Monday, September 28, 2015

RiffTrax, October Movie Preview, Alien Movie Trivia, Battle of the Banned, Ninja News, and New Releases!

RiffTrax Thursday!

This Thursday, it’s RiffTrax Live - Miami Connection!

The show will be broadcast live from Nashville. (If you live in that town, for God’s sake, go see them live!) And they are being broadcast live into over a hundred movie theaters across the nation. Go HERE to find a theater near you.

You’ve heard me rant about RiffTrax before. Go and enjoy!

Blogroll Restored!

It took hours of work, but I built back up my blogroll in my side bar.

I may have missed someone, so if you are a regular visitor and blogger buddy, please let me know if you don't see your blog listed.


Ninja News


Jessica Therrien is hosting the READ AND REVIEW CHALLENGE! The event runs from October 1 to March 31, 2016. It challenges readers to read and review ten or more books from the list. Each review will enter the readers into a raffle for a monthly giveaway and those who review ten or more will be entered into the grand prize raffle. To add your book to the list (you have to supply a copy to the readers) fill out the form HERE. This is open to both traditional and self-published authors.



New Releases!

Static by SK Anthony
Find it on Amazon

We Had Flags by Sean McLachlan
The third in the Toxic World series of post-apocalyptic novels.
Find it on Amazon

Ghost Dancer by Christine Rains
The Paramours - ghost hunting with a kiss.
When Nina Azure’s talent as a ghost dancer doesn’t persuade a handsome phantom to talk, she entices him with sizzling sexual energy…
Find at Ellora’s Cave, Kobo, and Goodreads

Ghost for Sale by Sandra Cox
Find it at Kensington Publishing

The Art of the Sparkly Fart by Pat Hatt
Find it on Amazon

Demon in the Basement by River Fairchild
Find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords


Alien Movie Trivia Answers

1 – Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde – 2011- Cowboys and Aliens
2 – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura – 1987 - Predator
3 – Taylor Kitsch, Liam Neeson, Rihanna – 2012 - Battleship
4 – Kurt Russel, Wilford Brimley, Keith David – 1982 – The Thing
5 – Scoot McNairy, Whitney, Able – 2010 - Monsters
6 – Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Abigail Breslin – 2002 - Signs
7 – Joel Courtney, Ellie Fanning, Kyle Chandler – 2011 – Super 8

Battle of the Banned

This is Shady Del Knight’s Battle of the Banned. (Yes, Banned, not Band.) It pits two songs against each other and you vote for your favorite.

It might seem unfair to pit an original version against a remake. But VH1 lists the remake as one of the best ever – even better than the original. The band made it their own. So, you tell me – which version of Holy Diver do you like best?

Original Ronnie James Dio version -


Killswitch Engage’s version -


You know the routine – vote for your favorite!

October Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for October! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.

2 –

The Martian
During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara
Sometimes, when I’m on a trip, I wonder if I forgot to turn off the oven. I can’t imagine how these people must feel…

The Walk
In 1974, high-wire artist Philippe Petit recruits a team of people to help him realize his dream: to walk the the immense void between the World Trade Center towers. Director: Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon, Ben Kingsley, James Badge Dale
This is a must-see in Imax. I heard it’s jaw-dropping. (And I hope that’s all that drops…)





9 –

Pan
12-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny -- to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.
Director: Joe Wright
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Jimmy Vee, Rooney Mara
Lots of bad buzz and a grim story line. I don’t think it will pan out well…

Steve Jobs
Set backstage at three iconic product launches and ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac, Steve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution to paint a portrait of the man at its epicenter.
Director: Danny Boyle
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Sarah Snook
I’ll probably wait for this to show up on iTunes.





16 –

Crimson Peak
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds...and remembers.
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Charlie Hunnam, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska
Del Toro and a horror film dripping with atmosphere – a must see!

Bridge of Spies
An American lawyer is recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union.
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Tom Hanks, Peter McRobbie, Alan Alda, Billy Magnussen
It’s a film about a group of spies who live under a bridge like trolls. Wait, that might not be right…




23 –

The Last Witch Hunter 
The last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history.
Director: Breck Eisner
Stars: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood, Michael Caine
The Iron Giant and Groot team up to kick some witch butt!







Going to see RiffTrax on Thursday? Participating in the Read and Review Challenge? Picking up some new books? Get any of the movie trivia right? Which version of Holy Diver do you like best? And what movies are on your radar for October…?


170 comments:

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Sorry about rebuilding the blogroll...ugh. That's such an incredible pain.

I'm interested in The Martian, for sure. And Crimson Peak has piqued my interest. :)

RaveAir said...

There are (at least) 2 films at this list which shooting location was in Hungary. :)

Cathrina Constantine said...

Congrats to all those with new releases! A Lot of good movies coming out.

Taking care of the blogroll sounds exhausting. Have a nice week!

Mason Canyon said...

Looks like movie possibilities are picking up. The Martian and The Last Witch Hunter both sound interesting. Congratulations to everyone who has new releases out. Sorry about the blogroll, that can be a pain to restore.

Rhonda Albom said...

I am multi tasking - watching the evening news right now with the Mars story playing - so naturally, it is Martians that caught my eye on your list. Lot's of new books. I love the concept of the Read and Review Challenge.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - sorry about the blog-roll - thanks for putting me back in. I'll see the Apple one - but the others are a no. I hope everyone enjoys Rifftrax - glad they're giving the opportunity to many.

