Monday, May 14, 2018

James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction, You Rock Awards, Movie News, Trivia Answers, and New Releases

James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction

Mondays on AMC.
This six-episode series is extremely fascinating!
Each show covers a specific area – aliens, space, monsters, dark futures, intelligent machines, and time travel.
James Cameron sit down with some other big names in the business and discusses each one as to how it has impacted science fiction movies today. Interspersed is commentary from dozens of other people, from major actors (Sigourney Weaver, Will Smith, etc.) to musicians, directors, artists, and others who played a part in the movies being discussed.
They discuss Cameron’s films of course, but also focus on the movies from the main guests. In the first episode, he discussed Close Encounters with Steven Spielberg, including its influences, behind the scenes tidbits, and its nods to earlier films and books.
I’m looking forward to episode three which features Guillermo del Toro (monsters) and episode four which features Christopher Nolan (dark futures).
If you are a science fiction geek, you must check it out!

Geek Movie News

No official reviews are allowed yet of Deadpool 2, but JoBlo posted a slew of Tweets from those who saw an early preview last week.
My Favorite:


Want to see Incredibles 2 two days before its release? Want to see it in IMAX? And as a double feature with the first movie?
Go to IMAX movies to see if it’s play in a theater near you on June 13!


The rumors are true!
From JoBlo:
After almost 30 years of waiting, it's time to throw up your horns and bust out your aggressive air guitar, because Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are set to reprise their roles as Theodore "Ted" Logan and "Bill" S. Preston Esq. for the much-anticipated sequel BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC! News of a third film in the franchise moving into production emerged from the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, along with the announcement that Dean Parisot (RED 2, FUN WITH DICK AND JANE, GALAXY QUEST) would direct from a script penned by the original creators of the series, Chris Matheson(IMAGINE THAT) and Ed Solomon (MEN IN BLACK).

Grunge posted a list of movie trilogies that will never be completed.
On this list is Hellboy and Tron, plus a few that will surprise you. And a couple you’ll be grateful they quit when they did.

And do note - Black Panther comes out May 15, Tuesday!

New releases:

Both from IWSG Admins!

One out now -
The Raindrop that Wanted to Stop by Pat Hatt
Release number 120 I believe?
Pick it up on Amazon

And one on May 15 -
Some Very Messy Medieval Magic by C. Lee McKenzie

Pete’s stuck in medieval England!

Find it at Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes, Amazon, and Foyles

You Rock Award

Every year, I give out the You Rock award. This is for special people who have made an impact on me.
Except for last year. For whatever reason, I failed to do the awards. Maybe because I always give them out right after the A to Z Challenge, and last year I didn’t participate.
Which means I have some making up to do!
First, I’d like to honor these fellow and former bloggers who received it in the past: Arlee, Yvonne, RaShelle, Hannah, Jeffrey, Gail, Rusty, Chuck, George, Jeremy, Matthew, Old Kitty, Ella, M Pax, Roland, Melissa, Robyn, Lynda, Michael, Heather, Stephen, Father Dragon Al, the late Tina, Damyanti, Edi, Karen, Elizabeth, Suze, Susan, Pat, Jo, Michelle, Brandon and Bryan, Christine, Truedessa, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Blue, Hank Kaykuala, JH Moncrieff, Nilanjana Bos, Liza, and Yolanda Renee.

Despite missing last year, I’m going to keep it short and simple, despite the fact I had over a dozen people on the list.

Spacer Guy
A fellow Star Trek fanatic, Spacer Guy has been with me for years. He knows so much about Trek, which allows me to geek out right along with him. But he’s also been so supportive and always willing to help a buddy out. I feel privileged to know his real name! Spacer Guy, you rock!

Elsie Amata
Do not let the title of her blog deter you! Doesn’t matter if you’ve never dealt with sex addiction. Elsie is about being real. She’s about baring your soul. You will come away changed. And she has a really great sense of humor. Elsie, I really admire you. You rock!

L. Diane Wolfe
This one has been a long time coming, but I’ve held off for professional reasons. (She’s the senior editor and owner of my publisher’s company.) But had it not been for that yes and her faith in my first book, I never would’ve embarked on this journey. Plus she knows so much about book marketing, which she shares often on her blog. Diane, a million thanks, and you rock!

Natalie Aguirre
Many years ago, a blogging friend asked me about helping her find other writers and growing her blog. Now Natalie’s Literary Rambles has twice the followers I do, and I couldn’t be happier for her! She focuses on middle grade/young adult authors and agents, but she was ever so gracious to let me visit her blog when CassaStorm was released. Natalie, I’ve watched so much happen in your life as if I was right there with you. In spirit, I was. You rock!

