Friday, April 26, 2013

A to Z Challenge – War of the Worlds and Won’t Back Down, Plus Ninja News, Hemlock Grove, and Upcoming 2013 Movies

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

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!

War of the Worlds

I really dug Spielberg’s take on the story. The first alien attack is harrowing. It’s a realistic portrayal of an alien invasion from the point of view of the average Joe just trying to stay alive. Cruise’s character doesn’t save the world, but he does save his family.

Ray’s had some family issues over the years, and the story begins right in the middle of those. Yet despite the challenges, he holds it together and does what is right for his kids. He gains their respect and love in the process, and he gains it for himself as well. Ray emerges stronger and better.

Who is Ray?

Karen Walker!

If you haven’t read her memoir, you need to. Karen went through some tough things with her family, and lost her own self-respect along the way. But she found her balance and peace, with herself and her family, and grew stronger and bolder. Her journey is to be admired.

Karen is the author of Following the Whispers and a professional singer.

To you I dedicate I Won’t Back Down by Fuel. (Title leads to YouTube.)

"I won't back down, I will not bow, I've come to bring you hell..." Because you aren’t backing down, Karen. You are bringing hell to your past and winning.

Trivia and Facts:

Where does Karen live?

What year did HG Wells write War of the Worlds?

V’s trivia answers – Mark’s wife is an U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, and “At any rate, I am convinced that God does not play dice,” an objection to quantum theory, was said by Albert Einstein.


Ninja News and Entertainment News

Mel gave me the Very Inspiring Blogger award. I’ve received it before, so just want to thank Mel.

Liesel Hill posted this yesterday and I thought it was awesome:
God did not create evil. Just as darkness is the absence of light, evil is the absence of God.--Albert Einstein

Hemlock Grove
This is a watch now original series on NetFlix.
It’s a slightly twisted Hardy Boys adventure. Like something you’d see on the CW except with gore and sex. Has a soap opera quality to it. I was a little disappointed with the season finale. Without giving anything away, all I can say is “Seen it! Do something new.”
If you’re in the mood for pulpy, gothic noir with smoking hot Famke Janssem, you could do worse than Hemlock Grove.


My May Movie Preview will be posted Monday, but thought I’d give you a sample of the awesome movies coming after that:
Man of Steel
World War Z
The Lone Ranger
Pacific Rim
The Wolverine
Elysium
Riddick
Ender’s Game
Thor: The Dark World
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Yes, this year is a geek’s paradise!

Fan of the War of the Worlds remake? Following Karen? Have you watched Hemlock Grove? And what movies are you excited to see?

Three more days… Three more bloggers to feature…

145 comments:

Andrew Leon said...

That would be 1898.

And I am so not looking forward to the new Wolverine. It looks even more stupid than the last one. I'll go see it anyway, though, because I love Jackman in that role.

DWei said...

Never watched or read War of Worlds. I probably should one day.

Anonymous said...

I liked the remake, but the original was just something else altogether. It was amazing for it's time and though I wasn't around for it's original release (Honest!) I loved it when I first saw it.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yes!! The remake was great!! I totally forgot about that one! doh!!

LOVE your list of movies to be reviewed. This year is definitely a geek's paradise.

Mark Koopmans said...

Nice job on getting my Better Half's job title correct - especially as I never mess with your name, Adam :)

PS... Cheers again for yesterday - it was a brilliant way to kickoff my birthday :)

L.G. Keltner said...

I enjoyed the War of the Worlds remake. Interestingly enough, that's the first movie my husband and I saw in the theater together. We'd just started dating. Well, maybe that fact is only interesting to me, but I thought I'd share it either way!

Cynthia said...

Ah yes, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander!

We got quite a few upcoming movies to choose from.

Unknown said...

Only 19 minutes live and already I'm far down the list for commenters, you have to be fast on the draw I guess.

The movies this year are going to be fantastic and I do not care one lick what anyone says about Wolverine, his first film was awesome. People just don't know how to appreciate great films. ;)

Mark is my new favorite man. I adore his wife's career.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Wow, Mark's wife is as impressive as Mark. And I like Einstein's quote, along with the fact that Einstein said it. Funny, the synagogue I go to is on Hemlock. I always thought that made for an unappealing street name. I haven't seen, or heard of, Hemlock Grove.

xoRobyn

Anonymous said...

