Tuesday, April 14, 2015

A to Z Challenge – L – Cult Classics: Legend, Living Color, Logan’s Run, and More! Plus Birdman Review and New Releases

A to Z Challenge – Cult Classics – L
Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term





Movie –

Legend
Directed by Ridley Scott, this surreal fantasy harkens back to darker fairy tales. There is a director’s cut and the original USA theatrical release which features haunting music by Tangerine Dream.


Music –

Living Color – Vivid
This album debuted in 1988 and went Double Platinum, with the song Cult of Personality winning a Grammy.


Science Fiction Book –

Logan’s Run - William F. Nolan and George Clayton
Written by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson, this dystopian story spawned two more books, a movie, a television series, a comic book series, and more.



Bloggers –

LD Masterson
Like a dose of humor every Wednesday with jokes and funny photos? Enjoy connecting with someone with a pure heart? Then LD is your lady!


Liza at Middle Passages
Want to witness the journey of writer through various stages of life? Enjoy beautiful photos from the seaside of Maine? Then you need to connect with this wonderful poet and special lady.

Liesel K. Hill at Musings on Fantasia
Enjoy thrillers, historicals, and science fiction from a multi-genre author? Enjoy Top Ten Tuesday, Feature & Follow, and the Walking Dead? Then you need to connect with the awesome Liesel!

Dragon of the Stars Term –

Lieutenant
Every ship in the Hyrathian fleet has one or more lieutenants on board. On the smaller ships, the lieutenant is second in command to the captain. On the larger battleships, a Lt. commander is second in command. That is Aden Pendar’s rank when the story opens.

Dragon of the Stars is out now!
Check out the site What Are the Kargrandes? for clues as to how they tie into the story.


New Releases!

Entwined by Cherie Colyer
Book 3 of the Embrace series

Only a few months after embracing her magical powers, defeating a dark witch at her high school, and banishing a faerie prince back to his realm, sixteen-year-old Madison Riley is back in book three of the Embrace series—and doing the bidding of a demon.

Find Entwined here - Amazon, Amazon UK, and Goodreads

Beware the Little White Rabbit anthology
Includes a short story by Medeia Sharif - Mustang Alice
And a short story by C Lee McKenzie


Movie Review

Birdman

From the IMDB: A washed-up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of his Broadway play.

This Oscar Best Picture winner was very unique. The long stretches of single shots are spectacular to watch. There are very few cuts, so the actors had to get multiple scenes right the first try. That’s impressive.

It does have some really funny lines, including the worst way to describe a relationship ever. (Said by a woman, which made it all the funnier.)

This film will make you feel better about yourself as almost all of the characters are complete train wrecks. Or one hot mess. Either way, you’ll be grateful you’re in a much better place and not so screwed up.

I admired this film, but can’t say I loved it. Like a train wreck, it was fascinating to watch. And once was enough.

Recommended if you enjoy thinking ‘What the heck did I just watch?’

Have you seen Legend and which version, USA or European? Fan of Living Color or Logan’s Run? Following those awesome bloggers? Picking up Cherie’s latest? And have you seen Birdman and what did you think…?

If you missed it yesterday, I visited Literary Rambles!

117 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Loved your visit to Literary Rambles. And I am pleased to hear that your writing career isn't over yet.
My brother loved Birdman, but it hasn't tempted me. Yet.

kaykuala said...

The Legend is an attraction with its darker side of things.Love those out of the ordinary episodes! Will look up the 3 bloggers too! Thanks Alex!

Hank

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the anthology's release.

I'll hop on over to Literary Rambles.

Michael Abayomi said...

I've never seen Legend all the way through to the end. Can't remember why exactly. I should probably give it another try I guess. Glad you enjoyed Birdman; it was quirky and unusual, but I still kinda feel Boyhood deserved the Best Picture Oscar more.

nashvillecats2 said...

Will look up the mentioned three bloggers, Again a post with something for everyone.

Yvonne.

Rhonda Albom said...

More fun. I am enjoying theme and I love LDs brand of humor.

Ray Rousell said...

Some great L's Alex, loved Legend, never read Logan's Run but again loved the old Micheal York film, 'm surprised there's not been a remake of it yet??? And Livin Color, I forgot all about them???