Sandra Cox
It’s been so long, I’m not sure how I met Sandra. Probably during a Challenge. She keeps it light and upbeat and very real. We’ve never met although I think we only live a few hours apart, but I know we’d get along just great if we did. Her themed posts will make you smile. And she always checks back with you. Sandra, you rock!

C. Lee McKenzie 
Lee’s been a long time author friend and joined the IWSG Admin team last year, handling publicity relations. Watching her in action behind the scenes – Lee is ambitious and not afraid to try! She’s so professional and together and I really admire that. Lee, I appreciate you as a friend, a fellow author, and a damned good IWSG admin! You rock.



Trivia Answers

Name the television series from the author and lead actor:
1 – Author Laura Ingalls Wilder, starring Michael Landon – Little House on the Prairie
2 – Author Craig Johnson, starring Robert Taylor - Longmire
3 - Authors Richard Hooker & W. C. Heinz and starring Alan Alda - M*A*S*H
4 – Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock
5 - Author Stephen King, starring Mike Vogel – Under the Dome
6 - Author James S. A. Corey and starring Thomas Jane – The Expanse


Have you seen James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction? Ready for Incredibles 2 or another Bill and Ted movie? Picking up Pat or Lee’s new book? Get any of the trivia correct? And are you following those rocking bloggers?

I will be offline on Friday. I’m taking a personal day, sleeping in, then spending the day with my wife which will include seeing Deadpool 2. It will feel so wrong and yet I will laugh so hard…

84 comments:

nashvillecats2 said...

Great post as always Alex. I would like to congratulate the latest of "You Rock" awards. I felt honoured when I recieved mine some years past.

Yvonne.

Pat Hatt said...

Yeah, some trilogies should never have even made it past one. Be interesting to see what they do with Bill and Ted. Deadpool 2 sure sounds like a win. Congrats to the You Rock award winners. Thanks for the shout too. Will have to give the James Cameron one a view.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

The James Cameron show sounds interesting! Congratulations to the You Rock recipients! Some of them are new to me and I'm looking forward to checking out their blogs. Enjoy your Friday and Deadpool 2!

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Alex!

Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction is must see for me. Thanks for tipping me off about it! I also want to see Deadpool 2 because I love post-credit cookies as set-ups for sequels and films that break the fourth wall.

I agree. Cheryl-Lee rocks. Have a great week, Alex!

Truedessa said...

Happy Monday Alex!

Congratulations to those receiving the “You Rock” award.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

I recently had some non-fiction happenings, my head is still humming from the vortexes. Haha such is my life.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Thank you so much for including me in the You Rock awards. I so appreciate it. And I'm honored to be included with the awesome other bloggers--some who I know--you picked.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Yvonne, very much earned I might add!

Pat, you're welcome.

Elizabeth, it's really fascinating. Catch the third one tonight.

Truedessa, I want to hear more.

Natalie, you are welcome!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

That series on AMC sounds interesting!

Yeh for the award recipients!

Enjoy your day off, Alex.

mshatch said...

I am wickedly looking forward to Incredibles 2!!! Enjoy Deadpool 2 :)

Joanne said...

I will definitely check out AMC. I enjoy hearing the artist's views and processes. This post is chock full of so much good stuff- can't wait for Deadpool 2 and Incredibles 2. Saw the trailers and cracked up. Pat's new book just looks wonderful - he's a machine. Your You Rock awards are all so worthy and as usual you are very generous in your praise in the blog world. Enjoy your week and the Friday off - no doubt time with the wife and a movie is extra special.

Christine Rains said...

Congrats to all the folks receiving You Rock awards! I still giggle when I see they're making a new Bill & Ted. My husband and I are eager for the new Deadpool. I still haven't gotten to see the new Avengers movie yet, but I bet my son is going to want to see that Show Dogs flick. Yikes!

Anonymous said...

I'm speechless, Alex. Not good for a writer :) Thank you so much for the award! I'm so grateful and truly humbled to be included alongside so many amazing authors! Congratulations to all of them! YOU rock, Alex!

I want to see Deadpool 2 too. It looks fantastic. I mean, c'mon, it's got Ryan in it! Plus it's going to be uber funny and you know I love to laugh!

Enjoy your Friday fun day!

Elsie

Sherry Ellis said...

