Elizabeth Mueller:
My favorite romantic movie is I am Dragon. The cinematography is breath-taking in every scene from its lavish costuming, the picturesque setting, the color scheme of dreariness accented with white and red, the beautiful characters, and the acting! The love between Mira and Arman is believable, satisfying, swoon-worthy, poignant, and thoroughly unforgettable. I challenge you to watch it! (I am Dragon on YouTube )
The Cog Prince, Elizabeth Mueller
Falling in love, saving the day, and a masque—oh my! Will a missing key free a clock-bound prince?
Falling in love, saving the day, and a masque—oh my! Will a missing key free a clock-bound prince?
L.G Keltner:
I love Before Sunrise. I enjoy the idea of meeting a stranger in a foreign country, seeing the sights together, and having lots of interesting conversations along the way. It’s a simple concept but well executed.
Oddly Suited, LG Keltner
The silliest situations may be oddly suited for romance.
The silliest situations may be oddly suited for romance.
Anstice Brown:
I’ve always loved old-fashioned musicals and one of my favorites is The Sound of Music. I enjoy watching the developing chemistry between Maria and Captain Von Trapp as their irritation blossoms into affection. Another favorite (sorry, I couldn’t choose just one!) is Singin’ In the Rain. Gene Kelly serenading Debbie Reynolds with “You Were Meant for Me” must be one of the most beautiful romantic scenes in film history.
Sea of Sorrows, Anstice Brown
What could a shapeshifting siren know about love?
What could a shapeshifting siren know about love?
Chelsea Ballard:
My favorite romantic movie is Beastly. I'm drawn to fairy tale retellings and this one just takes the cake. Steamy bad boy learning to love while struggling with who he is on the inside and the outside? Count me in.
Remedy, Chelsea Marie Ballard
Everything is against Remy and Rudy, but on the night of the Masquerade Ball, they must choose: each other or their lives?
Everything is against Remy and Rudy, but on the night of the Masquerade Ball, they must choose: each other or their lives?
Jennifer Lane:
My favorite romantic movie is Sense and Sensibility for several reasons. I can’t imagine living as a woman with so few rights back then—the movie makes me grateful for all of the opportunities women have today. The story also shows that lasting love is more about inner character than outer appearance, and the intense romantic angst leads to a huge payoff at the end.
Behind the Catcher’s Mask, Jennifer Lane
Who can help her through a meltdown on the pitcher’s mound?
Who can help her through a meltdown on the pitcher’s mound?
Carrie-Anne Brownian:
I think I'd choose Flesh and the Devil (1926), with Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. It's so sexy and sensual, without any graphic scenes. A particularly sensual scene is when Felicitas (Garbo) turns the Communion cup to drink from the spot where her secret lover just drank.
Charleston Masquerade, Carrie-Anne Brownian
Can two worlds come together and find love?
Can two worlds come together and find love?
Angela Brown:
There are many highly acclaimed movies that come to mind as an enjoyable romantic movie. But then there's Darius Lovehall and Nina Mosley of Love Jones. Why my fave? Because loving, falling in love, falling out of love, all of these are so much bigger than 4 letters of an alphabet situated in the dictionary. These are experiences that often transcend the ability to string together letters and words to express the how, the what, the impact. All of these things are played out in Love Jones, a movie where chemistry and the complexity that is love gives the audience every reason to swoon.
A Diver’s Ball, Angela Brown
You can be anything you want in the online world of Cumulus. A human. An elf. A powerful beast mutation from your wildest imagination. But can you be in love?
You can be anything you want in the online world of Cumulus. A human. An elf. A powerful beast mutation from your wildest imagination. But can you be in love?
C.D Gallant-King:
Crash, directed by David Cronenberg. A classic. You can never go wrong with James Spader, and Deborah Unger is gorgeous. Elias Koteas is delightful.
The Dark Charade, CD Gallant-King
The new girl in town falls in love for a mysterious boy who is maybe, probably, most definitely, a vampire.
The new girl in town falls in love for a mysterious boy who is maybe, probably, most definitely, a vampire.
