A to Z Challenge – The Road Warrior and Rest in Peace, Plus Ninja News and Oblivion Movie Review

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

The Road Warrior

Without a doubt the greatest chase movie ever. A post-apocalyptic world that is brutal but not lacking a sense of humor. Every guy wanted to be Max because he was so damn cool. (And be honest - you wanted to drive a tanker over some jerk after watching this!)

The Gyro Pilot is a slightly unbalanced man just trying to survive. At first he seems concerned only with himself, but he joins the cause and fights with the others. He has swagger and charm, a wicked sense of humor, and leads the others to a better way of life.

Who is the Gyro Pilot?

Gary at Klahanie!

Gary openly admits he struggles with issues and some days, it’s all he can do to get by. But at his heart, he is willing to sacrifice for others. Armed with Penny the Dog and Modest Internet Superstar, he stands for what is right and champions his friends. Add in his swagger and sense of humor, and Gary will charm your socks off.

Gary is an advocate for awareness of mental health issues and owned by Penny. He is also the Unofficial Anti-A to Z Challenge Mascot. (And we are proud to claim him.)

I dedicate to you Rest in Peace by Extreme.  (Title leads to YouTube.)

“Straight through the heart, Peace can be found, That’s where you start…”

Trivia and Facts:

Who directed The Road Warrior?

Extreme’s song Play With Me was featured in this 1989 film during the mall scene – name the science fiction comedy.

Q’s trivia answer – Iron Maiden’s mascot is Eddie.

Ninja News

Lexa has an agent - Michelle L. Johnson of Inklings Literary Agency. Congratulations, Lexa!

SC’s query contest is open again and there are eight agents lined up! Check out the details HERE

And correction! The Goodreads giveaway of CassaStorm is open through Sunday! Enter HERE

Oblivion Movie Review

Jack (Tom Cruise) and Victoria oversee the final stages of extracting resources from Earth (after its near destruction by aliens) before joining the others on Titan. However, Jack has questions – and a reoccurring dream.
The film’s overall storyline is unique, even as it borrows tiny bits from other movies. But there are several twists in the plot that keep it refreshing and a puzzle.
Special effects are great without being overwhelming. Jack’s ship is especially cool. (And my wife now wants a pool in the sky.)
It is slightly overlong, but at two hours, it won’t kill you.
It won’t completely knock your socks off, but you will be pleasantly surprised – and surprised more than once. Recommended!

Any Road Warriors out there? Fan of Gary and Penny? Remember Extreme’s Rest in Peace? Know the trivia? Ready for a query contest? And did anybody else see Oblivion?

A to Z Challenge, The Quick and the Dead, Quest for Fire, Ninja News, Last Day to Enter Giveaway, and CassaStorm Theme Song

My theme for the A to Z Challenge is Favorite Movies, Bloggers, and Music! I’ll name a favorite movie that corresponds with the letter, and then select a character from the film. I will then name a favorite blogger who reminds me of that character, and then dedicate a song to him. (Also corresponding with the alphabet.) I’ll wrap it all up with trivia and/or fun facts about the movie, the blogger, or the music!

In addition, two lucky commenters this month will receive a review copy of CassaStorm! One comment per day and each is worth one entry except – the first and one hundredth comments on each day will receive ten entries!

The Quick and the Dead

Sam Raimi brings his crazy directorial style to a western. It boasts a great cast – you’ll be amazed just how many stars are in this film. (If you can find the director’s cut, you’ll see Bruce Campbell.) It’s a real bigger than life western.

Ellen is a gunslinger with a troubled past and set on vengeance. She’s dangerous and tough, but her vulnerability is what makes her appealing. Ellen has set her sights on her goal and nothing will stop her now.

Who is Ellen?

Ellie Garratt!

(Similarity of names purely coincidental.)

Troubles and challenges entered Ellie’s life, but she emerged stronger than before. Focused and determined to succeed, she has done just that and more. We don’t see much of the real Ellie, but that is her vulnerability. Overall, it makes for a very endearing combination.

Ellie Garratt is the author of Passing Time and lives in the UK

To you I dedicate Quest for Fire by Iron Maiden. (Title leads to YouTube.)

Because I thought not only would you appreciate the band, but the storyline of the song (and the equally funny and cheesy video) – “Then the tribes they came to steal their fire, And the wolves they howled into the night…”

Trivia and Facts:

Did you know that Sharon Stone was so insistent that Leonardo DiCaprio appear in the film that she paid his salary?

What is the name of Iron Maiden’s mascot?

P’s trivia answer – The Princess Bride novel and screenplay were both written by William Goldman.

Ninja News

Please continue to pray for my friend Gail. Her husband needs a heart transplant and they are in the process of getting on the waiting list. Gail’s blog is At The Farm and she’s posting updates on the process.

Jade Hart’s book, Coffee and Cockpits, comes out today. Congratulations, Jade!

Today is the last day to enter the Goodreads giveaway for CassaStorm! Remember that commenting here through the end of April still enters you to win a copy.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

CassaStorm

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Giveaway ends April 21, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Theme Song for CassaStorm

I’d meant to post this when I revealed the cover and forgot! I’d shared it with my critique partners before sending the manuscript, as the piece really captures the tone of the book. I don’t normally get into soundtracks, but my wife loves the soundtrack for Tron: Legacy, and once I heard this song, it became the theme song for CassaStorm. I think once you hear it you’ll see that the tone of this book is a little darker than the last one. I’m really counting on Bassan, Byron's ten-year-old son, to balance it out.

Start the video at 1:35 for full impact.



A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, his only struggles are occasional rogue pirate raids and endless government bureaucracies. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, shaking Bassan to the core and threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could be on its way back. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

Fan of The Quick and the Dead? Following Ellie? Any Iron Maiden fans out there? Can you name their mascot? Entered the giveaway? And what do you think of the synopsis now that you’ve heard the music behind it? This Ninja would really like to know…

Seeing Oblivion this afternoon – fingers crossed!