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Legend was a great film, one of the only few I liked Tom Cruise in... Mia Sara, she was my it girl in 1985... seen both versions, have you heard both scores one from TD an the other Jerry Goldsmith?

Great post, we will be sleeping like bears in a few weeks.

Jeremy

Jennifer Hawes said...

I remember watching Logan's Run in high school! Totally forgot about that movie.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I remember "The Cult of Personality." You're giving me a lot of earworms, Alex! (JK)

Congrats to those with new releases!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elephant, thank you! And it is a quirky film.

Medeia, you're welcome!

Michael, I haven't seen that one yet.

Ray, a remake is in the works...

Jeremy, I have heard both. We own the anniversary DVD with the two versions. Must say, I like TD's version much better.

Cathrina Constantine said...

Plenty of wonderful authors!!! I remember Logan's Run and liked it. My daughter watched The Birdman and told me not to waste my time....

Jemi Fraser said...

LD is one of my favourite blogging buddies! Love her hump day posts :)

Unknown said...

Legend was the first movie I ever aw where the soundtrack moved me. I think I listened to that "tape" a million times.

Christine Rains said...

Legend is one of my all time favorite films. My husband felt the same way about Birdman. Yay for the L bloggers!

Jeremy [Retro] said...

Oh my gosh... I have that too, I forgot.. thank you.

Goldsmith's version gave it more of a faeries are here kind of feel and TD was dark but quirky... I would to have to go with TD and the song "Is Your Love Strong Enough" by Bryan Ferry...

Jeremy

TBM said...

Birdman sounds interesting, but haven't found the time or energy to watch it yet. Congrats on the new release...hope it's selling like hot cakes!

Pat Hatt said...

I've watched Legend a while ago, it was entertaining enough I guess. Birdman will sure make one feel better about life haha

Mina Burrows said...

Legend sounds and looks familiar, but I can't remember it.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I really want to watch Birdman. Great choices of bloggers today too :-)

Jo said...

At least lieutenants can get promoted.

I can't say I fancied Birdman and now I like the thought of it even less. I think I read Logan's Run but if so it didn't stick with me.

A Daft Scots Lass said...

Living Colour Vivid is a great record.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sandra, that made me chuckle.

Cathrina, it was odd.

Melanie, that's a good way to put it. The soundtrack was very much alive.

Jeremy, now if we could only get a movie with that soundtrack and all of the deleted scenes in it...


TBM, thanks!

Jo, not sure anyone would say they fancied it.

Chrys Fey said...

I'm not very good with knowing cult classics I'm afraid.

Congratulations to Cherie! The anthology with Medeia's story, and C Lee's short story look awesome! Congrats, ladies!

Julie Flanders said...

Wow I forgot all about Living Colour but I loved their songs back in the 80s.
I've never visited Liesl's blog so I need to go check it out now.

Stephen Tremp said...

I have Dragon of the Stars downloaded and will bust it open today. I saw it hit the Top 100 yesterday in Space Opera genre.

ediFanoB said...

I've never seen Legend.
I've never listened to Öiving Color.

Nevertheless your post are a good source to discover things which are new to me.

Joanne said...

Now I do have "Cult of Personality " in my head. And I did love Michael York back in the day - Legend. Best L - Lucy as in Lucille Ball.

Tamara Narayan said...

I must have watched Legend on HBO a dozen times and recorded the song "Is Your Love Strong Enough" off the radio with my cassette player. Those were the days.

L.G. Keltner said...

I do enjoy saying "What the heck did I just watch?" on occasion, so I'll have to give Birdman a try at some point. I find that watching things like that with friends and then discussing it over drinks can be an entertaining experience.

Patsy said...

I haven't seen any of those films. Birdman doesn't sound like my sort of thing at all. I'm more interested in a good story than the skill of the film maker.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

For sure, we cross our fingers... there were extended versions of Blade Runner. There is always hope.

Jeremy

Shell Flower said...

Legend is a cool movie and I actually liked Birdman,too, though it was different. I think I need to read Logan's Run.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Haven't seen Birdman yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Julie, they are still around, believe it or not.

Stephen, really? Wow!

Tamara, I've seen it at least that many times.

LG, you will be discussing it for a very long time...