Lots of books too - River, Christine et al .. good luck to one and all: the Read and Review Challenge does look a great idea. Cheers Hilary

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Thanks for telling us about the Read and Review Challenge. I added three of my books. Hopefully I remember I signed up for this when I start getting e-mails from potential readers. ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, it took me almost a week to rebuild it.

Zoltan, that's cool! Which ones?

Mason, after the September releases, we need some good movies.

Sandra, glad you joined us! Yeah, hope I remember...

Unknown said...

I want to read The Martian before I see the film.

And I didn't realise you had lost your side bar. That must have been pretty frustrating. So pleased you managed to get it all back together.

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for all the great news and updates. Happy Monday! :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

What a pain to have to redo your blogroll.

I like the second version of the song best.

Hart Johnson said...

The Read Review challenge looks like a great way to format a contest. Very interesting. And Dio is one of a kind. I always liked him in small doses, so that classic just can't be outdone, since the styling is like him anyway.

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to everyone with a new release! And thank you for the shout-out. I was going to vote the original Dio version because usually I feel you can't improve on the classics, but I really liked the Killswitch one. Plus the video was hilarious! My vote goes to them. Have a wonderful week!

randi lee said...

Hey Alex! Great new books coming out by some great authors! Thanks for your blog comment--I don't get why people think we should give our work away for free either. I hope image tweeting works out for you! I'm going to go find your tweets and retweet them :-)

Tonja Drecker said...

Congratulations to everyone on the releases-so many great reads there! How irritating with the blogroll, but glad you got it done (Even if it took hours *grr*) And my vote goes to Killswitch because it's more fun to listen to (more melodic). And no movies this month for us. My kids are hot on December though.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex! Hey, aren't you that guy from Rock Jeopardy? :) In these BOTB contests, I do not watch the videos. I believe we should vote only for the music and not be influenced by the conceptual images. No doubt about it - Killswitch Engage does a worthy cover of "Holy Diver." It's a fuller, updated technical prog rock sound. However, I am a purist and a huge fan of the late great Ronnie James Dio. I prefer Ronnie's Gothic style vocals and Dio gets my vote.

I will be running my voting results post next Monday, good buddy, and I look forward to seeing who won your battle as well.

Pat Hatt said...

#2 gets my vote. Let the sparkly farts shine lol I never would have got the one I missed, never saw that movie. A few look okay, but nothing I really want to see coming out.

H. R. Sinclair said...

I love you comments on the upcoming movies.:)

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

So excited to see The Martian! The book was great, and the movie looks like it stays true to the story. Looking forward to seeing Room, based on the Emma Donoghue book from a few years ago. The book was amazing, and I'm willing to give the movie a shot. :) And Crimson Peak looks interesting - will add to the list.

Anonymous said...

Dio! Dio! Dio!

Okay, I have a sentimental reason for picking Dio. This was the first concert I saw with my first hubby, so yeah, it's a very special album let alone song. Hard to compare to Killswitch but, I do like their remake. Especially their riff in the middle. They have a great metal sound.

Glad you got your blog roll finished. Thanks for putting me back on it again. Also, congrats to everyone (even the cat) for their books!! Best of luck to all.

And for once, I'm not excited about any of the upcoming movies. Especially the Walk. Boring!

Just Keepin It Real, Folks! said...

Lots of great new releases from some talented authors. And Pan sure is getting lots of press.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

The Read and Review Challenge sounds like fun. Congratulations to all the authors with new books out. I'll be watching the baseball playoffs mostly during October, not so many movies.
Have a great week.

kaykuala said...

The remake is more lively. The inclusion of the live band accentuates the feeling of nearness. The Read and Review is on for the long haul. That should make it easier to take on the next if one is missed.

Hank

A Beer for the Shower said...

Ooh, more Rifftrax. I can never get enough of those guys.

Also, both good versions, but give me Killswitch Engage for the win.

Stephen Tremp said...

The Walk at IMAX is high on my priority list. I'm terrified of heights but fascinated at the same time.

Holy Ghost Writer said...

The first version I liked the best. The Walk looks like it will be good.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Ooh, The Martian and Pan are the two movies on your list I'm most looking forward to. But I'm really excited to see Fassbender play Macbeth!!!! Still a few months away.

Jo said...

You do like RiffTrax don't you? I assume it would be necessary to see the programmes they are parodying.

Lots of books, good luck to everyone with them. I have more books than I can read now I'm afraid.

Glad you got your Blog Roll back. See I am still there, thank you. I actually meant something else about what I had lost. I don't keep my blog roll up to date I'm afraid.

Stephanie Faris said...

I want to see the Steve Jobs movie--I actually enjoyed the one with Ashton Kutcher. I'm a technology geek, though, and I LOVE biopics! But yeah, I think it can wait for video. I don't see many movies in the theater these days--people get on my nerves with all their texting and whispering and kicking the back of your seat!

Your blogroll is amazing. I'm going to go through it and make some new friends. I'm always looking for new blogs to read.

Arlee Bird said...

Both versions of "Holy Diver" were pretty harsh on my early morning ears, but Dio's version was a bit more tolerable that the other one. Maybe if I were driving or in a more aggressive mood the Killswitch version would appeal to me more. For now though my vote goes to Dio.

