Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Godzilla and John Wick Reviews, June Movie Preview, and Lots of News!

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

My awesome co-hosts for the June 5 posting of the IWSG are Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte!

June 5 question: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?

I read a variety, but so far science fiction has just been my comfort zone. While I grew up reading both science fiction and fantasy, I was exposed to a lot more science fiction in cinema and television. So I’m familiar with it. And while I’d like to write fantasy, it’s more challenging to come up with something really new. With science fiction and space and galaxies far, far away, the only limit is my imagination!


IWSG Anthology Contest

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Annual Anthology Contest is open and taking submissions!
Genre is middle grade historical – adventure/ fantasy and the theme is voyagers.
See the site for full details.

#IWSGPit

Mark your calendars! The annual #IWSGPit Twitter pitch party is set for January 15, 2020.




IWSG Instagram

The IWSG Instagram prompts for June are:


WEP

The WEP challenge for this month is open!
Theme – Caged Bird.
Up to 1000 words.
There are also some changes regarding signing up, voting, and prizes, so be sure to visit the WEP site for details.






Movie Reviews

Godzilla: King of the Monsters
Ghidorah is awakened. Godzilla fights him. Monster awesomeness ensues.
Seventeen Titans awake, although you’ll only see half of them. But who you see the most of matters – Godzilla, Ghidorah, Mothra, and Rodan. We even get a glimpse of King Kong who will be in next year’s Godzilla film. (My money is still on the radioactive breath lizard – ape flambé, anyone?)
The story has to do with a broken family and terrorists reviving the Titans, but the real spectacle is the monsters. Every moment with them on the screen is breathtaking - and they are on the screen often! As for special effects, let’s just say we have come a long way since the rubber suit. These creatures are real and terrifying. Even Mothra kicks butt.
Some reviewers have called it absurd. Of course! Any film revolving around kaiju and a massive atomic-breath creature is going to be a little absurd. Like that’s stopped sixty years of Godzilla films.
There are a lot of little nuances that give nod to the original movies and you will grin when they appear.
This film is for the kid in all of us who longs for spectacle – and a really great monster film.
Highly recommended!

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
Continues the story of John Wick, now on the run after killing another assassin on neutral ground and with a fourteen million dollar price on his head.
The previous films featured close to a hundred gun shots to the head. This one contained only a little over fifty, but there were swords/knives to the head and other creative deaths.
The best sequence involves two dog trained to attack. Great animal stunt work – they steal every scene.
The human stunt work and special effects – I’m not sure how they pulled some of it off without really killing people. And it’s a very slick and stylish looking film.
However, those expecting more than just Wick running around killing people while everyone tries to kill him will be disappointed. After all of the glowing reviews, I felt let down that it was just more of the same. I do like this type of film, but it’s become very repetitive.
And will continue to do so, as it left it wide open for them to continue with a fourth film. Wick is really having a bad month…
Recommended if you really dig the series.

June Movie Preview

Here are the upcoming theatrical releases for June! As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.

7 –

Dark Phoenix
Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world.
Director: Simon Kinberg
Stars: Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain
A whole movie wrapped around a blown transformer in Arizona seems a bit much, but I’m all for it.




14 –

Men in Black: International
The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organization.
Director: F. Gary Gray
Stars: Tessa Thompson, Chris Hemsworth, Rebecca Ferguson, Emma Thompson
Maybe it’s a new marketing trick – no funny lines in the trailer.

Shaft
John Shaft Jr., a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, enlists his family's help to uncover the truth behind his best friend's untimely death.
Director: Tim Story
Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Alexandra Shipp, Avan Jogia, Regina Hall
Didn’t I see this already? Oh yeah, it was called Shaft. Wait, didn’t I see that one already as well? Yeah, it was also called Shaft…




21 –

Toy Story 4
When a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.
Director: Josh Cooley
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, Tom Hanks, Patricia Arquette
Two hours of Buzz and Woody in a bin at Goodwill sounds depressing, but that’s how all toy stories really end.

Anna
Beneath Anna Poliatova's striking beauty lies a secret that will unleash her indelible strength and skill to become one of the world's most feared government assassins.
Director: Luc Besson
Stars: Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren, Luke Evans
Apparently John Wick has a daughter…




And I’ll end with a cool shot my publisher sent from a recent con – Live Long and Prosper!



