I’m back from vacation! Did you miss me?
Today I am visiting Karen Lange with outlining tips and how to avoid a messy first draft.
CassaSeriesMy publisher has put my Cassa books into an eBook boxed set and it is slated for release June 22, 2015! You can pre-order it now.
CassaSeries
By Alex J. Cavanaugh
ISBN 9781939844118
Price - $5.99
Science fiction/adventure (FIC028010) and science fiction/space opera (FIC028030)
Find it here – Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Goodreads
Movie Review -Jurassic World
Let’s face it – no matter what they do, they will never capture the magic that was Jurassic Park. Yes, the park is now a functioning theme park, the special effects are great, and the new dinosaurs are fearsome. But the genie is already out of the bottle…
Chris Pratt is the best part of the film as a kick-butt raptor trainer. He proves he can lead films and do a diversity of roles.
While it’s always fun to return to the Jurassic world, and who doesn’t dig seeing dinosaurs running around, this film did have issues and some plot holes. It shouldn’t be a leave your brain at the door kind of film, but if you’re going to enjoy it, you’ll have to.
My biggest issue was a lack of contingencies should one of the dinosaurs escape. They said the hybrid had an implant that would zap her if she got to close to the main park, and yet other escaping dinosaurs seemed to lack this. Plus with this kind of park, there should be more backup than a few guys with tranquilizers.
My other issues was with the sphere ride and how riders could just take the ball anywhere. Now, I’ve been to enough theme parks to know that almost all rides are on tracks and the rider does not control anything. Letting patrons roam around the valley as long as they wanted with really big dinosaurs around seemed like a bad idea. (And it was.)
There were numerous other issues I won’t go into, like flat characters and plot details that went nowhere.
I really wanted to love this film, especially after seeing the good reviews, but I’d have to place it as my third favorite behind Jurassic Park and The Lost World. It was better than the third, but not by a lot.
Leave brain at door and watch just for the big dinosaurs and Chris Pratt.
RiffTrax on At Midnight with Chris Hardwick
It was the first time those three had been on Comedy Central since Mystery Science Theater 3000 was cancelled.
And it was hilarious!
#worstrealityshow – Are You Taller Than a Fifth Grader?
Scene with teen boys running into villain in an S&M mask – Oh no, we wandered into Andy Dick’s backyard!
The host mentioned he couldn’t hear Kevin’s voice without picturing Tom Servo. When Kevin offered a very raunchy one-liner, Chris said that had erased the image forever.
Bill won the game with a line that I can't really repeat here...
Watch it streaming at Hulu
Ninja News
Roses Are Red by JB Kantt
Buy it at Amazon US and Amazon UK
Movie Trivia
Answers from last week:
1 - This 1975 movie with Doug McClure took place during WWI and involved a German sub finding a place called Caprona. The Land That Time Forgot
2 – This 1969 film was half Western and involved a T-Rex. The Valley of Gwangi
3 – This 1988 animated film spawned many, many sequels. The Land Before Time
4 – This 1997 movie involved two groups of people with different agendas on an island with dinosaurs. The Lost World
5 – This 1993 film was produced by Roger Corman, spawned two sequels, and starred Diane Ladd. Carnosaur
This week, an easy one – name the monster or creature in these films:
1 – Hellraiser 1997
2 – Reign of Fire 2002
3 – Near Dark 1987
4 – Lake Placid 1999
5 – Battleship 2012
6 – Deep Blue Sea 1999
Answers next Monday!
Did you see Jurassic World this past weekend? Anyone catch the RiffTrax guys on At Midnight? Get any of the trivia right? Know the monsters this week? And anyone want to help me announce the release of the CassaSeries trilogy next week?
Don’t forget to visit Karen Lange!
I 100% agree with you about Jurassic World. I wanted to love it, but I just couldn't. I am working on a post for later this week about how it's actually bad for Hollywood that this movie is so successful.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! Was it a good vacation? Any photos to share? I haven't seen Jurassic World yet, and even after reading your review, I know I will. I loved the original, and don't have super high expectations for it. I knew one of your trivia from last week and only one from this week.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't impressed with previews of the new Jurassic park. You're right, its already been done, and done well. Argh, I hate obvious plot holes!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the box set. Nice way of getting the entire series.
Its too late (or early) for my brain to answer teasers yet. Have to come back later and concentrate (with help from other comments).
Congrats on the box set.
ReplyDeleteFrom the reviews I've read, I won't be seeing Jurassic World in the theaters. I'm with you, recreating the magic of the first is just impossible.
