Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Science Fiction and Movie News, Fantasy Book Cover Reveals, IWSG News, Ninja News, and What’s the Weirdest Film You’ve Ever Seen?

My tour stop is at the Unicorn Bell today - The Secret Blogging Ways of the Ninja Captain. (You know you want to know!)

Science Fiction and Movie News

Caught this at Hero Complex - Roland Emmerich intends to reboot his own movie, Stargate. He wants to remake it as three films and is in the planning stage.

I’m a HUGE fan of the series Stargate: SG1 and Stargate: Atlantis, but the original movie was average at best. I don’t have a big problem with the remake, but no one will take the place of Richard Dean Anderson as Jack O’Neill in the series. (Come on – the dude was MacGyver!)

Box Office Updates-
Despicable Me 2 is the summer’s big animated film winner - $832.8 million dollars worldwide.
Critics claim Star Trek Into Darkness was a flop. Ironically, it’s the highest grossing Star Trek film ever at $462.8 million. (Made even more than the original Thor.) Yeah, I think we’ll get another sequel.
The Conjuring made $259.7 million worldwide. Yes, they have announced a sequel. Big surprise.
And the biggest box office losers of the year so far – White House Down and The Lone Ranger. The year’s not over yet though…

And here’s another wild image from Blastr - a Japanese engineer spent eleven years making this seventeen-ton beetle mech. It actually works and can carry six people! (His wife suggested he could ride it to take out the trash.)



IWSG Updates

I’m putting out the call again for Insecure Writer’s Support Group co-hosts. If you can help in either October, November, or December, let me know. Looking for four co-hosts each month now.

Work continues on the IWSG website. It’s going to take a lot to put this together and we want to make it awesome for you. Many of you have sent me sites and resources – keep them coming!


Ninja News

Big thanks to everyone who visited The Non-Review on Monday for the cats’ interview with me. (Melvin is really sad, isn’t he?)
Guest posts and tour stops are always an extra step and I know most people don’t visit. So I really appreciate those of you who go the extra mile and visit those gracious enough to host me. It may not seem like a big deal, but it means a lot to both host and guest.

Keep making suggestions for the next person featured in this year’s CheersFest! Remember, it needs to be someone who is a MAJOR player on the Internet and a consistent, positive force.


SC Write is hosting Nightmare on Query Street. “The submission window opens at 12 noon (EST) on October 19th. The window will close at 8pm or when we receive 100 entries, so please please send early. Michelle, Mike, and I will make ten picks each, and those ten picks will go up on our blogs from the 25th through the 27th, where agents will make requests.” See SC’s site for details.

Ciara Knight revealed the cover for her next book, Pendulum - Book II of The Neumarian Chronicles.

Haunting memories.
Terrifying dreams.
Crippling lies.

Looks awesome, Ciara!



And Speculative Book Reviews posted a review of CassaStorm!

Special Cover Reveal

Sacrifice HER by Sheena-kay Graham
Release Date: December 2013
Find it on Goodreads

When a city is at stake is the life of one sixteen-year old girl worth risking thousands? Deidra Moore goes on the run after escaping from a group of human sacrifices for Bane: God of War. She doesn't believe he exists and sees uncertainty in the scorching desert as a better alternative. But Faux City isn't finished with her and their leader Lord Brinn is ordered by Bane - through one of his maiden worshipers- to bring her back or face dire consequences. In the desert Deidra meets a wanderer named Kane and as feelings spark can they find a safe place to lead a new life before Lord Brinn and his soldiers catch up with them? Yet the question remains. Does Bane really exist and if he does what will happen if either side succeeds or fails? Told in alternating perspectives of both the runaway servant girl and the blonde strong willed leader.

Find Sheena-kay -
Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Congratulations, Sheena-kay!!!



Random Question of the Day

What’s the weirdest film you’ve ever seen?

My pick would be Tetsuo: The Iron Man. Part cyberpunk, part metal fetish, all mind-blowing weird. Watch at your own risk.

Think they should remake Stargate? What would you do with a beetle mech? Can you be an IWSG co-host this year? Excited about the covers or query contest? And what’s the weirdest film you’ve ever seen…?

Don’t forget to visit the Unicorn Bell - Ninja secrets revealed! (Sorry Kitty, nothing else revealed…)

139 comments:

Rachna Chhabria said...

Alex, you can count me in as a IWSG co-host for October. November may not be possible as Diwali will co-incide with it. But, I am ready to co-host (that is if you want me) in October.