What’s your favorite genre to write? Participating in WEP or the IWSG Anthology Contest? Have you seen the latest Godzilla or John Wick? And what movies catch your eye for June?

115 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

That is a wonderful shot your publisher sent.
I have participated in WEP this time, after missing the last few.
A big hooray for writers. As I have so often said, you enrich this reader's world.

Murees Dupè said...

I actually look forward to the latest John Wick. I just love me some Keanu. Also, I thought I might give Godzilla a pass, as I didn't like the one from a few years ago. But you convinced me.

I like the guy with his Star Trek uniform. I think we need more of that whimsy in life.

G. B. Miller said...

I've only seen the first John Wick, as I'm on the fence about getting into a series that features minimal variation of the first movie. Kind of like watching "The Police Academy" series.

Pat Hatt said...

John Wick will always be the same thing over and over again it seems. Yeah, MIB looks very meh. Science fiction can sure let one go anywhere.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I didn't realize that you like fantasy too. That's my favorite genre to write in. I see all the possibilities that you see for a sci-fi story. I have learned to like sci-fi too because of the world building that is part of that genre.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I like the way that you put it: that science fiction is your 'comfort zone.' That's exactly how I feel. Much harder to move to other genres, even if it might be fun.

Erika Beebe said...

Godzilla should be absurd. I'll have to see it. I just recently saw Aladdin and loved it! I can't wait for X-Men. I have loved the creative spin on the characters in the series. Happy IWSG Day :)

Lynn La Vita said...

Thanks for writing an attention grabbing introduction to SiFi. Dragon of the Stars held my attention from beginning to end. Quite a feat for someone with the attention of a gold fish. Cheers

Karen Baldwin said...

Will love to see Shaft, if I can get it here in Mexico. Everytime I hear the word Shaft, I hear the these lines in the theme song playing in my head:

They say this cat Shaft is a bad mother - (Shut your mouth)
But I'm talkin' 'bout Shaft - (Then we can dig it)


Truedessa said...

Good morning and welcome back!

That is one nice photo shot promoting your book. Do you ever attend these events? Autograph your books? I still have my autographed copy of DOTS that I won. I’ve read it 3 times.

It would be cool if they would turn that into a movie! An original movie might be nice for a change. I think the industry has forgotten how to deliver fresh movies.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elephant's Chile, thanks.

Murees, the new Godzilla has a different vibe.

GB, you might want to skip it then.

Erika, hoping Dark Phoenix is awesome!

Lynn, thanks and that made me chuckle.

Truedessa, I've attended one.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Great Trek uniform--oh, and your book too. ;)

The Cynical Sailor said...

No funny lines in the MIB trailer? That doesn't bode well for the movie. I've really enjoyed the previous ones, but maybe I'll wait to see what people think of the new one before I give it a try.

Love the con picture!

Cheers - Ellen

Heather M. Gardner said...

I still haven't seen John Wick 2! Have you ever watched Keaunu Reeves go through shooting courses on Youtube? He's really good.

I'll probably wait for the new MIB, but it is Hemsworth, so I'll watch it for sure.

I'm not sure I like the girl playing Phoenix. We shall see.

FYI: In your post you wrote the date of the IWSGPit as the 20th.

Have a great day and Happy June, Alex!!

Heather

Sarah Foster said...

I know I'll see Toy Story 4 eventually but I'm not sure if I'll catch it in the theater. Which is kinda silly since I live above a movie theater that definitely will be playing it...

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Great promo shot your publisher sent you!

I don't have any interest in seeing the John Wick flick. Two was enough. I was mildly interested in seeing the new Men in Black movie, but if they omit the humor? Meh. It's bad enough to change the actors, but they've GOTTA keep the humor!

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I guess my favorite genre to write in is psychological suspense, or supernatural suspense. I love delving into what makes people tick, and I just can't get away from the ghosts!

sherry fundin said...