What bad news about the new Jurassic movie. There are few things that bug me more than plot holes.
ReplyDeleteYay for your ebook set!!
Congrats to JB on the new release! Jessica's giveaway sounds great. I'll plug it on my Friday freebies. :)
Good news about your books Alex, I know they will sell well.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Hope you had a great vacation. And awesome about your books. I don't think I'll see the Jurassic movie. Thanks for the heads up. Heading over to Karen's.
ReplyDeleteI saw Jurassic World last night and I think I kind of enjoyed it, at least more than the second and third film, even though it is still a slave to the first one. But yes, I must agree about its enjoyment being the leave-your-brain-at-the-door variant. Here's my full review:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.michaelabayomi.com/2015/06/jurassic-world-movie-review.html
Good Morning Alex,
ReplyDeleteI did in fact go see Jurassic World Saturday night. It was basically what I would have expected. I agree Chris Pratt made a bad-ass dino trainer. Really running in high heels???? Let's be practical for a moment most women would not get far running in high heels...I would have taken mine off and ran barefoot..It did get good reviews and you know dinosaurs are cool in whatever realm they appear. I have to agree I have never seen a self driven ride in a theme park, but hey it is a movie and in a movie anything goes. The show sold out at many theaters here.
Have a great day Alex!
Is it graphic? All the toys and TV specials associated with the movie are making my son interested in dinosaurs again. Still don't think this is something an eight-year-old should watch, though.
ReplyDeleteDisappointing about Jurassic World having plot holes and flat characters. With all the hoopla you'd think they'd take care of basic story problems like that. I mean seriously, we're not idiots and you'd think Hollywood would know that by now. Besides the great special effects and fresh ideas of the original, you had some topnotch actors and a well-written script. Reminds me of all the Jaws movies. None of them came up to the level of that first one with acting and script.
ReplyDeleteKaren, it's already made half a billion dollars. Scary.
ReplyDeleteRhonda, great vacation! Didn't take Mini-Alex, so no photos.
TBM, they just can't capture it again.
Michael, it was fun, I just wished I'd enjoyed it more.
Truedessa, she spent the whole moive in those heels. No idea how.
Sandra, there are a lot more deaths by dinosaur and some are rather horrific.
Karen, all of the Jaws sequels were awful.
I'm okay with leaving my brain at the door. Seems these days I hardly even carry it with me.
ReplyDeleteAnd as a regular @Midnight lover, I'm glad to see that episode mentioned here. That was a fantastic episode, and all 3 were beyond hilarious.
I think I'll enjoy it since I want to see the dinos chomp things. After all, the whole concept of the park is a dumb-disaster-in-waiting to start with. ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's very cool about the boxed set! I knew none of last week's trivia and I only know two this week (I think):
ReplyDelete2. Dragons
3. Giant Crocodiles?
The plot of Jurassic World sounds almost identical to Jurassic Park. So yeah, go for the 3D and special effects.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool about the box set.
Too bad about Jurassic World. I think we'll probably still go see it, as a fun summer movie type thing. Still love the first one/the original. :)
ReplyDeleteYeh on the box set!
When I heard there was going to be another Jurassic Park I was skeptical. Appreciate the review - I think I'll skip this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by the blog today, Alex. It's a great post! :)
Well that is too bad about the JP, but I'm still taking the older grandboys to see it. It will be more about the experience anyway. I remember when the newest Star Trek movies were released, wondering if I would be disappointed. I was not. However, I did like the first one best. And the characters depicting the original characters was so spot on.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the boxed set! Please do send me the info for you boxed set and I'll happily help out. :) I didn't get a chance to see Jurassic World. I'm still trying to get out to see Avengers 2! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome that you are releasing a boxed set. Send me the details and I can post about it. I hope you had a great vacation. Sounds like you found a lot of issues with Jurassic World. It's amazing how such a huge movie could have so many plot holes.
ReplyDeleteSeeing JP2015 with the wife... today. Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be a great day, just wanted to let you know... someone on Facebook asked us to describe our love life by the first sentence on a specific page of the nearest book... my response on page 90
"It has to work. Our future depends on finding the Dragon and returning her to Hyrath."
Trivia...
Ceno
Drag
Vam
Gat
Ali
Sha
Ah, Thank you..
Jeremy
Brandon and Bryan, it was hilarious.
ReplyDeleteRiver, there is a lot of chomping.
Marcy, you got two.
Cindy, it's really similar.
Karen, it was a great vacation!
Karen, thanks for hosting me!
Christine, thanks!
Shell, appreciate that! And yes, dino sized plot holes.
Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing vacation!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the box set! What a great idea!
I haven't seen JW. The BOY keeps asking, but I'm not sure we will have the time. We've been so busy on the weekends.
I bet that Hardwick show was hilarious. I'll have to try and catch it!
So glad things are going well for you!
Heather
I waivered on Jurassic World...the original was so good, I have to sully the memory with subsequent attempts. But - you've convinced me!
ReplyDeleteOne of my guilty pleasures is the bloopers spawned by Chris Pratt on Parks & Recreation. It's another reason to love YouTube.
What I figured it would be, I'll wait until it comes out on dvd or netflix to watch it. 500 million though sure will mean there will be more.
ReplyDelete1. Cenobite thingys
2. dragons
3. blood suckers
4. crocodiles
5. aliens
6. sharks
Congratulations on the boxset! My sister wants to go see Jurassic World. Guess I'll have to tag along. Don't know if I want to see it after the review, though. I won't be home next week to help with the release, but if you don't mind if I schedule the post ahead of time, I will be happy to help with your release of the CassaSeries boxset.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a wonderful publisher, Alex. A boxed set of your books is a great idea! My kids saw Jurassic World and felt the same way you did. Have a good weeK!!
ReplyDeleteWe're taking the kids to see Jurassic World in the next couple of weeks. There can never be anything that matches up to the original, but I think the kids will appreciate the opportunity to see one of these movies in the theater. I remember seeing the original in the theater when I was 7. It was an amazing experience for me!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the box set, that's outstanding! And of course we missed you:)
ReplyDeleteMy brain not being detachable, I don't think I'll bother. I wasn't all that enamoured with the first Jurassic Park.
ReplyDeleteNot really into monsters so I can't answer any of your questions this week.
Glad your publisher is bringing out a box set. I have them all anyway, but I hope it will make them sell even better.
Glad you had a good holiday, yes, I missed you. Even though it was very short.
I have never seen a movie do so well that had so many plot holes. This year anyway.
ReplyDeletegreat movie review Alex, my 12-yr-old enjoyed it by he said it was the most unscientific movie he ever saw :-)
ReplyDeleteI do want to see Jurassic World, mostly for Chris Pratt.
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the box set!!
I like the theme park idea, but plot holes like that would leave me too annoyed. Thanks, Alex.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great vacation!
A box set? That is awesome! I will definitely get that when it comes out. :D
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of Jurassic Park. As a matter of fact, I watched it yesterday. On VHS. Yes, I did. LOL! I really do want to see Jurassic World, but I don't think the holes you mentioned will bother me much. When it's a thriller, I just pay attention to the action. :)
Hi Alex! I hope you're enjoying summer vacation. You know I hadn't thought of that...you're so right. They said the dinos had implants then why didn't the flying dinos go down? That seems to be a serious continuity issue. They should have at least added a line indicating that the flying dinos didn't have that.
ReplyDeleteI did like Jurassic World better than Lost World. I didn't hate Lost World like other people. I think of it as a popcorn flick, similar to this one. I think the issue people have with Lost World is what you said about the genie being out of the bottle. If I recall I think Lost World came out a few years after Jurassic Park, so people got really excited and were disappointed. More so b/c the genie was out of the bottle than for the film itself.
I like Pratt and dinosaurs so I'll probably watch it at some point.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back!
ReplyDeleteI liked Chris Pratt way back when from the TV show Everwood. I'm glad to see him making it big.
Jeremy, awesome news and great response! Plus you nailed the trivia.
ReplyDeleteHeather, you need to watch it.
Cherdo, he's funny on that show.
Pat, you also nailed the trivia. And scary how much money the movie has made already.
Murees, thank you!
LG, the first one was mind-blowing when it came out.
Jo, next vacation will be longer.
Holy Ghost, what about the last Transformers movie?
EE, that's funny!
Chrys, I also rewatched the original this weekend.
MsMariah, that could be it. And yes, the flying dinosaurs should have all dropped.
I believe Karen Peterson is right: Hollywood will learn story is not important so long as you give the public spectacle and thrills. Sounds like you have a great publisher who believes in you and wants to fan the flames of your novels. :-)
ReplyDeleteI didn't even consider going to see Jurassic World because... didn't they learn the first few times around it doesn't work? That those big old dinosaurs get out a raise havoc? I mean, how many times do they have to try to tell the same story... oh wait, did they used a different dinosaur?
ReplyDeleteI hope to see Jurassic this week. It's really breaking some records. I knew one of the trivia so that's a win for me. And I know two of the new ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm in for next week's release. Send me what you want me to post and when.