Rachna Chhabria said...

Forgot to say, am thrilled to be the first one to comment for the second time in my blogging life.

A.J. Walker said...

Those are some great covers! Congratulations to the authors.
I never got into Stargate, perhaps I was nitpicking the archaeology too much. I even met an undergraduate who thought some of those ideas were inspired by real science!

Kyra Lennon said...

Super excited to see Sheena's cover reveal at last!

The Happy Whisk said...

Nice round up, Alex.

Elise Fallson said...

Awesome covers, congrats to both Sheena-kay and Ciara. I'll keep thinking about someone to nominate, there are a lot of worthy folks out there... (:

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats to Sheena-kay and Ciara on their outstanding covers! Your tour has gotten off to a great start Alex. It was tough coming up with a nomination, but I think Arlee Bird deserves a special day.

Julie

Mark Koopmans said...

'Sup, dude.

Put me down (NO, don't reach for the Warrior Ninja Blade... I didn't mean it *that* way.... sheesh...)

I meant slot me in for whenever you need me re. IWSG co-host.

PS: I'm sticking with Julie Luek as my CheersFest Roastee :)

PPS: A query contest - sweet! Thanks for the heads up :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Awesome covers. Congrats to Ciara and Sheena-kay.

And I'll try to stop by Unicorn Bell later to see if your interview posted.

Ray Rousell said...

Can't believe they think Star Trek 2 was a flop???? Hope the Stargate trilogy gets made, but I just wish they hadn't stopped making Stargate Universe, there was so much more they could have done with that show.It was deep, dark and depressing, not the usually happy clappy crap that seems to get made nowadays.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I wrote a great long post but the computer froze and restarted so nearly ten minutes of writing is gone. Darn it. But first off thanks so much for revealing my cover and Cirara's Pendulum also has a great cover as well. Visited her blog and told her myself. Your interview's not up yet so I'll check back. Cheers fest 2 sounds great and Despicable Me and Monster University were the masters of animated movies this month. I saw the latter and it was worth every penny. So enjoy your day Alex and below is a rant about box office budgets. You'll get it once you read it.

Anyway, White House Down and The Lone Ranger failed mainly because of way too huge budgets. Lone was about 250 mill and made around 215 mill or so at the box office. There was no reason why it couldn't have been a 150 mill budget. I mean Oz the Great and the Powerful had a 215 mill budget for God's sake and Lone is no Oz. White House Down had idiots when it came to their budget. Why is a non-3D, non sci-fi action movie needing a 150 mill budget? Olympus has fallen had a 70-odd mill budget and made 161 mill at the box office. Most action movies of White House Down level don't make over 200 mill. And they made 152 mill at the box office so if they had tighten their belts and realize they're not Twilight, they would've profited. Now I'm not saying that the quality doesn't matter but budgets done properly are also important.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Oh and One typo... I did in my reveal it's God of Gore not War. Sorry about that.

The Angry Lurker said...

Weirdest movie?-The Naked Lunch.

Laura Clipson said...

Those covers are awesome :)

Jeremy [Retro] said...

great post... the hardest thing was not buying the Star Trek Into the Darkness. my wife was like it's okay... no one will know, i would.

weirdest film: The Great Yokai War [2005] more recent and older choice... Eraserhead [1977]...

Sean McLachlan said...

The weirdest movies I've ever seen has to be Death Bed: The Bed That Eats. This bizarre 1977 horror film is about a demon possessed bed that devours anyone who sleeps on it. Filmed in a dreamy style and with straight-faced actors, it moves beyond the ridiculous into the surreal.

Huntress said...

A programming note: UnicornBell post for Alex hits the 'netwaves at 7 am cst. Wait for it. waitforit, wait. for. iiitt...

IWSG - Count me in! You pick the month you need me to help host, and I'll be there.
Nightmare sounds great! I'll help promote.
Congrats to Ciara and Shena-Kay, two people who are every where in the blogosphere.
Stargate remake: I did like the original movie, er, originally. But it's a bit dated now. Would like to see the updated version now.

Unknown said...

The weirdest movie I've ever seen the Creeping Horror. Don't watch it, you'll be scarred for life!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Sacrifice Her sounds interesting!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Alex I think the wierdest film I've ever seen was Mulholland Drive or American Psycho. Have you seen them?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rachna, thank you! And yes, you are first!

AJ, I don't think there was too much real science in the series...

Julie, excellent choice!

