Monday, March 14, 2022

CassaDark Tour! The Batman Review, MST3K Season 13 First Episode, Reacher Review, and Other News

The CassaDark tour kicks off today! I have a special feature at Literary Rambles today. Thanks, Natalie!

The Batman Review


From the IMDB: When the Riddler, a sadistic serial killer, begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city's hidden corruption and question his family's involvement.
Don’t go into this film expecting Justice League Batman or some Marvel funfest. This is the Detective Comics Dark Knight of the 70’s, a world of mystery but no superpowers. It’s similar to Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and even more so to 2019’s Joker.
This is a Batman movie – it’s not about Bruce Wayne. (Much to my delight.) He’s in the suit three-fourths of the time or more. And what an impressive suit! It’s an amped up modern-day battlefield armor.
Robert Pattinson is great as Batman. (Director Matt Reeves actually wrote the script with him in mind.) He conveys the agony, the desire to be nothing but the Batman, so well. And he has a great face for the Batman cowl. Zoë Kravitz is fetching and dangerous as Catwoman. And good luck recognizing Collin Farrell as the Penguin!
The action set pieces are spectacular. Just gritty, visceral, and chaotic. The car chase scene is the real standout.
This film works as well as a detective-mystery as it does a super hero film. And that’s its focus. It’s film noir, stylized, and deliberate. (Think Dune and Blade Runner 2046.)
At three hours long, I can honestly say I was never bored. Could it have been trimmed a bit? Yeah, a little bit. But still worth it on the big screen.
Highly recommended!

Season 13 of Mystery Science Theater 3000 Sneak Preview!


As backers, we got to watch the first episode, still raw and unpolished, of the new season of MST3K. It was broadcast live on March 4 and Joel Hodgeson spoke before it began and with a panel of creatives after the show, which was really cool.
Kinga Forrester destroyed Moonbase 13 (and many others) so they are now on Moonbase 1 in the Gizmoplex. (And the Gizmoplex is the medium by which you will get to see the thirteenth season.)
The film was Santo in the Treasure of Dracula, a Mexican film with both a family friendly and an R-rated nudity version. But perfect for riffing.
The sets were still a bit raw and the jokes not quite as polished, so it will be interesting to see the final version when it debuts.
The best part was the technical difficulties in the fifteen minutes before the show finally began. They kept posting things like:
We really did test this.
We think the projector is broken.
And no, it’s not because everyone is logged in at once!

Overall, a real treat to see the season begin before its official launch!



Reacher Series Review


This is the best adaptation of Lee Child’s novels so far. (And I’ve read the book this part of the series is based on.)
The guy who plays Reacher, Alan Ritchson, is spot-on. (Big improvement over Tom Cruise!)
The overall pacing and style are excellent. One of the most entertaining series I’ve seen in a long time.
Highly recommended!

In Other News…

Picard season two has begun. And wow, what a bang-up beginning! A couple things I question but the ending of the first show will make you either cheer or cry.


The CassaDark tour begins!

Here are the dates:
March 14 – Literary Rambles
March 30 – Ronel Janse van Vuuren
April 1 – Sandra Cox
April 4 – Elizabeth S. Craig
April 5 – Melissa Maygrove
April 6 – Diane Burton
April 6 – Kathy McKendry
April 7 – Cherie Colyer
April 8 – Toi Thomas
April 11 – Jemi Fraser
April 12 - Life by Chocolate – Robyn Alana Engel
April 13 – Gwen Gardner
April 14 – A to Z Challenge Blog
April 15 - Thoughts in Progress
April 18 – Yolanda Renee
April 19 – Armed With a Book
April 20 – Annalisa Crawford
April 22 – Tyrean Martinson
April 25 -Sarah Foster
May 2 – Armed With a Book

I am also reaching out to you – if you can do a feature or quick interview/guest post or a Tweet or mention on Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest or whatever…let me know! This will be my swan song, returning full circle to the Cassa universe, and a fitting end to a career I never saw coming.

Thank you.


Have you seen The Batman? Catch the season premiere of MST3K season 13? Watching Reacher? And who can help spread the word about CassaDark?


62 comments:

Natalie Aguirre said...

So glad I'm first on your blog tour. I hope it's a good one. If you share a tweet you'd like me to post closer to your release date, let me know and I'll share it for you.

And I can't believe I'm the first to comment. It's never happened before.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Wishing you a ton of success with the new book and tour, Alex! :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Great tour set up.

I really enjoyed The Batman.

PT Dilloway said...

I have watched none of that yet though I probably would watch The Batman and maybe Reacher. Good luck with your book.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Natalie, thanks again and I will do that!

Thanks, Madeline.

Diane, thanks.

Thanks, Pat, and definitely check out The Batman when it hits streaming in a couple months.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I'd be happy to do a fun interview on my blog, Alex, if you like. You give so much to me and all of us. It'd be a small step in returning to you. I'm very excited for you too.