"Steve Jobs" the movie? Sounds like a snoozefest to me, but it also sounds like potential Oscar material. I doubt that I'll be seeing it.

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

Natalie Aguirre said...

Glad you got your blog roll back up. I've heard good things about Martian. May go see it.

RaveAir said...

Alex: The Martian and the Bridge of Spies.
As I see The Martian gets very good, positive reviews at Rottentomatoes.

Bish Denham said...

No, I won't be seeing RiffTrax on Thrusday... I'd like to see A Walk in the Woods (so you see what my likes are like.) The Read and Review Challenge sounds like a wonderful thing. @ish I read faster then I'd feel like I could participate properly.

As for Holy Diver the second version is fuller, but that could be because of recording abilities between 1983 and 2006. The videos for both of them seemed terribly hokey to me. I closed my eyes and just listened to the music. And so... I'm going with Killswitch.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Rebecca, took a week, but it's back.

Diane, thanks for voting.

Hart, thanks for picking one of the versions.

Christine, you're welcome, and thanks!

Randi lee, thank you!

T, thanks for voting.

Shady! I know, this was a difficult one, since Killswitch did such a great job with it. I'll post my results next Monday as well.

Pat, you need to watch Monsters!!

Holly, I aim to amuse.

Elsie, I can understand that. Dio puts on a great show.

Hank, I thought Killswitch did a fine job with the song as well.

Brandon and Bryan, thanks for voting. Are you going to see RiffTrax on Thursday then?

Holy Ghost, thanks for voting.

LG! Good to hear from you.

Jo, no way you can watch most of their films with their help.

Stephanie, happy exploring!

Angela Brown said...

Looks like there's a lot coming out in the theaters this month. The Martian is one I'm very interested in.

Congrats to all the Ninja army releasing something new. Special hugs to Christine and River!!

It is a rare thing to find the remake is better than the original. I wonder if there are any movies like that, where the remake or reboot is better than the original?

Chrys Fey said...

I would go to see Pan. I always enjoy Peter Pan remakes.

The Read and Review Challenge sounds great. Thanks for sharing that with us!

Donna K. Weaver said...

I am sooo excited to The Martian. LOVED the book. I hope they can do it justice.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I knew 2 of the trivia. Liked the second version if I have to pick but not my favorite tune at all. I've always found Peter Pan to be a creepy character so have no interest in that movie. The Martian was such a good book, I'll have to give the movie a try.

Anonymous said...

Glad you finally finished your blogroll. It must have been an insane amount of work. Crimson Peak is definitely a movie I'd like to see. As for Battle of the 'Banned', I'll have to go with Killswitch version. :)

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I just signed my book up for the Read and Review Challenge, and I need some new books to read too. Thanks, Alex. Happy new week.

Joanne said...

Howdy. Been too busy taking care of my dad and watching Pope news in Philly, but I'm psyched for the October movie slate. The Martian sounds like a winner, and I always like Joseph Gorden Levitt so the Walk should be good - I saw the documentary Man on Wire which is very worthy. Ronnie James Dio - he's the winner. You can tell it's October - sounds like some creepy books out. Except The Art of the Fart is a super title. Have a great week. It's fall in Philly - I'm enjoying cooler breezes and big leaves tumbling out of the sky

Al Penwasser said...

I really want to see "The Martian," but I'm afraid the Penwasser Movie Budget has been exhausted for this quarter. Last weekend, Mrs. Penwasser made me go see "War Room" with some friends. Now, I don't want to come down too hard on a religious movie which could (should) be more appropriately shown on TV, but let's put it this way: I'm good for church until the end of the year.

In related news, that's $21 I won't be getting back.

SK Anthony said...

Thank goodness you're done with rebuilding the blog roll, phew! And thank you so much for featuring Static!!! :D

Okay, The Martian, I just can't stop thinking . . . did they shoot this while he was in gear for Interstellar? lol

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

It won't pan out, eh? Haha

EEGiorgi said...

can't wait to watch the Martian! Pan is next on my list. I'll be looking forward to your reviews of these movies :-)

Unknown said...

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I'm voting for Killswitch Engage. Their version is absolutely killer. More energy, fatter riffs and I like the vocals better at a slightly lower pitch. Nice one Alex!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

My memory is not good enough to get the movie trivia right, unless...I've watched the movie five million times. And I do have those I watch repeatedly.

Lots of good scary books and a couple of movies just in time for Halloween. There's not any movies I'm dying to see off your list, though.

Sherry Ellis said...

Glad you got your blog roll up. That was a lot of work! I don't know about Pan, either. I took my son to see Transylvania Hotel 2 this weekend, and saw the Pan trailer. I don't think it's on my son's list of movies to see.

SpacerGuy said...

Jesse Ventura was big in wrestling, acting and then he ran for Governor and won. I heard him talking to Howard Stern on the air and wouldn't it be something if he became the next President of the United States!

He strikes me as an honest, incorruptible sort worth taking a chance on. Major relief you got the blogroll fixed, well done! The second version of Holy Diver has got my vote!

H.R. Bennett said...

Hmmm. That Read and Review challenge kind of grabbed my eye. I've been wanting to review more titles and that seems like it might be a good opportunity.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, your vote is noted, and your comments about the movie made me chuckle.

