Movie Reviews – Prometheus, Madagascar III, John Carter – and Ninja News!

Movie Reviews

Prometheus
I liked it, but… Yes, I know that’s how most reviews of this movie begin, and now I understand why. Some spoilers, but they won’t ruin the film and certainly can’t add to the confusion.
Basic storyline is a group travels to a distant planet to find our creators.
First, it is a stunning looking film. Scott can deliver visuals like noboby’s business. Just massive in scope.
Now, this movie raises far more questions than it answers. It begins with grand ideas (think 2001) but somewhere along the way it returns to earth, bogged down by scenes that made no sense. We pieced together some of the story (check out Cinema Blend) but some of it remained a mystery due to gaps. Some scenes made sense, but the characters were not fleshed out enough to make their actions believable. Either there are many missing scenes or a lot of plot holes left open. (Inception was a complicated puzzle but it could be put together - with this movie, there are pieces missing and extra pieces, resulting in an incomplete puzzle.)
I found the film intriguing and enjoyable – it was quite a spectacle to behold. Ultimately though, it felt like a missed opportunity and was a very frustrating film to watch.

Madagascar III: Europe’s Most Watned
Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melman, and the gang are back and still trying to get home to New York. The big box office winner of the weekend, this film returns to the silliness of the first one. Placing the characters in a traveling circus is the perfect setting. The animation and settings are lush, and the movie is a splash of colors. With animals leaping, spinning, and shooting out of cannons, the 3D really pops. We meet many new characters, the best of which is Stefano the sea lion and a group of grumpy little dogs.
The story is simple. This isn’t Oscar material, folks! It won’t change your life. However, it is very funny. Yes, I enjoyed this one. Take the family!

John Carter – 3D Bluray DVD
I caught this in the theater back in March and reviewed it HERE. Based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ book, Princess of Mars, this movie is a throwback to classic science fiction-fantasy. Visually stunning, epic in scope, and coupled with a great story, this film should’ve done far better at the box office. (Thank you Disney for screwing up the marketing!) A second viewing in 3D confirmed my first impression – this movie is awesome. It’s the kind of story I wish I could write. If you haven’t seen John Carter, rent it now!

Ninja News!

Thanks to everyone who commented on Michael Pierce’s guest post last Friday and downloaded his book, Provex City!

Talli Roland has a new book out this week – Construct a Couple. Congratulations, Talli!!

Carol Kilgore at Under the Tiki Hut is holding a contest this week and giving away early copies of her upcoming release, In Name Only. Check her site for details.

In the world of sports, the Miami Heat face the Oklahoma City Thunder, pitting Lebron against Durant in basketball. And the LA Kings lead the series against the New Jersey Devils in hockey. Then it will be a long five-six weeks until preseason football begins...

And despite all of my movie-watching, I did knock out a good chunk of CassaStorm this weekend!

Did you see Prometheus this weekend? Agree with the “It was good, but…” reviews? What about Madagascar? Anyone else pick up John Carter in 3D? What team are your pulling for? How’s your June writing progress? I think I’ll scale back the movies next weekend and write more…

Tips & Offer from Michael Pierce and Ninja News!

Special Guest!

Today I am welcoming author Michael Pierce! He’ll share his journey to publication. Some snark may be involved!

Self-Publishing in 300 Words or Less
(Self-imposed challenge accepted!)

I’d like to start off with thanking Alex for the opportunity to be a guest blogger. It’s quite a privilege to be here, and frankly, a little intimidating. I self-published my first book, Provex City, a few months ago and this is the Cliffs Notes to what I’ve learned. (This isn’t included in my word count.) Cheater! I'll let it slide...

Congratulations, you’ve decided to self-publish! It’s a life and death decision (for your story) and you made it. Now what? Start by looking at those who’ve come before you, successful authors like J.A. Konrath, Colleen Houck, and Amanda Hocking. Following their examples can save you a few whacks and welts along the way.

I assume you already have a blog firing on all cylinders. Check! Your new bible is The Newbie’s Guide to Publishing and be sure to visit Konrath’s blog of the same title. Then follow his roadmap to self-publishing and you can’t get lost, though some roads may need repaving.

Writing is a solitary process, but getting your writing to the masses takes a highly trained team of professionals. What you will need to start:
· An editor. You may want to throw a proofreader in the mix. Check!
· A cover designer (unless you’re a graphic designer, in which case email me!). Check!
· An e-book formatter. You can do this yourself if you’ve got the patience. I don’t. Check!
· A Print-on-Demand team (CreateSpace). A majority of sales comes from e-books, but a print copy is good for showing off to the family and submitting to book bloggers for reviews. Check!

Headache Saver #1: Have your e-book and print copy become available on or about the same time. My e-book came out a month before my print copy and I was surprised at the confusion it caused. Never again.

The two largest venues for your e-book are Amazon and Smashwords. Smashwords will distribute your freshly formatted e-book to Barnesandnoble.com and the iBookstore. Now your book is available to millions of people worldwide. Holy adjectives and expletives, Batman! Stop shaking; it’s a good thing. Now it’s time to start promoting, which will take me over my promised— Good save!