Myles Christensen:
I have too many favorite romantic movies to choose just one, but I love the 2007 BBC Persuasion. It is so full of longing and unrequited love. And that kiss at the end has so much tension, it's the ultimate payoff.
Flower of Ronda, Myles Christensen
What if life's price of servanthood could be changed?
What if life's price of servanthood could be changed?
Deborah Solice:
I love the movie Notting Hill with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It’s sweet and so humorous. I love the line, "I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." I cry at the end during the song, “She.”(by Elvis Costello)
Fearless Heart, Deborah Solice
Is he a figment of her imagination conjured to keep her sane, or is he something else…something more?
Is he a figment of her imagination conjured to keep her sane, or is he something else…something more?
Masquerade: Oddly Suited
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
Release date – April 30, 2019
Young Adult Fiction: Romance - General/Paranormal/Contemporary
Print ISBN 9781939844644 $14.95
EBook ISBN 9781939844651 $4.99
Goodreads, iTunes, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo
You can find out more about the authors of Masquerade: Oddly Suited here.
Plus they are hosting a giveaway for a $50.00 Amazon gift card. Enter the Rafflecopter HERE.And the authors of Masquerade: Oddly Suited are hosting a live Q & A session on Discord! Join us on Sat 11th May from 1:00 pm EST / 6:00 pm GMT to find out more about the anthology and the contributing authors and ask any burning questions you may have!
The Q & A will be held on Discord. Please follow the invite link: DISCORD
RiffTrax: Live - Octaman
Last Thursday night was RiffTrax:Live and the guys delivered another great show.
There were no pre-show joke screens – bummer! However, Kevin Murphy did a music video for us about Space Mutiny that was hilarious. Best part was the screen with him holding the triangle, which he only hit once at the very end.
There was one short before the film. McGruff the Crime Dog talked about drugs. The best line – It’s bring a furry to school day.
Then the main attraction – Octaman. Those of you familiar with MST3K will remember the infamous ‘rock climbing.’ Well, here we got cave crawling. (After an already really long scene on the water in the dark.) During one ridiculously long cave crawling scene, Bill just up and quit. (Mike and Kevin got him to come back.)
Next up – Star Raiders on June 6. Don’t miss it! Get details and tickets HERE.
Movie Reviews
Triple Frontier
What is your favorite romantic movie? Eager to read Masquerade: Oddly Suited? Have you seen Shazam! or Triple Frontier? And did you catch RiffTrax?
And are you ready for the next IWSG Anthology Contest? It opens May 1 – watch for the theme reveal.
Last Thursday night was RiffTrax:Live and the guys delivered another great show.
There were no pre-show joke screens – bummer! However, Kevin Murphy did a music video for us about Space Mutiny that was hilarious. Best part was the screen with him holding the triangle, which he only hit once at the very end.
There was one short before the film. McGruff the Crime Dog talked about drugs. The best line – It’s bring a furry to school day.
Then the main attraction – Octaman. Those of you familiar with MST3K will remember the infamous ‘rock climbing.’ Well, here we got cave crawling. (After an already really long scene on the water in the dark.) During one ridiculously long cave crawling scene, Bill just up and quit. (Mike and Kevin got him to come back.)
Next up – Star Raiders on June 6. Don’t miss it! Get details and tickets HERE.
Movie Reviews
Shazam!
Based on the DC comic, fourteen year-old Billy is chosen as Champion and turns into the adult superhero by saying one word – Shazam!
This movie got high marks from early viewers and rightly so. It’s just a lot of fun. (It’s like a kid-friendly, gentler version of Deadpool.)
Zachary Levi is perfectly cast as Shazam, both genuine and innocent, and Asher Angel great as Billy, giving Shazam a little bit of a bad boy streak. Mark Strong is threatening as the villain Dr. Sivana and Billy’s foster siblings and foster parents fill out the rest of the cast nicely.
The film works on many levels. As a superhero origins story, it sets up Shazam and how he fits into the DC universe nicely. (With this film and Aquaman and Wonder Woman, DC has found its stride.) It’s also a touching tale of family, as Billy struggles to fit with his foster family while still hoping to find the mother who abandoned him.
It’s a smaller-scale film, but the effects are excellent. The Seven Deadly Sins are very creepy (and involved in a couple intense moments) and the CGI never overtakes the film.
