Monday, July 23, 2012

Ninja News, Act of Kindness, and The Dark Knight Rises Review

Thanks again to everyone who left a word for Cassie Mae or weighed in on posting while gone last Friday!

Ninja News!

The sequel to The Backworlds is now available. Craze and his friends continue their adventures in Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge. See what role chocolate plays in the galaxy this time.

The interstellar portal opens, bringing in a ship that should no longer exist. A battleship spoiling for a fight, yet the war with Earth ended two generations ago. The vessel drops off a Water-breather, a type of Backworlder thought to be extinct. She claims one of Craze’s friends is a traitor who summoned the enemy to Pardeep Station. A betrayal worse than his father’s, if Craze lives to worry about it.

Available for all ereaders from: Amazon, AmazonUK, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. (iTunes and Kobo will be available shortly.)

If you haven’t read The Backworlds yet, it’s available as a free read from many outlets. See HERE for links.

Inspiring the words M. Pax writes, Mary spends her summers as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory in stunning Central Oregon where she lives with the husband unit and two loving cats. She write science fiction mostly and has a slight obsession with Jane Austen. Visit Mary at her BLOG.


Ali Cross is celebrating her birthday by giving away books! Many to chose from – visit her site to enter.Happy birthday, Ali!

Roland Yeomans’ book, Burnt Offerings, is free through Wednesday. Grab your copy now from Amazon. He's an amazing writer!

Random Act of Kindness

Many of you have seen or participate in the Kindness Project, which is really awesome. Since true kindness without expectation of gain seems so rare these days, I thought I’d challenge my blogger buddies to do at least one random act of kindness this week. Something that makes the other person feel good about himself. I did something nice for someone this weekend and that person probably doesn’t even know it was me. But I did it for the joy of doing something kind. If you’d like to do a random act of kindness (or you just did so) let me know!

Movie Review

The Dark Knight Rises
One word – awesome.
The final installation in Nolan’s Batman trilogy is a masterpiece. It’s also very dark and bleak. My only criticism is that it could’ve used a few moments of humor, as 164 minutes is a long stretch of intense darkness.
The film is full of special effects and CGI, but in Nolan’s hands, it integrates so well you might not even realize it’s a special effect. (No, they did not blow up Pittsburgh.) However, the film focuses on drama. The action is sprinkled throughout the film and doesn’t overshadow the storyline.
The acting is superb. Hathaway is perfect as Catwoman and Gordon-Levitt great as inspector Blake. Tom Hardy really shines as Bane and you’ll hardly recognize him in the role.
Won’t spoil it for you, but the ending is very satisfying!
And there is no comparing it to The Avengers – these are two very different films.
Wouldn’t take little kids – too intense and with all the talking, they will probably be bored. But for everyone else, go enjoy this epic finale!

Downloading Stopover at the Backworlds’ Edge? Read The Backworlds? (It’s great!) Planning a random act of kindness? And who else saw The Dark Knight Rises?

147 comments:

Michael Abayomi said...

First!

Michael Abayomi said...

With that out of the way...

I can't wait to see TDKR. All reviews I've read have pretty much echoed your sentiment: that it is a satisfying conclusion to Nolan's trilogy. I'm super excited and just brimming with anticipation. :D

Sean McLachlan said...

Glad to hear M. Pax is continuing her Backworlds adventures! I reviewed the first in the series here:

http://midlistwriter.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/book-review-backworlds-by-m-pax.html

Kyra Lennon said...

Really happy to see some good reviews for Batman today! I've not heard too many great reviews so far, so this gives me hope!

RaveAir said...

164 minutes long? I think it's not normal. Sitting almost 3 hours long in an unconfortable seat doesn't sounds very good. But of course, I want to see it!

RaveAir

Kela McClelland said...

I can't wait to see TKDR, my kids told me I have to take them this week. Of course, they also want me to take them to Ice Age and to see Brave for a second time. (Both this week as well) So, we'll see what happens. :/

I love random acts of kindness. Being kind just comes natural to me, I try to do something kind for someone as often as possible. Maybe I will try to do something extra this week. So awesome that you did something. But aren't you kind all the time? I mean, you do your ninja news every post. I think that's something special. :)

I hope you had a really awesome weekend and to comment on your reply to my comment Friday...YES you're one of my favorite people. :D

Unknown said...