Provex City is available in e-book and paperback on Amazon. Today through Sunday, the Kindle edition of Provex City is available for FREE! Don’t hesitate to download it HERE Enjoy, members of Alex’s Ninja Army and thank you so much for reading. And I’m participating in the Debut Author Blog Hop Giveaway right now with 2 signed copies of Michael Offutt’s Slipstream.

Michael Pierce lives in Southern California with his wife, daughter, and two ultra-protective Chiweenies. Provex City is his debut novel and the first book in the young adult fantasy Lorne Family Vault Series. Visit him at his Blog, on Twitter, and on Goodreads

Ninja News!

Donna Shields has a new book out, Secrets of Jenkins Bridge, and to celebrate she is giving away all sorts of cool loot. Congratulations, Donna!

Vic Caswell just launched her freelance illustration business, Sketcher Girl Studios,and she’s celebrating by holding a giveaway of cool stuff. Check out the giveaway on her blog. Congratulations, Vic!

BIG thanks to everyone who participated in the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Those were some of the best posts I've read yet and I appreciate those of you who visited someone new.

And in case you missed it, Prometheus comes out today! After watching John Carter last night in 3D, Prometheus today, and Madagascar III this weekend, I just might be movied-out. (Who am I kidding? Never!) Reviews to follow on Monday. And I do promise to write this weekend as well.

Following Michael? Self-published a book or thinking about it? (And if you are thinking about it, Vic does covers!) Don’t forget to take Michael up on a free copy of Provex City. And finally, who’s going to the movies this weekend???

Ninja News, BuMoWriMo, Movie Reviews, and Epic June Movie Releases!

Ninja News!

Thanks to everyone who left encouraging comments Wednesday for my online mom, Yvonne Lewis. And just to clarify, the man in the photo with her was Danny, not ME!

Cate Masters just released a new book, Orion Rising. Congratulations, Cate!

Helen Ginger at Straight From Hel announced a contest for unpublished science fiction and fantasy writers – Writer’s Toybox and Netherworld Books are looking for the next best selling author. Check it out!

It's June First, which means the next posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is next Wednesday. Mark your calendars.

I’m participating in BuNoWriMo in June. (Thanks Hart for making me an unofficial member due to my lack of a Facebook account.) I have my badge ready and plan to knock out most of CassaStorm this month.

CassaStorm
is 13% complete

6589 / 50000 words written

Hatfields and McCoys
This was the highest rated regular cable show ever (outside of sporting events) and safe to say the History Channel is on to something. Good director and top-notch actors really made the difference. Sad how such bitterness led to so much bloodshed. One of the best mini-series I’ve ever seen.

The Woman in Black
Effectively creepy ghost story – and no one does anything incredibly STUPID. (Although I wouldn’t stay overnight in that house for anything!) While not really original, it has some genuine chills and tense moments. Refreshing to see Radcliffe in a different role. Throw it in your NetFlix queue – worth a watch!

June Movies!

As always, descriptions courtesy of the IMDB. Snarky comments by me.


1 –

Snow White and the Huntsman
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.
Director: Rupert Sanders
Stars: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Sam Claflin

This one looks wicked cool. Hemsworth is becoming a star.

Piranha 3DD
After the events at Lake Victoria, the pre-historic school of blood-thirsty piranhas make their way into a newly opened waterpark.
Director: John Gulager
Stars: Danielle Panabaker, Ving Rhames, David Hasselhoff, Matt Bush

No, I have no desire to see this in the theater, but I just HAD to mention it since Piranha 3D was one of the goriest films I’ve ever watched. (And I have watched some gorefests.)

8 -

Prometheus
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
Director: Ridley Scott
Stars: Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron

Ridley Scott is due for another epic masterpiece and this could be it! The child of Alien and Aliens on steroids…

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style.
Directors: Eric Darnell | Tom McGrath | Conrad Vernon
Stars: Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer

I was informed by my wife that we ARE seeing this movie when it comes out, so this will be a double feature weekend for me. Sigh. Help me!

15 -

Rock of Ages
Set in 1987 Los Angeles, Drew and Sherrie are two young people chasing their dreams in the big city. When they meet, it's love at first sight, though their romance will face a series of challenges.
Director: Adam Shankman
Stars: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin

Despite the title, they didn’t have permission to use Def Leppard’s Rock of Ages until this movie. Hey, I know all the music – why not?

22 -

Brave
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
Directors: Mark Andrews | Brenda Chapman | Steve Purcell
Stars: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters
Pixar is also due for a comeback film and this looks amazing. The voices alone sell it for me.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Stars: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

I’m reading the book right now. This will be one weird and twisted movie!

Anyone else doing BuMoWriMo? Or Camp NaNo? Think you might enter that contest? Did you watch Hatfield and McCoys? Any movies strike your fancy for June?