Godzilla...always a must see for me, but I wait until it comes to my TV. And...John Wick...I got a deal on Hulu so I watched it. Was wild, but I think one was enough. Enjoyed the reviews and your post
sherry @ fundinmental

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I had no idea they were making another MiB. Another Toy Story? Break out the tissues! I think Brightburn looks interesting - a sort of dark Superman re-imagining.

Arlee Bird said...

Godzilla I might watch when it comes out on DVD. I think I might be done with John Wick 3 after having watched the first two. The effects were pretty amazing in those but as you say this stuff gets pretty repetitive. I think they should have left off at the first movie.

Watching all this killing can't be too good for people. And it provides fodder for the gun control wackos.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Loni Townsend said...

I'm looking forward to Godzilla. And you know what? My friend Dani was disappointed in John Wick 2 because it tried to include backstory when all she really wanted was gratuitous violence. She'll be happy there isn't more story to this one. :)

Mary Aalgaard said...

I'm a fan of MIB. I'll be going to that one with my boys!
Thanks for creating IWSG!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Heather, crap! I'll fix it.

Joylene, that's a great series.

Madeline, reviewers say Brightburn had potential and squandered it.

Lee, I agree!

Andrew Leon said...

I'll probably wait for Wick on dvd. That's how I saw the last two.
Probably skipping the monster movie at the theater as well.

H. R. Sinclair said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
H. R. Sinclair said...

That's a great picture from the con!

I will read almost anything but I tend to write fantasy.

Someone told me the Godzilla movie was disappointing, so now I'm vexed. I hope the new MIB is good.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I'm glad you liked your con photo.

I LOVED Godzilla.

kaykuala said...

Hi Alex
Not so sure of John Wicks but MIB and X-Men can be enticing. Wonder how different they are from the earlier ones.

Hank

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Alex, love the photograph your publisher sent.

I'm in awe of writers who write science fiction. Wish I could write atleast one science fiction novel in my life.

Sadira Stone said...

Great uniform! I loved the first Godzilla movie and can't wait to see the new one.

Nicki Elson said...

Oooh, #IWSGPit gives me a good deadline for getting my WIP finished & polished...

Carrie-Anne said...

I'll be participating in both the June WEP and the IWSG Anthology contest, though I've never written fantasy before. I have some great ideas for a Japanese historical fantasy.

Computer Tutor said...

So much news in this post! Love the picture. I'm a long-time trekkie and wish I could watch the original ST again for the first time. Sigh.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - interesting IWSG - count me out of the movies ... well those ones. I walked out of one the other day = not usually my way of doing things. I will be doing WEP ... but really cannot get it into my head that we're putting 2020 dates into our diaries: I won't be doing it - but even so! ... Have a good rest of the week ... cheers Hilary

Roland D. Yeomans said...

What with the worldwide blood shortage, my job didn't afford me the time to see the Big G or Wick. But they are definitely going in my Blu Ray collection. And any critic who goes into Godzilla expecting Hamlet is not much of a critic!

I have already submitted my Anthology story and my WEP flash fiction is going up Friday,

CV Grehan said...

What a great con picture! I am so behind on movies. What a list!
I'll definitely check out the Instagram prompts ...
As always, thank you Alex!

Gwen Gardner said...

I don't know much about scifi, but I loved Fire Fly! Thanks for the updates, Alex!

cleemckenzie said...

That guy in the picture is straight off the Enterprise! Perfect.

Mary Kirkland said...

I love the Godzilla movies. Godzilla had always been one of my favorite monsters so I'm looking forward to watching this.

I doubt I will watch this MIB, it just doesn't look god from the trailers.

John Wick 3 is a must see. I've loved all the movies so far. Keanu is one of my favorite actors.

You look great in a Star Trek Uniform!

C.D. Gallant-King said...

Wait the Anthology contest is open now? Slap my thighs and call me willy!

I loved all the previous Toy Story movies and I'm sure the new one will be great... but I just have no excitement over seeing it. The last one ended so perfectly, it just feels wrong to drag it all out again.

And I don't care, I am unapologetically down with the new Shaft movie.

Chemist Ken said...

Unfortunately, I don't think anyone in the family besides myself wants to see any of these films, which means I only get to see them if they show up on Netflix or Amazon Prime. :(

And it's easy to come up with something new in fantasy. You don't have all those pesky science rules to barge in and say it can't be done! :)

Chrys Fey said...