Loved TDKR, it was thrilling and awesome and I found all the relentless darkness completely satisfying. I am writer in love with dark and grim. :)

I love RAoK. They make people smile unexpectedly.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Good job, Michael! And it's a very satisfying ending.

Kyra, who said they didn't like it?

RaveAir, you know you'll see it.

Kela, that's a lot of movies. And thank you, I do try to give all the time.

Melissa, can't wait to read your review then!

Old Kitty said...

Cap'n Alex!! Hooorah for Dark Knight - can't wait, can't wait!

Take care
x

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Most informative Alex.
Have a good day.

Yvonne.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad you enjoyed Dark Knight. And that's great you're challenging us to do a random act of kindness this week. So easy to get caught up in our own lives.

Kelley Lynn said...

Good to hear about M. Pax's new book!

And i can't wait to see TDNR! So glad it's getting such great reviews!

Angela Brown said...

Going to do what I can to see TDKR in theaters. All that dark and bleak will go well with my dark nature.

I've gotten quite a few of M. Pax's works so I just need to check my library and see if I have this new installment. If not, got to get it.

RAOK should be, in my simplistic and naively ideal opinion, a way of life. A way of life I fail at and hope to improve upon. Maybe then, the randomness won't be random, but habit.

Rusty Carl said...

I did a Batman marathon on Thursday which ended with the new movie at midnight. I usually avoid those but this one was a gift so I had to comply. I was pretty tired by the end.

I liked it, I don't think it compares with the previous entry though. It was still excellent though.

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

Saw Batman last night, as a matter of fact. Took my 11 year old son and he loved it even more than I did. Still, all of us couldn't help but feel that the shooting in Colorado overshadowed the movie. We all felt nervous throughout the show and while I know that's stupid, I couldn't help it and neither could my son. The scenes where gunfire is pointed at the crowds made me squirm in my seat. The theatre last night was more packed than I had ever seen it, though. Made me wonder - were they all there because it's a summer blockbuster or did the shooting have anything to do with it?

Congrats to M. Pax on her newest book (migawd youse guys write like the very wind). And, for you dear Alex, I will try to do something random and kind.
Have a great Monday!

Brinda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brinda said...

I try for random acts of kindness on a regular basis. Sometimes life gets busy and then I have to scold myself for being self-centered. Great reminder. Congrats to Mary and I hope she gets ton of downloads. I haven't had a chance to read her first one, but I only hear good things about it.

kjmckendry said...

Congratulations to M.Pax!
I will take you up on the RAoK. :)

Heather Murphy said...

Lots of good news today! Congrats to M Pax, happy birthday to Ali, and let us all be kind to one another :)

Patsy said...

I'll accept the random act of kindness challenge and go do something nice for someone.

Arlee Bird said...

It'll still be a while before I see the Dark Knight film, but I'm sure it's good with the talent behind it.

I usually don't plan random acts of kindness, they just happen spontaneously.


Lee
Tossing It Out

Unknown said...

I can not wait to pick up Backworlds 2. I loved the first. I haven't seen the Batman movie.

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for all the info. You always keep us in the loop! As for RAOK, I am looking forward to a week full of them. :)

Laura Eno said...

Yay for Mary, Ali and Roland!
RAOK are awesome, especially when the recipient doesn't know it's you.

Rick Daley said...

I saw TDKR last night. I'm glad I made it to the theater spoiler-free. I had heard some reviews that said there was too much exposition, the middle fell flat, etc. but I was enthralled from the beginning to the end, no flat or boring spots for me.

Anne Hathaway stole every scene she was in. Her lines were gold, and she delivered them perfectly. to top that off, she looked stunning!

Michael Cane brought emotional depth that you just don't get in tentpole / blockbuster movies. That man can act!

Christian Bale can also act, and he made all the stages of Batman / Bruce Wayne's journey believable.