Congrats on the boxed set.
ReplyDeleteWorld was just like Park only with more people.
Reign of Fire had dragons. I loved that movie.
I am a-ok with leaving my brain at the door and staring at dinos/Chris Pratt. We tried to watch it last weekend, but it was sold out :(
ReplyDeleteOh man, I love At Midnight! I haven't watched it in a while though because I don't have cable or Hulu!
Well, I haven't watched nearly all those movies, but the monster in Hellraiser is Pinhead.
Congrats on the Cassa series box set! I'll do a release post. Just send me the info: lmaclaug82@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Jurassic World yet. I'll catch it on Netflix.
I know #2 and #4 of the monster trivia.
Have a great week!
Leave my brain at the door? I think I did already and now if only I can figure out which door I left it at. Right now with no brain I keep bumping into walls.
ReplyDeleteI guess if the Jurassic Park folks had all the contingency plans in place they wouldn't have much of a move, eh?
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
welcome back. Hope you had fun and relaxed. Jurassic World is on my list. Right now I'm at my Dad's mulching,, cleaning, and shaking my head at the senior. We're having fun. Congrats on CassaFire Series Trilogy. I'm happy to post something on my blog - you can email me at JLF58@tx.rr.com. Happy Monday
ReplyDeleteRobin, he's made a huge name for himself now.
ReplyDeleteRoland, let them burn!
Bish, the dinosaur is different but it's mostly a T-Rex.
Susan, thanks!
Madilyn, you are correct. And you have to watch that episode of At Midnight.
Thanks, Lori!
Lee, funny!
Thanks, Joanne!
Welcome back, Alex.
ReplyDeleteI did go and see Jurassic World this weekend and I did enjoy it even though it was a little predictable, I think you have to go expecting to see escaping dinosaurs running around causing havoc and I guess nothing can compare to the first film as it was all so new then. But the dinosaurs and effects were great and yeah it made me jump in a couple of places!
Seems like I am one of the few people who did not see Jurassic world on its opening weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing Jurassic World, even if it does have a few plot holes. It sounds like a good movie :)
ReplyDeleteAlex, did you think that Chris Pratt's character is the fat kid from the original Jurassic Park that called the raptor a big turkey and got schooled by Dr. Grant? I got that impression when I was watching it. I think they have the same name.
ReplyDeleteI didn't read your review as I'll be seeing the dinos next Monday. Can't wait.
ReplyDeleteThe game show sounds funny. I'll have to check it out. Congrats on the boxed set!
That's really cool about the boxed set. I'll definitely order that when it comes out!
ReplyDeleteI actually haven't seen any of the Jurassic Park movies yet so I doubt if I'll see the new one anytime soon.
Do ebooks come in eboxes?
ReplyDeleteI'll probably see world sometime this week.
Great news on the box set and it say "Amazon Bestselling Series." I remember a few years ago you saying you weren't certain that you wanted to continue writing. Well, after all the success you're having this year I think you're going to be writing for a VERY long time. Congratulations on another stellar achievement!
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I saw Jurassic World and loved it. Yet, there were some plot holes and some of the subplots were stolen from the earlier movies, but it has rampaging dinosaurs! I mean, what more can you ask for?
ReplyDeleteI thought it was hilarious when the kids got on the Sphere Ride and it took off before they'd even gotten around to buckling the seatbelts. These days, the ride operator would have insisted on putting the belts on the passengers himself.
And why did the guy with the missile launcher wait until the dinosaur ran away before firing? :)
Haven't seen Jurassic World yet, but my insider at the theater (daughter who works there) says it's a film for Chris Pratt fans and is getting the most viewers because no other movie that's "new" has the same level of family-friendly + action + CGI + Pratt draw factor.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on that boxed set and already commented at Karen's site on your excellent post!
I've only ever seen the first Jurassic Park film, and haven't really been interested in the sequels. It seems like a lot of filmmakers these days just don't know when to quit, and keep dragging on a story and characters for no other reason than to make money for a franchise.
ReplyDeleteOf course you were missed. I hope your vacation was wonderful - it was certainly well deserved. Congratulations on the boxed set - I am sure it will go gang-busters.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, my wife jumped several times!
ReplyDeleteKat, don't feel like you missed anything.
Michael, I was curious, so I checked - not the same actor and I don't think it was the same character.
Thanks, Sarah!
Andrew, virtual boxes.
Thanks, Anne! Yeah, I know...
Ken, those are all good points!
Tyrean, is that what it is?
