In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!
Without a doubt the greatest chase movie ever. A post-apocalyptic world that is brutal but not lacking a sense of humor. Every guy wanted to be Max because he was so damn cool. (And be honest - you wanted to drive a tanker over some jerk after watching this!)
The Gyro Pilot is a slightly unbalanced man just trying to survive. At first he seems concerned only with himself, but he joins the cause and fights with the others. He has swagger and charm, a wicked sense of humor, and leads the others to a better way of life.
Who is the Gyro Pilot?
Gary openly admits he struggles with issues and some days, it’s all he can do to get by. But at his heart, he is willing to sacrifice for others. Armed with Penny the Dog and Modest Internet Superstar, he stands for what is right and champions his friends. Add in his swagger and sense of humor, and Gary will charm your socks off.
Gary is an advocate for awareness of mental health issues and owned by Penny. He is also the Unofficial Anti-A to Z Challenge Mascot. (And we are proud to claim him.)
I dedicate to you Rest in Peace by Extreme. (Title leads to YouTube.)
“Straight through the heart, Peace can be found, That’s where you start…”
Trivia and Facts:
Who directed The Road Warrior?
Extreme’s song Play With Me was featured in this 1989 film during the mall scene – name the science fiction comedy.
Q’s trivia answer – Iron Maiden’s mascot is Eddie.
Ninja News
Lexa has an agent - Michelle L. Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency. Congratulations, Lexa!
SC’s query contest is open again and there are eight agents lined up! Check out the details HERE
And correction! The Goodreads giveaway of CassaStorm is open through Sunday! Enter HERE
Oblivion Movie Review
The film’s overall storyline is unique, even as it borrows tiny bits from other movies. But there are several twists in the plot that keep it refreshing and a puzzle.
Special effects are great without being overwhelming. Jack’s ship is especially cool. (And my wife now wants a pool in the sky.)
It is slightly overlong, but at two hours, it won’t kill you.
It won’t completely knock your socks off, but you will be pleasantly surprised – and surprised more than once. Recommended!
Any Road Warriors out there? Fan of Gary and Penny? Remember Extreme’s Rest in Peace? Know the trivia? Ready for a query contest? And did anybody else see Oblivion?
137 comments:
Nice to meet Gary. I was such a huge Tom Cruise fan that I had to watch his movies whenever they released here.
Hi Alex .. I don't know Road Warrior at all .. but I do know Gary and Penny over at Klahanie - and I love his take on life .. and he's very supportive.
Quite agree with you claiming Gary and Penny as the Anti A-Z Challenge Mascot - I'll definitely second you ...
Cheers from a sunny England! Hilary
Oh YES!! I love The Road Warrior. Mel was so hot back then. And Gary... I have an ultra soft spot in my heart for that man. He is way, WAY beyond special. And Penny works hard to keep him in line! Congrats Gary!
I should check out that query contest just to see what it's all about. I don't have a finished WIP yet, but I'm curious to see which agents are shopping around for clients.
Gary and Penny are quite the Dynamic Duo, and couldn't be more worthy of your wonderful tribute!
Julie
Great choice for your theme, I am a follower of Gay and Penny,
Alex I have a confession, I went to publish your comment you so kindly sent and pressed the delete instaed of publish , I am so sorry, it was a lovely comment too.
Enjoy your week-end.
Yvonne.
I don't know anything this morning. Nothing about Road Warrior or Gary or Penny, not the song nor the trivia...
At least I can easily fix most of these things. =)
Remember that strange little plane the gyro captain had in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome? The Madrid Air Museum has one!
http://grizzledoldtraveler.blogspot.com.es/2010/05/strange-little-airplane-that-became.html
I don't really know Gary & Penny, but see them all over the blogosphere.
Writer In Transit
I'm excited to see Oblivion. Isn't it funny how a two hour movie used to be normal? Is The Road Warrior part of the Mad Max series?
I've never seen The Road Warrior, but it sounds like I need to. I've wanted to see oblivion, too. I may have to catch a movie this weekend.
I'm not into chase scenes and I haven't the Road Warrior, but hubby has, and love it. I don't know Gary either, but he sounds like a neat guy.
Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
I want to see Oblivion mainly for Morgan Freeman, but the Tom Cruise aspect doesn't appeal to me.
Jamie @ Mithril Wisdom
I wonder if Gary will be upset or happy that you are featuring him today. I should of listened to him and done my posts from Z to A.