Mark, considered yourself drafted.

Natalie, thanks - it should be up soon.

Ray, no idea. And I just didn't get into Stargate Universe.

Sorry you lost the first one, Sheena-kay! Happy to help with the cover reveal. And a huge budget isn't needed for those types of movies. Even science fiction can be made for a lot less. Riddick only cost thirty million.

Fran, that was a Cronenberg mind-mess.

Jeremy, Eraserhead was the weirdest until I saw Tetsuo. And I confess - I purchased the 3D Star Trek.

Karen, it will be up soon. And it's been a long time since I saw that one.

Sean, I've never heard of that one.

Huntress, I'll let everyone know. And thanks - I will be in contact.

Misha Gerrick said...

Wow, both Sheena and Ciara's covers look stunning. :-)

Heading over to the Unicorn Bell to check out your post.

Misha Gerrick said...

... Your post isn't there. :-/

mooderino said...

David Lynch's Eraserhead is pretty dang weird.

mood
Moody Writing

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Ooh, Unicorn Bell. Hopping over...

I hadn't seen Ciara's latest cover, yet. Love it!

Chris Desson said...

I clicked over to Unicorn Bell and you weren't there, Alex. I'll check back over there later.

Weirdest movie? I have three. Brazil. 12 Monkeys. Ultraviolent. All great concepts and actors with strange results.

I actually didn't mind the movie, Stargate. So I'm curious to see where the director takes it this time.

Congrats to the writers and their new/lastest books. Oh, and to Star Trek Into Darkness.

Unknown said...

If done correctly Stargate could be a successful film franchise.

I like the Beetle Mech. It reminds me of the Insectrons from Transformers.

Louise said...

I think that's pretty fascinating that someone would want to remake his own film. Although now I'm shivering at the thought of Peter Jackson, twenty years from now, turning LotR into NINE films ...

Love the covers, Ciara and Sheena-kay!

Annalisa Crawford said...

I completely agree about Stargate and the subsequent series. I stopped watching a while ago, but it's always cool to find it on some random cable channel when I'm hopping. I did like James Spader in the original very much though!

Julie Flanders said...

I'd love to be a co-host in December! My book is coming out that first week so it would be a huge help to me, plus I just enjoy doing it. Let me know if I can help - it would be my pleasure.

Enjoyed your post over at Unicorn Bell this morning. :)

Brian Miller said...

oo i like sheenah's cover...and i am so stoked on the reboot of Stargate, that will be awesome....what a cool real mech too...

SK Anthony said...

Congratulations to Sheena and Ciara, great covers!

Running over to check your tour stop now ;)

Anonymous said...

Just came back from reading your guest post. Great tips!

This is the 3rd or 4th blog I've visited today where Sheena-kay's book has been mentioned. CONGRATS to Sheena-kay!

J.L. Murphey said...

Eraserhead is the weirdest.
WTG Sheena-kay!
Star Trek 2 was just weird take on Star Trek on a whole.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Anne, I'll remember that.

Optimistic, seen both, and yes, weird is the word.

Misha, it will be soon.

Christine, it will be up soon. And Brazil was very odd.

Julie, thank you!

Susanne, thanks!

Juliana Haygert said...

Great review, Alex, congrats!

Congrats to Ciara and Sheena on the great covers!

Heather M. Gardner said...

RDA is the BOMB!

I would help you co-host IWSG again if you need me.

Weirdest film? When we were teens we all took turns getting movies from the video store. My girlfriend found one called Basket Case. It was HORRIBLE and we never finished watching. Scarred us for life though. :)

HMG

Anonymous said...

Those are really good covers!

That beetle is awesome, although I can't help but wonder where he kept it while he was working on it.

I can co-host in November or December, just let me know.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

With a beetle mech, I would just stand with my jaw dropped in awe.

I didn't think Star Trek should be remade and I WAS WRONG. I'm with you on Richard D. Anderson. He was super as MacGyver and on Stargate as Jack. I liked the series until he left--then I didn't.

Tonja said...

Around 1987 I rented the weirdest movie ever. I don't know the name, but the guy grew a second head out of a pimple on his shoulder. If I remember right, the second head was like his evil alter ego.

Charles Gramlich said...

I could go for a beetle mech!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Love those Minions! (Although I did like the first movie better.)

Missed The Conjuring in the theaters but will definitely see it on DVD.

Is White House Down similar to Olympus Has Fallen? (OHF wasn't bad.)

