Wednesday, August 31, 2011

September Movie Preview And Comment Tips

I have the honor of a special joint guest post with Talli and Matthew today! We’re over at Spunk on a Stick’s Tips offering tips on how to get blog comments. So, head on over – but after you’ve checked out the upcoming movies!

A whole lot of average, but then, it IS the September dumping grounds. All descriptions courtesy of the IMDB.

2 –

Shark Night 3D
Director: David R. Ellis
Stars: Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, Alyssa Diaz
The Plot: A lake-house retreat on the Louisiana Gulf turns into a nightmare for a group of vacationers when they are subjected to an improbable phenomenon: fresh-water shark attacks.
PG13 – lame! They should’ve just gone for an over-the-top R like Piranha 3D.

Apollo 18
Director: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Producer: Timur Bekmambetov
Stars: ?
The Plot: Decades-old found footage from NASA's Apollo 18 mission, where two American astronauts were sent on a secret expedition, reveals the reason the U.S. has never returned to the moon.
Remember this one? How many release dates is this now? Yeah, I’d skip this one…


9 –

Contagion
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Stars: Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law
The Plot: The Center for Disease Control dispatches an international team of doctors to stop an airborne virus from spreading around the world.
I really like Sodebergh’s movies, so hoping this one is also good.


23 –

MoneyBall
Director: Bennett Miller
Stars: Brad Pitt, Robin Wright, Jonah Hill
The Plot: Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane (Pitt) works to put together a baseball club on a budget by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players.
This one looks intriguing!

Machine Gun Preacher
Director: Marc Forster
Stars: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Shannon
The Plot: After finding God, Sam Childers (Gerard Butler) leaves his outlaw life behind and crusades for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been forced to become soldiers.
Based on a true story, if you can believe that!

Killer Elite
Director: Gary McKendry
Stars: Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Robert De Niro
The Plot: A retired member of Britain's Elite Special Air Service (Jason Statham) is forced into action when his mentor (Robert De Niro) is taken captive. His mission: kill three assassins dispatched by their cunning leader (Clive Owen).
This will either be a great story and a Statham vehicle or just a Statham vehicle…


30 –

Dream House
Director: Jim Sheridan
Stars: Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts
The Plot: As Will Atenton (Craig) and his family relocate to a quaint New England town, they soon learn that a mother and her two children were murdered in the same residence. While most everyone thinks the killer is the husband who survived the incident, Will works with a local woman (Watts) to piece together an even more disturbing puzzle.
A good cast. (Kitty, your Daniel Craig stars!)

Tucker & Dale vs Evil (limited)
Director: Eli Craig
Stars: Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, Katrina Bowden
The Plot: In the mountains of West Virginia, hillbilly pals Tucker and Dale (Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine) look to drink, fish, and relax at their cabin retreat, until their encounter with a group of college kids turns into a bloody, deadly misunderstanding.
The previews for this one are hilarious! And it has Firefly’s Tudyk – a must see. And it's on HDNet Movies on September 28 - I get to see it early!

Any appeal to you? Or are you holding out for next month?

Now you may visit Spunk on a Stick’s Tips!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Movie Reviews, Blogging Tips, and Giveaway

And not necessarily in that order…

First, I have a short guest post and giveaway over at The Electrical Book Cafe that went live on Saturday – and you could win a copy of CassaStar!

For blogging tips, I have the honor of appearing at The Ramblings of Amy today, giving you my best guess as to what works.

Before you go, two quick movie reviews and a question!

Fright Night
This remake takes the story and makes it its own without insulting the original material. It retains the charm and camp, with a few surprises. I very much liked the new Peter Vincent – he was incredibly different and very funny. Wish he’d had more screen time. While it’s a fine movie and a good remake, I’ve seen it all before. The original was so fresh in 1985 and it’s still superior.

Unknown
It wasn’t a bad movie, but it starts off with a couple scenarios I just don’t buy – which means I didn’t buy most of the film. Leaving the briefcase (Neeson’s character just wouldn't do it), jumping into the cab without telling his wife, Jones as Neeson’s wife in the first place… Ganz’s character is supposed to help Neeson, but he never actually does that, and Langella’s role was small and a waste. Forgettable overall.