Be well.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, thanks!

Robyn, appreciate that.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Glad to hear that The Batman is good! My son is excited about seeing it. :)

April 6 is coming up!

Donna K. Weaver said...

I've heard others speak highly about Batman. I appreciate the warnings about how it's noir and stylized. I can warn hubby who's expecting Marvel type stuff.

J E Oneil said...

Three hours? Sheesh. But it does look good.

Liz A. said...

The end of your writing career? I don't believe it.

I heard the Batman movie was really dark, as in it was hard to see. True?

Mary Kirkland said...

I am looking forward to Reacher. It looks so good.

I finally watched Tenet, which I saw on your blog a while back. I really enjoyed that movie so thanks for the recommendation.

Birgit said...

I do want to see this Batman even though Zoe looks like she needs to eat a fatty sandwich. I watched the first episode of Picard which I taped and...it stopped before the end!! I was so pissed off because I missed Q. I still need to watch the 2nd episode but I have it taped to go 20 min longer. I can post your book on Facebook if you want me to. Just let me know what I need to do.

Susan Kane said...

We enjoyed the 'Bat. Had no expectations about how anything could work, so I was pleased to see it all come together. Good stuff. Looking forward to the next segment.

A swan song? It feels like I am just figuring you out, and that's all she wrote?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Elizabeth, yes it is!

Liz, I didn't think so.

Mary, glad you enjoyed it!

Birgit, that sucks! And thanks - I will send you information soon.

Susan, book-wise it will be. Probably. But not blogging.

Truedessa said...

The swan song - that just makes me cry...I will be contributing something to the tour but, I am still exploring the universe.

Annalisa Crawford said...

I'm not a Batman fan, but my husband came back from the cinema with a huge smile. He loved it.

Good luck with your blog tour - I'll see you on the 20th April!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex - enjoy the tour ... and good luck with the promotion. I'm sure I'll get to see the films - but in due time ... it's good to know the cinemas are open again. Cheers Hilary

Andrew Leon said...

Unfortunately, I just don't want to go to the theater to see that movie.
I have not been able to talk myself into it.

My vote, at the moment, is going to Peacemaker as the best DC anything.

Joanne said...

The Batman has gotten good reviews and now your recommendation almost makes me think about going. We'll see. Reacher is really good - this guy embodies the book image of him. And I'll kick in a plug for your CassaDark - not sure when but it will pop up on my blog. I am happy for you! Good luck with tour and sales.

Sandra Cox said...

I agree Ritchson IS Reacher. Those arms are like ham bones:) Great series.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Truedessa, whatever you want to do will be awesome by me!

Annalisa, you bet!

Andrew, it's up there. Think Snyder's Justice League, all four hours of it, is the very best.

Joanne, thanks - you rock!

Sandra, my wife still can't believe they cast Cruise in the movie...

Cherie Colyer said...

I'm not sure I could sit through 3 hours of Batman. I'll have to wait until it's on DVD.

Congrats on your new book!

Arlee Bird said...

Have not seen The Batman, but after your review I'm a bit more intrigued. Maybe I'll take note when it comes to an accessible platform for me that I can figure out easily.

Wishing you great success on the upcoming book release!

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Computer Tutor said...

Glad to read your Batman review. I like the original positive Batman. He's getting dark--noir as you say. I'm reconsidering based on your glowing review. Loved Reacher--what a guy! And congrats on the tour! I'll go visit on Natalie's blog.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Thanks for the reviews, Alex. They save me a lot of time. I really liked the new Jack Reacher series too. Best to you.

cleemckenzie said...

I'd be glad to host you in an interview. I'm taking a break starting April 22, but I could do the post earlier in April.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, hits HBO Max in less than three months!

Jacqui, that's just where the Detective and Dark Knight comics took him.

Lee, thanks!

Sandra Cox said...

Well, you've caught my interest with your review of Batman. I didn't realize Collin Farrell was the Penguin. I can totally see Robert Pattinson as Batman. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Thanks!

Tonja Drecker said...

I'd love to do a shout-out for CassaDark on my blog. Just give me a date and info, and I'm in.
I kind of cringed when I heard another Batman was coming out, but after reading this, I putting it on my to-see list afterall.

Toi Thomas said...

Haven't seen The Batman yet, but I so want to.
I'm excited about the Reacher series.
I'm so excited about your tour. So happy to finally talk about CassaDark with others.
Hate to think you won't publish again, but you do you. I'm here for it either way. Love what you've created with the IWSG and this series.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I used the car chase as my potty break time. My new daughter-in-law told me ahead of time that it was the perfect time to go.

Cindy said...