Bane is no Joker, but you have to realize going in that Heath Ledger's performance as The Joker is one for the history books and will be difficult, if not impossible, to top. Bane was still an intelligent, powerful menace, and he fit the story.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Natalie, it is!

Kelley, it's awesome.

Angela, that is a great way to look at it.

Rusty, no way I could do a midnight showing. Way past my bedtime.

Cathy, when I saw it on Friday, I'll admit I did eye the Exit door.

Brinda, you'll really enjoy it.

Lee, that's what makes them random, right?

Kimberly Gabriel said...

I love the Random Act of Kindness posts - I really need to find out more about those. So glad you liked the movie! I'm hoping to see it soon!

Carol Kilgore said...

I love doing RAOK. Thanks for TDKR review. And yay for Mary's book!

Unknown said...

I think the first few reviews I've read of TDKR have been spoiler free, so I really don't know what to expect, so I'm excited! I've also downloaded Mary's book, but I need to read The Backworlds first.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I downloaded Mary's book.

I'll make it a point to do something nice this week, too.

Anonymous said...

I picked up Roland's book. Can't wait to read it. Glad to read your review of Dark Knight Rises. Everything else I read was either hypercritical or overshadowed by the Colorado story.

Juliana Haygert said...

I'll only see The Dark Knight Rises in about a month, when hubby is back ;)

Jemi Fraser said...

Batman is sure getting all kinds of great reviews from people I know who've seen it! :)

Yay for Mary!

Tasha Seegmiller said...

I would like to see this, but looking at my schedule while it is in the theater, it will probably be quite some time.

Julie Flanders said...

I'm so happy for Mary and can't wait to read her latest.
I didn't know about the Kindness Project, not sure how I missed this but that's awesome! Thanks for sharing it. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Laura, exactly.

Rick, I was enthralled from start to finish. And everyone seems to hate Hathaway, but she was great at Catwoman.

Michael, just don't go in expecting Avengers.

Joshua, I guess when you're as good as Nolan, hypercritical happens.

Julie, several of my blogger buddies participate every month.

Lydia Kang said...

I'd like to see this but I still haven't seen the last film yet. I'm kind of nervous, because I hear the Joker is really creepy and sick.

Marta Szemik said...

Thanks for the review. It's definitely on my to be seen list:) We had a chance to see Amazing Spiderman at a drive in this weekend and I was a little disappointed. Really hoped for a new story line, not a remake, which is what it was.

Jennie Bennett said...

I'll join you in wishing Ali an happy birthday! I'm totally on board for the random acts of kindness. I just need to figure out something to do :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Thanks, Laura and Joshua for the nice words. I, like you, Alex, truly enjoyed Act III in Nolan's Batman epic. I didn't expect to because I was aware of the Bane storyline from the comics.

I downloaded Mary's book as well. We struggling authors need to support one another.

Like Angela, I try to adopt random acts of kindness as a lifestyle. Lydia, I think you would enjoy THE DARK KNIGHT even with Heath's intense Joker. Watching Nolan tell a cinematic story is a primer on how we should do our novels.

As always, Alex, you had a great post, Roland

farawayeyes said...

RAoK makes me smile.

TDKR didn't open here, so it will probably be next week. The unfortunate overshadowing will make me think twice.

I will read both of Mary's books, shortly.

Tracy Jo said...

I can't wait to see Dark Knight Rises. Terry and I are hoping to go this week. I actually did a random act of kindness yesterday! A guy locked his keys in the car at the lake where I run. He was from Japan and couldn't speak English very well. I called the locksmith and stayed with him until they got him taken care of. It felt really good to help someone. :-)

Miranda Hardy said...

I'd like to see the Dark Knight. Looks so good.

Congrats to Mary and the others!

Cassie Mae said...

So many things! Congrats to Mary and Happy be-lated birthday to Ali :) I've already got Roland's book dl-ed and ready to read!

I'll be thinking of something to do for someone else this week. Maybe a nice butt grab.

And I totally forgot JGL was in Dark Night! Gah, I think he is such a cute babe!

M Pax said...

Thanks, Alex.

Kindness is a great thing to spread.