Be sure to visit The Electrical Book Cafe to win a book and The Ramblings of Amy for blogging tips!

Which leads to my parting question – what would you offer as a blogging tip?

Oh, and did anyone else see the naked guy on the Weather Channel Saturday? His parents must be so proud...

Friday, August 26, 2011

Trolls, Campaigns, Hurricanes, and Movies

So much stuff and so little time…

Thanks to everyone who joined the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! It’s so awesome how writers pull together. Looking forward to everyone’s post on September 7. And a special thanks to those who plugged the group – Michelle, Karen, Heather, Tessa, MJ, and Hart.

Today is Fantastic Friday Writers and the topic is creatures.

After seeing the movie The Trollhunter, I decided to go with trolls. Doing a little research online, I discovered most of the facts presented in the film were true. (Well, as true as they’re going to get!) Trolls originated from Norse mythology. They are portrayed as old, strong, slow, man eaters, and repulsed by happiness. And yes, they do turn to stone when exposed to sunlight. They are also featured in D&D, which is where I first learned of trolls. (Big surprise, huh?)

Anyone have a troll story to tell?

I also succumbed to the pressure and joined The Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. Apparently, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, numerous upcoming guest posts, writing my next book, and preparation for my next book release just wasn’t enough!

The Writers' Platform-Building Campaign is a way to link those of us in the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Campaigners are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs.

Anyone else part of the Campaign?

Meanwhile, in addition to the earthquake on Tuesday, we have a hurricane bearing down on us this weekend. I live far enough inland that we’ll just see wind and rain, but the coast is going to get hammered.

And at some point, I intend to hit the movie theater.

Any thoughts on trolls? Part of the Campaign? Ever been through a hurricane? And would anyone care to join me for a movie? Hot Tamales will be involved.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Insecure Writer’s Support Group and Guest Post

Today I have a guest post at Patricia’s SITE, talking about how movies can influence plot and character development. Really! Stop laughing and go read it.

But first, I have an announcement regarding the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!

Thanks everyone for your input and suggestions – I’m glad the idea appealed to so many. That’s the cool thing about this blogging community – everyone is so supportive.

Here’s what it’s about and how it will work. Monthly posts were the overall favorite, but I think I’ve incorporate some of the other elements as well. (And all of this is located above under the tab marked “The Insecure Writer’s Support Group.")

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer.

Connecting: The page for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group will list those who are participating. It also allows for comments if you have an immediate need. This where we can help one another. Check the page whenever you visit – if you can help a fellow writer, hop over to their blog and offer assistance. (I may set up lists of where people are in the process, so if you’re having querying issues, you can visit someone else who is querying or someone who signed a contract for help. Or a list of resources.)

That’s the idea! First post date for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is Wednesday, September 7. Sign up below or on the page above.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

(And feel free to tell me if any of this sucks.)

All right, now you may visits Patricia’s SITE!



Monday, August 22, 2011

Star Trek Blogfest & Conan Review

Today is Ellie Garratt’s Star Trek Blogfest!

While not geeky enough to ever dress the part, I am a Trekkie and proud of it. So I have chosen to list my top five favorite episodes, choosing one from each of the series. Enjoy my snarky descriptions!


Star Trek: Deep Space 9 - "Trials and Tribble-ations" Season 5 Episode 6
This episode merges DS9 with the classic Trek episode "The Trouble with Tribbles.” The episode has so many great moments and scenes. In particular, Worf attempting to explain why his Klingon brethren look so different. Hilarious!



Star Trek: TNG - "Cause and Effect" Season 5 Episode 18
The Enterprise becomes trapped in a causality loop and keeps repeating the last few hours before the ship is destroyed. This is Trek at its best, combining time travel and déjà vu. The writing is sharp and the episode plays out like a great mystery.


Star Trek: Voyager - "Timeless" Season 5 Episode 6
An experiment with a faster-than-light drive causes Kim and Chakotay to make it back to earth in the Delta Flyer, but Voyager crash lands on an ice planet and everyone dies. Talk about an opening that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This episode deals with Kim and Chakotay trying to alter the timeline that has tormented them for so many years. A really great time paradox story and the appearance of Geordi La Forge (Directed by LeVar Burton) make this one of the best.


