MST3K Live
The film was Deathstalker II. A cheesy 80’s sword and sorcery movie that lacked all the blood, boobs, and carnage of the first one. (Of course, it was edited for the show, but it was still incredibly tame.) The sword fights were so slow, it was as if we were watching them in slow motion. The sets were clearly plastic. Plus it was filled with pop culture references, hairstyles, makeup, and everything else from the 80’s. Not to mention that it lifted many scenes directly from other movies. It was the perfect movie to riff.
The riffs were of course hilarious. So many good one line zingers that you wished you could remember afterwards.
The show continues for the next month – if they are coming to a town near you, I highly recommend you go see them.
Don’t forget to visit the souvenir stand and get a t-shirt or two!
Movie Review – Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
We didn’t see this in the theater so I indulged my wife with a rental. Because there were so many unanswered questions from the second movie…
Dracula, his family, and the whole monster clan take a vacation on a Monster Cruise Ship. This voyage spells danger though as the Van Helsing family is in charge of the ship.
This movie, like the previous two, never achieves great. But it does entertain and has some good laughs. The voice cast is impressive – all the originals return – and comedian Jim Gaffigan and icon Mel Brooks joins them.
The cruise ship gives the characters a new environment. The werewolf couple discovers a little freedom when they realize there’s a daycare on board and they dump off their fifty-plus kids. Dracula of course finds a love interest.
There’s a good message about family and friendship as well.
If you liked the first two films, you’ll enjoy this one – recommended.
New Releases
Releases October 25 from HarperCollins Children’s Books
Find it on Amazon
After a battle for their family's survival, Emma and Martin decide to pack up their five kids and drive across country, each seeking the return of their normal life. Their wish quickly comes to fruition until on one dark night they are forced to take a detour. When an accident brings their trip to a halt, they quickly learn that the darkness within Follit's Cove runs deeper than any night.
Find it on Amazon
Find it on Amazon
Strong-willed and independent, Bo 'Spice' Casserly will do what's necessary for her family’s well-being.
Find it on Amazon
IWSG
The ever-amazing Anne R. Allen is visiting the IWSG site today! Get the low-down on critique groups.
Less than two weeks left to submit to the IWSG Anthology Contest.
Young adult romance is the genre and masquerade the theme.
Entry is free, just need to be a member of the IWSG on some level.
See the site for details.
Terrifying Technology Trends
This infographic comes courtesy of Amanda at Enlightened.
Fan of MST3K or seeing the show? Seen Hotel Transylvania 3? Picking up some new books? Any of that technology scare you? And can you co-host next year?
Due to work and a home project, I will be offline a couple days next week. So I'll just save my next post for November 7, IWSG post day. See you then!
Due to work and a home project, I will be offline a couple days next week. So I'll just save my next post for November 7, IWSG post day. See you then!
#1 what fun
ReplyDeleteIs scary what technology has allowed some to do, people just need a brain and realize when they are being had. The Q&A from the audience sounds like a great part of it too. Thanks for the shout!
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex!
ReplyDeleteThose terrifying tech trends are, for lack of a better word, terrifying.
Enjoy the rest of your week, good buddy!
If dreams can be manipulated, then one can easily make dreams come true. How powerful that can be. AI sure is frightening!
ReplyDeleteHank
Even the word 'ransomware' scares me to death! I'm backing up to many sources. :)
ReplyDeleteSmart of MST3K to travel! I bet they have a dedicated fan base everywhere they go.
sounds like you've been having fun. I'm not up on my Hotel T but it looks amusing. Saw Old Man and His Gun - nice little flick. I'm never surprised at tech trends taking over our minds - we are living a science fiction show.
ReplyDeleteHave a super week!
Hi Alex
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday! It sounds like you had fun at the live show. People say the darnest things so the Q & A would be interesting.
Dream technology, now that could be scary depending on the dream I don’t think I want to go there.
Enjoy your week.
