Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Insecure Writer’s Support Group, Furiosa and Shōgun Reviews, and June Movie Preview


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 5 posting of the IWSG are Liza at Middle Passages, Shannon Lawrence, Melissa Maygrove, and Olga Godim!

The June 5 question - In this constantly evolving industry, what kind of offering/service do you think the IWSG should consider offering to members?

This is where you need to let us know what you want – what would help you as a writer? We are no longer doing anthology contests and our #IWSGPit is on hold. However, we still have:
The Insecure Writer’s Support Group website with weekly tips and a huge database of information. Plus we are partnered with Reedsy, Medium, Mary Kole, the Ninja Writers Club, and we have a monthly newsletter.
Our Facebook group with prompts, tips, and connection opportunities.
Our Twitter/X account with tips and shares.
We’re also on Instagram with prompts and writing tips.
So, what else can we offer you?

Reviews


Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga


Beginning with Furiosa’ abduction from the Green Place, she ends up under the control of Chris Hemsworth’s character, Dr. Dementus. From there, she ends up in the Citadel with Immortan Joe, hiding out as one of the War Boy workers and eventually part of the team driving the big rig.
First off, there is no way to beat Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s the perfect action film. Once this gets going, it’s got some amazing sequences and strong characters.
The beginning is a little frustrating (your mother said run from danger) but once at the Citadel, it takes off.
Taylor-Joy and Hemsworth are excellent in their roles. So is Tom Burke as the driver who helps her learn the ropes.
There is a chase scene involving a car flipping over onto the hood of the semi that is amazing.
Like most movies these days, it’s too long. A little less action means more scenes that should’ve been trimmed. Plus you know Furiosa and Immortan Joe will make it as they are in Fury Road.
However, it was an entertaining film and I would recommend it.


Shōgun


When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, Lord Yoshii Toranaga discovers secrets that could tip the scales of power and devastate his enemies. Series on hulu and FX. Based on book by James Clavell.
This is a great historical (fictional) drama. It felt very authentic and genuine. No agenda other than telling a grand story. The acting, production values, settings, etc. – everything top notch.
I loved that most of it was in Japanese with subtitles. That’s a turn off for some, but don’t let it stop you from watching this incredible show.
Highly recommended!


June Movie Preview

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


7 –


Bad Boys: Ride or Die
Directors: Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah
Stars: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens
This Summer, the world's favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami's finest are now on the run.
How far into the film before Smith slaps Lawrence?



14 –


Watchers
Director: Ishana Shyamalan
Stars: Dakota Fanning, Olwen Fouéré, Georgina Campbell
A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.
Trapped in a glass house with people outside who want to kill them – must be how mimes feel.


28 –


A Quiet Place: Day One
Director: Michael Sarnoski
Stars: Joseph, Djimon Hounsou, Alex Wolff
Experience the day the world went quiet.
Technically, it probably wasn’t very quiet – lots of screaming, gunfire, explosions, etc.



What do you think the IWSG should offer its members? Have you watched Furiosa or Shōgun? What movies will you see in the theater this month?
Enjoy your June
!