Zoltan, thanks for letting me know. Yes, The Martian is getting rave reviews right now.

Bith, thanks for voting.

Angela, the 1982 remake of The Thing was much better than the original.

Susan, thanks for voting, and I always thought Pan was creepy as well.

Robyn, awesome!

Joanne, I envy your weather.

Al, I understand the importance of the messages in those movies, just wish the production values were better.

SK< you're welcome! Sorry I'm a week late. And that is a good question...

Joylene, I am here to amuse!

Anne, you rock!

Sherry, if it doesn't interest kids, that's not good.

Thanks for voting, Spacerguy. And Ventura as president? Well, there we'll be safe from Predators.

Robert, it's a great opportunity!

The Angry Lurker said...

Looking forward to The Martian and The Last Witch Hunter!

Kathryn Thornton said...

Now that I know what a blog roll is thank you for all the time you put into it for the links to others' blogs. Very nice of you and much appreciated.

I had no idea who Rifftrax was and saw an ad at our theater this weekend when I took my kids.

The read and review challenge is an awesome idea I'm definately going to participate.

Unknown said...

SO excited for SK Anthony's Static!! :) and I just downloaded a ton of books, I can't wait to get to all of them :)

Suzanne Furness said...

Glad you got your blogroll sorted but sorry it took you a lot of work! I might try and see Martian. Congrats to those with new releases.

Cherie Reich said...

Okay, I'm still snickering about your snarky comment about The Martian. :)

Blue Grumpster said...

The Martian... I hope this movie's got a heart and isn't only about the special effects that may not be so special. Tell me I'm wrong, Alex.

cleemckenzie said...

I think the blog roll wipe out is contagious. You no sooner posted about it last week than I did it to mine. Now I have to start over. I may call for help!

I'm putting the Damon flick on my watch list. I think I'll enjoy it on the edge of my seat.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Oh, there's at least three movies in October I want to see: Crimson Peak, The Walk, and The Martian. I agree with your assessment of Pan although a friend of mine desperately wants to see it and wants company :(

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I really want to see The Martian! And Crimson Peak looks to be quite good as well. I just signed Death in the House of Life up for the Read and Review Challenge -- it is now out in eBook and Audio book format -- and soon will be available in print. I agree with you on Pan. It looks too grim for Peter Pan to me. Glad you got your blog roll up again. :-)

XmasDolly said...

Oh & one more thing thank you for joining us your two songs are new to me, but you rocked the house. You forgot to sign our little linky so I signed in for you so my girls can come on over to hear your tunes. I hope that's okay with you. If not let me know and I'll pull it off immediately. I looked at your list and I don't know if you put everyone's button up there, but I checked for mine and I didn't see it. :( Is it because I don't write? I have a book in progress, but I'm not done typing it up. I hand wrote it. A wise person once told me that although my stories are cute for writing children's books maybe, but nothing else. I was heart broke. He gave me the advice to write something I know about first. My reality so to speak, so I did and I want to publish it. We'll see. If I only publish this one book I'd be happy.

Belle Unruh said...

Hi Alex. I know my grandsons would have loved, The Art of the Sparkley Fart.
Love what you said about Martian. I really want to see that one.

My parents used to forget my brother a lot. We left him at a gas station once. He was in their bathroom. My mom left him on the sidewalk downtown. Both times we went back and there he was standing, searching and looking forlorn. After you have two, and my sister and I never shut up, you kind of forget about the third kid!

By the way, you lost your blogroll and I lost my blog. I've tried for days to get it back but can't do it. I started a new one, whoamiwhoisgod.blogspot.com

Karen Peterson said...

The guys from RiffTrax were at Salt Lake Comic Con this weekend and confirmed that MST3K is getting rebooted. It made me think of you and I just wanted to tell you about it.

J E Oneil said...

I'm sure everyone appreciates the hours of work you put into getting your blog roll back. There's me way towards the bottom :)

Do we really need another Steve Jobs biopic? Crimson Peak looks really good though.

Leovi said...

Yes, thank you very much Alex, I find myself happily in your NINJA ARMY!

Limbo Delirium
Black & White Abstracts

Elephant's Child said...

Rebuilding your blogroll must have taken ages. And ages.
Yay for all the new releases, some of which I have, some of which I will acquire...

Murees Dupè said...

Sorry about your disappearing blogroll. I can't believe you actually redid it. Good for you! Congratulations to all the authors with new releases. My to be read list is getting longer and longer:) In the movie trivia I actually got one right, Signs. I'm so chuffed about that:) Have a lovely week, Alex.

L.G. Keltner said...

I definitely want to see The Martian and The Walk. I can't imagine doing anything on a tightrope that high in the air. I'm not afraid of heights, but that would be too much for me in real life. Watching someone do it in Imax would be more my speed.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

KAT, I want others to get to know my blogger buddies. And you should go to RiffTrax.

Cherie, glad I could amuse you!

Blue, I hope you are right!

Lee, I'm sorry!

Michael, bummer...

Roland, glad you joined the Challenge.

Marie, thank you! I just didn't know how I was supposed to do it. And sorry, I just missed you - will add your blog.

Belle, that's awful! I'm sorry.

Karen, that is awesome news!!!!!

Leovi, but of course!

Murees, glad you got one right. And I had to redo it.

nashvillecats2 said...