We are HUGE MST3K fans so will definitely be looking for the show.
ReplyDeletePat, you're welcome!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I think the venue was sold out.
Truedessa, no one asked a normal question, which made it even more fun.
Jim Gaffigan is so funny!
ReplyDeleteWe saw Braven - solid movie, but every time I see Momoa, all I can think of is Khal Drogo/GoT.
Those trends are a little terrifying!
ReplyDeleteI remember liking the first Hotel Transylvania but I don't really remember much about it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe MST3K Live sounds like so much entertainment.
ReplyDeleteOne of my biggest fears is computer/account hackings. If "they" take my files hostage. OH my goodness. Backup. Backup. Backup.
Teresa
Ransomware is the worst. That's why you should always back up your work in multiple locations.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex - thanks for the reminders ... so glad you enjoyed MST3k Live ... and Hotel Transylvania ... but the technological developments are scary especially for those of us - who like simple! Take care and have a good week - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, Pat has another release!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to all the authors with new books out.
Have a creative week, Alex.
I wondered how Hotel Transylvania III was. I thought the first one was the best. Not sure we'll see this one. Amazing that Pat has yet another book out! Maybe he's aiming to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most books every written. He's probably there for the number of rhyming blog posts he's done!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for mentioning my book, Alex! I really appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex, backing up my work has become a bit of an obsession! Must confess, too much technology scares me though!
ReplyDeleteTeresa, exactly!
ReplyDeleteSherry, he probably is. This Hotel Transylvania was better than the second one.
Patsy, you're welcome!
Oooh, MST3K will be in LA. Now, if I can find someone who wants to drive up to LA with me...
ReplyDeleteThose are terrifying tech trends. Total story material.
We love RiffTrax. The long one time with Santa and weird Merlin was absolutely amazing. I don't know if it is coming to San Diego.
ReplyDeleteI got hit with ransomware a while back. An expensive (very expensive) lesson. And despite paying their price some of my data remains corrupted.
ReplyDeleteAs always, congratulations and good wishes to those with new releases.
That's funny and - uh, risky? naive? - to ask if she was making a mistake in moving ahead with her upcoming nuptials. Priceless response. Looks like a very fun show.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Alex.
Congrats to all the new book releases!!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't backed up my work and my computer died. I whooped for joy when an Apple tech was able to retrieve my stories that I thought were gone forever. I purchased an external hard drive and now, I back up, but not as often as I should. Bad me. Technology and stuff is amazing.
Have a good one!
This post reminded me of the Blood, Boobs n Carnage blogfest you hosted - that was fun.
ReplyDeleteAll the technology scares me witless, but ransomware is the most terrifying of them all.
Some of that technology stuff is pretty disturbing though I must say that I'm intrigued by the AI dreaming. What I'd really like to have is a way to vividly record our own dreams.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I'm going to have to watch Netflix for MST3K. We did see Hotel Transylvania 3 by 'accident'. My son messed up the showing dates for the movie we wanted to see, and my youngest daughter insisted this was a great substitute. I was surprised that it was actually pretty entertaining.
ReplyDeleteMystery Science Theater will never get old:) Luv it!
ReplyDeleteSorry the sword scenes were so slow. But you're making me glad that we are paying one of our actors to set up our fight scenes and work with those in it.
ReplyDeleteIf I were days away from my wedding and wondering if I made the right choice, I would hope someone told me that I probably didn't, and someone close to me, not a public forum. As for the technology, it generally scares me more than sharks scare you
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the Hotel Transylvania movies, but maybe I will now that you've mentioned them. Might be fun for my niece and me :)
ReplyDeleteThe most terrifying thing about technology right now is that the pace of change and development is exponential. Think how much has changed in the last 10 years, then think of that same amount of change in the next 5, then maybe the same again only 2 beyond that, then 1 ...
