A to Z Challenge
– Cult Classics – X
Movies-Music-Sci-fi Book-Bloggers-Dragon Term
Movie –
This 1980 musical fantasy starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly and won the first ever Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Director. However, the soundtrack album went Double Platinum and spawned five Top 20 singles for Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra.
Music –
Released in 2007, the band’s seventh album was the first to hit the Billboard and many other charts. It’s a concept album, loosely inspired by John Milton’s 1667 epic poem, Paradise Lost.
Science Fiction Book –
This was the third book in the Ender’s Game series and nominated for both the Hugo and Locus Awards in 1992.
Bloggers –
Since no one had an X name, I decided to go with those who had the X-factor instead!
Want to read some of the most beautiful and flowing poetry online? Want to follow the adventures of Pat and the Cat? Then you can do no wrong following this lovely lady, Truedessa!
Like a daily dose of humor? A funny image or comic (or two or three or more…) to give you a smile? Want to meet someone who is dedicated to her friends? Then you need to meet Dixie!
Dragon of the Stars Term –
X Factor
Defined as ‘a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome,’ Dragon of the Stars has several X Factors, both in terms of people and in situations. While the obvious factor might be the Dragon itself, it’s an assortment of smaller variables that make the difference in the story.
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.
May Movie Preview
Here is a continuation of the upcoming theatrical releases for May! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.
May 8 –
A teenage girl in the Midwest becomes infected by an outbreak of a disease that slowly turns the infected into cannibalistic zombies. During her transformation, her loving father stays by her side.
Director: Henry Hobson
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson
This one is actually getting some good buzz. (Arnold could sure use a good film about now…)
May 15 –
In a post-apocalyptic world, in which people fight to the death, Max teams up with a mysterious woman, Furiousa, to try and survive.
Director: George Miller
Stars: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
It’s a continuation of the story, not a remake, and it looks bad ass!
Agree Xanadu’s soundtrack was better than the film? (RiffTrax needs to tackle that film!) Fan of Symphony X and prog rock? Following those two wonderful bloggers? Eager to learn more about the Dragon and the Kargrandes? And do either of those two films spark your interest…?
And if you missed it, yesterday I visited Jay Noel to talk about the Dragon – legend or myth?
I would like to watch Maggie. I definitely want to know about the Kargrandes. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I ever saw the entire film, so I'd have to agree that the soundtrack for Xanuda was better than the story. Olivia Newton John is ageless. I've enjoyed getting to know Dixie more through A to Z, and BOTB. She really is a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Pleased the cd went better for Oliva Newton John than the film did,
ReplyDeleteLoved the X Files on TV. a firm favourite.
Yvonne.
Both of those movies sound brilliant. I have been waiting the the new Mad Max for a while TBH. :)
ReplyDeleteshahwharton.com
I want to see Maggie.
ReplyDeleteI've only seen snippets of Xanadu. It looked really bad.
The X-Factor and Mad Max somehow stand out. There is an uncanny aura around them. Thanks Alex!
ReplyDeleteHank
I don't remember the Xanadu movie, but I do remember the songs from the soundtrack. :)
ReplyDeleteI had a dream once and woke up thinking, 'who in the world's voice was that/??' It was familiar, but I had no clue... then it hit me it was Trudessa from the Cat/Trudessa videos, hahahhahaa Dreams are sometimes silly.
Hi Alex - I had no idea there was a Xanadu movie (even if it is bad!) ... I was in South Africa though ... I'm afraid both movies will pass me by.
ReplyDeleteI must visit Dixie - while I know Truedessa .. but need to read some more of her poetry ...
Good to read Dragon the Stars has lots of X factor elements in it - I'd imagine that ...
Cheers Hilary
I haven't seen Xanadu, but now I want to listen to the title song again.
ReplyDeleteUgh, not a fan of Xanadu, the music or the film.
ReplyDeleteSaw the extended trailer for Mad Max in the theater this weekend - it really does look badass. (My Mom, on the other hand, was sorely puzzled.)
I didn't realize Mad Max was a continuation not a remake! Nice. And as for Arnold, yes, I hope this movie goes well for him. Zombies, disease, apocalypse...sounds so familiar, but maybe it will have an interesting twist.
ReplyDeleteMad Max... yes, good things it's going to be "R" so it will give you the scope of the Road Warrior and hopefully Gibson's version is mentioned or honored...
ReplyDeleteand who doesn't love Xanadu?