Hemlock Grove looks interesting, although I'm no longer a Netflix member.

I enjoyed War of the Worlds.

The Angry Lurker said...

The Wolverine, World War Z, Riddick....I could keep going with the rest of this years goodness!

Suzanne Furness said...

Didn't know that about Mark's wife, you sure learn something new everyday! Following Karen and love War of the Worlds, the music is very stirring! Have a great weekend, Alex.

Tonja Drecker said...

Ug! There are SO many good movies! Can't wait to see your reviews :)

Unknown said...

I loved War of the Worlds. And I'm super excited to see World War Z and Man of Steel! I'm also REALLY looking forward to the Great Gatsby, which isn't out until June...

Anonymous said...

War of the Worlds brought back memories, my husband just loved that cd he bought, I am a follower of Karen and have read her book, I think she lives in New York, Good choice for your theme.

Yvonne.

Empty Nest Insider said...

War of the Worlds was a good movie. I can't believe the boy who played Tom Cruise's son is now a bearded man on the show Shameless. Happy Belated Birthday to Mark! Congrats to Karen!

Julie

Nancy Thompson said...

WotW is one of the scariest movies I've ever seen. Actually watched it at the theater the first time & think I almost broke my kid's hand I was squeezing it so tight. So Karen must awesome if you're tributing her with that flick. As for Mark's wife, I had no idea! How fascinating! So 3 more days, 3 more letters. Thing is, I'm out of posts & I'm not sure I have anything else to write. I can't figure anything for X, Y or Z. *sigh*. As for seeing a movie, I have no idea, but I got a free ticket when I took Jenny out to see Olympus Has Fallen a few weeks ago. Any suggestions for this thriller chick?

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I enjoyed this version of War of the Worlds. I'm watching Oblivion this weekend and looking forward to seeing Iron Man next month. I've been a bit curious about Hemlock Grove but never too excited about it. Enjoy your weekend.

Brandon Ax said...

For some reason when you said Won't back down I thought Tom Petty, but Fuel is great as well. I am most excited to see the new Superman.

RaveAir said...

War of Worlds was a little annoying to me. I can't remember why, but I know I wouldn't like to rewatch it.

As you said we look forward promising geek-movie-year!

Yolanda Renée said...

I liked both versions of War of the Worlds.

A new Wolverine movie, will have to try and make a point to go see a few. Especially interested in The Lone Ranger.

Never heard of Hemlock.

Will visit Karen to give Congrats!

Happy Friday!

J.L. Murphey said...

There has been so many remakes of the War of the Worlds. The original radio version is harrowing and believable. The latest Cruise version sucked although the special effects are awesome.

Penned by H. G. Wells in 1898.

Unknown said...

The War of the Worlds remake was not a bad movie! I haven't watched the series Hemlock Grove, we miss so many series here in Oz. They just don't get shown here.

Sheena-kay, I really enjoyed Oblivian, I am sure you will too!

Unknown said...

Karen sounds amazing. I don't know her, but soon, I will.

I love quoting Einstein. This is a new one for me and I love it! Albert was a genius in more ways than one.

Michelle Wallace said...

I love that quote!
I'm off to visit Karen... didn't know she's a pro singer.

Writer In Transit

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I never saw that version of War of the Worlds! Usually I enjoy Spielberg's stuff.

I love Karen and her blog!

Unknown said...

I remember seeing an older version of War of the Worlds and listening to the audio version. Used to scary me silly, but it was cool anyway.

VikLit said...

Wow so many movies coming up!

Kimberly Gabriel said...

I loved the War of the Worlds remake - almost as much as I love "I Won't Back Down." Makes me want to read her memoir! ;) Congrats to Karen.

Old Kitty said...

189something? for War of the Worlds? There's a remake of the 2005 remake of the 1953 film?! Why?!? LOL!

Yay for Karen!!!

Take care
x

mooderino said...