Tina said...

Great covers! I love cover reveals. To me it gets me all excited for when the book comes. Which is the point, I know...
Weirdest movie? I agree with 12 Monkeys, but loved it. Brad Pitt CAN actually act. Wish he'd choose to do so more often. Baron Munchousen was weird, but I laughed my butt off. The creepy, trippy "give me nightmares" movies I've erased from my data banks, sorry.

I'd love to help you co-host whenever you need me, just holler.

As to Stargate, our favorite was the one, whose name I can't remember, was when they all ended up on the ancient ship that could do FTL and the characters could use these stones to travel back into someone else's body and see their families, though they didn't look like themselves. The chief science guy was a bit wacked out, and the conflict between civilian and soldiers was excellently handled. And I like Ming Na even when she plays uber-bitch...She was on my soap as a teenager.
Tina @ Life is Good

Pat Hatt said...

Hopefully they do it good this time, like the shows, but it will be harder to do because you can't get as much story in a 2 hour movie as 200 episodes. If they make it like stupid stargate universe though, all dark and dreary, I hope it never gets made. Still a long time off as Independence day 2 and 3 come first. Or at least 2.

Weirdest movie? Hmm Brazil pops to mind, Irreversible was disturbing and ****ed up too.

Great covers too, seen them about

Johanna Garth said...

Lot's of great cover reveals!

Weird movie...hmm...I've always though The Rocky Horror Picture Show was kinda weird.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'm glad to co-host anytime most needed, Alex.

It was great seeing you and TS team up. Very funny.

Happy Wednesday.
xoRobyn

Crystal Collier said...

Now I totally want a beetle Mech. Awesome!

Those are some pretty stellar cover reveals, so now I'm off to learn more. As always, thanks for being the hub, Alex!

Maurice Mitchell said...

I like the news this week Alex! I'm a huge fan of Egyptian culture, so when the TV series didn't pick up on that, I lost interest. That said, it could be rebooted with minimal effort. Take the idea of the concept and turn it into an epic battle in the stars. The strangest movie is a tough one but I'll go with shaolin soccer.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Eraserhead really was the weirdest movie....

And now I'm off to check out your guest post. :)

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Looking forward to the launch of the IWSG site next month! Planning to run a post on it on my blog when it's live. :)

Weirdest movie. "Blue Velvet," which I had to watch for film class in college. Ugh.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

A strange sci-fi movie was Pontypool whose slogan was "Shut up or die!" It starred Stephen McHattie: A psychological thriller in which a deadly virus infects a small Ontario town.

Isis Rushdan said...

Thanks so much for the cover reveal shout-out!! I spent a long weekend at Disney with the family since hubby is back in town and haven't been on a computer in days, lol.

Looking forward to the Cassa email coming later this week.

I would love to co-host for Nov if possible.

Unknown said...

On my way over for your launch post. Yay! Go Alex!

Andrew Leon said...

The only people complaining about Into Darkness are die hard Trek people.

SG1 has been one of our favorite shows, but I really didn't like the movie. It was pretty dumb. I'm not sure having the same guy that made it make a new one is such a good idea.

Christine Rains said...

I'm not surprised Despicable Me 2 is the big winner so far this year. It was fantastic! Sheena-kay's new cover is gorgeous. I've seen quite a few weird films. The Human Centipede wins out, though. And not in a good way! I will never recommend it to anyone. I'm heading over to Unicorn Bell now. :)

ilima said...

I really like the original Stargate movie. Curious how this new series will turn out. Sheena's cover is gorgeous. And my fam watched Star Trek again last night with the DVD release. I'm still meh about that movie.

I'd love to help co-host IWSG. Fill me in whichever month you need me!

M.J. Fifield said...

I'd be happy to help out with IWSG co-hosting duties if you still need people.

I'm surprised critics consider Star Trek Into Darkness to be a flop. It seemed to do all right at the box office. I personally loved the movie, and can't wait to watch it again.

Nate Wilson said...

I've seen plenty of weird in my day -- even without seeing Eraserhead -- but the most recent was Coffee Samurai. You know, just your regular everyday story about a samurai reincarnated as a coffee vending machine.

Liz Blocker said...

I don't know about you, but I'd be delighted to have a $462.8 million flop. DEE-lighted ;)

Thanks for all of the awesome info, as usual! I'd be glad to co-host IWSG one month, although I might need some guidance as to what that entails...

Huntress said...

I just *had* to comment on Into Darkness being a critical flop.