Awesome list of You Rock people! They all deserve recognition. Nice to see the new books coming out too. 120 for Pat Hatt? Wow!

Incredibles 2 looks fun. Maybe I'll take the family to see it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Joanne, yes it is!

Christine, I feel for you....

Elsie, you rock! And Deadpool Ii will be hilarious.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Oh, I won't be watching a new Bill and Ted, LOL, but I would like to watch the Cameron series.

Congrats to old and new recipients of your Rock award. YOU rock, Alex.

Teresa

cleemckenzie said...

Wow! I feel like...WOW! Thank you so much for the double treat here today, Alex. I'm a fan of your blog with all the movie reviews and trivia that I like to have in reserver to impress my kids, so this is a real honor.

Congratulations to all the others who got the You Rock award. I'm included with a great group of people.

Jo said...

We don't get that many TV channels Alex, unfortunately AMC is one of them. We don't watch a lot of TV but I do wish I could see this, sounds good.

Thanks for the You Rock mention. Nice to see L. Diane Wolfe's name on the new list. She certainly does rock. I was lucky enough to meet her in Swansboro' NC a few years ago.

Juneta key said...

Great post. Congrats to all who new releases, Wahoo!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Teresa.

You deserve it, Lee! Hope you have an awesome week.

Jo, that's cool.

diedre Knight said...

Hi Alex!

Two out of the three movies will definitely be topics of conversation around here. Both new book releases are indeed tempting, and your 'Rock' awards is such an encouraging gesture! Congratulations to all who won ;-) I got the first three trivia questions right! I haven't seen the last three, and while the book 'Under the Dome' doubles as decent booster seat, I can't wait to at least watch the TV series ;-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - so good to see all the Rocking Rockers of your award - everyone deserves the thumbs up ... and the special ones too. Have a lovely day on Friday and good weekend - cheers Hilary

Birgit said...

Congrats to all the You Rock Awards-They have earned it and deserve all this. I love to see Deadpool2 and know it will be filthy tongued at its best:) I got a couple of trivia right. Congrats to the people who wrote books and have them published-wonderful

Suzanne Furness said...

Hi Alex, congratulations to all the 'You Rock' recipients. I think I know most of them.
Enjoy your day out on Friday, we all need some time out so don't feel guilty. I feel I've been a bad blogger of late, life has just been hectic and I've been working on writing and submitting . . . anyway will post soon with an update!

Nick Wilford said...

Great award recipients, every one! Congrats to them.

I welcome The Incredibles 2 because the original was the movie we went to see the day I met my stepkids. But I fear Bill & Ted 3 will ruin my childhood memories. We'll see. Congrats to Lee and Pat!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you very much for the award. Now, party on, dudes!

Tony Laplume said...

Spacer Guy, you do indeed rock!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

What happened to Keanu Reeves? I wouldn't have recognized him.

You picked a stellar line-up for your award, Alex. I believe I'm following all of them. Elsie is a dearheart and brave woman.

Enjoy the R rating out of Deadpool 2.

Carrie-Anne said...

I regularly read a few of the bloggers you honored, though I don't think I'm familiar with the others. I'm going to check them out.

Andrew Leon said...

The Tron thing still bothers me. I mean, they cancelled the third Tron movie because of the poor performance of John Carter! The logic there still doesn't make any sense, like Fox cancelling Firefly.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Diedra, that made me chuckle.

Birgit, extremely filthy tongued!

Nick, that are getting a little old...

Diane, you're welcome.

Robyn, I will!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Congrats to the award winners and those with new books out!

Elephant's Child said...

As always congratulations to those with new books out.
On the You Rock front? Your generous nature means that I am pretty certain you would be at the top of MANY people's list for this award. Deservedly so.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations to all the You Rock Awards. Well deserved every one.

More congrats to the new books out. So much to read is exciting.

Enjoy your break, Alex.

I know nothing about the movies. Have a great week, all.

Liz A. said...

James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction sounds right up my alley. Thanks for the head's up. Congrats to all the rocking bloggers.

J E Oneil said...

I'm not really big on Cameron. He seems like kind of a jerk. But Man, Deadpool 2 looks good. We're getting some amazing super hero movies this year.

Chemist Ken said...

Three cheers for everyone who made the "You Rock" award. Not sure if my family is ready to see Deadpool 2. We'll see.

Roland Clarke said...

I must try and catch James Cameron's science fiction series, somehow - if I can juggle my life a little better now I've survived another April. So much to catch up with that I need to get selective.

Sandra Cox said...