Star Trek: The Original Series - "Operation: Annihilate!” Season 1 Episode 29
One of my all time favs, this episode introduced an intelligent hive-mind society of creatures hell bent on destroying the universe. As a youngster, my version of aliens always revolved around bipedal entities. This episode blew all of my preconceived notions out of the water with these creepy flying sac creatures. Not just a creature feature episode, these guys had purpose and plan.



Star Trek: Enterprise - "Bound" Season 4 Episode 17
What is it about Orion Slave Girls (the green chicks in the bikinis) that I find so attractive? Well, this episode sheds some light and reveals that they are not the meek servants they appear to be. Funny and sexy, this episode will make you think twice about approaching a hot Orion girl at your local watering hole.


Conan the Barbarian
To quote Conan – “I live, I love, I slay.”
Yes, that pretty much sums up the movie. Conan was everything I expected – great sets and scenery, swordfights and battles, sorcery, and a few half-naked women. This version is nothing like the Schwarzenegger movie and moves at a faster pace. If you dig Conan or sword and sorcery, you’ll enjoy it. No, it’s not deep. No, it’s not great. No, it won’t change your life. But for two hours, you get to live a kick-butt life through Conan. (And ladies, not only is he shirtless for much of the film, you get to see him naked – so there’s eye candy for everyone.)

Anyone else see Conan? (I’ll be hitting Fright Night this coming weekend. Or maybe Don't Be Afraid of the Dark?) Any favorite Star Trek episodes or characters? Are you still wondering what the heck’s a Tribble…?

Friday, August 19, 2011

Totally Stunned! And Ninja News…

I was stunned by the response to Wednesday’s post about a Insecure Writer’s Support Group. When I wrote that post, I worried it was a lame idea. Everyone seemed so excited though! My original idea may not be big enough.

I see three ways to do this. You guys just let me know which one is best for your needs. (Because this is for you!)

1 – Scheduled post date once or twice a month for participants to either post their insecurities or offer advice and encouragement to others. I’d make a Linky List and keep it in on a separate page here.

2 – Start a new blog called the Insecure Writers Support Group (with help – I do need to sleep sometime) with weekly (or more) encouraging tips from others who have been through the wringer and survived. Maybe have separate pages to list members and their genres or position in the writing process or something. Maybe a mentor page. Maybe a way to communicate with one another. (Not sure how to do that but willing to try.)

3 – Set up a forum called the Insecure Writers Support Group, featuring topics of encouragement, calls for help, discussions, stuff like that. (Thanks to Elizabeth Mueller for the suggestion.)

Let me know which idea rocks your world.

Now for some contests and stuff:

Lydia Kang is hosting a 900 followers contest – you can win books.

Paul Joseph is hosting a back-to-school contest – win a stack of books for your favorite teacher.

Lisa at Flash Fiction is part of a big Renaissance Blogfest this October.

Ellie Garratt is hosting the Star Trek Blogfest this coming Monday. I’m all over this like a pack of rabid Tribbles…

Don’t forget my Worst Movies Ever Blogfest coming September 19!


And the wonderful Amy gave me the Blog on Fire Award. Thanks, Amy! I was supposed to answer some questions about rutabagas... Oh well! I’ll just pass it along to Bryan at The Alchemy of Writing, because the dude’s just cool!


Off to see Conan this weekend! Let me know which idea for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group sounds cool. (Or if they’re all dumb, which one sucks the least.)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Cool News and Insecure Writers Support Group

Big thanks to everyone who visited The Non Review on Monday for my guest post on B-movies.

My buddy George at CineMarvellous! just celebrated two years blogging and two hundred followers. Congratulations! If you’re into movies (and hopefully you are, as I talk about them all the time and you keep coming back), George offers the best movie reviews around.



Elizabeth Spann Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder also just released an eBook this week! Elizabeth is a big-time author and Progressive Dinner Deadly, a Myrtle Clover mystery, is available in eBook form for the first time Only $2.99!

Now, about that Insecure Writers Support Group

I’ve noticed a lot of posts lately about doubts, concerns, and a lack of confidence. Insecure is a term most writers use to describe themselves. (Some would even say neurotic.)