Awesome about the Dark Knight. I look forward to seeing it.

Leigh Covington said...

I'm excited about the Backworlds book! So cool! And I can't wait to see The Dark Knight Rises. Sounds awesome. I'll definitely leave the kiddo home though :)

Charles Gramlich said...

Stopover sounds like a fascinating book.

jaybird said...

Thanks for the head's up about DKR and not taking the kids. I am going to take your advice there.

I try to perform random acts of kindness as much as possible. I truly believe in the power of paying it forward!

One of my fav things to do, is to pay for the coffee of whoever is behind me on line. It doesn't cost all that much, but it makes such a big difference to know I started someone's day off with a smile :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, didn't know Roland's book was free--already loaded it onto my Kindle before I commented:-) I've only read him on blogs and think he's delightful! Planning on seeing The Dark Knight Rises tonight . . . w/out the kids.

Sherry Ellis said...

That's awesome that you did a random act of kindness! You rock! You've inspired me to go out and do one myself.

Tina said...

Here in CO, the whole Batman thing has a different flavor. Not sure how far the news reached, but some wack-job killed 13 people and injured 59 while blowing up a booby-trapped theater during the midnight premiere of the movie. Everyone around here is still in shock.
Personally, we usually wait for the DVD.

I love your random acts of kindness idea. I love doing those, but prefer to remain anonymous, and don't tell anyone about them. Just my style.

Tina @ Life is Good

Suze said...

I'm thrilled for M's second release, today!

Nancy Thompson said...

I will definitely download Mary's books. Love her! Batman's not my cup of tea. Maybe I'll watch it on cable or DVD. I have no doubt you performed an act of great kindness. You certainly did one for me this weekend. And many others before that. You're one of the kindest, most generous people I've ever known. I'm so glad I "met" you!

Donna K. Weaver said...

I love the random acts of kindness as I've been the recipient so many times!

I didn't particularly like the 2nd Batman movie (so dark). If this one's darker, I may have to take my iPod and listen to something else while hubby watches..

Anonymous said...

Totally wanna see Batman.

Nice updates. I downloaded Roland's novella. Can't wait to read it. :)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I loved the Dark Knight Rises. I thought Christopher Nolan did such a good job breathing life into Bane. Plus it was great seeing Talia brought to life on the silver screen. I'm a big fan of the Son of the Demon graphic novels.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lydia, both villains are effective.

Marta, I liked it.

Roland, we do need to support each other. And good analogy about Nolan.

Tracy, what a wonderful thing to do!

Cassie, I hope it's your husband's butt you grab...

Mary, you are welcome!

Leigh, you are a wise parent.

Jaybird, that is really nice. And once you see the film, you'll understand why little kids should stay home.

Sherry, go!

Tina, believe me, the whole nation heard about it. Very tragic.

Nancy, thank you!

Donna, it is darker.

Writer Pat Newcombe said...

Random acts of kindness is such a nice thing... Not a fan of Batman but who knows - may watch with the family...

Gossip_Grl said...

Very nice movie review. Not sure if we'll see it in the theater tho. Hubby has a work deadline coming up and will be working over time the next few weeks. I swear I try very hard on that random act of kindness thing. Around here if you are nice, ppl automatically think you have an ulterior motive for being kind, so idk. :/ Enjoyed reading your posting!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I'm not surprised that TDKR lacks humor. Its predecessor did too - and that's one of the main reasons I didn't think it was perfect. As I described it - "Exceptional, yet overly serious!".

Will be seeing TDKR next week, because it's not showing here until July 27.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Great review Alex. TDKR will go down in cinematic history. I'm all for random acts of kindness.
Congrats on the first Michael!
Congrats to MPax!

D.G. Hudson said...

I liked M Pax's first book, and will have to get the second one to find out what happens next.

I've also downloaded Roland's Burnt Offerings. Thanks Roland!

I'm reading a lot these days. I've also got Tender is the Night (Fitzgerald) on the go.

Unknown said...

I do try to do RAOK, but I'll make a special effort today. Can't wait to see The Dark Knight but it hasn't arrived here yet. Heath Ledger's Joker was a unique performance so I'll try and watch this one with new eyes.