ReplyDeleteIn my lifetime I suspect I will no longer even understand how to place a phone call. And we're not that far off that point now :)
Congratulations to all the new releases.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about any of the movies mentioned. I watch the GRIT channel, old black and white westerns. :)
If you still need a co-host for November I can do it.
Have a great week.
Congrats to everyone with new releases!
ReplyDeleteHi, Alex! Your enthusiasm for MST3K intrigues me. When/if we go to Arizona after Thanksgiving, we may have access to Netflix and I can check it out. I haven't made it to any movies recently, but I'd sure like to see "Bohemian Rhapsody" when it comes out. Congratulations to all the authors' and their new releases. I've already found Pat's new release on Amazon, and it's on its way here. Meanwhile I'm reading "The Last Volcano" by John Dvorak. It's a biography of the famous volcanologist Thomas Jaggar who founded the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on the Big Island. His sister lived in Smith's Cove and was my mother's mentor while she was growing up. Because of Louise Jaggar, my mother dreamed of graduating from university (the first in her family) and found a way to do it. Have a good one!
ReplyDeleteLiz, do it!
ReplyDeleteSusan, Santa Clause Conquers the Martians - classic!
Cathrina, I back up often with mine.
Nila, that was fun, wasn't it?
Tonja, yeah, it wasn't bad.
Mark, never!
Rhonda, I really hope she wasn't serious.
Marcy, she would probably enjoy them. Silly fun.
Ian, you might be right.
I've been doing some subbing lately and it's amazing how tech use is and isn't allowed in various schools. I really hate going to one middle school in particular where many of the kids can't be separated from their phones.
ReplyDeleteI swear that one of these nights I'll get out to a RiffTrax show, especially for something like Deathstalker. I cringe at any flick that has the 80's hair, shoulder pads, and other abominations.
ReplyDeleteIf you still need help for November. I'd be happy to help.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of the movies pr read the books. I have some catching up to do!
Helena, there were many abominations.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thanks!
Congratulations to those with new releases.
ReplyDeletePeople always fear progress, thinking doomsday is not far behind. I don't think we're really afraid of the technology itself, but we're terrified of bad dudes using the technology to do harm to others while enriching themselves with money and power. That's why we can't bury our heads in the sand....the actual technology is amazing, but we need to stay aware of and expose how that technology gets misused.
ReplyDeleteHubby and I really liked the first Hotel Transylvania movie. That second was was eh in our opinion, but not bad enough to where if the 3rd shows up on Netflix I won't watch it.
ReplyDeleteHi Captain!
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen Transylvania 3 (yet) but your review sounds much like that of family members who already have ;-)
RiffTrax sounds like fun.
High Fives to all the new releases - Wow!
Such a shame about the 'tech trends'. Reminds me of that old phrase "This is why we can't have anything" I guess if we expect the worst (and save all our work and/or data) we'll be best after all.
Will you be carving a pumpkin this year?
I can co-host any of the months mentioned. I thought I signed up before, but maybe I got distracted, anyway available to help.
ReplyDeleteBeing hack is a scary thought.
My daughter talked me into watching the first Hotel Transylvania and I liked it so much I watched the second one. Once this one hits cable I'm sure I'll watch it too. The movies are cute.
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome that you got to see the MST3K crew live! That sounds like so much fun. My daughter Zoe has been watching episodes of MST3K with me lately, and now she's obsessed with Crow.
ReplyDeleteI bet that show was a hoot. Glad you could go.
ReplyDeleteI love to make fun of bad shows, you know, like Sharknado and all those fabulous B movies. They are so bad, they're good. lol Technology scares the crap out of me, especially since reading some of the latest books coming out about it. BUT, what can we do? It's not like we can stop it.?.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
That's wonderful that you enjoyed the MST3K show. Those terrifying technologies are unsettling. What's next?
ReplyDeleteA lot about the world scares me right now, technology included.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the Hotel Transylvania movies yet, but they sound cute. I'd probably enjoy them. Thanks for the rec.