The cool thing about this community is the amount of support available. Everyone is such an encourager. I thought it would be cool if one day a month, everyone involved in the Insecure Writers Support group posted either:
  • A situation where they need some encouragement
  • Words of encouragement for others about to face a situation
What do you think? Good idea or really stupid? Would the possibility of a large group of writers posting their doubts all on the same day send the blogging world into a neurotic tailspin? Or would this be better than expensive therapy sessions? (Better than coming to me for therapy, because I might just mess you up even worse!)

Monday, August 15, 2011

New Books and the Best B Movies

Today I have the honor of providing my top ten list of great B-movies at TS’s site - The Non Review Great way to warm up for the Worst Movies Ever Blogfest, right? Now remember, these are B-movies, so I give B-comments…

But before you go!

My awesome buddy and critique partner, Rusty Webb, just released a novelette eBook:

A Dead God’s Wrath

In 1895, deep in the Southeastern U.S., a sleepy little town is home to one of the most violent criminal families in the country. When Thomas O’Brien witnesses the brutal murder of his best friend and the kidnapping of his beloved Mary at the hands of the O’Malley brothers he thinks things can’t possibly get any worse.

But when a mysterious stranger shows up to help, Thomas begins to suspect this man is more than he seems. This stranger pledges to help bring Mary safely back from the O’Malley brothers, no matter the cost.

Tom’s real nightmare is about to begin.

I read it this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s a little bit western, horror, science fiction… all with a surprising twist. Rusty has a great writing style and voice, even if he doesn’t believe it. (Dude, I read the book you have out on submission, and it was awesome – now hurry up and write the sequel.)

A Dead God’s Wrath - 99 cents on Amazon


Damyanti also put together an eBook!

A to Z Stories of Life and Death
by D. Biswas
Damyanti's Collection of Bite-sized Stories

This is her collection of short stories from the A to Z Challenge. I was honored to be listed this weekend as one of her encouraging influences and will soon get to read this collection. Thanks so much, Damyaunti!

A to Z Stories of Life and Death - $1.99 at Smashwords


And other eBook gems you’ve discovered lately?

See any good movies this weekend? (Like Rise of the Planet of the Apes?)

All right, you may now visit TS at The Non Review for my guest post!

Friday, August 12, 2011

FFW - Marketing Tips, Quiz Answers, and My Next Blogfest!!

Fantastic Friday Writers – Marketing Tips and Tricks

I’m not an expert on marketing, but there is one tip I can offer - don’t use your blog just to advertise. Sure, when you’re doing a blog tour or there’s a big moment, let everyone know. But don’t venture into blogging to advertise. Come here to make friends.

Why do I think that’s important? Because I can’t begin to tell you how many of my blogger buddies purchased my book just because they like me. For many, it was their first science fiction book! It’s really flattering and humbling.

If I’d focused on selling my book rather than making friends, I would’ve missed a great opportunity. And not just in the books I wouldn’t have sold, but in the priceless value of the friendships I would’ve missed.

Crap, I think I just learned something. Thanks, guys!

Check out my FFW partners’ answers: Elizabeth, Anastasia, J. D., Deirdre, M. Pax, and Jeffrey, and Charlene.


Quiz answers:

The Lexx was a living spaceship on these four TV movies before it was a series - name the movie series title!  Before it was a series called Lexx, it was four TV movies called Tales From a Parallel Universe.

Name the song VH1 Classics declared as the number one rock song of the 1980’s. Bonus fuzzy feelings if you can name the second song as well!  Number one - Bon Jovi - Living on a Prayer. Number two - Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar on Me


Now, are you ready for a new blogfest?

We had The Movie Dirty Dozen - now it’s time for:


That’s right! Time to list the worst movies ever made.

Here’s the scoop:

Worst Movies Ever Blogfest!
On Monday, September 19, post a list of up to ten of the worst movies you’ve ever had the misfortune to watch. Films that just oozed awfulness and featured plot holes so big you could drive a bus through them. Any genre or year, but only theater and straight to video/DVD titles. (Otherwise we’d all list every movie ever made by the SyFy Channel!) Sign up, grab the button, and on September 19, give us the worst! And be sure to visit others participating in the blogfest.