Jeremy
I listened to the Xanadu record album over and over again as a pre-teen, although my parents never let me see the movie. (In the 80s it was harder to watching something when you wanted to anyway.) I loved the soundtrack...thanks for the trip down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteGreat "X" post. This one was hard for me!
www.heathermccubbin.blogspot.com
Julie, yes she is!
ReplyDeleteMedeia, it's even worse...
Rosey, that's funny.
Lisa, she probably doesn't want to see it then.
Jeremy, biggest mistake was not making the third film R rated.
Pat and the cat on her ship, taking a trip.
ReplyDeleteHate xanadu, awful movie. Dune was one I watched recently for the first time that was just as bad.
Mad Max does look good, not sure they'll make the money back from that huge budget though
Xanadu? I sorta kinda maybe remember a tad of it, but not so much I guess.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a huge fan of Olivia Newton-John, and Xanadu too. X-Factor bloggers, great idea :)
ReplyDeleteis it really already X Alex, it looks like I may still make it :)
ReplyDeleteNever saw the film but loved the music Xanadu. Saw the first Mad Max and enjoyed it, the second one not so much.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling I saw Xanadu... I wanted to be Olivia Newton-John when I was little!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm odd, but I actually enjoyed the fantasy of Xanadu even while recognizing the story was thin and could have been very good. I did love the music. :-)
ReplyDeleteRead the Enders book. As for the movies--I just don't zombies or anything like them--that makes me the oddball at my house cause the boys love them. But this one sounds more character driven and less zombies eat everything so maybe I'll watch it when it comes to DVD.
Sia McKye Over Coffee
Pat, they did spend a lot.
ReplyDeleteLisa, two more days!
Sia, Maggie does sound different from the usual zombie fare.
Maggie looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteI never seen Xanadu...
I loved the sound track for Xanadu!! "Xanadu - Xanadu (now we are here)
ReplyDeleteIn Xanadu." Just thinking about it makes me want to listen to it again.
Scribbles From Jenn - Visiting from the A to Z Challenge
Trudessa is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI want to see Mad Max for sure. One of my favorite movies.
I saw Xanadu. In the mid seventies I cut my hair like Olivia Newton-John. Why? Because it was the thing to do, and I loved her music. My husband's best friend said that I looked like her, then made a pass at me. Funny the things that trigger memories.
Xanadu's soundtrack is all I know from that movie.
ReplyDeleteA Schwartzeneggar film about zombies might be good. It would almost be like him being governor of California again.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
The new Mad Max film does look awesome. I don't remember Xanadu, but maybe I blocked it out of my mind!
ReplyDeleteI never saw Xanadu, but I did like the song. Maggie looks interesting because I'm a Walking Dead fan. I didn't know Arnold was back in the acting biz.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait for Mad MaX. Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron should kick the re-boot up a notch. Yeah, I'm eXcited. :D
ReplyDeleteIt's true Xanadu wasn't the best film in the whole world. Frankly, I can't remember one single scene from the movie.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm familiar with approximately one Olivia Newton-John song, and I have no idea if it was in that movie.
ReplyDeleteI'm familiar with the song "Xanadu," but I'm not sure I'd know any of the other songs from the soundtrack. I've heard how infamously awful the movie is, though.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to see Maggie. It sounds interesting. And you're right. The new Mad Max movie does look badass.
ReplyDeleteBoth films look good and I am not into all the zombie crap. I actually went to see Xanadu in the theatre because I loved Gene Kelly. I walked out of the theatre thinking Gene Kelly needed money. It did open my eyes to ELO though which I love.
ReplyDeleteI remember belting out the lyrics to Xanadu and dancing dramatically like a Solid Gold dancer to it. It was fun but not at all pretty, Alex.
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember this beautiful musical with Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly!
ReplyDeleteWhooo-hoooo! Xanadu appears on the A-to-Z a second time. I loved the music from that film!!
ReplyDeleteI owned the album but never saw the film Xandadu. :) Definitely following those bloggers, and I'm teetering over Mad Max - not sure I've really loved the promos.
ReplyDeleteGreat post at Jay Noel's site!
Jenn, now I have it in my head. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, I bet you did look like her.
Lee, that' funny!
Tamara, he is, you just haven't heard much about his movies.
Andrew, what was it called?
Birgit, maybe he did need the money.
Robyn, I bet you looked great.
Thanks, Tyrean!
Wouldn't it be horrible to be the first to get that Raspberry Award? I'd never be able to shake that off.
ReplyDeleteConfession - Xanadu was one of my most watched movies when I was a little girl.
ReplyDeleteConfession - Xanadu was one of my most watched movies when I was a little girl.