Absolutely not true. I rate it third or fourth behind the original ST movie, Wrath of Kahn, and JJ Abrams first outing in the franchise.

There aren't many remakes that suit my taste. But my ride on the new Enterprise with Chris Pine as Kirk and Abrams onboard as the visionary pilot is hands-down, best evahhh.

Suzanne Furness said...

Read your blogging tips interview, some great advice in there. Some great cover reveals today too.

Sarah Ahiers said...

I'm excited about the Stargate reboot! I'm a big fan of the movie and the shows (never got around to Atlantis, but LOVED SGU. We're actually doing a rewatch of seasons 9 and 10 of SG1 right now). I'm excited to see what he does with it (again)

John Wiswell said...

Into Darkness is such a weird case! You encapsulated that well. If it outshone Thor and every other Star Trek movie, then the industry must be really begging on blockbusters for it to flop. That's wild.

As far as being a critical flop, I need to re-watch it. On my first viewing, it was honestly one of my favorite movies of the year.

Robin said...

Even though I still have yet to see it, I find it hard to believe that the critics are panning ST: Into the Darkness. Ah well. I agree that there will likely be a third movie anyway.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

That's one cool looking beetle mech thing.

D.G. Hudson said...

Wow - a beetle mech; doesn't sound like his wife's impressed. I'd try it out. Although it looks difficult to get into. (reminds me of Transformers, it has that look)

Did a stop at the interview at Unicorn Bell just to say hi.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, thanks - and that one was awful. So was the sequel.

Elsie, one very big garage.

Teresa, it only limped along for one more season after that.

Tonja, can't remember the name, but I know the movie.

Madeline, it is, and it was second, another reason it did so poorly.

Tina, thanks! And that was Stargate Universe. Never got into that one.

Pat, that's exactly how I felt about Universe. Brazil was weird as well.

Johanna, I always thought it was just dumb, but I know a lot of people liked it.

Thanks, Robyn!

Maurice, at least it's the same guy who made the original. And I've never seen that film.

LG, I thought it was until I saw Tetsuo.

Elizabeth, Lynch knows weird.

Roland, I saw that! It was good until the ending.

Isis, thanks!

Andrew, we'll find out. And I guess some Trek fans are too serious.

Christine, I have no desire to see that one!

Ilima, thanks!

MJ, thank you, and I really dug the film.

Nate, I will have to look for that one...

Liz, I agree!!!

Huntress, agreed!

Sarah, you have to watch Atlantis sometime.

John, it was my favorite film.

Thanks, DG.

Bevimus said...

Hey Alex!

I would love, Love, LOVE to co-host IWSG- whatever month you're low on co-hosts just let me know and sign me up!

Despicable Me 2 was fantastic and deserves all the money and acclaim it's gettng. I really have to see the Conjuring since so many people are goin' so nuts over it...

Sherry Ellis said...

Despicable Me 2 was a cute film. I'm going to hop over to the unicorns place and read your secrets. ;)

Al Diaz said...

Coming from the Unicorn Bell. Great tips and I know them to be effective.
Funny they say Into the Darkness was a flop. I truly liked it, very much. I also liked Despicable Me 2. Look forward for more of those movies.
That beetle has to be the ugliest thing I've seen. Not fan of bugs, not fan of things that have more than four legs and less than two.

Jennie Bennett said...

I'm going to see Despicable Me 2 at the drive in this weekend, I can't wait! I mean... I'm going for the kids *cough*

Wendy Tyler Ryan said...

I'm all for another Stargate - as long as they do it really really well. I am a fan of the first film and I liked it better than just average.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Woohoo for Sheena!

This morning when I first read your blog post, I shared those Star Trek numbers with my hubby and the suggestions that it was a flop. All I know is there are a lot of movie makers who'd like their films to flop like that. Crazy.

Remake of Stargate. Hmmmm... hubby and I loved the original.

White House Down had issues but it was still a fun popcorn movie.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Beverly, thanks!!

Al, there will be sequels to both. Now, how do you feel about beetles with wheels?

JA, sure...

Donna, you bet most of them would like a half a billion dollar flop! And I'll watch White House Down on NetFlix.

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

Great covers! Congrats to Ciara and Sheena-kay! That beetle mech is amazing. Pretty crazy! Hope all is well, best to you!

~Sia McKye~ said...

I love Stargate. And Mcgyver is Richard Dean Anderson, but I did like him as Jack O'Neill. Didn't particularly like the movie, seriously it was ok, but...