Carrie-Anne, apparently it's working...
I loved the first Jurassic Park. I think I watched the second, but the first was amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat boxed set looks so cool.
Congrats on the boxed set - neat!
ReplyDeleteWas planning to get to Jurassic World, but now wondering if I should just give it a miss...don't like obvious plot holes, neither having to leave brain behind, oh dear... thanks for the alert
Congratulations on the boxed set.
ReplyDeleteI have no problem abandoning reality when I go to a movie (or watch TV news, for that matter), so I'll probably enjoy Jurassic World in spite of its flaws.
ReplyDeleteBox sets seem to be a really good way of selling series these day, good luck with it, I hope you get a lot of new readers.
ReplyDeleteI saw the first Jurassic Park, but wasn't interested in the subsequent ones. I probably won't watch this one either. I kind of think those park owners should have watched the first film and heeded its warning :-)
Congratulations Beautiful presentation of his work! CassaSeries lovely!
ReplyDeleteA friend and I are going to see Jurassic World this week. I've heard other people say the thing you did about the dinosaurs, but I'm still excited to see it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Jurassic World, but hope to.
ReplyDeleteI'll be happy to mention your boxed set on my blog. Email me at Beverlysmcclure (@) aol (.) com.
Have a great week.
Congratulations on your box set - that's cool!
ReplyDeleteI still love the first Jurassic movie and one other thing that irked me a little was the scene with the boys in that glass ball ride and how similar it was to the first movie - the original scene with the kids in the jeep was so good! :)
Congrats on the box set!!
ReplyDeleteThe only one I can answer for trivia without consulting the almighty google is Hellraiser. That would be Pinhead. Though there were others in that one, but he was the main baddie.
We just settled back with popcorn and enjoyed Jurassic World, accepting the flaws, enjoying Chris Pratt with his Raptors, ignoring the "awww, really?" #1 was definitely the best with its novelty and plot line.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen Jurassic Park but almost. Last Friday we went to the movies to see Earthquake with The Rock. We were comfortably seated and eating popcorn when the movie starts with a dinosaur egg hatching, and I go "oops, wrong movie". The guy in front of us was chuckling as we walked out in the search of the right room.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your wife enjoyed your vacation!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised Jurassic World wasn't great - it's really hard to recapture the magic of an original - especially when it's unique
You were missed! I am glad you had a great week off and enjoyed yourself-you deserve it. I was wondering about this movie because even the trailers made me think if the whole thing was kind of...stupid. Did they not learn from the 1st 3 times? This is great that your books are in a boxed set. Now as for the answers to the trivia...1. The guy full of pins-can't think of the name but he also played Freddie Kreuger 2. no idea 3. Vampires 4. Huge crocodile 5. Aliens (I think) 5. Sharks??
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Jurassic World just yet. I've been holding out because I'm expecting big stuff from the dinasaurs. I wonder what they'll do next.
ReplyDeleteMy congratulations on the new trio ebook release!
Nilanjana, it was fun, just with holes.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gail!
Annalisa, exactly!
Thanks, Beverly!
Kimberly, it was like they just rehashed the first film.
Ava, yes he was.
Al, that's funny! Bet the movie you saw was just as good. And that's not saying much.
Birgit, you got four!
Thanks, everyone!
cool set of books! congrats!
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot of people say something similar. It's great for what it is, but still lacks something the original had. I'm interested to know if it will be able to keep up it's record breaking box office.
ReplyDeleteGot four of the trivia this week. Yay me :)
Awe, you had to point out the problems with Jurassic World. :) We went as a family on Saturday. All of us love the franchise and we almost always leave our brains at the door. LOL. Chris Pratt was the best part though. It's like the kids said, "Your boyfriend is bad@$$"
ReplyDeleteThere were certain things I knew the moment we saw the IndominusRex. I won't say what because it might spoil things for other. All in all though, we left happy.
Woohoo! I have a couple of the Cassa books, but I'm totally going to buy the e-book boxed set. :D
ReplyDeleteYou have a smart publisher :) I love the idea of CassaSeries (clever :)
ReplyDeleteLet me know how I can help!!
Jurassic World was great.The dinos seemed very real just like J Park.Too real and friendly that one has issues with credibility
ReplyDeleteHank
I hope your vacation was great--you've earned it.
ReplyDeleteWith all the money floating around Hollywood and the many very good writers out there, why couldn't the makers of Jurassic World at least get a script without holes and with some decent character development? I'll go ahead and see the movie and probably enjoy it, but you're so right that nothing will top the original. I remember being glad that the sound was loud because I screamed during the scene when the velocoraptors were in the kitchen.