Nancy, Penny deserves her title.
Cynthia, you should - the last winner got a contract!
Yvonne, that's all right. I'll go back and see if I can remember what I said.
Sean, that's cool.
Man O Clay, yes, it's the second film.
Jamie, Freeman has a very small role in the film. You won't see him much.
I've just met Gary during the challenge and he has already charmed my scales. (Dragons do not use socks, you know)
It makes me smile but the only song I think I knew of Extreme was More than Words, and that's because that was the first song I tried when I was taking guitar lessons. Ah, sweet memories. Maybe I'll resume the guitar lessons someday before I get too old (that's just around the corner, hahahaha)
I bet Penny and Fred would be great friends.
Gary is such a great choice! I'm listening to the Extreme song now, but I also watched the Dove advert before it, which I found strangely fitting for Gary too.
I'd quite like to see Oblivion too.
I am a fan of Road Warrior - yes indeed. Love the movies.
Hope to see Oblivion.
I love Gary's blog and I find him (and Penny of course) to be among the most interesting bloggers I know!
I am seeing Oblivion today at the 12:15 matinee. As a sci-fi fan I am highly intrigued!
Road Warrior is one of my all time favorites, which continues to influence my writing. :))
And congrats again to Lexa! Such good news.
I'm at a loss this morning- I'll have to go check everything out.
Have a nice weekend Alex!
Gary is awesome and I always look forward to hearing from him (or Penny) on my comments section. A true character, for sure!
Oblivion looks interesting....but I'm having a hard time watching anything with Tom Cruise in it...I'm -not- a fan.
Congrats to Lexa and best wishes to her! :)
I haven't seen Road Warrior. I've actually never even heard of it, gah!
I want to go see Oblivion, but only because of Tom Cruise. I love him. Like, love love love Tom Cruise.
I'm already following Gary, and I love his spunk and posts. Saw The Road Warrior after seeing Mad Max. Haven't yet seen Extreme, but will now!
I have come across Gary and Penny briefly, I should go read the blog some more. Will watch out for Oblivion. I now have to get hold of the book Perfect Storm after what you said on another blog.
JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE
I loved the ending to OBLIVION, it did a neat twist to the sacrificial cliches to many movies' endings. :-)
Oblivion looks -different- Manly Man wants to see it. I think I'll go with him. Have a great Saturday Alex.
Loved the Road Warrior. The sequels, not so much
Back before Mel went all crazy person in real life. The Road Warrior was awesome, still prefer Lethal Weapon though. And George Miller too, is the answer to you as he is directing 4 as well, which will prob suck, but who knows. And Penny can rhyme too, that is liked, even if a mutt, at my zoo haha
Mad Max 2 was an 80s classic.
I saw Oblivion. Like a bunch of film I'd seen already, squished into a sort of new one.
mood
Moody Writing
Road Warrior!!!
Al, no dragon socks? And you should take up guitar again. Too old? I'm sure you're much younger than me and I just learned to play a few years ago.
Mina, I bet they would as well!
Annalisa, that made me chuckle.
Optimistic, hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Mark, few people are these days.
Cassie, you need to watch it!!
Jo, it's non-fiction but totally fascinating. Ten times better than the movie.
Roland, yes it did!
Pat, you are correct!
Moody, it did have elements of many, but on the whole it was original.
Gary will be THRILLED. Great choice. We love the Mad Max movies, anything post-apocalyptic for that matter. Not sure I want to see Oblivion due to Tom Cruise who is on my last nerve...
Tina @ Life is Good
Co-host, April 2013 A-Z Challenge Blog
@TinaLifeisGood, #atozchallenge
Loved the original Road Warrior and I'll admit to a wicked crush on Mel Gibson - he was terribly sexy in those leathers and that Aussie accent...I used to remember who directed it but...alas, that information has been overwritten!
And glad you liked Oblivion! I think my brother and I will go see it next weekend :)
I didn't realize pools in the sky were an option. Where do I opt in? Because I'm game, especially if I get one for free with my ticket to Oblivion.
John at The Bathroom Monologues
Saw Road Warrior. Loved it.
Saw Oblivion last night. Wasn't what I expected. I kept thinking that Freeman was going to show up much earlier. The twists and turns kept me entertained, though.
A pool in the sky is exactly what I asked for for Christmas. If you give your wife one, send pictures so I can point it when I make my next request.
