New Movie Trailers, RiffTrax: Live, and Movie News; IWSG Anthology and Updates, CassaFire Giveaway, and Miles of Smiles

Movie News

First Black Panther teaser trailer is out!

New trailer for War for the Planet of the Apes that focuses on the girl, Nova:

Caught this on Blastr:
The clever folks at CineFix have chosen Michael Bay's lofty sci-fi spectacle to create a handcrafted, shot-for-shot remake of the main trailer using duct tape, cardboard boxes, twine, trash can lids, tissue paper, a filled bathtub, plastic army men and broccoli stalks:

There are now thirty films that have grossed over a billion dollars worldwide. Three have even crossed the two billion mark – Star Wars: The Force Awakens @ $2,068.2, Titanic @ $2,186.8, and Avatar @ $2,788.0. So far two films have crossed that mark this year – Beauty and the Beast and The Fate of the Furious. Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is closing in on that number.
Full list at Box Office Mojo.
How many of the thirty billion dollar films have you seen? (I’ve seen twenty-nine of them!)

Don’t forget - RiffTrax: Live is Thursday, June 15! It’s the Summer Shorts Beach Party:
Mike, Kevin and Bill return to the stage with RiffTrax regulars Bridget Nelson and Mary Jo Pehl, The MST3K Mads Trace Beaulieu and Frank Conniff and special guest Paul F. Tompkins, to take turns riffing shorts in various permutations. The live show will culminate in a RIFF-A-PALOOZA with everyone on stage at the same time!

Reviews were average at best for The Mummy, so we skipped it. Not looking good for the Dark Universe series the studio planned.
Since nothing else strikes my fancy until the end of the month, probably not many movie reviews until then.

Miles of Smiles Challenge

Hosted by Kyra Lennon and Clare Dugmore.

The idea behind it was for people to sign up and tell each other about the small things in their lives that always make them smile. You can use your blog, your Facebook, your Twitter or your Instagram to share your joys. #MilesofSmiles


What makes me smile?

A great practice session with a jamming song on my guitar.
A comment or email from someone who loves the IWSG or one of my books.
Mini-Alex and friends – the thoughtfulness of those who made them.
My wife’s smile.

What makes you smile?

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Updates

Another great posting for the IWSG. The point of the group is to encourage others, so be sure to visit others on the list. Especially the new members – make those writers feel welcome. It’s sad when they only post once or twice and then give up because they receive next to no comments.

Many commented that they were looking forward to the IWSG Guide to Writing for Profit, but they didn’t feel they could contribute. Some mentioned being able to tell others what not to do. And that’s perfect! If you’ve tried something that didn’t result in sales or making money, write a short article about it and submit. We need to know what doesn’t work as well. Submissions are open to all IWSG members – monthly blog post members, Facebook, and Goodreads. Details here.

I’d also like to highlight two of our Hero Lost: Mysteries of Death and Life authors who recently had book events. Way to go, ladies!

Yvonne Ventresca shows off her table here.

Jen Chandler poses with a book at her signing.

CassaFire Giveaway

My publisher, Dancing Lemur Press, is giving away an audio book every week. Through June 14, you can win a copy of CassaFire. You must retweet their pinned Tweet HERE to enter.

And the Penguins won the Stanley Cup last night!

What do you think of the trailers? Catching the RiffTrax show? How many of the billion dollar movies have you seen? What makes you smile? Submitting to the IWSG anthology?

I will be offline June 19-24 but still checking email and Twitter.

Retro A to Z Challenge: R – Rush 2002 (and Lone Ranger Movie Review)

Rush – Vapor Trails 2002

This album marked the return of the band after a five-year hiatus. In 1997, drummer Neil Peart lost his daughter, and the following year, lost his wife. He took time off and travelled across North America on his motorcycle, which he chronicled in his book, Ghost Rider. The result was an incredible and deeply personal rock album.

2002 fun facts –
*Cost of a new house - $228,700.
*Cost of gas - $1.61
*The Mars Odyssey found signs of water on Mars
*Serena Williams won both Wimbledon and the US Open
*Kelly Clarkston won the first American Idol
*The Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, Utah

Movies released –
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Blade II
Spider-Man
Signs
The Ring
Equilibrium
Reign of Fire
28 Days Later
Die Another Day

Music released –
Shadows Fall – The Art of Balance
U2 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind
Foo Fighters – One by One

Games released –
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit II
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
Resident Evil

And why is 2002 special?
It’s the year Jen Chandler went to Ireland!

Jen is a writer, food enthusiast, and cat lover. Recently in college, she’s in the process of finding her way, and invites others to share her journey. She always has such a happy and joyful attitude. She’s had several blogs and been on hiatus, but her new home is The Cup and Page.

Just Released!

White Hellebore by Nicole Zoltack is available today!

Movie Review – The Lone Ranger

I find that most film critics are harsher than I am.
However, in the case of The Lone Ranger, they may have been too kind…

The movie has no identity. It’s a slapstick comedy one moment, fantasy the next, and then dark western next. None of the elements work well together.
I also didn’t buy into Depp’s Indian character. There are many fine Indian actors who could’ve played the role far better.
The worst part – the film is just DULL. And way too long.
The last twenty minutes are entertaining, but not enough to save this boring, odd, awful  film.
Don’t waste two hours and twenty minutes of your life on this film. Save yourself!

The Showdown!

Coming next Tuesday, the final installment of Lord of the Clones, a video masterpiece courtesy of Father Dragon Al. Three judges, including Jeff Hargett, will decide the winner. Lady Jezebel will be there serving punch. Who will win? Who will truly be Lord of the Clones…?


Did you know the story behind Vapor Trails or read Peart’s book? Following Jen’s new blog? Had the misfortune of watching The Lone Ranger? Think I can beat Baldernot and be Lord of the Clones? And what do you remember best about 2002…?