ReplyDeleteXanadu. There's a beautiful art gallery in Scottsdale AZ by that name. Love the magical sound!
ReplyDeleteGreat movies and book choices. I took the time to follow those wonderful bloggers, thanx man.
ReplyDeleteWithout Xanadu, there would be no dreams. Definitely get RiffTrax on that movie. Priceless.
ReplyDeleteI remember watching Xanadu, but don't remember the movie at all. I do love ELO though, so the soundtrack was a win.
ReplyDeleteBloggers who have the X-factor definitely work, although perhaps someone for next year needs to create a pen name with X--Xena, Xander, Xavier, etc. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, it's a continuation, not a remake.
ReplyDeleteThat explains why Mel Gibson looks so different.
What? No Avengers? No Pitch Perfect 2? No Tomorrowland? May is going to be a KILLER MONTH for movies. I can't wait to see all of them
ReplyDeleteLee, that would be a blow to the ego, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteDean, need to see if they've already done it.
Cherie, that would help!
Al, exactly!
Sarah, Avengers was yesterday.
Well, I guess that film did all right by Olivia Newton John, didn't it?
ReplyDeleteEveryone should have just listened to the album and skipped the movie.
Yes. xanadoo the movie lacked but the music was great.
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex!
I figured Xanadu would find it's way somewhere on your list. I remember the soundtrack more than the film. I seem to recall liking it back in the day. The soundtrack, not the film.
ReplyDeleteHome after another long working day. Even I'm really tired I do not want to miss to leave a comment which you deserve for all the good stuff you posted from A to X - I know there are two more posts to come.
ReplyDeleteI neither saw Xanadu nor I listened to the soundtrack.
At least I remember the title song performed by Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light Orchestra.
I think I had enough of Zombie movies and I'll probably wait for the Mad Max to come out on demand. I don't think I ever watched the movie Xanadu though I am familiar with the soundtrack.
ReplyDeleteOMG. Xanadu. I wanted to like this movie. IT was myth, it had Olivia Newton John. Man was it terrible.
ReplyDelete--
Tim Brannan, The Other Side Blog
2015 A to Z of Vampires
http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/
I am looking forward to MAGGIE. I rather liked THE LAST STAND. Ah, not so much FURY ROAD -- it just looks more of the same wild, mindless violence. :-(
ReplyDeleteXanadu is a classic! I'll have to visit Trudessa. She's featured in so many of Pat's posts, but I've never actually visited her blog.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I might be maxed out on "Zombies" now. I'll see how it goes. Yes, listened to Xanados music but didn't care much for the movie! I will be checking out Mad Max though. I hope they don't ruin it! Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
ReplyDeleteI am eager to find out more about the Kargrandes! As for the movies, I didn't realize The Arnold was back in film... LOL. I'm curious about Mad Max. Maybe a Netflix watch.
ReplyDeleteAll new picks for me. I have heard of Xandu, but never watched it.
ReplyDeleteI have Symphony X in my CO collection. Quite good >:)
ReplyDeleteCold As Heaven
JH, agreed!
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, we have the record somewhere.
Thanks, Edi! I am beat. And you remember the title song correctly.
Tim, yes it was...
Sherry, you must visit her!
Alexia, he's back!
Cold, they rock.
Oh, man... Xanadu was part of such a very strange period in media, eh? And I'd forgotten the last Ender's game was Xenocide--I liked that trilogy a lot.
ReplyDeleteI saw the previews for Maggie and its a must see for me. Okay, off to Jay's now.
ReplyDeleteNo to Xanadu (film) yes to Maggie and def a yes to Olivia. I like how Xanadu the word sounds though.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to correct you on the bloggers who don't have an X... I DO! I'm hurt that you didn't remember me :( (hehehe just kiddin' NOT). We just met and I thought my name would stand out for you. Xmasdolly... XXXXX I really thought I would make the grade. Guess not good enough just yet... If you check out my Post you'll see info about it if you wanna of course.
ReplyDeleteUh oh. Now I'm going to have Olivia Newton-John singing in my head all afternoon. -_-
ReplyDeleteXanadu is such harmless fun. Music - I like Ed Sheeran's new CD "X". Tried to think of a book with an X - hmmm. Blank spot. X is a challenging letter, that's for sure
ReplyDeleteI think I only heard the title song from Xanadu. It seems like a very camp film. So was Mad Max, will be interesting to see how this version pans out. Arnie and zombies could be a good combo, I wonder what this will add to the genre.
ReplyDeleteThe Maggie movie sounds so sad. I hope she gets cured, then I would want to see it. I like happy endings.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Xanadu music.