Penny is a great pen pal. She writes beautifully and thoughtfully. She's also very nice to her pet, Gary. You gotta love her.
Miller, Bill and Ted... i saw road warrior [in the show] with my father, he had no idea how violent it was going to be... the film changed my life and the way i watched films.
HaHa! I recently met Gary and Penny during the A-Z! He's a perfect choice.
I'm not a huge Tom Cruise fan, but Oblivion sounds good.
Congrats to Lexa!
I'll consider Oblivion just a bit more thanks to you Alex. Max is badass. Congrats Lexa and enjoy your weekend Alex.
I want to see Oblivion, because it looks like something that should be seen in the theater, but I don't think it's going to happen.
I'm thrilled for Lexa.
I'd like to see Oblivion.
I can't wait to see Oblivion. And yes, I'll take a pool in the sky, too:)
Tina, that made me chuckle...
MsHatch, think you'll really like it.
Ken, I didn't know what to expect from the movie but was pleasantly surprised.
Jeremy, you are correct. Don't know how old you were, but that movie was intense for a kid.
I think Gary is the perfect choice. He's definitely a warrior who would drop everything to help anyone. Bravo for choosing him, Alex!
I like clicking on your link to the song of the day and then reading your posts.
Mad Max was the man.
I'm stoked to see Oblivion. Good review.
I came across Gary's blog yesterday and followed him. His backwards version of A-Z is brilliant. Wish I'd have thought of it. And I love me some dogs! I think Gary and I should have a time-share with Penny. :) Super cute.
My parents saw Oblivion and enjoyed it. I may have to catch a matinee of it soon. I have a tough time paying full price for movies these days.
Gary and Penny are superstars. His positivity shines through his posts and his anti A-Z is brilliant.
I'm so happy to see the Road Warrior get some street credit. Never heard of Gary and Penny, but it looks like I have some reading to do!
Glad to hear Oblivion is decent. It was wonderful to hear Lexa's news. Have a great weekend.
I think the acrylic pool in the sky would be terrifying. I wouldn't want that.
Glad Oblivion is worth seeing! I'll have to check it out. I think I would be a little terrified of having a pool in the sky. I would probably just sit on the steps and not move the entire time :D
Road Warriors was a fun ride!
Directed by George Miller
Have a great weekend!
I recently stumbled across Gary and his rebel ways. *picks self up off floor and brushes away dirt*
So far, Gary has brought Penny the dog and Jack the Rabbit by my blog for some slick entertainment as well. He's a riot! :D
Thanks for the information about the contest and the movie. I hope to see Oblivion soon. I just met Gary and Penny this week. Great duo.
Yep, I'll be going to see 'Oblivion' soon. I usually enjoy Tom Cruise movies.
Congrats to Lexa! And to Gary!
Your review is the first positive one I've read about Oblivion. Not especially a Tom Cruise fan.
I'm definitely a big fan of Road Warrior. Might be in my top ten favorites of all time. Top 20 for sure.
Road Warrior is super cool. As far as Oblivion goes, I like the premise, but I have a thing about Tom Cruise. He kind of ruins movies for me. He was good in Magnolia, but that's about it. Yay for Lexa.
I want to see Oblivion, but with two young kids, I may not be able to make it to the theater. I rent most movies I see these days, but that's fine too!
Yeah to Gary and Penny. My main character is Penny and I love dogs who use computers. Penny looks like a sweetie!
Big Mad Max fan--I've liked all the Road Warrior related films with the one you've picked being my favorite and the best of the series.
I'll see Oblivion when it comes to DVD.
Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
HI, Alex,
Thanks for the info on SC's contest!
Congrats to LEXA.... YAY!
Nice to meet Gary... the ROAD WARRIOR... He sounds very special...
Have a great weekend!
David, glad you are enjoying the music!
Julie, we never pay full price.
Kathe, very good!
Carol, a lot of people don't like him anymore.
I felt the same about Oblivion. Kind of slow at parts, but surprisingly good and great twists to keep me interested. And my husband wants that pool too, lol. I was crushing on the music the whole time, then saw it was M83 who did the score. No wonder, they're all I listen to when I write. :)
Younger than you? Me younger than you?!?! I'm 800 years old! Compared to me you're a kid. Then again your mistake is understandable. I still look young and dashing in these scales, hahaha. Not to mention I still have all my teeth. But the only age that really matters is the one of the heart and mind. ;)
I love Gary's blog. Everything you said about him is true. Excellent choice for your feature!!!