Sorry about your blog roll Alex.
Most enjoyable films and books to read and watch.
Sorry for being late in commenting have had a bad "HairDay."
Yvonne.

stephen Hayes said...

I'll pass on Pan since I'm tired of that overworked story, but I do want to see The Martian.

Birgit said...

Oh that song is dark:) I listened to both and I give it to Killswitch because his vocals are better, in my opinion, and I thought the guitar solo was excellent. I think I got 2 wrong on the quiz. I'm bored with Pan but want to see The Martian and Man on a Wire. I know there was a documentary on the real guy and it is supposed to be suspenseful so I want to see that also. I'll wait for Jobs when it comes out on video-looks boring like that facebook movie. The horror film looks freaky and unsure if I should see it.

River Fairchild said...

Congrats to all the new releases! Thank you so much for mentioning mine, Alex. :) I want to see Pan. I'd be terrified to see Crimson Peak. Ack!

Andrew Leon said...

There are so many October movies I want to see this year.
It's weird.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to see Crimson Peak, but I'm a wuss and it's a horror so I'll have to wait until it comes out and watch it during the day.

Unknown said...

The Martian comes out at just the right time.. lots of hype for Mars since that NASA official reveal that it has flowing liquid water. Looks like we might be going to the Red Planet after all.

Sandra Cox said...

Hi Alex,
Thanks for the mention! Congrats to everyone else with releases.

Empty Nest Insider said...

Congrats to all of the authors! Love your witty comments about the movies! The Martian looks like a must-see!

Julie

Leandra Wallace said...

I had to reread the title of 'The Art of the Sparkly Fart' just to make sure I did get it right the first time, lol! I do want to see The Martian, and Pan looks like a great adventure. But Crimson Peak? *shudders* Waaay too scary for me!

Truedessa said...

Congrats - to all the authors with new book releases and of course we know what power the sparkly farts hold, only Pat could write that.

Martians might be one I would go see. I have to see how the reviews are first. If you are going maybe, you could let us know how it was. NASA announced today they found evidence Mars has water flowing on it. Talk about timing - coincidence or something more you decide?

Video #2 for me as I like the visual better and I have to say the band really did make that song their own.

Have a great week Alex! May the dragon always soar..

Julie Dao said...

Man, there are so many Peter Pan retellings out there! Not sure if I'm going to see this latest one. I DO want to see Crimson Peak, however. When I saw the trailer on TV, I thought it was a Blackbeard retelling --- is it?

Anonymous said...

I vote for video 2. So many good books are out now. Nashville, yet it's a Miami connection?

Liz A. said...

Glad you got your blogroll restored. What a nightmare. Hope you have no more issues with it.

I've seen billboards with Crimson Peak on them, but I had no idea what the movie was about. So, thanks for clearing that up.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a job getting that blogroll back on. Congrats to all the new releases! I'm off to check out the Read and Review Challenge. Thanks for posting it!

dolorah said...

I plan to see Crimson Peak and Witch Hunter with a writer friend in Oct. I hope they are awesome. I saw The Visit last week. Only thing I did not like about The Visit was the camera perspective. Hate it when we only see what the camera carrying person sees; why would you have the camera going in so many circumstances. But I'm not a 1st POV fan either. Basically a good movie though.

I might try the read and review challenge; after I get my IWSG story submitted. We'll see. I've been disappointed a lot lately.

dolorah said...

Oops; forgot to vote on the battle. I listened to Dio while reading the post and commenting. Almost forgot the click on the second one. When I did, I nearly thought I was listening to the original. Had to make sure I clicked on the right video.

Both are awesome; but I'm giving my vote to Killswitch. I'm not a fan of the screech/howl, but it worked well in this song. Not so heavy it blotted out the words. And I did like the heavier metal sound. Gave it a darker, more menacing sound than the original.

Tammy Theriault said...

Bring him home looks good! Matt Damon is an awesome actor. And congrats to the books coming out!

J.H. Moncrieff said...

Crimson Peak sounds good, but I've seen some disappointing stuff from del Toro, ever since people started begging him to attach his name to tons of horror projects.

I might wait for your review...

Thanks for adding me to your new blog roll!

Helena said...

I really want to see Bridge of Spies, and after that The Martian and The Walk.

So the Pan movie won't pan out for you? (You just had to go there, didn't you, Alex? lol

Nicola said...

Just for you, Alex, I listened to Holy Diver - twice. My husband would be so proud! I don't like heavy rock music and run out the door when it blares through our house - far too loud! And that 'rocky' screeching can't be good for the voice box. Nevertheless, Killswitch wins it for me. The lead singer has a powerful, clear voice (until he starts screeching).

Thanks for all the info! Have a great week.

mail4rosey said...

I like the Killswitch version better. Congrats on getting your blog roll up and running. Have a great rest of the week! :)

Misha Gerrick said...

The Martian looks awesome. Congrats to everyone with book releases. :-)

Laura S. said...

The Art of the Sparkly Fart!! Hahaha, that's hilarious and I haven't even read it yet. I have to get it for my nieces and nephews!

Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

mshatch said...

I do want to see The Martian. The book was really good, probably my favorite of the year.

Heather R. Holden said...

Ooh, so many new releases. Congrats to all the authors!

