Destruction by Nightwish
• Zombie by The Cranberries
• Tom Sawyer by Rush
• In the End by Linkin Park

Rock is the music of the universe… It certainly created the rich world my characters inhabit.



Award-winning Dark Fantasy author Ronel Janse van Vuuren writes about kick-ass heroines, the duality of being human and loves to use folklore to underscore her point. She’s a Rottweiler pack leader, chicken wrangler and horse servant.
All of her books are available for purchase from major online retailers.

Find Smoke on the Water:
Links: Universal, series page, and website
The playlist for this series is here.
And the first book is free until March 8 here.

March Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for March. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

7 –

Mickey 17
Director - Bong Joon Ho
Stars - Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Michael Monroe
Mickey 17, known as an "expendable," goes on a dangerous journey to colonize an ice planet.
Watching the sparkly vampire die over and over might be entertaining.

21 –

Snow White
Director - Marc Webb
Stars - Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Tituss Burgess
Live-action adaptation of the 1937 Disney animated film 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'.
With so many production issues, this movie has disaster written all over it. Besides, Gal Gadot (playing the evil queen) is the fairest of them all!

28 –
 

Death of a Unicorn
Director - Alex Scharfman
Stars - Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, Téa Leoni
Father-Daughter duo Elliott and Ridley hit a unicorn with their car and bring it to the wilderness retreat of a mega-wealthy pharmaceutical CEO.
Be prepared because this is not a sweet unicorn. Think Cabin in the Woods. Those who love unicorns – this is going to give you nightmares!

Who would you be for a day? Interested in joining the IWSG Admin team? What’s on your book’s playlist? And what movies are you watching this month?