LD Masterson said...

Wow! Being included in a Ninja Captain's post is an honor. Thank you so much, Alex.

Matthew MacNish said...

Living Colour rules. What a great band!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I love L.D. Masterson's blog. Thanks for including her on your list!

Stephanie Faris said...

I've never heard of Birdman! Off to check off your guest blog now.

Andrew Leon said...

I didn't know there was more than one version of Legend but, then, the one time I did see it was more than enough.

I saw the movie Logan's Run; I haven't read the book.

Al Diaz said...

Legend! You featured Legend! That movie brings a lot of memories to this dragon. I absolutely loved Tim Curry's role as Big D. And the make up as well. Impressive. Thanks for visiting the Cosmic Lair. :)

S. L. Hennessy said...

I love Logan's Run. Still not adequately satisfied with the movie they made, but I hear they may be making a new one at some future point. I've been dying to see Birdman. I love Keaton.

Intangible Hearts said...

I like Michael Keaton and hope to see Birdman someday.

Arlee Bird said...

I need to add Birdman to my Netflix queue as it not only sounds like a film that I'd enjoy, but it just seems like something that I should be interested in seeing.

Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out

Jackie said...

Legend is such a great movie!

Leovi said...

A great film directed by Ridley Scott!!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I used to watch Logan's Run. I liked it but thought it was kinda strange, too. And I don't intend to see Birdman. Too many people think Boyhood should've won the Oscar.

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

I love Legend - upgraded to the blu-ray last year. Also love Logan's Run - saw the movie first and then found the books. The books felt so much darker than the film.
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

Al Penwasser said...

Logan's Run? Ohhhhh...that makes more sense. I thought it was called "Logan's Runs: A Science Fiction Tale of Bran."

Lisa said...

Boy I LOVE your choices today! I found Legend right after it first came out and LOVED it. My kids loved it. I can't tell you how many times we have all seen it. Did you notice Tom Cruise's teeth in it? They don't look like that now! I saw Legend before I saw any of his others, so for me this was his first movie.
Logan's Run, the movie, was one of my all time fav's when I was a teenager, mainly because I had a mad crush on Michael York! I did like the story as well as I was majorly into SciFi at that time. I need to read the book. Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

Emily R. King said...

I love LD's blog! Her Hump Day funnies always make me smile.

Carrie-Anne said...

I'm unfamiliar with the film and album, though I've heard of Logan's Run. I wonder if the popularity of the lattermost had anything to do with the name Logan suddenly becoming so popular in the last 15 years or so.

cleemckenzie said...

Yes to Logan's Run. That was a great Sci Fi flick.

As to Birdman, everyone I talked to loved that movie. I loved parts, but overall, I didn't think it merited the accolades it received.

Thanks for posting about Beware the Little White Rabbit.

Corinne O said...

Loved Logan's Run! Lots of Lovely L things and people to ponder and explore!

Happy a-to-z!!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I didn't know there were two versions of Legend. Guess I watched the American. I do follow those bloggers. Never saw Birdman.

Unknown said...

Congrats to Cherie on her release , and to Medeia and Lee on their inclusion in the anthology!

Love LD's blog! Always makes me laugh.

Anonymous said...

Hubby and I watched Logan's Run once. It was really good and I enjoyed it.

Sarah Foster said...

I really enjoyed Birdman. Very funny and strange and the editing was so impressive.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

If you want to see Tom Cruise cloud up and rain all over you, mention LEGEND! It was the fae's teeth that ensnared me! LD is a wonderful person in the blogging community. Ugh! The storm is flickering the lights. I have to jet lest a power surge takes out my computer!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I don't know. I'm just not feeling it for Birdman, but I really like Keaton.

Liz A. said...

I saw the movie version of Logan's Run. Never managed to see Legend. At least, I don't remember it.

David P. King said...

Now there was a trippy fantasy movie! I keep hearing good things about Birdman, so eventually... :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

LD, you're welcome!

Al, Curry was the perfect Darkness.

Lauren, there is a new one in the works.

Robyn, I still want to see Boyhood.

Al - that would be an instant classic.

Lisa, I'll have to go back and look at his teeth now.

Carrie-Anne, not sure. The book and movie are much older than that.