I remember seeing Crimson Peak blogged about elsewhere a while back and have wanted to see it since. It's been too long since I've seen a horror film on the big screen!

Shell Flower said...

Great job rebuilding your blogroll. That really is a pain. The witch hunter movie looks pretty good, but I'll probably wait for video on all of those. Some great new releases from some very prolific writers. I'll have to go check out read & review.

Melissa said...

I hope you saved a copy of that blog list. LOL

Thanks for the review tip!

Congrats to all those with new releases - that's a long list!

Heather M. Gardner said...

ALEX!

Hello.

Thanks for all the b'day wishes! I was good though, no libations just some PB cookies made by the husband. :)

And I really appreciate the review!

Great list of books! Ghosts and demons all for October!

I would like to see The Martian and Bridge of Spies. They book look good. Crimson Peak might be bad, but its got Charlie Hunnam in it. :)

Got to go with the original Dio. Nothing quite like his voice.

Heather

Jennifer Lane said...

I heard The Martian was a good book. I'm proud to be part of the Ninja army!

Patsy said...

No movies for me - too much writing I want to get done!

Jack said...

I wasn't looking forward to any of these movies, except Pan, until I saw the trailer for The Martian. And now I kind of want to see that one

Dean K Miller said...

RiffTrax is nearby, have to check it out. Great idea on the read/review challenge. Ghost Dancer sounds interesting. Paranormal erotica is a genre I hadn't considered too much.

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I CANNOT WAIT to see The Martian! Hoping to get to the theater on Sunday if possible.

Lisa said...

The Martian is the only one I think I'd like to see and that's cause I LOVE Matt Damon!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I'm looking forward to several of the movies on that list, especially The Martian. I read an article about how Damon rehearsed for that role and it is fascinating. Just think of being all alone out there and desperately needing to hear the sound of your own voice....

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Birgit, thanks for voting. I'll wait for NetFlix for the Steve Jobs film.

River, you're welcome!

Sleepy Bison, and here Hollywood thought it was death to mention Mars in a film.

Sandra, you're welcome!

Julie, I try to amuse.

Truedessa, I will be posting a review of the movie next Monday.

Julie, I don't believe so.

Medeia, they have to broadcast from somewhere.

Donna, I'll wait for NetFlix for The Visit. Hope you submit something! And thanks for voting.

Helena, I had to go there...

Nicola, I am proud of you!

Rosey, thanks for voting.

Melissa, I did save it!

Heather, I hope Crimson Peak is great.

Dean, go see the RiffTrax show!!

Patricia, creepy, isn't it?

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I think the Martian movie looks good, but I like to wait until you've seen them before I buy a ticket. I really hate to waste my money.

Gail said...

Crimson Peak has my attention. I fear I will have to wait a long time before it is on tv.

Nick Wilford said...

Eclectic bunch of books and movies. The Martian has timed in with the news very well. At least he might have water to drink!

Blue Grumpster said...

The Thing (1982) is the only remake I love, Alex. Great movie. Remember the music: doom doom.... doom doom. Predator... fantastic movie. 'You are one ugly...' well? One ugly what? ;)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Your snarky movie comments had me laughing all the way through - thanks, Alex. I'm not sure if we'll get to the movies anytime soon, but I'll be watching for these later. :)

Sandra Cox said...

The Read and Review is a great idea.

alexia said...

Lots of stuff going on as usual! My son wants to see The Martian, and I might check out Crimson Peak. I mean, Tom Hiddleston. I kinda have to :)

Mark Koopmans said...

I actually looked to see if there was a RiffTrax movie theatre and there is!... but I can't go due to stuff on Friday.

Next time... I'm so curious about these guys :)

Very interested to see The Walk (in part, because I want to see the Twin Towers in all their majesty again...)

PS: *Thanks*

Nilanjana Bose said...

Love Pat Hatt's title! Congrats to all with new releases.

I will be watching out for Crimson Peak. and probably the family will want to do so for the Martian...

It must have been exhausting to get the blogroll sorted. Thanks for putting me in.

Yolanda Renée said...

I'm looking forward to the Bridge of Spies, but I probably won't see it until it on DVD. Mars look good too.
So many good books to read, and i still owe reviews for the ones I have. Damn, there's no way to catch up, is there!

Michelle Wallace said...

Lots of new releases - congrats to everyone! Some great covers! Pat Hatt's title is too funny...
Well done on the re-building of your blogroll.

Sean McLachlan said...

The Martian is near the top of my To Read list. I want to read it before seeing the movie.
Thanks for the shout out!

TBM said...

Congrats to all the new release authors! It's always so exciting to have a new story come out.

And kudos to you Alex. Not sure I would have rebuilt the blogroll.

Some interesting movies. They're so expensive in London so I usually wait for DVD or streaming. But I appreciate the heads up. Hadn't heard of some.

Theresa Milstein said...

I want to see your 2 and 9 selections. I laughed about your leaving the oven comment. Am I not the only one who checks it when I leave the house? I'd never want to be gone that long!

Unknown said...

The Walk is on my list of things to see this weekend--looks amazing!

Charles Gramlich said...

I like both versions of Holy Diver but still give an edge to the original. Just really liked Dio's voice.

Sandra Cox said...

What a pain that you had to rebuild your blog roll. It's huge.
Glad it's in the rearview mirror. Have a good one.

J.L. Campbell said...

