Huntsman Movie Review, Ninja News, Book Releases, Awards, and Visiting the Geek Twins

Maurice asked me to be a guest at The Geek Twins ages ago – and we finally made it happen! Want to know who I think are the smartest and sexiest women in science fiction and why? Come on, you know you do! Then jump over and visit The Geek Twins, Maurice and Nigel, when you’re done here.

Movie Review

Snow White and the Huntsman
Definitely not the sweet Disney version! This movie had an uneven pace. Certain scenes were well executed and visually stunning, like the faerie forest, while others dragged or seemed odd. I think in the hands of a better director this film would’ve been a major contender. The beginning was slow although it picked up once the dwarves appeared. Stewart did all right although the girl can’t smile to save her life. Ultimately, it was Chris Hemsworth who carried the movie. If not for him, it would’ve had no heart or soul.
Certainly not a bad film but overall a bit disappointing. Full potential not realized.

Ninja News

Anna Smith’s book, Alphabet Wishes, is now available – congratulations, Anna!

Allison at Geek Banter is holding a Hundred Followers giveaway and you could win one of several Terry Brooks novels. Now that is a cool prize. Way to go, Allison!

RaShelle Workman unveiled the cover art for her new book series, Blood and Snow. Looks awesome, RaShelle – you rock!

And my BuNoWriMo progress is around 5000 words so far!

June 5 Book Releases

The Azalea Assault by Alyse Carlson (aka Hart Johnson) Confessions of a Watery Tart
This is Hart’s FIRST book release and I couldn’t be happier for her.
She will be amusing the Ninja Army during her blog tour on June 18.

Quilt or Innocence by Elizabeth Craig at Mystery Writing is Murder
Another great cozy mystery from Elizabeth, founder of the Writers Knowledge Database.

These two ladies have teamed up for the Crazy Cozy Blogfest on June 5. Blog about the craziest idea you have for a cozy mystery. Make it entertaining and humorous. Winner receives signed books from both Hart and Elizabeth. For details, go HERE

Surrender by Elana Johnson
The follow up to her debut novel, Possession!
Elana will be entertaining the Ninja Army on her blog tour June 25.

She is also hosting a contest June 11-15 – the Never Surrender Blogfest. All participants get a swag package and three winners get a Barnes and Noble gift Card. To sign up, visit her BLOG

Awards

I’ve received many awards, including a couple new ones, and been tagged in a blog hop. In the interest of time, I shall do what I do best – be brief!

I received the Fabulous Blog Ribbon from the energetic Cassie Mae.

Name five of your most fabulous moments; five things you love; five things you hate.

One answer for each – Accepting Jesus, my wife, mowing my lawn
Passing this on to the happiest blogger I know, Morgan Shamy.

Napper Blogger Award from the sweet and caring Kela
Name something you do to take time for YOU – Easy – play my guitar.
Passing this on to Laura Pauling who probably needs a nap after her blog tour.

Vicki at Page After Page tagged me with the Be Inspired Blog Hop. Thank you Vicki – I will save that one for another day.

Anyone else see Snow White and the Huntsman? Finally watch Hatfield and McCoys? (Surprised so many of you recorded it!) Participating in either Hart and Elizabeth’s or Elana’s book release blog hop/contests? Been awarded lately? And if you are participating in BuNoWriMo or Camp NaNo, are you on track with your writing?Don't forget the next posting for the Insecure Writer's Support Group is this Wednesday!

No, go visit The Geek Twins!

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?