I've always had mixed feelings about War of the Worlds, especially the ending. A cool twist, yet totally undercutting everything that's gone before.


mood
Moody Writing

Ray Rousell said...

Not a bad remake, Dakota Fanning drove me up the wall with all that screaming!! And I didn't really get why they included Tim Robbins character???? I think I prefered the old version.

Nick Wilford said...

I have the original of War of the Worlds on DVD, but shamefully, I haven't got round to watching it.

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

I saw Oblivion this week. I was not impressed.

Jolie du Pre said...

I won't watch anything with Tom Cruise in it. I use to love him in "Top Gun." Now he's just creepy.

farawayeyes said...

I don't know Karen but will check her out.

Saw the new WotW once and it scared the carp out of me. Does that mean I liked it?

Excited to see 'The Lone Ranger' and 'Enders Game' I am soooo hoping Hollywood doesn't mess up EG.

Nas said...

I look the song "Won't Back Down".

Karen Baldwin said...

Evil the absence of God...I like that quote. Have a great weekend.

Ian Anderson said...

Like the quote, too.

War of the Worlds was a great movie. I wish I had heard the original broadcast.

Unknown said...

I haven't seen War of the Worlds but I do love Karen Walker's blog.

baygirl32 said...

I just finished watching Hemlock Grove- loved it!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Andrew, let's hope it's not.

Rebecca, the original has held up well considering its age.

Madman Mark, you are very welcome.

LG, interesting because I have no idea what movie my wife and I saw first.

Melissa, they come in quick. Guess everyone is trying to be first.

Fran, it's a great year for movies.

Karen and Tamera, I think it's coming out next month...

Nancy, the only good film out right now is Oblivion, but it's not a thriller. Save your ticket for next month.

Brandon, I had to drop the I or it wouldn't fit with the letter.

Jenn, yes he was.

Kitty, you're so close on the year.

Ray, I was glad when Cruise did him in.

Donna K. Weaver said...

It's interesting that all the renditions of War of the World are so different and yet still capture the core of the book--which is still my favorite, even if it did have horses and cavalry.

Rusty Carl said...

Hemlock Grove is in my queue - but the wife says we have to finish Alias before we start another show. It'll probably be a little while before we can do it then.

sfdada said...

Definitely finish Alias first. I'm sloooowly getting through Hemlock Grove. The thing about War of the Worlds that got me was the shock of it all. I sat there wondering if this was some kind of audience torture, but I couldn't look away. They gave us a truly new experience.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I greatly enjoyed the modern version of War of the Worlds, but the reviwers weren't so kind. i can't wait to see Lone Ranger!

jaybird said...

I have my own little count down to The Wolverine release. Can't Stinking Wait!

And Karen is awesome! Great choice again Alex.

Shell Flower said...

Some great Einstein quotes there. War of the Worlds was pretty good for a movie with Tom Cruise in it. I'm looking forward to World War Z.

Bob/Sally said...

Maybe it's the Canadian in me, but I prefer the late 80s War of the Worlds TV series. The shift to a post-apocalyptic setting in the 2nd series was definitely jarring, but I like the way they paid homage to the original novel & radio serial, while coming up with a plausible second generation concept.

kjmckendry said...

I thought Tom Cruise did a great job in War of the Worlds.

Oooh I'm excited for a bunch of this year's movies!

randi lee said...

Man--I completely lost track of where I left off....this is why I need to follow posts more regularly and not fall behind so much (sorry Alex !!!)

Did you know that when War of the Worlds was first broadcast without warning on the radio there was widespread panic that there actually WAS an alien invasion? Talk about your all time "psyche!"

mshatch said...

It goes without saying I'm excited about Into Darkness but I'm also curious about Elysium, which looks similar but equally interesting. I do like my scifi :)

Jennie Bennett said...

Karen's memoir sounds great! Anyone who can overcome hardship is a hero in my opinion :)

Chuck said...

I thought War Of The Worlds was a really good movie and Cruise played the part well. I LOVE that song by Fuel!!

I have many posts of yours to catch up on when I get home Sunday.

Just wanted to take the chance (while the internet is cooperating) to say Hey!

Laura Clipson said...