Congrats to the authors on their books! Thanks, Alex, for sharing their info as well as all your news and notes. We can always count on you to keep us informed. Appreciate your efforts and kind support.
ReplyDeleteHotel Transylvania 2 was just so-so for me, so I doubt we'll see the third one. Unless, of course, it shows up at the dollar theater, then we may catch it.
ReplyDeleteAll that technology is scary!
ReplyDeleteI have to pick up Pat's new book - very cool!
I haven't seen any of the Transylvania series, but it does sound like fun:)
ReplyDeleteI already know a bit about the fake influencers on Instagram. There are three young women who had writing classes with me a few years ago who all started fake "soccer mom" accounts where they describe the misadventures with their "families." They think it's hilarious to mess with people. I find it sad that they find it that easy and that funny. And, I think at least one of them is still at it, so she's gained the "trust" of followers who are more likely to believe someone who's game is long-term.
ReplyDeleteBecause of seeing those accounts, knowing those young women (none of whom put that much time into their class writing work), and seeing how messed up it can be, I struggle to "trust" that people are who they say they are online. I do use media, but I have slowed down on sharing any family or personal posts. (I really had a bad experience with facebook last year, so that just sealed the deal for me.)
My take-away for myself: Use social media professionally. Don't share anything you wouldn't want shared with everyone in the world.
who's should be whose - sorry.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex, thanks for featuring my book. Its release date has been postponed from 25th October to 10th November (maybe a few days earlier than 10th).
ReplyDeleteAnd the best thing is that it is available on Amazon.com too :)
The MST3K sounds like a blast. And those technology trends are pretty scary to dwell on.
ReplyDeleteI have to work on the 2nd, otherwise I'd offer to co-host. If it winds up that you don't get any bites, I might be able to hop in, but it's very tentative at the moment.
Patricia, just like any human advancement.
ReplyDeletePatricia, this one is better than the second, which I really don't even remember.
Diedre, I don't really do Halloween, so probably not.
Juneta, thanks!
LG, that is awesome.
Karen, thanks and my pleasure.
Ken, it's a rental now and better than the second one.
Tyrean, that is so odd people would do that.
Rachna, you're welcome! Sorry for the delay though.
Loni, I think we are covered now.
We have all this technology now and really young folks are figuring out ways to become extremely rich, one under 30 billionaire has designed a payment system which transacted 20 billion last year, scary. On a fun note I remember L. Nimoy taking the mick out of "all this technology" at the Alamo Draft theater House when the screen went on fire during a Star Trek movie. The fans loved it and while it was all staged, there was a reason why the screen fizzled which I go into great detail with youtube videos and everything but hey that was thurs April 16th 2009. The reason? To show Star Trek the real world Premiere 2009 in Texas first, unofficially!!! before the official real world premiere took place in Sydney.
ReplyDeleteHey, big congrats to Pat on the new book release!! I saw Transylvania. I thought it was cute too. :)
ReplyDeleteMissed the first two movies but tempted to rent Hotel Transylvania 3 from the few comments that I've seen. I'd love to offer to do an IWSG slot, but I've given up pre-planning anything - I just manage my IWSG post by pre-scheduling. Sometimes I manage to visit a few select followers. I never know when health turms my life upside down. I've spent two weeks sick and just emerging, I think.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Pat on the book!
ReplyDeleteI can co-host on Jan. 2nd.
Hi Alex. I'd love to know more about that graphic you posted from Enlightened Digital. I visited the site and poked around a bit but didn't see the article. Very interesting stuff. Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Oh boy, Deathstalker 2. That brings back unpleasant memories. I wish I had seen this movie when it was being made fun of. I watched it when I was young and really didn't have the mind to make fun of things that were bad (and eek out enjoyment that way). So yeah...it was just a bad movie lol.
ReplyDeleteNasty technology scares me to death! As you probably have figured out. Heh.
ReplyDeleteYou really love those guys and I've never heard of them except from you!
ReplyDeleteI can co-host if you still need someone...