Hi Alex, I wonder if you even remember me. Anyway, you make the latest Batman movie sound really good. I just wonder why they keep remaking Batman movies, but apparently it was worth it. I'm also watching Picard S2 and so far it's very interesting. I keep thinking Q did this for a reason we don't know about.

Cathrina Constantine said...

I'm a week late in commenting. LOL! Looking forward to seeing Batman. And I enjoyed Reacher very much.

Wishing you great success on your CassaDark Tour!!

Deniz Bevan said...

A blog tour during the A to Z, awesome! I'd love to feature the book on my blog :-)

Christine Rains said...

Congrats on the start of this awesome tour! I would also be happy to host you. I haven't seen The Batman yet and I need more time to watch all the MST3K. I've taken to snatching up their shorts on YouTube. The only new thing I've watched lately is Encanto, and I loved it. Have a great week, Alex! :)

Sandra Cox said...

You are booked for your tour! Yay you. It's a great read.

Al Penwasser said...

Can't wait to see The Batman.
My favorite is Christian Bale's take on the character. Evidently, though, this one is different but just as good.

cleemckenzie said...

Looking forward to hosting you on the 21st!

kimlajevardi.com said...

I’d be happy to share via my blog or Twitter.

kimlajevardi.com said...

I’d be happy to share via my blog or Twitter.

kimlajevardi.com said...

I’d be happy to share via my blog or Twitter.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Thanks, Toi!

Elizabeth, you missed the best part!

Cindy!!! Yes, I remember you. Good to hear from you. Also watching Picard season two.

Deniz, thanks!

Christine, thank you!

Sandra, yes I am.

Kim, thanks!

Sandra Cox said...

Swan song?

Damyanti Biswas said...

All the best with your tour!

You're on my site on may 2 as well unless you don't want to be! :) :)

DMS said...

I have been hearing great things about Batman. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much and your description has me intrigued!

Best of luck with the book tour!
~Jess

Lux G. said...

So many things to watch, so little time. That's why reviews matter to me. And friends who refer movies and shows. Thanks for sharing this!

Lori L. MacLaughlin said...

Hi Alex,

Your book will be front and center on my blog on April 1st for a promo. Congrats on getting another book out! As for this being the end of your career, all I can say is never say never... :)

I haven't seen Batman or Reacher but it sounds like I might need to check them out.

Have a great week!

Jennifer Lane said...

Hi, Alex, I'm happy to feature your new release on my blog, whichever date works for you =. Jenniferlanebooks at gmail

Nilanjana Bose said...

All the very best for the tour!

I haven't seen Batman yet, but will soon no doubt, hubs is a fan. :)

Roland D. Yeomans said...

I would be proud to be a part of your tour if you would allow me. The demands of being a blood courier during these times of Covid-19, hurricanes, and tornadoes have taken me from the internet for huge stretches of time which is why I have been so absent from your blog.

Swan Song? I hope you stay present in our lives for seasons more!

If you send me graphics, I will do a post whenever you like. I will buy your book to improve the sales I know will be high. :-)

Sandra Cox said...

Your tour starts hard and heavy tomorrow.Here's to a great tour and many sales.

SpacerGuy said...

Hi I've tweeted CassaDark on my page with a working full universe link. I'm happy for you Alex that you've made it

Shannon Lawrence said...

Hey Alex, I'd be happy to put up a guest post. I'll send you an email since I'm posting so late, but I wanted to say that I wholeheartedly agree about the Reacher TV show. This actor is much closer to how I pictured Reacher in the novels.

nashvillecats2 said...

Congratulations Alex and good luck with your book and tour.
Yvonne.

Lux G. said...

Well...still haven't seen the new Batman movie but looking forward to it real soon. I love superhero movies regardless of what the critics say. It reminds me of my childhood and it's a great escape. https://www.aboutlifeandlove.com/

Nick Wilford said...

I'll do a shout out or a guest post. Let me know what date works. Enjoy the tour. I really hope it's not the end of your career!

J Lenni Dorner said...

Swan song? You're done writing, or just moving on to write something else?

Batman sounds good. I hope to see it sooner or later.

I'm doing the #AtoZChallenge - writing a speculative fiction short story.
On the main A to Z site today for "B" I shared a list of books. Check it out!
At Operation Awesome we're doing the A to Z Challenge and running a survey to pick the next Pass or Pages query contest genre.

Sandra Cox said...

Have a great weekend.
Wishing you a gazillion sales:)

Sand Castles and Snow Forts said...

Happy to say... MST3K has now been passed down to my kids and they love it! Fabulous about your book, and I'll be sharing all over for you!

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Swan song? No! Never say goodbye! Are you planning on writing other books?

I'm spotlighting your release tomorrow on my website! Congratulations, Alex!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I intend to watch Reacher. I just want to watch Bridgerton first (and maybe My Flag Means Death). I love all the new shows that are out now.