I enjoyed War of the Worlds, and it is one I would watch again. I remember going to see it at the cinema; my sister and I left to go to the toilet at one point because it got too scary for us! Wimps, I know :)

Jo said...

Yay. 1898. Great book. Never seen the 2005 film but saw earlier versions.

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

Mina Burrows said...

I thought WW as okay but my husband loved it. :)

Summer Ross said...

I did enjoy War of the Worlds. I didn't know it was a remake though.
~Summer

Jay Noel said...

War of the Worlds was pretty good. I had that same creepy feeling during the initial invasion as I did when I first saw Signs.

I'm hoping Man of Steel can revive the Superman franchise.

Al Diaz said...

I never saw the War of Worlds. Don't know why but it doesn't appeal me. I'll have to go check Karen's site.
I am going to see Ironman 3 next week! Now that thrills me. Popcorn is a plus. :D
Three days!!! I live to see Tuesday already. I'm dragging myself to the Finish Line at this point. I think my tongue will arrive a couple hours after my tail does.

Brinda said...

I watched that version of War of the Worlds a couple of months ago. I've seen it several times.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, let me know what you think of the show.

Bob, I've never watched the series.

Randi Lee, yes I did. They even made a movie about it.

Chuck, at least you escaped your captors.

Karen, you are most welcome. Feel bad I made you cry though.

Jo, very good!

Al, not missing Iron Man III either! And you'll make it. Even if you are 'dragon' at that point.

Isis Rushdan said...

We have some of the same movies on our list :). Hemlock Grove looked hokey to me. Glad I didn't waste my time.

PK HREZO said...

Karen is awesome!

And I didn't really care for War of the Worlds. I may try it again tho. Good to know about Hemlock Grove cuz I was thinking of giving it a try.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

My husband is dreading all the movies I'm going to drag him to. I want to see all of them. I'm going to watch Hemlock Grove.

Stephen Tremp said...

Karen's an amazing person with a great story to tell! She was one of my original followers and commenters.

War of the Worlds was a great movie. I'd pay to rent it again. But I won't because I have Netflix.

Talli Roland said...

Yay! A great choice in Karen. I've read her memoir and admire her greatly.

Anonymous said...

We started watching Hemlock Grove, but it's taking us a while to get into it. I'm not sure if we'll even continue watching it at this point. It's okay, but there are so many other things on Netflix we'd rather watch. Haven't had much time for other movies lately. Getting more into my books these days - slow reading because there are so many exciting and wonderful blogs to follow. Best of Friday to you, Alex. Nice post as usual here:)

Li said...

I never saw War Of the Worlds - I just didn't think any modern version would do justice to the subject matter. (Tom Cruise may have also tipped the scale away from seeing it - not really a fan.)Thank goodness it looks like some really good movies for the summer. Ironman, World War Z and Smaug are all on my list. I'd like to see something this weekend, but not a single movie looks enticing right now. Looks like a Redbox weekend. :-)

John Wiswell said...

I'll try Hemlock Grove. The comparison to Hardy Boys with sex and werewolves is funny enough, not that I expect it to take itself lightly.

Alright, May Movies! Looking forward to Into Darkness.

John at The Bathroom Monologues

Pat Hatt said...

All of those upcoming ones should be good, with the exception of the lone ranger, don't have high hopes for that one. As for War of the Worlds, hate the latest one, older one was better.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Somehow, sadly, I haven't read or watched War of the Worlds. I'm going to have to remedy that soon. And I don't know Karen that well . . .but I'll stop by her blog again today.

Great quote by Liesel!

I'm totally excited about a bunch of those movies, especially Ender's Game, Hobbit continuation, Wolverine, Man of Steel . . .well, all of them.

Thanks for being such an awesome host for A to Z Alex!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

HEMLOCK GROVE has Famke Janssem? Man, I almost want to do Netflix for that series. Almost.

All Westerns these days seem to flounder -- but I have a stirring of hope for THE LONE RANGER.

WAR OF THE WORLD had a great beginning, really grim middle, so grim that the "happy" ending was muted for me. I am a softie!

Powdered Toast Man said...