There are also some funny moments, especially as Shazam tests his powers. He’s a very human superhero and I think a lot of people would try some of the things he attempts, even if they aren’t all honest and legal.
And stay for the ending! And the extra ending after the credits roll.
Highly recommended!
Triple Frontier
Loyalties are tested when five former special forces operatives reunite to steal a drug lord's fortune, unleashing a chain of unintended consequences. Starring Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal.
They decide to steal the money and keep all of it. What could go wrong?
This played like a throwback to the 70’s and 80’s mercenary films.
Triple Frontier is a NetFlix Original, but it could easily played in a theatre. The acting and production values were top notch.
The movie was good as it followed these five men, dependant on each other and desperate to pull off the heist. It fell short of great though – we’ve seen it before and it could’ve been a little leaner and tighter.
However, I enjoyed it, and there were several really intense scenes. (Confirming my resolve never to get in a helicopter.) It’s definitely at the top end of NetFlix Originals.
Recommended.
What is your favorite romantic movie? Eager to read Masquerade: Oddly Suited? Have you seen Shazam! or Triple Frontier? And did you catch RiffTrax?
And are you ready for the next IWSG Anthology Contest? It opens May 1 – watch for the theme reveal.
74 comments:
Romantic movies don't float my boat.
Another ISWG Anthology does.
Hi Alex - love EC's comment ... but I'd go with Pretty Woman, or Notting Hill ... and am always happy with a book ... excellent re the IWSG Anthology - good luck to one and all - cheers Hilary
I love reading everyone's recommendations for romantic films...I'll have to check out some of these (I'm especially interested in the Garbo one). RiffTrax sounds like so much fun...I've got to catch it sometime.
I'd go with When Harry Met Sally.
Congrats to all the authors!
Casablanca came to mind first. Congrats to all in the anthology. I liked their answers and your blurbs.
Shazaam ads just did not appeal to me, but I've heard only good things. I do trust your judgement.
Triple Frontier was decent - I agree it could have been edited down a bit.
Have a good week!
Thanks for featuring the Masquerade authors. I've only seen one of those romantic films. Like Sandra, I'd pick When Harry Met Sally.
I like a good romantic flick now and then. Since I've been on a Greatest Showman obsession of late I'll add that movie as a favorite romantic flick of mine--it is pretty romantic. Also, I've been pretty much a sucker for any of those films based on Nicholas Sparks books.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks for taking part in our blog tour! It's fun to see everyone's favorite romantic films. There's certainly a wide variety of them represented in our answers.
Too bad I couldn't catch RiffTrax. A Space Mutiny music video? That sounds amazing! Those guys are so talented.
Some great romantic movie ideas to check out! Looking forward to reading Masquerade :)
Shazam! was great. Really wish the DCEU can keep the ball rolling with Wonder Woman 1984 and Birds of Prey next year.
Elephant's Child, that works for me.
Elizabeth, you need to go in June!
Joanne, it was a bit long.
LG, maybe you can catch one later this summer.
Michael, I bet they can!
Of all the romantic movies I've ever seen, I still like Overboard with Goldie Hawn the best.
I think my favorite romantic movie was Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day-Lewis. The intensity and power in the story captivated me and holds me until the end. The other that had a similar effect when I first saw it was Legend of the Fall with an outstanding cast. Good story coupled with outstanding actors creates timeless films with great emotion. I want to write emotion like those films depict. Great storytelling.
Congrats to the authors of Masquerade.
Oh boy....there are so many of these films and I will not choose musicals because that’s a genre on its own. City Lights with Charlie Chaplin...bittersweet and profound. Casablanca...a great film that hits many genres. The Dark Angel...true romance with the beautiful Merle Oberon. Now, Voyager..who can disagree with Betty Davis and Paul Henreid sharing a sleeping bag. Sabrina and Roman Holiday both starring g the exquisite Audrey Hepburn. Dr. Zhivago...my mom’s favourite film and a great romance film and an epic. French Kiss...love that Meg Ryan/Kevin Kline film. There are more but that’s my list. I heard nothing but great things about Shazam and will se it.