Lee, I don't think it was Best Oscar material either. And you're welcome.

Roland, stay safe!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Excellent review of Birdman! Though I'm glad I saw it, I felt the same way. Yay for Liza and LD! They're both wonderful women with entertaining blogs!

Julie

SpacerGuy said...

I haven't seen Birdman but its dark and entertaining vibe has an interesting combination of characters. A must see for sure.

Susan Kane said...

Tom Cruise in Legend was so out of character, it was a surprise to see it decades later. tim curry--that man is a chameleon in him many roles.

Logan's Run--It was better in the 80s.

Haven't see Birdman, and don't know if we want to see it. time will tell.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I definitely have to see Birdman. You've intrigued me.

And Living Color was awesome. Wonder what ever happened to them?

Tyrean Martinson said...

Legend - loved the USA version and would like to see the other one.
Living Color - owned that on cassette tape . . . way back. :)

Congrats to Cherie and the Little White Rabbit authors!

I'll skip the movie . . .

Sherry Ellis said...

I like how you're including a literary term from your new book to fit the A-Z challenge. Very creative!

J.L. Campbell said...

I know L.D! Also used to watch Logan's Run.

stephen Hayes said...

I've heard interesting things about Birdman, and do want to see it sometime soon.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, wild to think of the characters Curry has played over the years.

JH, they are still around.

Tyrean, the odd thing about the European version is the music.

Jeffrey Scott said...

Maybe it's because I was very young when Logan's Run was on TV, but I had no idea it was a book. It was one of the first TV shows I recall watching that got me interested in Science Fiction. That and Space 1999.

jaybird said...

I loved Legend. The USA version anyhow. I recently watched it again with my kids and they loved it. Even though I am not much of a Tom Cruise fan, lol, I can get past that and still really enjoy the movie.

Nilanjana Bose said...

I watched Logan's Run aeons ago, and that Fast and Furious film over the (my) weekend. Phew!


Birgit said...

I love Legend-I only saw the U.S. version. It is unique and under-appreciated. I have never read the book but i have seen the movie ("I am Box!). I have seen Birdman. I would not see it for quite a while but I enjoyed it. It makes one think. The camera follows them constantly-the editing is superb. I thought Michael Keaton should have won hands down

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Is Legend's director's cute European's version? I like USA's better if that's the case. :P

As for Entwined...I'd rather banish myself with that faerie prince than do any demon's bidding. That girl's priorities are mixed! ;)

Elizabeth Mueller
AtoZ 2015
My Little Pony

Mary Aalgaard said...

I remember Logan's Run. It was a bit hit. I should watch it again. Is it on Netflix? My son and his date walked out of Birdman. They said it was too weird and dark for them.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Logan's Run is a great story! And I'd forgotten about Legend.

Not too sure about Birdman. Sounds like I'd probably have to be in the right mood for it.

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

I remember the TV series Logan's Run. I think one segment of the plot was that no one could live beyond a certain age. I've forgotten what that was.

Liza said...

Oh, Alex! I am honored. Thank you so much for thinking of me. You have so many fans and followers, who are so much more deserving! But I am delighted, truly. Truth be told, it's been a hard day amid a hard time and something like this gives the soul a huge boost. You are the best!

Mark Koopmans said...

Hmmm... hadn't heard much about Birdman... but now I'm intrigued as I definitely will fit in with the Hot Mess crowd :)

ilima said...

I LOVE Legend. I have a dance minor and danced to a Tangerine Dream song from that movie for one of my modern dance finals, lol.

Michelle Wallace said...

Congrats to Cherie, Medeia & C.Lee!
I'm familiar with L.D's blog.
That was a great interview over at Literary Rambles!

Sean McLachlan said...

I never read the Logan's Run books, only saw the classic movie. I might have to pick them up if I see them in a used store somewhere.

Nick Wilford said...

Birdman sounds quite different at least. I get a feeling I've seen Legend a long time ago.

Melissa Sugar said...

Congratulations on the release of your book. I missed you in literary ramblings so I have to pop over there now.

Charles Gramlich said...

Legend is one of my favorite movies. And Lana too.

J E Oneil said...

I meant to read Logan's Run a while ago and it totally slipped my mind. And Legend sounds like another interesting movie.