I didn't enjoy War of the Worlds like you did. Maybe I need to watch it again. I love the band Fuel.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

a true summer paradise of films, it's nerd up costumes all summer long... and then sprinkle in a few comic cons... nerd/geek powers activate.

Ella said...

Karen makes a great Ray! Wonderful choice?!

Now, I wonder if my hubby knows Mark's wife?! We were stationed in Pearle Harbor-small world!

Happy Friday Captain!


ilima said...

Another great Tom Cruise sci-fi. I think my favorite of his is still Minority Report. And without looking, I'm gonna guess H.G. Wells wrote it right around the turn of the century. Are you planning on watching After Earth?

SC Author said...

May May May!!!! I can't wait for the Great Gatsby :D That movie is going to rock!!!

Rhonda Albom said...

I also liked War of the Worlds, and now have to read Karen's memoirs.

Rhonda @Laugh Quotes

Theresa Milstein said...

I have to say no to everything here. I feel so out of the loop! I wish Karen luck with her memoir.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Isis, it was a bit goofy.

PK, at least you know what to expect.

Stephen, I think she was also one of my first followers.

MJ, at least now you know the season ends with a thud.

Thanks, Tyrean!

Roland, watch at least one episode for Famke.

Ella, you'll have to ask!

Ilima, I'm go to check reviews first on that one - the director scares me.

Cate Masters said...

The War of the Worlds kept me riveted, though I'm not a Tom Cruise fan.
I'm trying to talk my hubby into dumping Dish for Netflix. Maybe an original series will help convince him, lol

GYPSYWOMAN said...

it's always such a treat to drop by your land of all things exciting, alex! and your many followers is more than testament to that - we all thank you -

oh, and the original war of the worlds my favorite! fabulous!

have a wonderful ninja-filled weekend and thanks so much for visiting me! ;)

Birgit said...

Never seen the remake and want to. I heard it was good although I love the original and think george pal did a great job on the effects for 1951 (I think 1951). Was War of the Worlds written in the 1890's? I thought something like 1895-my guess:) Right now I have a War of the virus-I want this cold to go away:)

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I am geeking out on the movies already. I purchased my tickets for Iron Man 3 yesterday. One week away. And, is it weird I have put most of these movies on my calendar. I don't need to see them all on opening day, but get's me hyped to see what's coming up.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I am geeking out on the movies already. I purchased my tickets for Iron Man 3 yesterday. One week away. And, is it weird I have put most of these movies on my calendar. I don't need to see them all on opening day, but get's me hyped to see what's coming up.

Allison said...

Can't wait for Pacific Rim (because of GLaDOS's voice), Thor, and Ender's Game!!

Allison (Geek Banter)

M.J. Fifield said...

I did see the Spielberg movie. I don't really remember much about it though. I have listened to the radio show many many times.

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

I liked War of the Worlds. I do not know Karen, so I will go and check her out and say hi. Haven't see Hemlock Grove- may have to look into it and see what it is all about. :) Can't believe AtoZ is so close to ending...I had a wonderful time :)

SK Anthony said...

Cannot wait for Man of Steel and Wolverine and Thor and the Hobbit and, well all of them really!

War of the World, I don't think I saw it, but it looks familiar... having a brain freeze with it. That probably means I should watch it just to be sure that I did already see it or not. Confusing words end here.

Enjoy the rest of the challenge, almost there ;)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I catch bits of the War of the Worlds remake on television every once in a while. The kid brother in that show plays Steve on Showtime's Shameless.

J.L. Campbell said...

I like Einstein's definition of evil. Thanks for introducing me to another writer.

Laura Eno said...

Great of you to feature Karen! She's overcome tremendous odds.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Love the old War of the Worlds and the new War of the Worlds, both good movies...

Steven said...

Not a huge Cruise fan, so it was a hard movie to watch for me. With another actor I probably would have liked it more. Haven't watched Hemlock and now I don't think I will. And I'm really looking forward to Iron Man 3, Thor, Man of Steel and Hobbit 2! It's a good time to be a geek for sure!!!

4 Life said...

I loved War of the Worlds Spielberg-style! Even though I'm not fond of Cruise, it was still a great flick!