I'm not particularly big on romantic movies, but one of my favorites, probably for its British quirkiness, is Love Actually.
I tend to boycott romantic movies. But the one I like: When Harry Met Sally.
Happy new week, Alex.
I favorite romantic movie is Ever After: A Cinderella Story. It was made back in 1998 and stars Drew Barrymore which I love. It's one of the best Cinderella movies I've seen.
I enjoyed SHAZAM! First DC movie I've really enjoyed since Batman Begins.
Which is not to say that it doesn't have its problems.
I already reviewed it.
It's probably a good thing that Shazam didn't come out at the same time as Captain Marvel did, as amusing as that would be. I'm assuming the winner would be the same character that got to keep the name :P
I really enjoyed Shazzam! It was fun and entertaining, and it was nice to watch a comic movie that wasn't so dark...
Great questions to ask the authors...I love Nottinghill, and own Persuasion because I love it that much. Looking forward to reading the anthology!
Juneta, Last of the Mohicans is excellent.
Birgit, I hope you do see it!
Ian, my wife really likes that film.
Robyn, good choice.
Mary, I remember that film. It was rather sweet.
Joylene, interesting choice!
I love EC's comment too! :) Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favourites - book and film. I have a whole string of them actually...
The blurbs for Masquerade sound super awesome! Just wondering if print copies will be available from Amazon UK..
It's not romantic movies for me, but rather romantic comedies that I love. Although, amongst your guest's lists, Sound of Music is my favourite. I am more of a fan of romance like in movies like 50 First Dates.
Welcome back, Alex. We left the light on for ya:) Hope your time away was fun and productive.
Good question with a wide array of answers.
I like Notting Hill too, even though the silly roommate's antics get old for me.
I haven't watched a love story in a long time, but I used to love Ever After--watched it over and over again. Would be interesting to see if it has withstood the test of time.
Hi Alex,
I love the Sound of Music as an all-time favorite. There are lots of learning points of seriousness but yet maintaining its light moments.
Shazam will bring the super-hero theme back to the originators, where it all started.
Hank
Favorite romantic movie? Yikes. I don't think I'd be able to pick and all time favorite. Maybe the movie I think of in this moment.
I'm hearing good things about Shazam, but if it's like Deadpool... I did not get Deadpool. I mean, I kind of see why people liked it, but I did not find it enjoyable. I don't get current humor for some reason.
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America is my favorite Romantic movie.
Hi Alex,
Nice to see you! Romantic movies are one of my favorite genres. I like so many and my favorite could change with my mood. A few of my favorite romantic comedies are "You've Got Mail", "Sleepless in Seattle" and the "Princess Bride" and "Somewhere in Time" really steal a piece of my heart.
Tomorrow I might say others...
Just like you, I adored Shazam. That was my favorite superhero movie in years, probably since Logan. It knows itself so well. Funny, observant, and has a couple of great truths about life to drop.
Welcome back Alex. Lots to read and catch up on I see. Hope the Anthology goes well.
Yvonne.
Nila, yes they will!
Rhonda, so am I.
Liz, it's like Deadpool in that Shazam is not a pure superhero. He doesn't always do the right thing. But the humor is very different. And not dirty!
PTM - funny!
Truedessa, Princess Bride tops my list.
I'm a sucker for romantic movies as long as they're not too cliché. Notting Hill is one of my all-time favorites, and like Deborah, I also cry at the end. Legends of the Fall ranks high, too, because it's enough of a romance that I love it and enough of a truly epic family saga that my hubby also loves it.
I've gotten a couple of the IWSG anthologies and have never been disappointed, so I suppose it's time to head over to Amazon and order Masquerade!
Looking forward to seeing what they've done with Shazam, especially given the good reviews. I remember watching the TV show as a kid and having a crush on the actor because he had nice hair, haha.
Hi, Alex! For some reason I thought that you weren't posting yesterday. I enjoyed reading all the anthology authors' favorite romantic movies. I just watched the 2011 version of "Jane Eyre" on Saturday night. It was really good; however it was dark and those moors look cold. I think my favorite romance movie is the 1998 adventure comedy film "Six Days and Seven Nights" starring Harrison Ford and Anne Heche. It's ridiculous, but it makes me laugh every time; and I enjoy the love story. I adore Harrison Ford; so that's a plus factor! Have a good one, my friend!