So, are you ready to warn the world about some really bad films?

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

News, Bloggers, Quiz, and Next Blogfest...?

Lots of great stuff today!


Jeremy at izombie just released an eBook called Chatterbox! It’s a series of short stories (almost like Drabbles) with images created by Jeremy himself. Check it out at Chatterbox
He’ll also be doing a guest spot here in a few weeks.




Last summer I took a class called Blog Book Tours and it really helped me prepare for my first virtual book tour. Dani is offering another class in September and you don’t want to miss it!


I received the Appreciated Follower Award, created by RJR Daydreamer
It’s too honor followers who visit and comment on a regular basis.
Wow, you all deserve it! Where do I begin? Without all of you commenting, I’d just be talking to myself.
I pass this on to…
Laila at Untroubled Kingdom of Laila Knight
Old Kitty at Ten Lives and Second Chances
Patrick Tillett


Alexia gave me the Liebster Blog Award. This award is to recognize bloggers with less than two hundred followers. (Yeah, I’m a bit over the limit!)
Here are three bloggers who deserve some recognition:
Huntress at Spirit Called
Monti at Notes Along the Way
Budd at SciFi Media

And since you guys enjoyed last Friday’s quiz, here’s two more pop culture questions:

The Lexx was a living spaceship on these four TV movies before it was a series – name the movie series title!


Name the song VH1 Classics declared as the number one rock song of the 1980’s. Bonus fuzzy feelings if you can name the second song as well!

Tune in Friday for some big news – the next awesome Blogfest!

Any guesses?

And has anyone located Boba Fett’s Carbonite Crunch?

Monday, August 8, 2011

Two Movie Reviews and Quiz Answers!

Not one but two movie reviews for you today! And the answers to Friday’s short quiz.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I’m not a big fan of the Apes movies and went into this one with very low expectations. Much to my surprise, I thought it was an excellent film.

The synopsis is a bit misleading – this really isn’t about the apes taking over. This is Caesar’s story – his near human intelligence and relationships with those around him - and it sets the stage for future films. I doubted the plausibility of the plot, but it really works. There are a few things that make you wonder, but not enough to stop the forward progress of the plot.

The film boasts many actors, including Tom Felton (Draco from Harry Potter) as an abusive jerk, but it’s Andy Serkis who dominates. He really deserves an Oscar nomination for his role as Caesar. Serkis conveys so much through his movement, expressions, and eyes – it’s just incredible to watch. And no green screens were used – Serkis was really in the scene, wearing his computer suit and acting opposite the other characters. (Watch out ILM – WETA has you beat for special effects now!)

While the pacing is slow and steady, saving the big action scene for the end, be prepared – it’s a dark journey. Caesar suffers both physical and emotional abuse. James Franco’s father, John Lithgow, suffers from Alzheimer and Dementia. This film does deal with some pain. It’s an excellent movie though.

Oh, and when the credits start to roll, wait fifteen seconds for the final scene. Trust me – you don’t want to miss it!


Green Hornet

Finally caught this on NetFlix and I can see why critics didn’t like it. This is one quirky film. Some people don’t like Seth Rogen. (I’m not a fan.) It’s also the smallest-scale superhero film you’ll ever see. I expected it to suck, but you know what – it was really damn funny! The two leads are hilarious. Not a great film, but it was worth the price of a rental.


Ready for the Quiz answers???

What was the band Blue Oyster Cult’s original name back in the sixties?
Soft White Underbelly

Which movie franchise boasts the most film titles?
This will surprise you – Godzilla! Twenty nine movies, with a reboot in the making. And BOC did a song called Godzilla - how cool is that?

When did the first VCR appear on the market?
1972 – and I did a post about the history of VCRs and DVD players HERE

How many movies have made over a billion dollars? And can you name them without cheating?
Ten! And only two not in 3D.
1. Avatar (2009) $2,781,505,847
2. Titanic (1997) $1,835,300,000
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) $1,119,102,868
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) $1,065,896,541
5. Toy Story 3 (2010) $1,062,984,497
6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) $1,033,201,000
7. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) $1,023,833,768
8. Alice in Wonderland (2010) $1,023,285,206
9. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) $1,007,133,000
10. The Dark Knight (2008) $1,001,921,825

How did you do on those? See Planet of the Apes? Find Boba Fett’s Carbonite Crunch anywhere?