Donna McDine said...

I just couldn't get into Birdman! I was disappointed since I do like Michael Keaton. But all the hype disappointed me.

Holy Ghost Writer said...

I love all versions of Logan's Run

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I love Legend! It's one of my most favorite movies. I cry every time the unicorn dies.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations to C. Lee and Medeia on the anthology. Will visit the bloggers. Sounds great.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations to C. Lee and Medeia on the anthology. Will visit the bloggers. Sounds great.

Sandra Cox said...

Congratulations to the authors with new releases.

D.G. Hudson said...

I remember Logan's Run. An interesting movie. Quite a bit of variety in this post, too. I think I've seen a few of those 'what the heck' movies. . .

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jeffrey, it was also a movie.

Birgit, the camera work was amazing for Birdman.

Mary, it was weird.

Elizabeth, not sure there is a right mood...

Liza, you are welcome! And you are worthy.

Donna, I'd hoped for more.

Jay Noel said...

Legend was a visual masterpiece. And I DO remember the Logan's Run TV show. It was terrible!

Liesel K. Hill said...

Thanks so much for the feature, Alex! I was wondering why I got more comments than usual on today's post. LOL. I totally remember Legend. Such a weird, but fun film. And thanks for the review of Birdman. I wasn't sure what to think of that one.

Jeffrey Scott said...

Ah yes, now that you mention it. I did see the film too.

Belle Wong said...

I've never read Logan's Run, but I remember enjoying the movie. (Actually, I didn't even realize it was based on a book!)

Kathe W. said...

oooo Entwined sounds very cool!

Ella said...

Logan's Run-oh, wow! I loved that movie~ Off to visit you at LR~
I hope the pollen isn't making you sick. Damn crazy weather-it is thundering~

Denise Covey said...

Hi Alex. Logan's Run seems such a long time ago now, but still a goody. I hope to get a copy of Beware the Little White Rabbit anthology. Sounds great with those awesome ladies in it!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Logan's Run. Now that takes me back. Peter Ustinov was my favorite part about that movie.

Botanist said...

Never seen Legend, but I love Tangerine Dream. Funny, it's years since I used to listen to them regularly but I played a couple of tracks from Encore just this weekend (great music to paint to!) and this is now the second mention of them I've seen this week!

Bevimus said...

Legend is one of my favorite fantasy movies, thank almost exclusively to Tim Curry.

I know the song, but not the album.

Haven't read Logan's Run, but I've seen one of the movies.

And now there's more bloggers to visit!

mail4rosey said...

I'm not sure why I remember Logan's Run. I don't think I've seen it/read it...maybe I know someone who did. Gah, the memory's the 'foist to go.' ;)

Elizabeth said...

I like your theme! Some of the books and movies you've mentioned sound intriguing. I have heard of Logan's Run, but I did not know it was a dystopian novel. I'll have to check it out sometime.

Also, happy belated book release day! Congrats! I like science fiction, so I have added your books to my "want to read" list :)

Scribbles From Jenn said...

The only Living Color I know is the old Wayans family TV show. L.D. is an awesome blogger.

Scribbles From Jenn - Visiting from the A to Z Challenge

Tammy Theriault said...

Living color. I'm writing their name and singing their song at the same time. Memories!!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lee - the films I've seen none - but was pleased to read your review about it .. and thanks for highlighting LD I owed her a visit.

Cheers Hilary

Unknown said...

Gah I've heard so much about Birdman, so want to see that one! I've just noticed I say that a lot on this blog :P

The Happy Whisk said...

Not sure about LR. I might have but it's not coming clear to me.

This is fun, you posting like a regular blogger. I enjoy catching up and seeing what you're up to. Though you know me, I still want more about you.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I enjoy seeing which movies you will be mentioning. To be honest I have not seen most of the movies.

Heather M. Gardner said...

I saw Legend.
Love Living Color!
Don't recall if I read Logan's Run or not. Hmmm.
Love your bloggers, too!
I might skip Birdman. Looks weird!

Hi ALEX!
Heather

Toi Thomas said...

None of my friends or family have seen Legend. They have no idea what I'm talking about.
I'm waiting for Birdman on DVD; I'll probably like it.