Welcome back, Alex! Hope you had a nice vacation. Sorry Jurrasic World was disappointing. Congrats on your boxed set! The CassaSeries will make wonderful gifts!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hope you had a great break Alex!! Not seen Jurassic Park yet?? But I wanna!! Sounds like a good deal for your books, hopefully that'll bring in a few more sales. I've unfortunately not even started your first book..........yet! But I will!
ReplyDeleteCharity, that was a funny line.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie!
Mark, I will!
Helena, there are veloceraptors everywhere in this one.
Ray, thanks, and no worries!
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteof course I missed you.
Good to see that you are back.
I hope you enjoyed your vacation.
Well done from your publisher. I will post about the interesting offer.
Thank you for your honest review of Jurrassic World.
My wife and I decided to stay away from the film.
Hope you enjoyed your vacation! I haven't seen Jurassic World yet but I feel sure I will agree with your review. There's just no topping the original for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat news about the Cassa box set!
I'm really looking forward to seeing Jurassic World.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex! Welcome back from vacation--hope you had a great time! I actually figured J-World was going to be one of those "turn your brain off" sort of movies. I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I'm going to pay movie theater prices for it, but I'll most likely go see it.
ReplyDeleteI'll happily help with the announcement!!!
Hope you enjoyed your vacation! Nope, not going to see the new Jurassic Park, but the review was fun to read. And I'd love to help spread word next week.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting, a box set. Can't wait to see mine in same! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see Jurasic World! Watched all three of the others in preparation. LOL I'm hooked!
I was a child of Jurassic Park. It was the first big book that I ever read. It was pretty sciency for a kid of fourth grade, but I was able to get through it and have loved it ever since. I've read it nine times and wore out my paperback copy. The original movie only excited me more, being able to see the dinosaurs and how the story played out. I was in awe.
ReplyDeleteJurassic World was a good action movie. I didn't expect a whole lot going into it other then dinosaur mayhem and I was surprised that they spent as long as they did before they really got into the dinosaur parts. I thought there were parts of the movie that could have been left out completely and it would have been ok. Was nice to see a fully functional park though.
I actually did go see Jurassic World this past weekend! I know, completely unusual for me to see a movie when it first comes out!
ReplyDeleteI found it highly entertaining despite having the exact same plot as all the other Jurassic Park movies. What can I say? I like watching Chris Pratt in almost anything. :)
Sad to hear about Jurassic World, but I'm not really surprised. After the Lost World, I stopped watching. There was a magic to the first movie that just can't be recreated, which is often the case and why I loathe most sequels.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your box-set release! That's so exciting!
Jurassic is a disappointment but has made some serious money! Hey, congrats on the book package! Love the cover of it.
ReplyDeleteWe'll probably wait and rent Jurassic. Dixie is right. It broke records....
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the Box set. I'dd be glad to help promote it. You should also come up with a tweet or something to promote it.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't love the lastest Jurassic Park. Good thing I didn't rush out to see it.
Never heard of The Valley of Gwangi, but I'm thinking of checking it out.
I'm solid for next week's trivia, except for Near Dark. I'm tempted to look that one up.
I never got into the Jurassic Park thing, so this movie doesn't appeal. Seems from your review, I'm not missing much.
ReplyDeleteI'd be glad to help you announce. Send me the deets, and I'll share on FB and Twitter. ;)
Congrats on the trilogy boxed set! Really cool. And smart. Boxed sets seem quite popular.
ReplyDeleteDo you have pre-written tweets? I'll share on FB/Twitter.
Off to Karen's place.
I only know a couple of the creatures. I know Lake Placid. I think Betty White was the real monster in that movie. I've only seen parts of Deep Blue Sea. I guess I'm only good for trivia from the 80s and earlier. (That's when I still had a memory.)
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your wife enjoyed your vacay! Over so soon? I'm off on mine next week. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI'll definitely head to Karen's. Need to avoid a messy first draft that's for sure!
Denise :-)
Thanks for the heads up on the movie. My hubby's excited to see it and if we didn't have a baby who can't sit through movies, it would have happened already.
ReplyDeleteI'm headed out to check all the awesome links!
'K, I'm hopping over to check out your outlining tips. Never can get too much help with that. I hear you about Jurassic Park - genie, bottle ... yeah. But I'm glad to hear that Chris did so well. He seems like a nice guy and pretty talented. I love it when someone catches a break and succeeds.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that Jurassic World is a leave-your-brain-at-the-door movie. But I think I might enjoy it just to watch Chris Pratt up on screen. <3
ReplyDeleteWoot! I got the one movie trivia I guessed at correct!