Friday, August 5, 2011

Pop Culture and a Quiz

Thanks to everyone who shared stories of connecting online on Wednesday’s Post! Some of the comments were very moving. You guys rock!

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is at eighty-five percent on Rotten Tomatoes, so I’ll probably see it this weekend…


Now for some interesting things I discovered this week…


Ben & Jerry’s has a new flavor - Boba Fett's Carbonite Crunch!

Complete with chocolate frozen Han Solos.

Too bad it’s a fake - I’d eat that!


IPad rumors…

The iPad 3 could come out around Thanksgiving. But there’s also an iPad 2 HD in development that might push it back to next year. Hey, I’ll take either!


And a Swedish man was arrested for trying to split atoms at home. Claimed it was just a hobby. And I thought my hobbies were weird…


Now for a short Pop Quiz! Winners will receive a warm, fuzzy feeling:

What was the band Blue Oyster Cult’s original name back in the sixties?

Which movie franchise boasts the most film titles?

When did the first VCR appear on the market?

How many movies have made over a billion dollars? And can you name them without cheating?

All right, let's hear your answers! And your thoughts on the ice cream. Would you eat a chocolate Han Solo?

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Making Connections

A post earlier this week from Suze prompted such a long comment from me (rare, I know!) that I decided it would make a good blog post discussion.

We’re all here to make connections. We share a little of our world and hope it resonates with others. I think women are better at it than men. As my character Byron would say, we like our privacy.

However, I do try to share what I enjoy. I dig movies, music, tech stuff, and books. I try to say more than simply they rock as well. It’s often difficult to say exactly why I like something. Enough of you leave comments stating you understand or share my views, so hopefully the why comes through now and again.

I claim only a few of Byron’s traits. Yes, I’m a perfectionist and I strive to be the best at what I do. However, when it comes to the privacy thing, I’m probably more like him than I’m willing to admit. He wants connection, but doesn’t know how, and yeah, sometimes that’s me.

In making these connections, I think the best thing we can do is stay true to ourselves. We can’t abandon who we are or our values. What I write about and the way I write is true to me, both here on my blog and in my books. Hopefully it appeals to you as well.

I appreciate every person I’ve connected to online. You continue to visit, encouraging and sometimes humoring me. In real life, my circle of close friends is very small. But here, it feels much larger. You all have something special to offer and I enjoy following your journey through life.

I’d like to know your thoughts. Even Byron finally allowed a meaningful connection in his life. Are there meaningful connections here for you?

Monday, August 1, 2011

Cowboys & Aliens Review and News!

Once again, this Ninja sought refuge in a cool movie theater…

Cowboys and Aliens

Another enjoyable summer film! A good story and great mishmash of science fiction and western. It was more intense than anticipated – not cheesy at all. The effects were really good and I especially liked the aliens. Some amazing scenery as they pursued the aliens across the desert, trying to reclaim the townspeople who were taken.

Daniel Craig channeled Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name character– he was calm and cool. I really liked how they developed Harrison Ford’s character – he began gruff and went from cookie cutter villain to a real, fleshed-out person. Olivia Wilde was sexy, Clancy Brown great, and Sam Rockwell had some great lines.

No, it wasn't perfect, but overall, a fun time at the theater. Made me want to go shoot aliens.

And this just in…

Ellie Garrett is hosting a Star Trek Blogfest on August 22. Let loose the geek! Just don’t place him in a red shirt…

Tessa is hosting the I Hate You Blogfest on August 12

Ciara Knight reviewed CassaStar last week – and it was part of her 500 followers giveaway as well. Thanks, Ciara!

And I have to thanks the following people for hosting some awesome contests. I actually won!
RaShelle’s birthday celebration - $20 Amazon card
Elizabeth’s book tour giveaway – cool dragon bookends
Amy’s Retro Blogfest – free book and a guest post on her blog August 29
Thanks ladies!

Did you see Cowboys and Aliens? Know of any good blogfests? Win any prizes? Melt from the heat this weekend?