We didn't see Star Trek in the theaters but we are seeing at home this weekend. If that's a flop, I'm wondering what they consider a success?

I really like Ciara's new cover!
Sia McKye Over Coffee

farawayeyes said...

Interesting book covers and movie facts.

weirdest movie ever -- Zardoz. It's an early Sean Connery, one I bet he wishes he could forget, I know I wish I could.

Brandon Ax said...

Yeah there were a lot of "flops" this summer that actually made money. America is getting a bad name for supporting good movies.

Also the cats were awesome, that was a fun interview.

Cherie Reich said...

I love Stargate. Really as far as sci-fi franchises go, it's my favorite, so I'm all for a movie. :)

Suze said...

'(His wife suggested he could ride it to take out the trash.)'


Haahahahahahahahhahaha!

What is an IWSG co-host responsible for?

Leovi said...

I'm sure you can find great co-hosts for IWSG interesting!

Melissa said...

I went, twice, but the post wasn't up. I did try.

Nice covers, Ladies! :)

M Pax said...

Yay! More Stargate! I love both the movie and the show. Loved RDA, but they should remake it with new characters and a new plot.

I can cohost in November or December. Had fun doing it last time. :)

Anonymous said...

Plenty going on I see, it's good to log in and find much to join in.

Yvonne.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sia, the series was far better than the movie. And I guess if a film doesn't make a billion it's a flop.

Faraway, I've had the misfortune of seeing that!!!

Brandon, it scares me what some people will go see...

Suze, they visit twenty extra blogs on the list in a designated section, commenting and noting who didn't post.

Melissa, it is up!

Mary, thanks!

Mark said...

I love Stargate! Also, I mentioned you on my blog Alex:)

Cathy Keaton said...

Is that a beetle Metal Gear? LOL....

I was wondering how Star Trek: Into Darkness had done at the box office. Glad to know it actually did really well and that the critics are just dumb, as usual. It wasn't the greatest movie ever, but Cumberbatch is like a drug. :D

Kimberly said...

I really need to watch the Despicable Me movies. :)

That beetle mech is cool.

Toi Thomas said...

I think the weirdest movie I ever saw was called The Science of Sleep. Not sure how I feel about the Stargate remake, but I'm sure my dad has an opinion on the matter.
That book Sacrifice Her sounds good, but the cover is definitely awesome.

J E Oneil said...

Hm, I've seen a few weird movies. Teeth, probably.

PS. If you don't know what I'm talking about, DON'T LOOK IT UP.

Anonymous said...

Weirdest movie I've seen was 3 Extremes. *shudders*

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I recall they intended to make the original a three movie series but it never happen. I agree about Richard Dean Anderson. I will go see a remake.
Some great book covers.

Unknown said...

A remake of Stargate? I don't know what I think of that. Part of me is happy, the other part uncertain. I am a huge fan of Stargate SG-1. I have yet to see Atlantis (it should be on Netflix. Blast). Like you, no one can take the place of Jack O'Neill (yes, with two l's and Richard Dean Anderson). Hmmmm...

Wow, Despicable Me 2 made more money than Star Trek. I never thought that would be the case. However, Despicable Me 2 was pretty darn great! I'm a super big fan of it. Yet, Star Trek was amazing too.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

The covers are truly amazing. It's a comfort knowing so many fine writers are getting their work out. As for co-hosting, I just happen to be available until the end of the year. Have a super duper week, Alex.

Unknown said...

If you need a co-host for November I can help out:) Love the IWSG website idea! The "Nightmare on Query Street" sounds awesome--will go check it out! SACRIFICE HER sounds like a gripping read!

WriterlySam

A Beer for the Shower said...

I'm the kind of person that would want a mech beetle but absolutely does not deserve one, because I would not use it for anything good.

Weirdest movie: definitely Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Sure, he was on drugs the whole time, but that doesn't make a bar full of lizard people any more normal.

Arlee Bird said...

I agree on the weirdness of Eraserhead. It was very weird, but I'm still a big fan of David Lynch and I liked Eraserhead.

And good going Sheena-kay!

Lee
Wrote By Rote

Helena said...

Star Trek made almost half a BILLION and it was a flop? I loved that movie! I love Star Trek! So there'd better be another film.

Congratulations big time to Ciara and Sheena-kay.

L.G. Keltner said...