Heading over to check out your tips. I'm no good at outlining, so I can use all the help I can get!
Hmm, I know Lake Placid was crocodiles, but I can't remember the rest. I haven't seen the new Jurassic Park movie, but I do like Chris Pratt! (Mainly from Park and Rec, but I want to see him in a different sort of role.)
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Jurassic World, yet. But, I'll be sure to check my brain at the door when I go.
ReplyDeleteYour tips are very timely as I'm beginning my next novel. Going to check them out now...
Heavens! I don't think Jurassic World is even released in Europe yet, but when it is I can take my husband's grandson to see it (it's a great excuse to see films he doesn't want to see). I'm off to check out Jessica Therrien's site! Welcome back from your holiday.
ReplyDeleteA boxed set, how awesome! Too bad I already have them haha. I'm disappointed to hear Jurassic World was disappointing. The Jurassic franchise is one of my favorites, and I had high hopes. Still going to see it this week, but I'm going to try to keep my standards low. (Well, as low as I can after all this anticipation.)
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic to have a boxed set! You have an awesome publisher! I'll wait for the Jurassic World to appear on TV!
ReplyDeleteOh, haha. I just left a note on my blog about how much I loved Jurassic World. I expected to have to check my brain at the door, so maybe it's a matter of expectations, but I was really happy that though a simple plot and characterizations, they still made it fresh and suspenseful while giving nods to the original. And that quadruple dino fight at the end! I nearly stood up & cheered.
ReplyDeleteFantastic about the boxed set!
Glad you're back from vacation:) Thanks for the candid info on the new Jurassic film...not quite sure I want to see it though.
ReplyDeleteA boxed set? How cool! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteThe other day I was reading a blog where someone called Chris Pratt "hot." The funny part was that I was watching Parks and Recreation (earlier seasons) when I read it. I looked over at him on the screen and thought, "Hot? Really???" He's certainly changed a lot in the past few years...
6 bucks for the series? Wow, that's pretty good. I'll update my side bar after this post. Much luck and go sell bunches and bunches!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back from vacation.
Okay, you're updated on my side bar, in spot that commenters should easily see. I don't have nearly as many readers as you, but hey, never know.
ReplyDeleteMuch continued success, your way.
Nice giveaway over at Jessica's.
ReplyDeleteHey guys! Wow, am I behind on comments...
ReplyDeleteEdi, thanks!
Randi Lee, thanks! I will email you.
T, thanks! Will also send you an email.
JM, if you just go for the dinosaurs, it's great. And I remember reading the first Jurassic book in just a couple days, which is a record for me.
JH, exactly. Only the first has that magic.
Toi and Melissa, thanks! Will email you.
Michelle, will get some together.
DL, Betty White was a riot in that film.
Rachel, he's making quite the career for himself.
SL, lower your expectations and you'll probably enjoy it.
Nicki, our audience cheered.
Stephanie, yes he has! Now he can't ever go back to flabby.
Ivy, thank you!
yeah, the reviews of the new Jurassic movie haven't been very good, and you totally nailed the reason why - the magic of the surprise is gone. that was the coolest, most electric thing about the first movie, and they did a great job not giving away too much in previews. they just can't capture that again.
ReplyDeleteI'd be glad to help annnounce the trilogy next Weds! Send along the info to lizblocker [at] gmail.
Welcome back Alex!! The movie is doing really well in our little town. Lots of cars outside the theater every evening. I watched the original, but never cared to watch the others. I remember The Land That Time Forgot and The Land Before Time. Not sure if I ever watched any of the movies on this weeks list.
ReplyDeleteI Saw it on Facebook @ Life & Faith in Caneyhead.
Thank you very much! Magnificent review of Jurassic World!
ReplyDeleteHey Alex,
ReplyDeleteAn eBook boxed set of your Cassa books. That's totally awesome and I bet you're buzzing over that.
Shame that Jurassic World didn't have that special ambience of the previous films. I've no desire to see the movie and now I'm convinced.
Unfortunately, we in the UK are subjected to your actual reality shows. Something about some dude pretending to be Prince Harry and fooling a bunch of young ladies. What a load of bollocks.
Enjoy the rest of your week.
Gary
My son wants to see Jurassic. He's only 7 though, so I'm not sure he could hack it, to tell you the truth. He's kind of a wimp. ;)
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great vacation. Missed you. I like the idea of the eBook boxed set of Cassa books. Will be seeing Jurassic World this weekend. Will hop over to Karen's blog now.