I kinda like the sound of Ghost for Sale. :)

Deniz Bevan said...

I think it's amazing that you always have ninja news for every blog post. So many fellow authors and creators. Yay!

Mary Aalgaard said...

I'd like to read the book The Martian. The movie looks good, too. Funny line about leaving the oven on. Can't even imagine the horrifying feelings they'd experience, lost in space.

Brandon Ax said...

I think I will actually go see Pan. I am just gearing up for 2016 when my movie dreams come true.

Hard to beat the original song, but I enjoy both.

Carrie-Anne said...

The Walk is probably the film on your list I'd be most interested in seeing. One of the nonfiction books we had the option of reading in my YA Lit class was about that walker.

Sorry to hear you had to rebuild your blogroll. That must've been as frustrating and annoying as rebuilding a list of favorites and bookmarks after switching to a new computer.

David Powers King said...

Got to meet some of the RiffTrax crew over the weekend. It was awesome. And I cannot WAIT any more for The Martian. :)

Crystal Collier said...

SO many pretty new reads... It's definitely book release season again, eh? That review challenge is awesome!

So the blogroll thing didn't kill you, eh? So glad. I'm skipping the Halloween movies this year. Not enough time to sit and veg. Instead, I'll be reading my seasonal fix. I can do that while nursing. =)

Anonymous said...

I'd dig dropping everything, driving to Nashville tomorrow to check out RiffTrax. Funny stuff, that! I'm checking out the read and review challenge, but typically I'm no good at those sorts of things haha

Vote: Original Holy Diver (though the other one is good too)

I'm really looking forward to Crimson Peak, Pan, and The Last Witch Hunter.. Hopefully I'm not disappointed :/

Loni Townsend said...

I love your quips on Pan and Steve Jobs. Those are great!

I think I lean more toward the original version of the song in this case. The screaming in the remake is a bit too much for me.

ilima said...

My palms are sweaty from reading about The Walk...scary! And too bad about Pan, but I can't wait to see The Martian. My husband works for search and rescue and I love my space exploration sci fi, so it should be a perfect date movie.

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

I got some of the movie trivia right; thank you for the fun!
The October movie preview is excellent. Some of the directors are outstanding (in their field, as the old joke goes). I love Ridley S. !!!
I don't know if I am on your blog roll or nor but I light up when you visit. You have so much positive energy and give so much to everyone!
jean

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Alex! Catching up after a day trip to Vancouver on Monday. Congrats on getting your blog roll up again! I am really looking forward to seeing "The Martian." Terry and I will probably catch it here in Victoria. The Read and Review Challenge looks like fun! I could dedicate a clone just to reading! Happy Hump Day!

Jessica Therrien said...

Thanks for sharing the R&R Challenge, Alex :)

M Pax said...

You were determined to rebuild your blog roll and you conquered! Great.

I hope to see The Martian. The book was fabulous.

shelly said...

I think I shall read The Art of the Sparkly Fart.

Toi Thomas said...

Wow, there are so many movies coming out. I need to get out more.
Read and Review Challenge sounds awesome. I'll definitely have to look into that.
First time I got all the movie trivia right. Cool.
As far as Battle of the Banned goes, I'd say the remake is better. It has be sound in terms of quality. The playing seems to be more fine tuned and the deeper lead vocals are a plus.

Shannon Lawrence said...

So many good movies coming out! I'm torn on whether I'll see Pan or not. The Last Witch Hunter and Crimson Peak sound good. I had a children's book about Phillipe Petit that a friend gave my son as a baby. Beautiful book. Makes me want to go see if I gave it away or if we still have it.

Timothy S. Brannan said...

I am doing the October Horror movie challenge so I have a ton of movies on my radar.

I love the original Ronnie James Dio version of Holy Diver, but the Killswitch Engage really is more of a loving tribute rather than outright cover.
Still though, gotta give it to RJD!

Unknown said...

Holy cow - there's a lot of people releasing books, huh? Congrats to SK, Sean, Christine, Sandra, Pat, and River!!

Sorry you had to rebuild your blog list. What a pain. But yay for completing it! :)

Thanks so much for the movie run down. I'd know nothing if it weren't for you! Spielberg has a new movie? Vin Diesel has a non car-chase movie? The Martian looks cool, but I got bored with the book halfway through.

Leovi said...

Yes, I prefer Ronnie James Dio Original version

Sandra Cox said...

I think Bridge of Spies looks intriguing. Hanks usually delivers.
Have a great one, Alex.

Jeffrey Scott said...

Of the two versions, I enjoyed the Killswitch video more, but judging on song along, I will have to stick with the original James Dio version. It's what I'm most familiar with, but more importantly, it didn't feel like I was being shouted at.

The Martian - Looks like a good movie. I hope I get around to watching it at some point.

Pan - Meh, I'll pass. How many Peter Pan movies do we need?

Robin said...

Good news about your blogroll:)

I really like Joseph Gordon Levitt, though I'm not sure I can watch this movie. Definitely not in 3D. Although, I bet it's really good for those with stomachs who can tolerate it.

As for the song... I prefer the original by Dio.

Cathy Kennedy said...

Alex, interesting BOTBanned! This isn't my normal kind of music, but between the original and cover I like best....Killswitch Engage! Have a bandtastic day, my friend!

Michele at Angels Bark said...