Oh, Alex, thank you so much! You made my day:) And EC is right. You're at the top of our list:)

Rhonda Albom said...

the Story of Science Fiction sounds really interesting, so much so that I checked our TV listing and am sad to report it is not showing in New Zealand - well not yet anyway, we often get TV shows up to 6 months past their release in the states.

Congrats to all the You Rock winners.

kaykuala said...

"This six-episode series is extremely fascinating!" This about sums up reasons to take a peek on James' science fiction series! Such a star-studded list of You Rock Award winners. Never realized it, Hank is humbled to have been in. Thanks once again Alex!

Hank

Tonja Drecker said...

Congrats to all the You Rock awardees—they definitely deserve it! I'll have to check out the sci-fi thing. Sounds interesting. With school break coming up, I'm pretty sure Incredibles is on our list.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elephant's Child, thank you!

Ken, if your kids are under fifteen, probably not...

Sandra, thanks and you are welcome!

Rhonda, be watching for it when it does.

Hank you rock with the best of them.

Fundy Blue said...

I hope you enjoy your personal day on Friday, Alex! Sometimes you just have to do that. Extra leep is always good! Congratulations to all the You Rock winners ~ definitely winners all! James Cameron's series looks great. I'll have to check it out. I got a kick out of Pat's Raindrop book. Take care, my friend!

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure how I feel about the Bill and Ted movie. I think I'll approach it cautiously and not get my expectations up too high.

Stephen Tremp said...

Wow! Too much good stuff to comment on. I just came from C. Lee McKenzie's site so props to her and best wishes for a smashing success!

Cathrina Constantine said...

The Bill and Ted Movies were crazy and funny and my kids and I loved them. Thirty years later, I don't know what to expect... Congrats to all the new releases and to all the bloggers on your You Rock Awards!

Alex, sleep in, enjoy your day with your wife. You only live once and life is too short!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Louise, I am going to enjoy it!

Catherine, so true!

Charles Gramlich said...

I liked Cameron's episode last night. Fun stuff

Mina Burrows said...

Congrats to all the award winners. Amazing winners!

I'm dying to see the Bill and Ted excellent adventures. I can't even imagine how that will play out. Excellent!

Have a great week!

Arlee Bird said...

I don't want any "dark future" for myself, but I do like watching movies about dark futures. If I remember, I'll have to record at least the Christopher Nolan episode. I'll likely forget though.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Sandra Cox said...

Congrats to Pat and C. Lee!

'Lo, Alex.

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats to the You Rock winners! All well deserved!

Chrys Fey said...

All great choices for the You Rock awards. Congrats to the winners!

Magic Love Crow said...

Sandra does rock! I agree! I have to check out the other people!
Bill and Ted are coming back?? Happy Dance!!!
Congrats to Pat and C. Lee!
Take Care Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Charles, we are watching it tonight.

Lee, write it down.

Hey, Sandra!

Have a great day, Crow!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Oh! I want to see Story of Science Fiction! I will have to look for that!

Stephen Tremp said...

First and foremost Congrats! to the winners of the You rock Award! I remember receiving mine and it came at a time most needed to carry me through difficult circumstances. Yeah, L. Diane Wolfe deserved this long before me. Props to her.

Sequels to The Incredibles and Bill and Ted ... pencil me in I'm on board for both!

Ella said...

Congrats to everyone who received the YOU Rock Award!!! It is so nice to visit you, Alex! I miss all aspects of blogging. Life has been a tug of war for me and so I dropped the rope.


Wow, this series of James Cameron's looks amazing~ Enjoy your time off and your cute date with your wife seeing Deadpool 2. My son named his beagle Wade Wilson.

I love how your blog looks and how authentic you are!

J.H. Moncrieff said...

So happy for Lee on her new release and You Rock award. She's such an awesome person. Congrats to the other winners and those with upcoming releases as well.

As for Bill and Ted, I'm not sure. These long-awaited (if one can call this that) sequels are often so disappointing. I guess only time will tell.

dolorah said...

I really want to watch the James Cameron series. I'll likely have to binge it on Xfinity. I don't get home much, or into motels on the right day.

Congrats to all the beautiful people on your YOU ROCK awards. Hey, I know most of those peoples, lol.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Very worthy recipients of the You Rock awards - and a couple I haven't met! My blogging is becoming more sporadic, though, so I don't visit as many as I used to.

Bill & Ted.... I can't wait! I hope it will be as epic as we all want it to be!

Heather R. Holden said...