I'm kind of surprised you liked the movie Oblivion! I haven't seen it yet but if it has a pool in the sky, sign me up. ;-)
Definitely a Road Warrior and a Gary and Penny fan!
And I'll be seeing Oblivion tonight!
Greetings human, Alex,
Yes, it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar. And human Alex it was your good self who raised me from star to superstar status! Ah, the life of a celebrity dog, forever being hounded by the pesky 'puparazzi'.
My human, Gary, yes the human I so kindly allow to live with me, are truly flattered that you would feature us on your blog. We both are great admirers of your altruism and your embracing of the sharing, caring blogging community ethos, is for all to see.
Gary totally agrees with you in regards to "Road Warrior". We are getting a favourable reaction to "Oblivion" over here in Britain. Both my humans will be seeing it.
Thank you for the dedicated song by Extreme. I shall play it to Gary.
Your summary of what we do at our site sums it up most profoundly. The underlying theme in all the posts we both do is to bring further awareness of mental health issues. To eliminate the unfair stigma, misconceptions and stereotypes.
I know you know that our alternative to the A to Z, is at times satirical, but always good natured. We always make mention of the challenge we wont pawticipate, sorry, participate in.
Thank you to all the fine bloggers who have left such kind comments about us. We are truly grateful.
Thank you, Alex.
Penny and her human, Gary
I just saw Lexa's news on her blog and am soooo excited for her!
A friend of mine is making a feature film called "Warrior Road" and I've already seen people mistaking the movie's FB page for the Mad Max movie. He probably should have picked a different title. :-)
Gary has a heart of gold. He's a great pick.
I'm happy for Lexa too.
xoRobyn
Nice tribute to Gary. I haven't seen Oblivion. Rest is looking welcome about now.
Yay for Gary and Penny! Thanks for the review for Oblivion. I think I can wait until DVD for it now.
Lee, that doesn't surprise me!
Michael, the person who won the last one got a contract!
Ilima, you thought it sounded familiar, didn't you...?
Ah Al, but I have clones! And they are eternal...
Penny, you and Gary are welcome. The humans will enjoy Oblivion. And we enjoy your take on not participating in the Challenge. Don't ever stop.
Jocelyn, that might work in his favor.
Wonderful that song Extreme, yes, peace is possible!
I don't know The /road Warrior or Gary! Must check out Gary now ;) Hope you're enjoying your weekend Alex!
So you're pulling one to infinity on me? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Now I'll go laugh for the rest of the weekend.
I'm a Mad Max fan ;D
When I moved to Adak, I swear the vehicles looked like some in the movie~ Or maybe Junk Yard Wars, lol...
Oh, the movie does sound fab!
I like how Mrs. AC thinks ;D
Gary is cool!
I must visit...
Damn internet has been down most of the day...???
The anti- A-Z challenge mascot? How cool is that? I'll have to pay him a little visit.
wow! but i shouldnt be surprised.
thanks for the news flashes & blog hop info.
love the bloggers & movies u r choosing
and the oblivion review!
b sure to stop by on u day, i hav something 4 u!
happy a to z!
Gary and Penny - very sweet choice. Fun movie. Back when Mel was hot and an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10.
I'm a trekkie warrior, does that count, Alex?
Went through my followers and you weren't there, hmph, thought you were and blogger was just being dumb and not showing you in the blogroll. Rectified now.
Really nice choice today.
I love all three, Road Warrior, Gary and Penny! <3
Gary is an excellent choice! He's a great guy and always makes everyone else feel better. And Penny is a total superstar :)
Ha, I was wondering of what movie you'd pick for R. Road Warrior is a good one.
I finally saw Defiance and I totally agree with your review of it.
I haven't seen Oblivion yet. It freaked me out when I first saw a trailer of it, because there was something in it that was exactly my current manuscript. After a little research, I discovered it wasn't what I thought. Phew!!!
Awesome review of Oblivion, Alex! I'm seeing the film tomorrow! Looking forward to it! Perhaps we can compare notes via email ;)
I love Gary and Penny as well! Their comments on blogs are touching. Great choice again!
I'm determined to win that copy of CassaStorm!
Gotta skip the trivia this time around.
I haven't seen Oblivion yet and will probably get at Redbox. Road Warrior fan here. Each movie in that series was better the previous.
Al, got you!