Texas Playwright Chick

Leovi said...

Wonderful intensity in War of the Worlds!

Luanne G. Smith said...

Yay Karen! And, yes, I've read her memoir. Heartbreaking stuff.

Still have not seen that version of War of the Worlds, though. Must see it one of these days.

David T List said...

Good Post. I liked that movie too... I read the book years ago. Good song by Fuel. We actually opened up for them a few years ago in a venue in Tallahassee, Fla. Cool guys. Surprisingly down to earth considering the size of their tour bus.
BY THE WAY, I totally didn't have time to finish book one and two... CassaStorm arrive in the mail YESTERDAY!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Cate, NetFlix is really getting into original series.

Thanks, Gypsy!

Birgit, very close.

Sydney, it's rare I don't see one on opening night.

LG, yes it was.

David, that's cool! And glad the book arrived.

Angela Brown said...

Ender's Game! Ender's Game! Please oh please, directors and producers, I hope you have not butchered a story I adore.

Okay, I got that out. If you haven't guessed yet, I'm looking forward to the Ender's Game movie.

Mel Chesley said...

That's quite a list of movies, but I can't wait to see them all. I'm not thoroughly impressed with Hemlock Grove...yet. I've seen just the one episode.

Wanda said...

The cover for War of the World looks quite intriguing.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Karen is a wonderful choice! And she lives in Albuquerque - we missed each other by less than a year, as I moved away right before she moved there.

Carrie-Anne said...

I actually did see War of the Worlds in the theatre. I also have that story on a 1982 cassette tape, which came together with a narration of The Time Machine. I played The Time Machine over and over again (so much so I eventually had nightmares over it), but never got around to The War of the Worlds till much later. The ending gave me chills.

Unknown said...

Love the song and love Karen. Great choice.

Miranda Hardy said...

Looking forward to the upcoming movie schedule. Will have to catch some of them.

So glad Karen overcame the obstacles in her life. I love stories like that.

Carol Kilgore said...

Three more days. Have you seen my brain? It fell out somewhere along the way.

Congrats to Karen!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thanks for the head's up on Karen's memoirs. I'm off to check it out. Thanks, Alex!

Julie Flanders said...

Karen's awesome and her memoir was amazing.

Michael Di Gesu said...

TttttHrrrrreeeeeeeee Mmmmmooooorrrrreeee Dddaays.....

YIPPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! Nose in the air and dancing like snoopy!


Nice featuring Karen ... she's a sweetheart.

Did you write your IWSG post yet?

Carrie Butler said...

I'll have to check out Karen's memoir. :)

Bish Denham said...

I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall when Orson Wells did War of the Worlds on the radio as a Halloween prank.

I definitely want to see The Hobbit and The Lone Ranger!

Christine Rains said...

Great movie and yay for Karen! I just saw a commercial for Hemlock Grove the other day and I was curious. I think I can wait to watch it now after your review. I have the Hobbit sitting on my DVD player right now, but I can't watch it until I finish my WIP! Only two chapters to go.

Unknown said...

I was pleasantly surprised by the War of the Worlds remake. I wasn't expecting to like it, but I did.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Angela, I'm curious to see it since so many say my first book reminds them of it.

Mel, it ends with a thud.

Diane, you are correct.

Carol, so did mine!

Michael, heck no!! I'm just keeping up day to day.

Christine, you can do it.

M Pax said...

I'm hoping Hemlock Grove isn't too scary for me. :D I'm such a wimp that way.

Sherry Ellis said...

Karen sounds like a very strong lady. I'm not sure if I'm following her. I'll have to hop over and see.

Lisa said...

I did like the remake of War of the Worlds. I like Tom Cruise when he isn't the "Big" star, as in, he doesn't seem to hog the show. I can't wait to see almost every one of the movies in your list!!!

klahanie said...

Hi Alex,

Thought I'd Cruise over to your site and notice you mention War of the Worlds. Still cannot get over the hysteria caused by Orson Welles radio adaptation.

Nice to meet you, Karen.

Time to cut my grass. 'The Lawn Ranger' rides again.

Thanks heavens April is nearly over!

Gary

Robin said...