Jack said...

I'm glad you liked The Dark Knight Rises, my brother and I might go for his birthday.

The random acts of kindness is a good idea. I'm joining in.

Thanks for the link on the book, it looks like it might be a good one.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Laura, Roland will be happy to hear that!

Gossip, and that is sad.

George, I guess he just went for the seriousness of the graphic novels.

Maurice, yes it will. And Jeremy will be bummed he didn't get first comment today.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

i saw dark knight rises, there we some very cool and interesting ideas being thrown at you... i asked myself was it as calculated as the first two films... my answer is yes, there were some major head turners...

i would have to say, i loved... loved the idea of cat woman... overall i think i liked it and the end... this is the end.

i agree it was no avengers, to different concepts... same feeling of enjoyment.

spoiler: did you see that coming, you know what i mean... yes the storm.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

and yes i am bummed...

Andrew Leon said...

I think I took care of that kindness thing.
Picked up the books.
I'll review Rises as soon as I see it.

Tonja said...

Yay for MPax. I'm definitely a fan of random kindness.

Bish Denham said...

Just today, this morning, hubby and I did a little something for a total stranger. It always feels good.

Dhumavati's Daughter said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog - I'm glad you enjoyed the film as much as I did!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats to Mary! Thanks for inspiring us to do good deeds Alex! Julie

DL Hammons said...

I actually gave up going to see The Dark Knight Rises this weekend because I was too busy writing. *sigh*

Maybe next weekend! :)

Anonymous said...

I have The Backworlds in my TBR pile.

I love it when I make someone's day with kindness.

I'm always late watching movies, so I'll probably see The Dark Knight Rises when it's available on satellite.

Emily R. King said...

I need to see that movie! Do you think I can bring a 2 month old? Or would that just be weird...?

Annalisa Crawford said...

Hubby and kids watched The Dark Knight Rises while I was at work today. Not my favourite superhero. But he showed me the trailer for Man of Steel.... I'm queuing already!!!! Superman is definitely my fave super!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Miss Jack, her first book was awesome.

Jeremy, as it all came together, I was sad that probably won't be the direction for the next film. And sorry Michael beat you. He's not sorry though!

Bish, yes it does!

Sammy, I did!

Emily, with fifteen minutes of commercials and previews, three hours is a long time to ask a baby to be still.

Leovi said...

Wonderful Kindness Project. I did one of these events this weekend, or at least I think so. But I am ashamed to say.

Johanna Garth said...

Congratulations to Mary!

Can't wait to see new Batman movie. But (sigh) it may be awhile.

The Angry Lurker said...

Hope to see it next week Alex, good reviews appearing all over the place!

Kelly Polark said...

I trust your movie judgement, Alex! It sounds like the Dark Knight Rises lived up to the hoopla! (though will probably wait for DVD to see it, since I won't take the children! I figured it would be too dark!)

Tara Tyler said...

you're always performing acts of kindness! thats why you are loved!

and i want a new super hero.

ediFanoB said...

One week to go until my wife and I will see The Dark Knight Rises.

M.J. Fifield said...

Congratulations to M.Pax. Just downloaded my copies...

Looking forward to seeing TDKR. It's my treat to myself once I get all these edits done.

Christine Rains said...

I can't wait to read Mary's book! And alas, I'll have to wait until The Dark Knight Rises comes onto DVD.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Annalisa, the trailer looked cool.

Kelly, not good for little kids.

Tara, thank you!

Edi, you won't be disappointed.

MJ, that's a good reward.

Carrie Butler said...

You know what's weird? Right after I read your post regarding random acts of kindness, a high school student contacted me via my website and asked for help with her query letter. Perfect opportunity! :)

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm jealous of Rusty. I wanted to do that. But I agree, TDKR was amazing, and CANNOT be compared with Avengers (though many want to). Awesome finale.

Unknown said...

I am glad to hear that you enjoyed The Dark Knight! We are hearing mixed review over here in Oz.

Unfortunately, the shooting has dampened the reviews, I think, very sad! I am glad they caught him and I must add my deepest sympathy goes out to his innocent victims.