I just sent in my submission today, yikes!
That show looks like so much fun! Would love to see it! Congrats to everyones new releases! Thanks for everything Alex!
ReplyDeleteSpacer Guy, that was quite the setup.
ReplyDeleteRoland, no worries.
Kim, thanks!
Elsie, I'll ask about it.
Michael, it would be so hard to watch without MST3K.
Lisa, awesome! And they've been around for a long time now.
MST3K live sounds like a hoot! Glad you were able to make it. And way to go, Pat Hatt! I didn't realize he wrote novels, too, and see now that this isn't even his first.
ReplyDeleteThat technology is creepy. And it's sad that something phony (the virtual "influencer") is overshadowing real people who work hard at their social media and marketing, though that seems to be the most innocuous choice on the chart, to be sure.
MST3K Live sounds like a lot of fun. Glad to hear you had such a great time at this show!
ReplyDeleteAll of that tech scares me. Probably lots more things we don't know about. We're not paranoid if those things are really out there. So many books to read, so little time.
ReplyDeleteI envy all the times you get to see the Riff/MST folks live! They never come anywhere near here. I'm going to have to settle for the next season of MST3K, and I am eager for that.
ReplyDeleteI saw Hotel T 3 in the theater with my son, and I nodded along with your review. My recent watch has been The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix. Loved it. Have a fun Halloween and we'll see you next week! :)
ReplyDeleteWe haven't seen Transylvania 3 yet, but we'll probably see it the next time we visit our grandchildren. (They share all of those cool animated movies with us.)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, all of those technology "trends" scare me a little bit. It's stuff right out of sci-fi horror movies.
Lynda, he has several novels.
ReplyDeleteJohn, you'll just have to catch a broadcast show - those are in many theaters across the nation.
Christine, watching it now! Creepy show.
More tech - I can hardly use my phone!
ReplyDelete*runs screaming under my bed.
Shah XX
Thanks to everyone who co-hosts. And thanks, Alex, for keeping the writer ship on course;)
ReplyDeleteLike Christine Rains, I am really enjoying The Haunting of Hill House. I like all the Hotel T movies for their humor and importing important lessons in each. I am currently finishing up my Christmas ghost novella, and I am having a spooky good time doing it. Dickens has nothing to fear from me, but I am trying. :-)
ReplyDeleteToday is Halloween and that new technology you listed is the scariest thing I've seen!
ReplyDeleteDecided to enter the IWSG contest. Kind of fun with the masquerade theme.
All I know is that virtual influencers are scare and will get scarier.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't seen any of the Hotel Transylvania movies! Aaah! I must change that! They look great!
ReplyDeleteYikes about the tech stuff!
Anne is always so generous with her advice - she had a great post!!
ReplyDeleteWell, you've featured hubby's favourite, MSTwhatevernumber, and my son's, Hotel Transylvania *grin*
ReplyDeleteThose tech trends are beginning to freak me out, I am bordering on paranoid, so less tech for me, thank you.
Curse hackers! They are nothing more than pirates. x(
ReplyDeleteShah - funny!
ReplyDeleteSandra, I do my best.
Roland, I bet you could scare him.
Mary, awesome!
Jemi, yes she did!
Shadow, your husband rocks.
I saw Hotel Transylvania 3 this summer with a friend and her daughter. Although I hadn't seen the first two- it was easy enough to catch up with the story. It was a fun one- and her daughter loved it. :)
ReplyDeleteI do not like the thought or idea of those audio spotlights at all. Creepy!
~Jess
Did you get your project done and enjoy your time at home?
ReplyDeleteThose tech trends terrify me, Alex. So creepy. This is what scares me with social media or putting your information out there. Thanks so much for sharing this, sir. Enjoy your fall!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to all who enter the anthology contest.
ReplyDeleteHave a great one, Alex.
Thanks for stopping by, Alex, and it's good to be baby-steps back :)
ReplyDelete