Well, I am expecting John Wick 3 to be Wick running around killing people while everyone tries to kill him. So all is good. :)

Anonymous said...

I saw the trailer for Shaft and it cracked me up. I'm from the era of the original when it premiered so I'm definitely interested in this new three generation version! :-) Also, I love my Men in Black. Ditto with that original.

Awesome pic!!

Jennifer Lane said...

How cool is that photo? :-D

With your interest in science fiction, do you want to visit the new Star Wars exhibit at Disney?

Jennifer Hawes said...

I'm dying at the Toy Story/Goodwill comment!! So true. I'm not sure if I even want to see it. I'm hoping the new MIB with Thor (lol) is really good!

David Powers King said...

Was way into monster movies as a preteen, watched all the classic and giant monsters I could. Glad you write science fiction, you're great at it! :)

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

I'm interested in Dark Phoenix, but I want to see what kind of reviews it gets first.

Patricia JL said...

That shot your publisher sent is awesome. I love it.

Meka James said...

The family went to see Godzilla last weekend but I declined to watch. Not really into those movies, but they enjoyed it. We did see John Wick, it was more of the same but they tried to thread in more backstory/info about the organization. I love seeing the concierge get in on the action though. I'm not super inclined to see Toy Story 4. Three ended in a good way, why mess with that? My kids want to see the new MiB so we'll probably watch it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Loni, that is hilarious.

Rachna, I bet you could!

Carrie-Anne, hope you write it.

Roland, exactly!

Mary, not me, but the costume is good.

CD, it's open!

Jennifer, yes!

Jennifer, glad it amused you.

Thanks, David.

Sandra, I'll let you know.

Jemi Fraser said...

Love the pic!!!

I find it easier to develop ideas for sci-fi rather than fantasy too. I loved McCaffrey's PERN series for a great mix of both!

diedre Knight said...

Howdy, Captain!

"Apparently John Wick has a daughter..." Ha! Now that's funny ;-)

Wonderful to see so much going on in our group. I'm looking forward to joining in at least one of the upcoming events as soon as the kids and I settle in to a summer routine. Keeping idle minds busy will no doubt benefit us all ;-)

Dark Phoenix ought to be interesting. We blow transformers just about every summer and it rarely even makes the news.

What an awesome picture!

Diane Burton said...

Science fiction is so much fun to write. You get to make up worlds! Your imagination can go wild. Keep on writing them. Love the pic from your publisher. I want to see the John Wick movie but haven't seen the previous one(s). Maybe I should see them first.

Lidy said...

Really looking forward to the new Godzilla and Xmen movie. Never seen the previous John Wick movies but my husband loves them and know without a doubt he's excited about the 3rd one. Not sure about the new MIB but wonder if Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith will do a cameo in the movie.

If you'd asked me a couple of years ago about my favorite genre to write I'd say young adult fantasy. But now it's romance. In fact, with this year's IWSG anthology contest theme, I actually have a fantasy story idea filed away, loosely based on a Greek myth, that fits.

Nick Wilford said...

I think you'd write an awesome fantasy. Such a cool photo!

Stacy McKitrick said...

I'm interested in seeing the new MIB movie, if only because of Chris Hemsworth! :D

I love writing paranormal romance. I play around with so much of it and not worry about it being "real." I love love and happy endings, too. Sometimes I think about writing horror, but not sure I could pull it off.

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I don't know if I will like Dark Phoenix but there are actors I like in the movie. I will probably watch Godzilla soon.

Teresa

Christine Rains said...

Love that fan picture! I'd really like to see Godzilla. I haven't seen a well done monster movie in a while. As for genre, I like most things with the paranormal in them. From horror to romance. I do read and write across the board, though. Have a terrific week! :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Lots of familiar movies coming out again. Loved MIB before... maybe I'll love it again. Really cool pic :)

J E Oneil said...

Sometimes we just find our niche.

We're really getting into summer movie season now, aren't we?

Juneta key said...

I too love the comic con pic you were sent. I want to see the new Godzilla and Men in Black. I am a Star War nut, so science fiction is a big love too.