I am still looking forward to watching it this week, though!

Congrats on the release Mary!

Hildie McQueen said...

Hello Alex, and I will go for the random act of kindness. It's a great feeling to do something for someone else. I've paid for the person behind me at a drive through it's a cool feeling to pull away knowing you may have made someone's day. As far as TDKR, nope not planning to see it, they've all been so dark, and with little action, I'll for sure fall asleep.

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats to Mary and happy birthday to Ali!

Dark Knight Rises was definitely an awesome movie. I loved it and want to go see it again.

ali cross said...

Thanks for the shout out Alex! And I agree ~ DARK NIGHT RISES was fantastic. We all loved it!

Robin said...

Love the Random Acts of Kindness. Goodness knows the whole world can use more kindness every day:-)

Can't wait to see TDKR. Thanks for the review!

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hi.
Sorry for the lack of comments lately. Not that you are short on comments by any means.
I'm glad you liked Batman. I was wondering if they could pull it off. I've heard there is a lot of comparison between Batman and The Avengers. Not sure how anyone could compare them at all.
I'm so glad Anne Hathaway did a good job too. Someone had to redeem that character.
As for a Random Act of Kindness? I've been taking the six year old to the Humane Society once a week to lend a hand petting all the cats there. He feels good about it and the staff love the way he is with all the cats.
Thanks for all the important info...as usual!
Heather

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carrie, that was perfect timing!

SL, I would've just fallen asleep...

CM, ignore those mixed reviews.

Hilde, that's a nice thing to do.

Ali, you are welcome!

Tess Julia said...

Glad to hear their was a storyline with Batman. That's been my problem with movies lately is that the special effects ARE the movie. I need a story!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

My son and daughter had their viewing of the movie ruined by a small child that ran all over the theater the entire time. Not a movie for little ones, indeed.
Thanks for the review.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Alex,

Thanks for all the news. AND congrats to MPAX and Happy birthday to ali! I must stop by their blogs to say hi .... it's been ages as you know.

Random acts of kindness are the best part of being human. As for you sir, no one in the blogosphere gives more of themselves than you do.

I salute you Captain!

Cindy said...

Thanks for the Batman review. It seems so many of my blog friends like I have no choice, but to go see it. :)

Helena said...

I've both given and received random acts of kindness. They help to maintain (and sometimes restore) my faith in humanity.

Golden Eagle said...

Congratulations to Mary! Haven't read Stopover at the Backworlds' Edge, but it sounds really good.

Thanks for the movie review!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I think every work of art needs a splash of humor. Glad you enjoyed the movie, though.

Be well, Alex.
xoRobyn

Ciara said...

Bane was great. It is so difficult to pull off a roll without facial expressions. It only bothered me once in the movie when they did a close up and his eyebrows were over animated. Yes, I know, so not even a problem. I'm so excited for M. Pax!!

Bryan Russell said...

Really looking forward to the Dark Knight Rises, so I'm glad you're giving it a thumbs up.

klahanie said...

Alex!
Relax, this multi-tasking dude has finally dropped by to leave one of my anxiously awaited comments.
As per usual, I endeavour, time permitting, to check out your various links that clearly demonstrate your ethos of interacting within this great community of encouragement.
Random acts of kindness, I would like to think, are making a bit of a comeback. Altruism without expecting reciprocation, can be most rewarding. I discreetly work in the background and do my best, much like you, to bring further awareness of others. Well done, good sir.
Gary

Tyrean Martinson said...

Definitely plan to read what role chocolate plays in Pax's sequel . . .
Not planning to see any movies in the next few weeks . . . unless I go for my birthday in August. Hmm. My netflix account is going to be busy six to eight months from now when all these awesome movies come out on DVD.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, that is really nice! Cats need petting. And always happy that you stopped by.

Rose, there was a story!! This is Nolan after all.

Susan, what is wrong with people like that?

Thanks, Michael!

Cindy - go!

Helena, most people are good people.

Ciara, Hardy did great in the roll.

Gary, I really try to lift others up.

Morgan said...