ReplyDeleteThe whole dinosaur theme never worked for me so I won't bother watching this latest offering. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the boxset, I'm sure it will be another success. X
shahwharton.com
Liz, thanks! I will.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gary - and that made me chuckle.
Rosey, it's a bit intense for someone that age.
My kids and I went to see Jurassic World on Friday. Not surprisingly, all the shows were sold out. So, we saw "San Andreas," instead. Or, what I like to call "The Day After Tomorrow Without Snow."
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it, although it was a check your brain at the door film, too.
After our experience, I think the marketing campaign for that film should be, "Can't Get Into Jurassic World Because It's All Sold Out? Well, Come On In To San Andreas. Sure, We Don't Have Dinosaurs, But a Lot of Shit Gets Busted Up."
I'm waiting for Hollywood to give me a call.
Well, they did say the pachys short out their implants when they butt heads together. Besides the pachys, no other dinosaur really escaped into the main area because they already were in the main area. (I doubt the pterydactyl/flying dinosaurs had such a thing because they probably thought they were secure in the aviary). As for the tranquilizers, you don't just go around and have weapons to kill million dollar animals. Hehe! I did love the movie and have seen it twice. There may be plot holes, but my brain fills them in as I watch. LOL! What I loved most beyond Chris Pratt and the awesome dinosaurs was the raptors character development over the four films. They have a beautiful character arc over the span of the four-to-date movies.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to JB on his release.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a nice vacation! Jurassic World was on our list to see. Those sequels never seem to be as good as the first. That's great news about the ebook package. Hope you get good sales from that.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new book release. Hope it does boffo sales.
ReplyDeleteI find that most sequels and/or reboots suffer from a disease called "dollar-itis" in which the almighty dollar triumphs good writing/good plotting.
Father Nature's Corner
Having seen the movie, clearly it needs a RiffTrax. That's the only way to make it good enough to see again. ^_^ I agree with your comments on it, as you know from my blog this week. It kind of makes me sad as a writer to see a movie with so many story problems do so well, but I probably shouldn't be surprised. Bah.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on the box set! That's a great price and will probably net you a ton of new readers. Hope so.
Congrats on the Cassa - set. Whoo hoo. Appreciate the Jurassic heads up - I shall set my expectations accordingly and get the large popcorn.
ReplyDeleteI loved your review of Jurassic World and agree, wholeheartedly. You can't mess with some of those earlier Jurassic Park movies, though they did try hard. It was entertaining and I love a good monster movie but even the dinosaurs didn't captivate the way they did in earlier renditions, even with all the jazzy special effects. Too bad.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I know 3 out of 6 of the monsters. Afraid that doesn't rate me a passing grade.
ReplyDeleteHave a wondrous weekend, Alex.
Welcome back! Wait a second, that boxed set is only 5.99?! That is so awesome! Pre ordering right now!
ReplyDeleteGreat review of Jurassic Park! I haven't seen it, but my husband took my oldest boys to see it last weekend. My boys liked it, but then again they've never seen the first one or any of the others! I think we'll have to remedy that. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Jurassic World sounds like it would be awesome if I was like in high school. Okay? LOL Great post like always.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great vacation! I know Jurassic World will scare the bleep out of me no matter how many plot holes. I definitely want to see it.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to help spread the word about your box set release--please email me at jenniferlanebooks at gmail dot com!
I've heard a lot of good things about Jurassic World. I think I'm gonna have to see it myself. I'm excited. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review.
yay for the trifecta of e-releases =)
ReplyDeletenot surprised about jurassic world - but love chris pratt to pieces! thanks for the truth behind the hype!
and i love how oldies are getting more shots at comebacks with neflicks and hulu and all the media outlets available - there's so many people that now have more to choose from in genres they like! (i saw this future in PT!)
happy summer!
A boxed series sounds like a cool idea. We enjoyed Jurassic World -- nothing groundbreaking, but a whole lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely about Jurassic World. Comparing it to the original, you realise how 'dumbed down' and plot holey this new one is. The original was much more clever, philosophical, and the characters had much more 'meat' to them.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how much of Jurassic World's popularity had to do with Chris Pratt. I'm going to see it sometime this week I think, but I'm going for the dinosaurs. (I'm the same way though, none of them will ever compare with the first one.)
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Jurassic World yet but I'd love to. Hope you had fun on your vacation!
ReplyDeleteI hear Jurassic world is amazing!! congrats on the release and awesome tees!!
ReplyDelete