Sandra said...

I love that picture of a fan holding up CASSA STAR. Woot. Woot.

Tyrean said...

I have to see Toy Story 4 - debatable whether I will see it in the theater. I watched the first two for the first time with my daughters on VHS ... just dating myself here. I loved your review of Godzilla and your thoughts on the critics' reactions! :)
Definitely taking part in WEP. The Caged Bird theme seems especially fitting now that Captain Wrath is on an active hunt for a trafficking ring - although I am considering a different perspective for this one.

Congrats on that fan pic of Cassa Star!!!

SpacerGuy said...

Science Fiction is a great release from reality. I enjoy the stories and characters which lend themselves to great plot creating, that and theres always the "threat." For added flavor I understand deus ex machina / God out of the machine solves the unsolvable. To my mind the tone of the story has to hit the spot which i've learnt is usually set by either the villain/ creature (I such a sucker for creatures, lol) or the protagonist. I'm sure I've left stuff out. Great choice of movies here, i'm looking fwd to seeing them.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

My favorite genre to write is humor because when I land, I land with a 10 from all but the Russian Judge. Just wish I landed more often.

Cheers, Alex.

Olga Godim said...

Wonderful picture from you publisher!
I see more possibilities in fantasy than in sci-fi. After all, sci-fi has to conform to at least some scientific rules, while fantasy could be as wild as the writer wishes.

kimlajevardi.com said...

I like sci-fi as well, but fantasy is my comfort zone. It's probably for the same reason as you--I read and watched a lot of it as a kid. Weird, though. I'm a science teacher, so that would be a natural fit.

Rhonda Albom said...

Humor, romance-suspense, medical mystery, and non-fiction are my favourites to read, creative non-fiction is my favourite to write. Although, to my surprise, I really enjoy your Sci Fi books. Looking forward to MIB, and fun photo.

Al Penwasser said...

My favorite genre in which to write is (no surprise) comedy. Well, at least I HOPE it's comedy.
What MAY be surprising is that the genre which I like to read is history (or historical fiction).

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I loved John Wick 3. I knew what I was going to get and I got it :)
I loved the cinematography in it too.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I know nothing about any of these movies. Must get out more.

Liesbet said...

Another busy month for the IWSG. I love that photo of you!!

Thanks, again, for this fantastic overview of current and upcoming movies, Alex! MIB and Anna sound interesting to me. And, I like it that you enjoyed the scene with dogs the most in the assassin movie. The monster movie might be interesting to watch for the special effects. Unfortunately, no time for me to even read means certainly no time to go to the movies! And, summer is coming. Who wants to sit inside then? :-)

Cathrina Constantine said...

I love Keanu Reeves, and will watch the movie just to see him. But the Wick movies are quite repetitive as you mentioned.

I'm not impressed so much with the new movies coming out. Although, I do like X-men.

Have a great week.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Diedre, glad I could amuse you.

Diane, they are all the same, so it dosesn't matter.

Christine, you would like it!

Tyrean - VHS - funny!

Olga, I tend to ignore those rules...

Rhonda, thanks!

JeriWB said...

Creative nonfiction is definitely my favorite genre to write. I'm much more at home writing about real stuff rather than making it up, even though the real stuff can be pretty crazy at times!

Roland Clarke said...

Mystery/crime genre is my poison, but I'm testing the water for the IWSG Anthology - if I can make sense of the mashed up genres.

J Lenni Dorner said...

Great list of movies! I hope to see Dark Phoenix. And I'm looking forward to the Caged Bird at wep.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I really can't see the appeal of the John Wick movies. Will probably watch Godzilla when it comes out on demand. Really cool picture.

Liz A. said...

I was so shocked to see another Men In Black coming out. I didn't realize there was a clamoring for it. Although, it looks pretty decent...

Margo Kelly said...

LOVE that last picture!! YAY for books. :)

Fundy Blue said...

How exciting for you to have a photo of your publisher holding your book, Alex! Beyond cool! I loved MIB, so I'm sure I'll enjoy this. And how fun to see Sophie Turner as Jean Grey instead of Sansa Stark. I grew up on a steady diet of sci fi and fantasy books, plus other genres too, but I've rarely tried writing science fiction ~ I'm glad that you do though!