Love Random Acts of Kindness... that'll be my mission this week ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yay to Mary!!!!

I try as a habit to do random acts of kindness. They take a little extra time out of the day but it's so worth it.

I'm sooooo looking forward to seeing the Dark Knight Rises.

Krista McLaughlin said...

I'm glad that the movie was good. I haven't seen the second one, but I've got plans with two friends to see it on Thursday and then go to the theater for the new one!

Katie Dunn said...

I saw tDKR this weekend as well and I must say I was SOOOO surprised when I got out of the theater that the movie had lasted 3 hours! It sure didn't seem like it while watching!

Lisa Regan said...

I just downloaded the first Backworlds book! I still can't even think about Batman without thinking about the shooting. Totally ruined for me. I think I would even be too creeped out to see that movie now. Also I try to do random acts of kindness at every opportunity!

Jay Noel said...

I can't wait to see this. But I wanted to revisit The Dark Knight first. It's been four years!

Ella said...

Thanks for sharing all this news!
I can't wait to check these books out~

Nice review of The Dark Knight Rises...! I love a satisfying ending :D

Rick said...

Count me in for the Random Acts of Kindness this week- especially after what happened in Colorado.

Anonymous said...

I'll see The Dark Knight Rises this week and really looking forward to it. I'll also read Mary's book this week.

And on RAK coming up!

Jeremy Bates said...

I just saw "Dark Knight Rises." I really enjoyed the flick, but my arse was a little sore afterwards. lol

Yeah, the humor was definitely lacking. My ONLY complaint was the fact that "Bane" was difficult to understand at times. He sounded like a muffled Darth Vader and it made me want to stop the show and rewind it. Grrr.

But overall, I was satisfied. I had gone to see "Expendables 2" but found out it was not playing once I got there, so "Dark" was the logical choice.

By the way, thanks in advance for your willingness to mention my upcoming blog fest on your blog this Wednesday.

Cheers!

Nick Wilford said...

Got my copy of Roland's book. Can't wait to read it! Congrats to Mary, too.

We only ever get to the cinema if we take the kids, so I think the next movie we're going to see is the Lorax! Batman Begins is the last one we saw of the series - feels like a long time ago, lol.

Sangu Mandanna said...

I'm so excited to go see The Dark Knight Rises, I've been hearing great things about it! Not sure I can cope with a bleak film AND bleak ending, though, I hope it's satisfying but optimistic too.

I'm going to think about what random act of kindness I could do this week...

Talli Roland said...

Random acts of kindness rock - I love the concept! I haven't seen the Dark Knight Rises and I likely won't... just not my thing. We're finally having summer here and I want to enjoy it!

Misha Gerrick said...

I so really badly want to watch The Dark Knight Rises, but it's only coming out in two or three weeks in South Africa. :-(

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Morgan, should you choose to accept this mission...

Lynda, it is worth it.

Krista, good plan!

Kathleen, fifteen minutes of commercials and previews really added to the running time.

Lisa, I did think about it when I got in the theater but then got caught up in the movie.

Jay, hard to believe, isn't it?

Rick, it's needed.

Jeremy, you're welcome.

Nick, best kid's flick out there right now is Madagascar III. (And never thought I'd say that either!)

Sangu, the ending is optimistic, so no fears.

Misha, sorry you have to wait.

Hart Johnson said...

YAY for free books! And congrats to Mary on her release of her 2nd--ton of luck!

Alex-glad you liked the Batman--I am with you that really dark movies benefit from a little humor--It it like a rich meal--somehow it is all the more satisfying four being a bit more rounded. I am like that with books, too.

Christina Farley said...

I haven't watched Batman but I want to soon. I love your Random Acts of Kindness. What a great thing to do.

Julie Dao said...

I've had some acts of kindness done for me this week, so it's time to return the favor!!

Anonymous said...

I too am glad to hear a positive review of Batman.

I tend to love movies for what they are as opposed to what I think they should have been, or what I'd expected going in... Which, roughly translated turns into "I almost always enjoy most movies, even when other's nitpick".

Your's is an opinion I value greatly though. :)

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

This is the second great review of The Dark Knight that I've read this morning. :) Excited to see it!