When I think of weird films I think of this movie my college friends and I used to watch regularly-May. It's bizarre and creepy, and the fact that we watched it so much probably says a lot about our little group.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I have no complaints about a Stargate remake. Could be awesome. Like you, I loved the series.

Congrats to Sheena-kay and Ciara!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. that Blastr pic and concoction of a beetle is amazing .. and he's still married? I'd agree with his wife - though I expect it'll be a valuable piece of art soon enough!

Love Ciara's new cover ..

Cheers Hilary

Rhonda Albom said...

I don't think they should ever remake movies, so no to Stargate from me. The beetle mech, however, I really like. Don't know what I would do with it though. Congrats to Sheen-kay. And as for weird and recent - Hangover.

Unknown said...

Hey Alex, I am on holidays in October, so I would have the extra time to spend to host IWSG then, if you still need a host then.

Congrats to both Ciara and Sheena, they are both great looking covers.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mark, I saw that! Thanks.

Cathy, like a drug - funny!

Eternal, I haven't seen that one.

JE, I know, but fortunately just know the name!

Debra, not familiar with that one.

Julia, you geek! You have to watch Atlantis. It's on NetFlix. Go. Right now!

Joylene, thanks, and that made me laugh!

Samantha, thanks!

Brandon and Bryan, would you wreck havoc with your mech beetle? And that was a trippy movie.

Lee, Eraserhead was my pick until Tetsuo came along.

LG, I vaguely remember that one.

Lynda, that's because you rock.

Hilary, it's amazing he's still married, isn't it?

Thanks, Carolyn.

Michelle Wallace said...

Ciara and Sheena's covers are great!
I really enjoyed that cat interview over at the Non-Review... too funny!
I'm off to check out your interview at Unicorn Bell.
Writer In Transit

Rusty Carl said...

Weirdest film? I never thought about it before. The concept of a musical seems strange to me. Like Little Shop of Horrors or something.

Bish Denham said...

Okay, that Japanese Engineer's wife must be very tolerant and forgiving... Hubby and I totally enjoyed the Stargate series so we'd probably go see a movie remake.

Weird movies? For some reason Blue Velvet comes to mind.

Ella said...

Yes Congrats to Sheena-kay and Ciara!!

Yes, remake Stargate-why not they remake everything else?!


Weirdest flick-now that is tough!

YOU did a great job over at Unicorn Bell-I admire your Ninja skills :D

Nicole Zoltack said...

Star Trek was amazing! And so are those covers.

Summer Ross said...

Checking out the query.
And Despicable me 2 -was awesome- bottom...giggles. I need minions.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Great round-up, Alex. Don't know how you do it!

Cate Masters said...

Congrats on the review!
Weirdest film, hmmm... possibly The Fountain with Hugh Jackman. Very spacy, not in a scifi way.

Unknown said...

I'm all over that Stargate remake- too bad it will probably be years if it's only in the prelim. stages right now. I would be willing to be a co-host in December or November if you needed.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rusty, my wife doesn't like musicals either.

Bish, that is a weird one.

Ella, why not?

Summer, who doesn't need minions?

Cate, I didn't like that one but it was because his wife died.

Thanks, Melanie!

Theresa Milstein said...

Sheena-kay's book looks and sounds awesome.

Love the name Nightmare on Query Street! Thanks for the info.

PK HREZO said...

I can help co-host in December. Those are some great book covers you've got up!
I'd say the weirdest film I've ever seen was Gum-o.
I loved the Stargate film. Havent watched the series yet, but I plan to. Cool about the new movie!!

Nancy Thompson said...

Loved your post at Unicorn Bell. As for remakes, only if they can be done a great deal better.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Don't hold it against me, but I don't know if I've ever seen any of the Stargates. I'm wanting to see the Conjuring and Star Trek. Who to roast? I can't pick between Michael DiGesu, Al Diaz, or Gary Pennick. All are worthy of a good roasting...though roasting a dragon has obvious bonuses ;)

Leovi said...

Yes, very funny The Lone Ranger, was one of my favorite comics!

Unknown said...

Looking forward to helping announce CASSASTORM next week! If you still need help co-hosting IWSG, let me know.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Pk, thanks! And I've never seen that film.

Elizabeth, as long as we don't eat him.

Candilynn, thanks!

Jemi Fraser said...

I like the Stargate series so a new film would be fun! And they'd better keep going with the new Star Trek films! I enjoyed them both :)

Tara Tyler said...

yay for all the great news, cover reveals and upcoming fests!

hav to stop by UB!
and movies are as expected... nothing mega outstanding...

klahanie said...