Oh, Alex, I love Karen's blog. It is one of those Make You Think blogs. Thank you for linking her in on today's post:)

Unknown said...

Karen sounds pretty darn awesome. More power to her for overcoming her trials. :) Good for her.

Answer: 1898

It has been a while since I watched War of the Worlds. I should see if the library has it. That's a great idea. I have yet to read the book, though.

Wow, there are some cool movies being released this year. I am particularly excited about Ender's Game, Thor 2, and The Hobbit.



LD Masterson said...

I'm glad you mentioned Karen's blog. It's a good one to follow.

Do you think there's any chance the The Lone Ranger will lead a revival of old westerns? I miss old westerns.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, I don't think it's scary.

Gary, I agree!!! Three more days.

Julia, very good.

LD, that would be great if it did.

Shannon Lawrence said...

I didn't know that about Mark's wife! I don't remember much about WotW, but I'm not a Cruise fan, so I think I block anything he made after a certain year from my mind. I do want to see Reacher, though. And go, Karen!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Johanna Garth said...

Karen's memoir sounds so inspiring. Thanks for highlighting it!

SpacerGuy said...

Go Wolverine, but seriously War of the Worlds is better.

Nicki Elson said...

I'm reading Karen's book right now! Its very well done and I admire how open Karen is with her experiences in a way that can be helpful for others with the same issues.

Cassie Mae said...

War of the Worlds confused the crap out of me! And now I can't watch it without thinking of Scary Movie 4 and that butt cloud that zaps lightning from the crack, lol

Golden Eagle said...

I need to watch War of the Worlds. I really liked the book--I'm interested to see how they adapted it.

Following Karen. :)

Very excited for Ender's Game and The Hobbit!

sfdada said...

We listened to the original War of the Worlds radio broadcast in my 6th grade class. (in the early 80's! I'm not that old!) but I think I was the only one who knew anything about it. My dad did a good job with my film history already.

Mark Means said...

After watching "Lilyhammer" I've been meaning to check out Hemlock Grove....maybe after April's over with, lol :)

Unknown said...

Glad to read this about Hemlock Grove, was up in the air on whether to invest the time to watch it

The Happy Whisk said...

I don't think I saw SS version, or I don't recall. Will check out Karen and hmmm ... movies. I dunno.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicki, her book is amazing.

Cassie, I don't want to know...

Bryan, I knew about it long before that.

Heather M. Gardner said...

Nice tribute to Karen. She rocks.

My nephew was telling me all about Hemlock Grove and how awesomely gross it was. He neglected to mention if it had a story. Teens.

THOR 2!!!!!

YEAH!

Heather

LynNerdKelley said...

What a nice shout out to Karen! I've heard that quote about evil and the absence of God, but I never knew Einstein said it.

Alexandra Heep said...

Fuel? Interesting. My boyfriend is friends with the band Venrez who toured with them. If I am lucky, I might get to interview them this summer. A little off topic, sorry ... I do enjoy all of your posts.

Arlee Bird said...

Karen was among the earliest bloggers I started following.
Loved Spielberg's take on War of the Worlds.

Lee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog

Patricia Stoltey said...

Yay to you for picking Karen Walker!! I kind of think she lives in New Mexico.

ediFanoB said...

When it comes to War of the Worlds I always come back to the excellent
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds from 1978.
It is an extraordinary piece of music and Richard Burton as the narrator is awesome.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. I have Karen's book here to read .. and need to get to it - May is soon isn't it! I'm not sure where she lives .. I know she's just been to Honduras and last year went to Greece ...

Karen does seem to have balance back in her life .. all kudos to her..

War of the Worlds .. I immediately think of the Burton and Essex version produced by Jeff Wayne ..

Cheers Hilary

S. L. Hennessy said...

I'm a big fan of anything War of the World. Book, film adaptations. It's a great story!

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen the original War of the Worlds. I'd better get on it before the 17th! ;)

I love when I see quotes about God from Albert Einstein. It proves you can be a genius and still have a relationship with God.

Kristen said...

I really like it too! There were plenty of people who hated it, but I don't see why. It was awesome.

#atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com