ReplyDeleteYvonne
Hart, very strange...
ReplyDeleteMarie, I know! Thought about you before I posted, but these were written months ago.
Carrie, sorry!
Cindy, not sure it has a happy ending...
Truedessa writes beautiful poetry.
ReplyDeleteDixie is on my 'to visit' list.
Wow, first Golden Raspberry. That's impressive...in a way.
ReplyDeleteI've only read the first of the Ender's Game books. I liked that one, though. Maggie looks like a fascinating film, too. Hadn't heard of it yet. I'll put that one on my list.
ReplyDeleteThank you Alex. Feel better now.. ~hehehe~ Did I tell you my great grandson's name is Alexander Parker :) I tried to refuse, but my grandson said they couldn't put him back. hahahaha He's a cute little bugger too! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to love Xanadu even though I knew it wasn't very good.
ReplyDeleteAlex,
ReplyDeleteI went over to meet Jay and read the interview. Maggie sounds like it might be a tearjerker so I should stay away from that one or bring a box of Kleenex. I am humbled that you think I hold the x-factor. I just write poetry as I feel it from my heart. Again thank you!
PS - You never know when Truedessa ,Pat and Cat will take to the sea on an adventure.
ReplyDeleteXanadu was one of the biggest let downs ever
ReplyDeleteI really want to finish the Ender books! And I really want to see Maggie. It looks kind of awesome. Hopefully not a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteI never saw Xanadu. The terrible reviews kept me away.
ReplyDeleteI want to watch Maggie also! Cjeers!
ReplyDeleteWell, of course Xanadu sucked, but the soundtrack definitely rocked. I told someone I liked ELO in the 90s and she said, "That's because you grew up on Xanadu." That's exactly why!
ReplyDeleteJE, yeah, sort of...
ReplyDeleteMarie, he has an awesome cool name!
Truedessa, you're welcome, and looking forward to your next adventure.
Holy Ghost, that's almost an understatement.
Stephen, wise man.
you pack so much info into each post!
ReplyDeletecan't believe it's almost over.
way to go, man - still the king of blogging =)
Loved the Xanadu soundtrack. Cringed at the movie. (Of course, I didn't see it until I was much older.)
ReplyDeleteI like the song, but never watched the movie.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about Mad Max: Fury Road. I will probably watch it though.
When I did 80s A-Z, of course I do a post on Xanadu. I had such a crush on Olivia Newton John. Heck, I still do!
ReplyDeleteI've seen nothing. Where have I been?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tara!
ReplyDeleteJay, she's a beautiful lady.
I liked the music of Xanadu, but I don't know if I saw the movie. Maybe no one did.
ReplyDeleteHaven't watched the movies D: Now sad.
ReplyDeleteNicely done!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to Mad Max-
I like that you shared a bit about the X-factor~
Maggie does NOT sound like a good movie to watch. xP
ReplyDeleteI just read your ignore-the-robot remark. lol!
Elizabeth Mueller
AtoZ 2015
My Little Pony
Wow, it worked! xD
ReplyDeleteXANADU ROCKED MY CHILDHOOD! After Grease and the pink satin jacket ;) Then Orson Scott Card rocked my early teens with the Ender's series.
ReplyDeleteLooking back makes me realize I hate growing old...
You can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
Ella, there's a lot going on in the story....
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, glad I could make you chuckle.
Clarabelle, growing old sucks.
I saw Xanadu in a drive-in theater. Yes, dwarves managed to put some wheels under me. I like almost all of the soundtrack. You should have seen me dance to it.
ReplyDeleteTruedessa I know but Dixie is new! And Maggie looks good but me and zombies is a bad combination so I'll probably skip it.
ReplyDeleteI love the Xanadu soundtrack!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview over at Jay's blog...
I'll have to check out Truedessa's flowing poetry! Love my poetry...
One more day...
Xanadu was on TV here recently - it's so amazingly lame but I have a soft spot for it, 'cause one of my best friends adores it and I watched it with her when I was visiting her in Atlanta many years ago.
ReplyDeleteAmazing what a difference a few words make. I was upset that they remade Mad Max, but now I'm excited that they are continuing the story. Interesting. I'm still mad they remade Poltergeist. :)
ReplyDeleteHI ALEX!!
Xanadu was heavily used on X day as you can imagine. I know I like it then, but I'm not sure it will hold up like Grease.
Nice post!
Nice bloggers!
I have to take a picture of Stormy with your book on my Kindle! (He made me buy it!)
Heather
I really want to see the Mad Max movie too.
ReplyDelete