Hey Alex,

Yes, I need to know how you almost comment on my site before I publish. It takes me a couple of days to do what you seem to do in the blink of an eye, or a clone's eye, perhaps.

I'll check out that link in reference to your secret.

Stargate SG-1. Like almost every other show, it was filmed in and around Vancouver, Canada.

Right, quickly leave and head somewhere....

Gary

Al Penwasser said...

Into Darkness, a flop? While certainly not the best in the franchise and having a few "bumps in the road," I wouldn't consider it a flop.
Oh, dear, my nerd is showing again.
Sorry.

Kirsten said...

Thanks for the great news on the Stargate movie! You know, I was skeptical about the remake of Star Trek, and look how well that turned out. So I think it will be great with whoever they choose to replace Jack O'Neill.

And I'm thrilled to see that the Insecure Writers will have their own site soon--because for some of us writers, insecurity strikes more often than once a month. ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jemi, I think they will!

Gary, I'm just quick on the draw. And Vancouver is a great place to film obviously.

Al, let it show.

Kristen, we are working hard on the site for you!

Anonymous said...

Alex, I tried to comment on your interview but it said our blogs weren't compatible, sooo weird! one of the most hilarious interviews I've ever read though--LOVE those cat pics :-) And it'd be my pleasure to help you host IWSG anytime! I'll post about your book on Sunday *squeeee*

DiscConnected said...

I just re-watched Star Trek: Into Darkness.

Considering the $$ gross, how are they defining a "flop?"

I guess when there's too much action, a well-developed story, lots of neat references to the original series and the second film, not to mention Alice Eve, I guess that's a flop.

My only negative comment is the same as it was after seeing the film in the theater-the scene with Nimoy was unnecessary.

Great film.

Larry

Carrie-Anne said...

Beyond some of the vintage avant-garde films I've seen, I think one of the weirdest modern films I've seen is Magical Mystery Tour. Words don't describe how bizarre and strange it is.

Author A.O. Peart said...

Awesome covers! Congrats, Ciara and Sheena :)

Oh, I've seen a really weird movie many years ago, but of course my memory is not cooperating now. Ugh. I will ask my husband tomorrow if he recalls it. The movie upset me terribly because there was a sub-plot with a junkie mother who lived with a bunch of junkie guys, and she had her tiny baby there with her too. One day she woke up from her drug-induced stupor to find the baby dead. And the scene was pretty graphic. My son was only a couple months old at that time, and so I got so upset that I just stood up and left the room, crying. My husband felt terrible and was profusely apologizing to me. He has seen this movie before but completely forgot about the baby scene. I still wouldn't be able to watch it after all these years. It as awful.

Steven said...

Weirdest movie ever has to be Xanadu. And critics are calling the new Star Trek a flop? This is why I only kind of pay attention to movie critics.

RaveAir said...

I'm worrying about the remake of the new Stargate movie. I have nostlagic feelings towards the original movie, but maybe only just the time makes it shine. I'm sure the enjoyment factor lessened the past years.

The beginning of the movie was very promising, but when they arrived to the other planet the whole film turns into to some low budget something. The end was so-so, but I can't feel the urge to watch it again or wait for any sequels.

I start watchin the SQ-1 series not much before the whole series end, but me and my wife watched all of the episodes of the SQ-1 and SG-A. We enjoyed very much. Because of the mixed feeling of others towards the SG-U, we haven't start to watch it yet. But I'm quite sure, we or just I will watch it in the near future.

And RDA is allways remain to me as MacGyver. :)

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Sheena.

That beetle is cool.

I'll check out your interviews.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Sweet cover, Ciara!

S. L. Hennessy said...

Richard Dean Anderson was the reason I watched the show. He is a comedic genius. He KILLS me.

randi lee said...

Heya, Alex! Hope all is well :) I'm always willing to help with IWSG (that's the one time of month I FORCE myself to put everything else aside and blog, blog blog!) So if you need some assistance, please let me know :) So looking forward to the IWSG website. Once again, you're the best for putting it together!

Hildie McQueen said...

Hi Alex! The hubs has been watching the entire Stargate series all week. I don't know what he thought of the movie, but since he's not watched it at least twice, I wold say he didn't care for it. I love Ciara's book cover!!

Karen M. Peterson said...

I really don't get all the Lone Ranger hate. I quite enjoyed it.