Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Insecure Writer’s Support Group; June Movie Preview; and Reviews – Fast X, Spider-Man, and Three Thousand Years of Longing


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.

The awesome co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine, Diedre Knight, Olga Godim, J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine!

I'm also at the IWSG Anthologies Blog today!


Before I jump into today’s post, I have sad news.
Ken Rahmoeller (Chemist Ken) was about to publish his first book, Accidental Alchemist. Unfortunately, he also had a brain tumor and lost the battle last month. (You can read his obituary here.)
Ken was such a great part of the IWSG and loved to co-host. He will be greatly missed. We hope that his book will still become a reality and he finally gets to be a published author.
God bless you, Ken. We will miss you.


June 7 question - If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?

I’d just continue with my guitar playing, which is what I am mostly doing right now. Plus I’m enjoying taking care of our property and doing outside work. So, I’d be okay not writing. (But I am thinking of another short story sequel to Dragon of the Stars.)




It’s time for WEP again!
June is Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
There is a critique prize and possibility for inclusion in the WEP Anthology.
Check out the WEP site for details.


Reviews


Fast X

Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes.
Did you enjoy the first nine movies? Then you will enjoy this one.
The action scenes are huge and over the top, but so much fun to watch.
It’s a bit long with some scenes not necessary. But I guess it was all about character building and bonding.
Jason Mamoa is over the top as the crazy, eccentric millionaire son with a vengeance.
The cast is huge and there are some surprises.
Recommended



Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Just as fun and unique as the first film.
The animation style is so unique, as if dozens of different artists all worked on the project and their styles were blended together.
It’s also very, very funny. We do like a snarky-funny Spider-Man. And there are many, many versions of Spider-Man!
Be warned it’s a long movie (145 minutes) although the pace really picks up towards the end and you don’t even notice the passage of time. And also know this is part one of two, so it ends on a cliffhanger.
And after you read my comment in the movies releases below, yes – we got Peter Porker as Spider-Pig!
Highly Recommended!


Three Thousand Years of Longing

Interesting movie, sometimes hard to watch.
Idris the best part of the movie.
Tilda toned down her weirdness for this one. (As I think she’s a bit of an odd person.)
It’s quirky and odd, told mostly in flashbacks
If there were deeper meanings I was to take away from the film, I guess I missed them. (Beyond genie in a bottle, three wishes, and your heart’s desire.)
If you want something quirky and a bit puzzling, check it out.


June Movie Preview

Here are the theatrical releases for June. Descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snark provided by me.


2 -


Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.
Directors - Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
Stars - Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac
Got my fingers crossed for more Spider-Pig!


9 –


Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Based on the 'Transformers' spinoff 'Beast Wars' which feature robots that transform into robotic animals.
Director - Steven Caple Jr.
Stars - Pete Davidson, Michelle Yeoh, Ron Perlman
Well, they transformed Michael Bay right out of the series, so this one might not be as bad…


16 –


The Flash
Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without super heroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.
Director - Andy Muschietti
Stars – Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon
Like a unicorn sighting, this could be the rare three Batman movie!


30 –


Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.
Director - James Mangold
Stars - Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Antonio Banderas
Let’s hope the real subtitle isn’t Indiana Jones and the Suckage of All Movies. (Like the last one.)


What would you replace writing with? Have you seen Fast X, Spider-Man, or A Thousand Years of Longing? What movies catch your eye for June? Be sure to visit the IWSG Anthologies Blog!
I will be offline for most of June, so see you July 5 for the next IWSG posting.