Movie Reviews, Blogging Tips, and Giveaway

And not necessarily in that order…

First, I have a short guest post and giveaway over at The Electrical Book Cafe that went live on Saturday – and you could win a copy of CassaStar!

For blogging tips, I have the honor of appearing at The Ramblings of Amy today, giving you my best guess as to what works.

Before you go, two quick movie reviews and a question!

Fright Night
This remake takes the story and makes it its own without insulting the original material. It retains the charm and camp, with a few surprises. I very much liked the new Peter Vincent – he was incredibly different and very funny. Wish he’d had more screen time. While it’s a fine movie and a good remake, I’ve seen it all before. The original was so fresh in 1985 and it’s still superior.

Unknown
It wasn’t a bad movie, but it starts off with a couple scenarios I just don’t buy – which means I didn’t buy most of the film. Leaving the briefcase (Neeson’s character just wouldn't do it), jumping into the cab without telling his wife, Jones as Neeson’s wife in the first place… Ganz’s character is supposed to help Neeson, but he never actually does that, and Langella’s role was small and a waste. Forgettable overall.

Be sure to visit The Electrical Book Cafe to win a book and The Ramblings of Amy for blogging tips!

Which leads to my parting question – what would you offer as a blogging tip?

Oh, and did anyone else see the naked guy on the Weather Channel Saturday? His parents must be so proud...

Thanks, Technology, and August Movie Preview

Thanks to everyone who commented on CassaFire's cover and synopsis HERE! I just found out the release date has been bumped up a bit – February 28, 2012. I have six months to panic…

Today’s Fantastic Friday Writers topic is technology.

It’s a given that science fiction involves technology. Whether set in present day, the future, or a distant galaxy, new devices and gadgets will appear. Some people revel in technology. Some want it simple so the story moves along. Others shy away from it.

It’s no secret I dig computers, tech toys, and gadgets. Heck, I’ve hooked up so many components to the TV, my wife doesn’t even know how to turn it on! But since I work with it every day, I didn’t want to focus on it in my writing. Sure, there are spaceships and teleporters, but I don’t delve into the details. I put in just enough to make it plausible. It’s there, just simple.

Besides, I have no idea how a teleporter works, do you?

Check with my FFW partners Elizabeth, Anastasia, J. D., Deirdre, M. Pax, and Jeffrey, and Charlene for their take on technology.

Time for August movie releases! It’s a quiet month for movies, so I threw in two DVD releases as well. All descriptions courtesy of the IMDB.

2 -

DVD - Rio
Very colorful and fun animated flick. I reviewed it HERE.



5 -

Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Stars: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto
The Plot: In present day San Francisco, a scientist (Franco) looks for a cure for Alzheimer's disease by experimenting on a chimpanzee named Caesar. The development of animal intelligence brings about a war for supremacy between humans and apes.
Not impressed with the trailer - the CGI apes do not look real. I also don’t buy that there are enough apes in San Francisco to take over the city. This one will need outstanding reviews to get me into the theater.


16 -

DVD - Priest
“Eh” reviews meant I skipped it in the theater, but will catch on NetFlix.



19 -

Conan the Barbarian
Director: Marcus Nispel
Stars: Jason Momoa, Ron Perlman, Rose McGowan
The Plot: Muscle-bound warrior Conan the Cimmerian (Momoa) seeks to avenge the murder of his father and the slaughter of his village.
Conan the Barbarian. Momoa from Stargate:Atlantis. Need I say more? Oh, and it’s rated R - can’t have a PG13 barbarian film! They do it right, this could be the start of an awesome franchise.

Fright Night
Director: Craig Gillespie
Stars: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant
The Plot: Teenager Charley Brewster (Yelchin) guesses that his new neighbor Jerry Dandrige (Farrell) is a vampire responsible for a string of recent deaths. When no one he knows believes him, he enlists Peter Vincent (Tennant), the opportunistic host of his favorite TV show, to help him take down Jerry and his guardian.
The first Fright Night was fun. This remake is going to have to do something really awesome to even come close, especially without Roddy McDowall. Again, a wait and see what the critics think…

Cowboys and Aliens this weekend! Who's with me? And what movies catch your interest? Or are you still confused about the technology...?