Reading all the favorite romantic movies is making me want to watch them, now! I have so many favorite romantic comedies, but just romantic without the comedy? I'd probably pick An Affair to Remember. I just love Cary Grant!
Love the question for the authors of Masquerade and the answers.
I have to admit that I thought that Shazam would be a waste of my time before I read your review.
Teresa
I loved Before Sunrise and The Sound of Music. Best of luck to all with the anthology. :)
~Jess
Lynda, I also sent you an email about the anthology - did you get it?
Louise, as long as you laugh, that's all that matters.
Teresa, go see it!
Alex, I didn't get an email from you. Maybe give it another try.
Lyndadietz4@gmail.com
I hadn't seen you around on my blog lately and thought maybe you were taking some time off. (I kind of hoped it meant a new book was coming soon and you were in the last-minute crunch mode.)
Great interviews. I recognize some of the movies. Everyone needs to read the anthology. It has great stories. Looking forward to another anthology to see what it will be like. Have a great week, everyone.
Hey Alex. Been a busy few days but had to make sure to stop to...
Thank you so much for hosting us Masquerade: Oddly Suited authors. Romantic movies can be pretty good and pickin just one was tough :-)
I enjoyed the Shazam review. Me and the kiddo have been pretty focused on Endgame so I think I'll have to remind her about this and catch it as well.
When I saw the trailer for Shazzam, it looked like a superhero version of Big. lol
Love the movie reviews, triple frontier is on my list!
Wonderful to hear from the Masquerade authors. So many classic movies there! It's hard to pick one for me... The Princess Bride is one of the top and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I hope to get out to see Shazam! and Endgame. Have a great week, Alex!
My favorite romantic movie is “An affair to remember”. The original not the remake. The piano scene always gets me. A fun blog hop Alex
I need to see Shazam. That's the Captain Marvel story I remember from oh so long along.
For romantic movies, I've always liked An Affair to Remember, and it's more modern version, Sleepless in Seattle.
I'm not familiar with Triple Frontier but it sounds intriguing.
'Confirming my resolve to never get in a helicopter.' Heh.
Love your question. Mine is "Sleepless in Seattle" with young Meg Ryan. Always liked her movies back then.
Dude, I must say thanks for stopping by. I would like to ask you a favor. Did you ever hear of Tom Tomoser? He's a well.... a singer, and I met him through my blog you might say & I wrote a review on a CD he had made. Now, I'm not going to say anything about it, but I would like you to just listen for... oh let's say 20 seconds and tell me what you think. Now if you'll go here & tell me what you think of the song I'd appreciate it. If you wanna email me xmasdolly@comcast.net that's fine if not just put it on my Post. Don't matter none. Yes, the girl on the CD is me. He found the picture on my FB my hubby & posted & yes it's in my youth I was about 32 yrs. of age. After you tell me I'll tell you why. THANKS my friend... many times. hugs & hope you had a wonderful Easter you & your family.
I don't really have a favorite romantic movie, but I do enjoy Notting Hill and the old-fashioned Libeled Lady and My Man Godfrey. And the romantic, sophisticated relationship between Nick and Nora in the Thin Man movies is just wonderful.
I really want to see Shazam, especially 'cause Zachary Levi was great in the old Chuck series. He's got real comedy chops.
Lynda, I'll send you one.
Angela, you're welcome, and do a superhero double feature.
Donna, it does have elements of it, but Shazam was first.
Christine, Prince Bride tops my list.
Sandra, watch it and you'll see why.
Maria, I'll hunt it down.
Helena, this role was perfect for him.
Hi, Alex!
I'm old enough to remember McGruff the Crime Dog urging viewers to "take a bite out of crime" in that famous PSA campaign.
I sat up and took notice when the trailer for Shazam! played on TV a few weeks ago. I like a film that works on a number of levels. Based on your review, Shazam! is well worth seeing.
Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend, good buddy Alex!
Thank you for hosting us, Alex! I don't know some of the movies my fellow authors mentioned, but I agree with Anstice that Sound of Music is SO good!