As for your Battle of the Banned, I like Ronnie James Dio's version of Holy Diver better. The other is just too hard for me.
As for movies, I definitely want to see The Martian and Bridge of Spies. Going to see The Intern next week. I heard that's really good.
Michele at Angels Bark

Susan Kane said...

Vote for Killswitch Engage. The group is excellent and the back story is corny and awesome. King eating the turkey leg is Ren. Faire perfect; in fact ALL of the story is Renaissance Fair perfect.

The Happy Whisk said...

Two hours. Wow. Good on you for getting it back in order.

G. B. Miller said...

Actually, you know what would've been fun about the song Holy Diver, was to put Pat Boone's version in for comparison. Hard Rock versus Hard Rock versus Lite Swing Rock.

Coolness!

Father Nature's Corner

Robyn Campbell said...

I bet it did take you a long time to rebuild that blog roll. Blogger makes me so mad. And then there is NO customer service. I just remember what I went through when my blog was hacked. UGH. I see my name back. Thanks, my friend. I want to do a blog roll on mine. But man. SO HARD to add sidebar stuff. I think I'll have a blogroll page.

I vote for Killswitch. Yeah. That version rocks.

Crimson Peak looks great. The WEP challenge is as close as I'll ever get to writing horror. :-) Wish me luck.

The Walk sounds awesome. I have to see it.

Congrats to all for the new releases. The one by Pat Hatt looks right up my alley. Yolanda has one too. i have it in my Kindle. I plan on reading it this weekend.

Nicki Elson said...

The ads for Crimson Peak alone are enough to freak me out.

Congrats to all the authors on their new publicastions!

msmariah said...

I love Tom Hanks completely so I will see 'Bridge of Spies,' but I'm also planning to see 'Crimson Peak' and I absolutely cannot wait for 'The Martian!'

You know I'm skeptical of 'Pan.' I always advocate that the best person should get the part, but I think it's a little weird that Tiger Lily isn't native American in Pan?

Kristin Smith said...

Is it just me or does it seem like The Martian is very similar to another space movie that came out in the last year or so and also had Matt Damon in it (and I think Jessica Chastain too). Did I dream this?? Or maybe I'm having de ja vu... NO! WAIT! It was Interstellar!! Kind of crazy that they both are in another space movie. Lol.

Anyways, congrats to all those with new releases! There's a lot! Have a great weekend! :)

DMS said...

Love the snarky comments. I am the same with worrying about the oven being on- and I rarely cook. lol. :) I am probably seeing The Martian this weekend.

Congrats to all the authors on their new releases.

~Jess

Shadow said...

You should know I had 5 pages of unread kindle books, you're list of new releases is NoT helping *grin*

kimlajevardi.com said...

That sucks about having to rebuild your blogroll. Technology is as stressful as it is helpful, huh?

Lots of interesting movie ideas, but I think the one I'm most interested in at the moment is the one about Steve Jobs--I like the angle of the story. I'll be curious to see if they pull it off.

Have a great weekend!

Jenni said...

The Martian, Pan, and The Walk sound intriguing. I remember reading a picture book to my kids about the story of the guy who walked between the towers. It'd be interesting see it on film.

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

Thank you for all the blog roll work! The Martian and the Steve Jobs are movies I would like to see. The "walk" between the towers would be rather unsettling for someone with a fear of heights!!!

Mason T. Matchak said...

I've heard nothing but good things about The Martian so far, so I'll probably end up seeing that eventually. And I'd like to see Crimson Peak as well, if only because I like who's behind it and it's the sort of movie we rarely get to see in theaters nowadays.

As for the battle, Dio's a metal god and I just plain don't like Killswitch Engage, so no challenge there. :P

Unknown said...

The better half has been dying to go watch the Martian, but I need cheery things,s o we watched The Intern, instead. Wasn't half-bad.

Blue Grumpster said...

Have a great Sunday, Alex. I'm planning to watch the Martian next Friday, so it'd better be good, right? Sandra's Ghost for Sale sounds interesting. I'm told it's her 50th book or so.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hey everyone! Sorry I got so far behind on comments. Thanks for stopping by.

Sandra Cox said...

How's the weather at your place?

Sandra Cox said...

How's the weather, Alex?

Leslie S. Rose said...

I'm off to see The Martian tomorrow. Can't wait. Peter Pan is my favorite book and I'm still waiting for a decent movie. Love the Peter and the Starcatcher books, maybe they'll show up on screen one day.

XmasDolly said...

You have some dynamite tunes here today! How come you just don't sign in at 4M's You definitely ROCK the HOUSE, and you can share with everyone your tunes! Man, I was lookin' for something to rock out to and you surely have it here. Please say you'll sign our linky and share. It's really easy... but if you want me to do it for you just let me know. YOU SO ROCK! GREAT TUNES! COME SHARE WITH THE REST OF US! HUGS........

Unknown said...

I've been dying to watch Pan. It looks like such a good movie!

XmasDolly said...

I sent you an e-mail to let you know you were chosen to be our Spotlight Dancer this week, and you could pick the theme of music for everyone to follow. You may still do this, and you will still be in first place this week, but your theme will not go on until the First Monday of November for next Monday is Halloween Monday and the theme is...... what else.... Halloween! CONGRATS AND MONDAY TOMORROW.... will have to be a freebie...