Powdered Toast Man said...

I saw DKR over the weekend and I am going to see it again today. I think there should of been a nude scene with catwoman, just sayin'.

Unknown said...

Congrats to M. Pax. Happy Birthday to Ali C. and plan on downloading a copy of Burnt Offerings today when I also purchase a copy of Fireseed One for my July winner! I'd like to congratulate Jennifer winning my contest. Everyone feel free to stop by and read her entry. :))

Anonymous said...

Still didn't make it to see Dark Knight yesterday:-( I became a fan of you on Goodreads today and added your books to my TBR pile--thought I already had but then checked after you commented on my blog. My TBR list is giving me anxiety attacks though--so many great authors I want to read!

Leovi said...

Yes, it will be interesting to see The Dark Knight Rises

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hart, it was almost too dark, but i still enjoyed it.

Thanks, Matt! I'm pretty easy when it comes to movies. Not as picky as I used to be.

PTM, I wouldn't object!

Jamie, thanks!

Gwen Gardner said...

Yay! Free books! Thanks Alex - and M. Pax and Roland:) I already shared it on Facebook:)

LynNerdKelley said...

The cover for Stopover Backworlds' Edge is really cool! I just downloaded The Backworlds. I hadn't heard about these books, so thanks for the heads up, Alex. Best wishes to M. Pax with her books. And am thankful her 2nd book is so reasonably priced so I can afford it!

Random Acts of Kindness - One of the best ideas you've mentioned on your blog. Yes, this world sure needs more of this. A little bit of kindness goes a long, long way. I like to tweet or help some writers who have written awesome books but have little time to market them and don't get the coverage or sales they s/b getting. I also like to do anonymous acts of kindness, too, which are sometimes the best kind!

Thanks for the review of Dark Knight. I'm relieved to hear Pittsburgh didn't get blown up since I'm going to a family reunion there end of August. Haven't been there in 29 years!

Luna said...

I love random acts of kindness! Good for you, Alex! :)

Jennifer Hillier said...

Satisfying ending for the Dark Knight Rises? Then I'm in. I've been hearing nothing but good things about the movie and I'm in the mood for something dark.

Callie Leuck said...

Thanks for the review of Dark Knight rises. My friends who have seen it go "it's awesome! you should see it!" and when I ask what it's actually about, they go "Just see it! It's Batman! It's awesome!" and then they won't tell me anything about it.

Sounds like something I wouldn't want to see in theaters by myself. Will probably be waiting for DVD release.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gwen, thanks!

Lynn, Roland blogged about helping authors in that manner today. And be prepared - Pittsburgh has changed since then.

Jennifer, it should be right up your alley.

Callie, not scary though.

Claire Hennessy said...

I keep getting told to watch The Dark Knight Rises so maybe I will, although sounds kinda exhausting. Love that you are doing random acts of kindness. It's contagious!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Hi, Alex! Great to see you blogging away! You're crazy busy I see. Hope you have time for outside life. Take care!

Unknown said...

I think my act of kindness this week is singing at my piano teacher and choir master's funeral for his wife. Not really a secret, or too unexpected act, but a big one for me.

mshatch said...

I didn't do a random act of kindness but a client at my work did by paying $60 on another client's vet bill for their diabetic cat. Completely out of the blue. Surprised me and made those people's day since they live on a fixed income with their disabled adult child.

Tomorrow, however, I will be on the lookout for a random act of kindness I can perform ...

LisaAnn said...

How have I never heard of the Kindness Project? Thank you for telling me about this! :)

Unknown said...

The Dark Knight Rises was awesome! The Dark Knight narrowly tops it for me, but this one very nicely rounded off the trilogy and brought it full circle. Loved it.

Pat Tillett said...

I really enjoy Mary's writing and love her blog. She's also a nice person! I've yet to see TDKR, but plan to do so very soon!

Karen M. Peterson said...

Dark Knight Rises was amazing. I just wish I'd been able to understand the other half of Bane's dialog...

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, I do!

Imogen, that's very sweet.

MaHatch, that was really nice of that person.

Jamie, it did come full circle.