Story of Science Fiction sounds fascinating. And ooh, that's awesome news about Bill & Ted--looking forward to a new movie with those two!

Nilanjana Bose said...

Story of Science Fiction sounds fascinating - I always like to get into the histories and backstories of everything.

If there was an award for the most courteous and supportive blogger, you would win that every year for sure. I am so honoured to have been a past YR badge winner, thank you for that and for the mention too.

Congrats to the current YR winners and authors with new releases. All the very best to them.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Stephen, that's great to hear it was good timing.

Ella, thanks! Great to hear from you again.

Thanks, Nila!

DMS said...

I had no idea there would be another Bill and Ted movie. I grew up watching the first movie (over and over again). I will have to see the third movie out of curiosity.

Congrats to all the new releases. Loved Lee's book!

Bravo to all the blog award recipients too. A few new blogs for me to check out. :)
~Jess

Loni Townsend said...

I hope you have an excellent day off and enjoy Deadpool 2. I've been cracking up over the news articles which have Ryan Reynolds trying to get Hugh Jackman to do a crossover. I can't wait to see it myself.

The Incredibles 2 is definitely one I'm going to have to take my kids to.

Mark said...

I admit I was a bit skeptical about Cameron's series, but I think I'll give it a try now:)

SpacerGuy said...

So many deserving You Rock bloggers here, I'm chuffed to be counted as one of the gang, thanks Alex. James Cameron sure set the trend in Hollywood by re-inventing instead of ripping off science fiction. Hes been the fan favorite and now we get to see the magic. Oh I'm so excited.

Sandra Cox said...

Oh man. I can't believe I missed Longmire. That's one of our faves.

The Cynical Sailor said...

The James Cameron series sounds really interesting - I'd love to see that. The "You Rock" awards are great and well deserved.

Raimey Gallant said...

I didn't even know the James Cameron series existed, but now I'm completely stoked to check it out! Thanks!

Sandra Cox said...

Sounds like a fun Friday. Hope you and Mrs. Alex enjoy it to the max;)

Michelle Wallace said...

Yay for Pat and Lee's new books!
Congrats to all the new You Rock recipients!
Have fun on your day off, Alex!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jess, I'm certainly curious.

Loni, their fake rivalry is hilarious.

Spacer Guy, you deserve it!

Sandra, we will.

JeriWB said...

If I had AMC, I'd probably check Cameron's sci-fi series out. How fun to see the recipients of the award you give out, and I hope you enjoy a relaxing Friday.

Guilie Castillo said...

I hadn't heard about Cameron's Story of Science Fiction, but I will look it up now—sounds fabulous! Kudos to everyone receiving the You Rock award; you picked some extraordinary bloggers to honor, Alex.

I also wanted to say thanks for the visit over at Michelle's Writer-in-Transit on IWSG day for my bit on nonfiction, and for the comment you left. Much appreciated :) Hope you're having a fabulous month!
Guilie @ Life In Dogs

Tara Tyler said...

can’t wait for incredibles!
love the “You Rock” awards folks - great choices!

happy friday

Tara Tyler Talks

Pat Tillett said...

Congrats to the award winners!
Although I haven't seen any episodes yet, I've been told by a few people that The Story of Science Fiction is really good. Bill & Ted 3? I hope it's good, but the odds are against it (in my mind anyway).

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Guilie, I hope your book is selling well!

Pat, they are a little old now to be Bill and Ted...

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Congrats to all of your "rocking" bloggers. Well-deserved, one and all.

Wanta hear something weird? I dreamt about you last night... about you AND you wife. (Quite a feat, seeing's as how I don't have a clue what either of you look like. :) ) The two of you were shooting pool with my hubby and me, and you had a comic book with you... which was based on one of your books. It was very cool, and had a classic look about it... and it cost 25 cents. (You really should charge more!)

M Pax said...

All of those bloggers certainly rock, and thanks for the past honor. I'm hoping to see Deadpool this coming week. I'll have to see if I can find the AMC series online somewhere.

Lynda Dietz said...

I'm late to the party but I'm excited about everything you've mentioned. And the You Rock awards are well deserved! I read the blogs of almost all the previous recipients, and am looking forward to checking out the new winners I don't already follow.

Toi Thomas said...

I haven't seen the Story of Science Fiction, but I will definitely make a point to do that.

Not sure how I feel about a 3rd Bill and Ted movie. Loved the first one and got through the 2nd one.

Congrats to all the "You Rock Award" winners. Well deserved!

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations to all the recipients of the You Rock awards! What a great idea :-)