Denise Covey said...

That's pretty awesome having your publisher sending you the photo. I'm participating in WEP even though ATM I'm not hosting. It's a great way to improve your writing skills. As you read on my blog, Women's Fiction is one of my favorite genres, although I have plenty of favorites!

Steven Arellano Rose Jr. said...

I'm definitely seeing Godzilla! The way it's been described makes me want to see it more than before and I had been looking forward to it all year.

Dark Phoenix sounds like it can be interesting. It's been a long time since I've read the comics for that storyline though so I don't really remember a whole lot about it.

Thanks for sharing all this with us, Alex!

Damyanti Biswas said...

My husband hated Godzilla, but I loved the spectacle of it!

I'm so looking forward to MIB, also, ahem, because of a certain actor.

Empty Nest Insider said...

The IWSG is offering a lot of exciting writing opportunities. Good luck to all! Dark Phoenix seems like it will be a big summer hit. I can’t wait for the new Quentin Tarantino movie to come out Looking forward to more of your movie news and reviews, Thanks Alex!

Julie

Joanne said...

The publisher shot is very cool. So, MIB Int'l - I'll follow Thor anywhere.
Phoenix - let's see what Sansa Stark, I mean Jean Grey can do carrying a film. Heavy lies the crown. Sorry - Godzilla, John Wick - just not my interests. I'm psyched for Late Night - Emma Thompson can do no wrong.
It's been so humid here in TX - like living in a bayou. Nothing like a nice cool theater in the summer. See ya on a aisle seat!

Anonymous said...

So much writing going on this month! That's awesome. And here I thought it was the beginning of the lazy days of summer. I guess not, huh?

I think I might go see Ma either today or this weekend. I heard it was pretty good and I love Octavia. I hope MIB and Toy Story are good. I think they'll be rentals though.

Have a great week, Alex!

Elsie

Cathy Keaton said...

At least when you write space sci-fi, you really can have aliens coming out of nowhere to save the day! You just can't do that in any other genre.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Roland, hope you enter.

Liz, I didn't know we wanted another Men in Black either.

Damy, how can anyone hate a giant radioactive lizard?

Joanne, we are starting to get that humidity here...

Cathy, only if it was comedy!

Tamara Narayan said...

I like spectacle, but I don't think I'll be going to too many movie theatre shows anymore. The headache afterward are too painful. I will still go see a few, like It, Part 2 in September.

One of these days, I should get a bigger TV to really enjoy the spectacle movies.

John Wiswell said...

The movie I'm most looking forward to this month is The Dead Don't Die. It looks so silly in a way that is after my own heart.

And I agree, King of the Monsters was a blast!

Renee Scattergood said...

Man, I don't know what I want to see more. Dark Phoenix or Men in Black III...

Toi Thomas said...

Thanks for hosting another great hop and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Science Fiction is the best.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters sounds awesome. I've been waiting to see it with my dad. He'll be in town next week.
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum also sounds fun, but I don't expect too much from it.
Yeah, the Shaft titles do all seem to be the same, but at least this one looks like it might be funning. I don't think any of the others were supposed to be funny.

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

Wow! Can't believe you are talking about 2020. That year always sounded far away!

Like the photo and costume!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I loved Godzilla. What a fantastic kaiju movie. Additionally, I'm all on board for more John Wick. I think Keanu is perfect for that "I'm an exhausted but incredibly talented assassin" role.

Kate Larkindale said...

I don't read a lot of science-fi-fi, I'm afraid. Never really been my thing... I guess that's what I haven't seen any of those movies either!

Sandra said...

I'm sure Chris Hemsworth will do Men In Black proud:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Tamara, you need a big screen television!

Toi, you and your father enjoy!

Mary, it does sound years away and not just six months away.

Michael, he plays that part well.

Tonja Drecker said...

:) For some unknown reason, I knew your answer would be scifi. So much going on in IWSG!

Botanist said...

Sci-fi allows you to give your imagination free rein, but IMO that is even more true with fantasy. I think that's why is't so hard to do well and to come up with anything new.