Some great romantic movies have been mentioned, including Roman Holiday and Casablanca. But for me the most romantic is A Matter of Life and Death (1946) - Directors: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger. The chemistry between Kim Hunter and David Niven is there from the moment they first speak - by radio as he faces certain death.
I was ambivalent about Shazam but after reading your review I'd like to see it.
Hope your day was productive and your evening is pleasant.
Thanks for hosting us, Alex!
Glad to see I'm not the only one who loves The Sound of Music.
@Arlee Bird-I agree, The Greatest Showman is very romantic!
@Botanist-I like Love Actually too. Brilliant cast.
@Nilanjana-Yes, print copies are available from Amazon UK here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1939844649/
Thanks to everyone for the supportive comments!
Alex, thank you for hosting us! It was fun and challenging narrowing all that down to one movie!
I watched Shazam with my oldest son, but we didn't like it. It had many embarrassing cheesy elements in there (that I know my younger kids would appreciate), however, the violence was worse than Venom! Too much adult content (and what's up with the swearing?) for youngers. :P
Fun post!!!
I can't believe I've seen so few of the movies that are mentioned! I do love Anstice's choices though!!
Now that I think of it, I don't think I have a fav romantic movie. I enjoy the genre, whenever life gets too heavy. Though, I did enjoy The Holiday a lot. Kate Winslet's character is great.
Shady, it's definitely worth seeing.
Jennifer, you're welcome.
Roland, I've never seen that film.
Anstice, you're welcome!
Elizabeth, sorry you didn't like it.
Saw Triple Frontier the day it was released and really enjoyed it... was surprised by the twist in the middle, but like you said, it was well done and didn't dissapoint!
A Matter of Life and Death is a classic - released in the US as Stairway to Heaven. Often appears in top film lists - sometimes romantic ones, sometimes wartime dramas [WW2], and sometimes surreal/fantasy as part of the film is set in 'heaven'. Highly recommended, but it is my all time favourite movie, Alex.
Oh my, there are so many. Do you do something like this every Friday? I will play along. Hmmm so many lemme think... GONE WITH THE WIND! Definitely, but then there is the Titanic & omg Terms of Endearment! That last one made me cry big time. It was so sad! Thanks for letting me play too! Big hugs & have a great night!!! Look out for the snow!
You've got mail would be my pick, but I like the Before Sunrise series too. Good to know Triple Frontier is good, on my list indeed. Maybe today.
I've seen a number of those movies though I'm not sure I could pick a favorite. I like a lot of movies where romance is the secondary plot rather than the first.
I feel the same as you about Triple Frontier. I knew the ending well before it arrived but I still like it. Haven't seen Shazam yet, but I will.
Thanks for hosting us on your blog!
I imagine my superhero-loving little brother will see Shazam!, if he hasn't already.
That is funny that he hit the triangle only once at the end. The Notebook is my favorite romantic movie. We had a two-movie weekend over here (surprised ourselves). We went to see End Game and then on a whim decided to go see another while we were out on Saturday. We were hoping to see Shazam but the times didn't gel (being impromptu) so we went to see Breakthrough instead.
Wishing much success to the newly released anthology: Masquerade: Oddly Suited!!!
Roland, I'll look for it.
Marie, of your choices, I'd have to go with Titanic.
Carrie-Anne, you're welcome.
Rosey, hopefully you do get to see Shazam.
I liked Shazam! As you said, perfectly cast. There's just one thing that took me out of the movie: the woman who sid she didn't need to be saved by a man... Why did that remind me of Rey? Other than that, I thought it was all good.
A double rainbow: CLICK!
I'm a fan of the Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan match up. I especially like You've Got Mail. I think I'll watch Shazam! with my boys. I'm curious what the theme will be for the next anthology.
Haven't seen Shazam! yet, but I want to. I'm behind in the movies I want to see, but it's never a lot of fun to go the movies alone so...
Next up, though? "Avengers" Endgame."
Planning on seeing Captain Marvel this afternoon......
Alex- thanks for all the nice comments on my blog....could not wrestle up enough energy this year for the A-Z event...hopefully next year I will have made a plan with time to spare! Cheers!
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