Ella, I'm sorry.
Tara, I will!!!
Spacerguy, yes it does.
Thanks, Pa - will make sure I follow you.
Lynda, it's very different from anything I've ever seen.
Livia, of course!
Hoorah! I love Gary and his little dog too. He and Penny are both superstars!
So very happy for Lex!
From what I've seen of them, Gary and Penny are a really cute team.
I'm a Gary and Penny fan too.
I haven't seen The Road Warrior. Love the song dedicated to Gary - thanks for sharing! :)
I went to see Oblivian on the day of its release here in Australia and found the many twists intriguing. Even though it went for 2 hours it is action packed enough not to notice! Definitely one to see!
Carolyn, the multiple twists made the film.
Definitely a fan of Gary's. Will have to check out the movie - looks like a nice way to pass some time. Thanks.
I might have to put Oblivion on my to see list ;)
My dad and I went to see Oblivion yesterday, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Wish I could build worlds like that in my writing.
Thank you very much for the interesting criticism of Oblivion!
Have "Oblivion" on my list to see at some point. We did see "42" - excellent! The acting was incredible.
Hubby and I are going next week.
Milo, it was surprisingly good, wasn't it?
Madeline, I expected that one to be really good.
Penny and her pet human Gary are the best! :)
I'm not familiar with Gary's blog. I want to go meet Penny now. :)
Although not a huge fan of Tom Cruise, my husband convinced me to see Oblivion at the theatres this weekend. It was better than I thought it would be but predictable.
Thanks for the Oblivion movie review. My daughter has been trying to get me to take her to this one, so now I guess I'll have to. :)
Haven't met Gary before, thanks for the intro.
I'm a Morgan Freeman fan. Thanks for the info on Oblivion.
Again a movie I do not know.
I'm pretty embarrassed to admit it, but I've never seen this movie before. I am adding it to my list, pronto.
Sorry I'm late!
Road Warrior is pretty freakin' awesome. There was something so gritty and realistic about it.
Gary is a very cool guy and he and Penny and the Wee Folk come visit Stormy often.
Glad you liked the movie. I'm saving myself for either Star Trek 2 or Iron Man 3. It's a tough call.
Heather
Clarissa, I was surprised as well.
Heather, I'm a Trek geek, but even I would have to go for Iron Man III.
Hugs to Gary and Penny. He's an awesome blogger to feature and one of the most supportive I know. I need to stop by his blog, I'm so behind on my visits!
Actually, I like Road Warrior. But I think Beyond Thunderdome is my favorite.
Haven't seen Oblivion.
Another great film!!!!!
I can thumb through cable looking for a movie I haven't seen to watch and not find one, yet you can post about various movies I haven't seen or heard of.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2013/04/musical-monday-atoz-presents-s-saturday.html
Elise, easy to do this month.
Joyce, just doing my job.
Road Warrior is one of those movies that I can watch over and over again. Great flick!
And the family and I went to see Oblivion this weekend also, and I really enjoyed it. :)
Ah, Road Warrior, where we could enjoy Mel Gibson before he went kind of crazy. I'm so glad to hear that Oblivion is worth it. I was really hooked by the previews.
Hi Alex! Thanks for stopping by! What a great idea for the A to Z challenge!
George Miller directed both Mad Max movies, and I think he's doing the third. Hard to believe he also is behind the Happy Feet movies.
I want to see Oblivion. I'm hearing that it's good, but not fantastic.
Holy cow - I've been mentioned in an Alex Cavanaugh post! I must have truly arrived at star status!
Thanks! :-)
Gary and Penny are a great choice!
I'm looking forward to seeing Oblivion.
I don't know Road Warrier but will check it out.I do want to know Gary and Penny..
doreenmcgettigan.com
Oh good to know! It does look good.
Big love to Gary and Penny. They make a cloudy day sunny.
Great pick Alex!
you are an experienced blogger,please dont do this
2 bhk flat in Bhubaneswar
plotting scheme in Bhubaneswar
I love Gary! He's one of my favourite bloggers. Penny is too cute too!
Jai
It is so great to see how you give so much to others-really! I like how you put everything together-they must feel so great to be picked by you. Road Warrior was fun in a strange sort of way since it deals with some sad states but it is fun to watch
This is another one of my favorite movies of all time! Great choice!
#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
I see a pup. After this comment, I'm headed over to see what it's all about.
You have a good weekend, Alex.
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