The Angry Lurker said...

Some good movies coming out, I thought the last John Wick was weak but will still watch number 3!

Victoria Marie Lees said...

First I need to tell you how striking you look in your space gear. Well done! My daughter can't wait to see the MIB British version she tells me. I've seen the Will Smith version and liked the story. Isn't it amazing that Godzilla has such a small head in comparison with the rest of his body? My daughter can't wait to see that movie either. Always a pleasure stopping by your blog, Alex.

Lisa said...

I'm a John Wick fan but thought this third one might be like you said. Which is why I'll wait till it comes out on Netflix or Amazon. So I can fast forward!

Doreen McGettigan said...

I'm looking forward to Godzilla this weekend. Absurd is the way it should be!

Susan B.Rouchard said...

Thank you Alex for this cultural , as always, post on sci-fi movies.
I am currently watching, for the upteenth time, again, MALEVIL, à French anticipation, post-apocalyptic film back from 1981. It is based on the novel MALEVIL by Robert Merle, a French author (1908-2004) who wrote other interesting anticipation novels, one about a chimpanzee, one about dolphins. The film does not quite follow the novel, so the author did not want his name on the credits. He felt it was not true to the spirit in which he wrote it.
If you would like to know more, go here.
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DjimyxtvU6o8&h=AT3SQorb9YyGYXQI-pvf9X6OumRtC_wPgurpEbsmZiTt-I14UpMeKJMG2ni1FAEpY5bKbcm-0x8a4NqUniNA-hZpl5f01cauvzZqXG3af35U0A3fqp6Q5jTKJieVVGY4U6ieS3cH&s=1
And here
https://www.facebook.com/100001100970589/posts/2325494910830519/
Sorry, not on my computer ! So I can’t put links properly on my iPad !
Have a lovely Sunday.
Hoping to speak with you soon.

mail4rosey said...

That's a cool shot from your publisher. We'll see Toy Story 4. Not mentioned here, but Aladdin was good. I started to roll my eyes when the singing began, but was pleasantly surprised. :)

DMS said...

I like to read a wide variety of genres and go through phases where I read a lot of one type. Currently working on my MG mystery/fantasy series- so that is my favorite writing genre at the moment. :)
~Jess

mshatch said...

I saw the first John Wick and that was probably enough. Fun once. I'll read almost anything but I tend to write in the scifi/fantasy camp. I blame my aunt who gave me the Narnia chronicles as well as the Prydain series, plus A Wrinkle in Time. That was all it took.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Fran, third was a little better just more of the same.

Karen, it worked!

Victoria, thanks but that's not me.

Susan, thanks - I will check it out.

Marcy, and you were hooked!

Dihiwi said...

I appreciate your blog and also your support of other writers. Thanks for all that you do to encourage others. Keep up the good work! www.dianeweidenbenner.com

Powdered Toast Man said...

So Keanu is not playing John Wick in Toy Story 4? I got my info all mixed up.

Birgit said...

I think writing a biography would be my strength if I ever write..or maybe a mystery. I love the Godzilla films and I can't believe they are redoing Godzilla meets King Kong. Are the 2 insipid tiny girls who sing riding on Mothra's back? I need to see all the old movies as they were so much fun. What about Gamora? Love that spinning turtle:) I enjoy John Wick except the first one where the puppy is killed. I know it didn't happen but it so affected me that i can't watch that beginning because i had nightmare about it long after. They can cut off heads and show swords ripping into people but a puppy? nope! I wonder if Keanu plays john Wick in Toy Story 4? Can you imagine all the stuffing being ripped out.

Debra Renée Byrd said...

Ooh, Luc Besson, count me in. I really need to watch the John Wick movies. I love Keanu. Speaking of Sci-fi and your Scotty-like publisher, did you hear about Picard coming to Amazon!?

Cynthia said...

I often like to write and read genres that come with a hint of suspense, mystery and/or fantasy. This month, I might just watch some old movies.

J.H. Moncrieff said...

I love writing suspense. It's a bit spooky, a bit mysterious, and you can develop your characters a lot more than you can in your average thriller.

It's a lot of fun to write, but horror is as well. I love scaring people and making them think at the same time.