Showing posts with label TV trivia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV trivia. Show all posts

Monday, May 7, 2018

Reviews – Frankenstein Chronicles, The Terror, Legion, Resident Evil. Plus Ant-Man Trailer, TV Trivia, and Other Movie News.

Shows and Movie Reviews

The Frankenstein Chronicles
Inspector John Marlott investigates a series of crimes in 19th Century London, which may have been committed by a scientist intent on re-animating the dead.
Starring Sean Bean, Richie Campbell, Tom Ward, and Ryan Sampson.
This is a favorite time period of mine. Add in a dash of horror and Sean Bean and I was intrigued.
I’m only a few episodes in, but it’s incredibly intriguing. The story line has shot in new directions since the beginning, with many subplots that all twist around Marlott and his investigation.
It’s also great to see Sean Bean in anything. He’s a good actor. His character is very complex and with a troubled past. He’s flawed, but you can root for him.
Two seasons of six episodes each, this UK series is short but packs a punch.
Highly recommended.

The Terror
The crew of a Royal Naval expedition searching for the Arctic's treacherous Northwest Passage discovers instead a monstrous predator.
Starring Jared Harris, Tobias Menzies, and Ciarán Hinds.
Based on Dan Simmons’ novel, The Terror.
I read The Terror several years ago. And it was officially the last time I slogged through a book I wasn’t enjoying. At almost eight hundred pages, it really needed to be shortened to half that.
The show manages to avoid all of that. It’s also not depressing despite its dark subject matter.
The budget was obviously hefty as it’s a great looking show.
There are a lot of plot threads that really add to the story and the tension. Not so much that you’ll get lost though.
I’m almost at the end of this one – definitely recommended.

Legion
Legion, based on the Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz, is the story of David Haller (Dan Stevens), a troubled young man who may be more than human.
The second season is in full swing right now. The first season redefined creative, crazy, bold television making.
This season has taken crazy to a whole new level.
I really have no idea where it’s going. I can’t see any possible conclusion that will bring us back from the edge of madness. (Or kill everyone in the world. David is just that powerful of a mutant.)
If you’re looking for a show unlike anything else out there, you have to check out Legion. It redefines super hero television series. (I can’t watch The Flash or any of those shows anymore – they fall so short.)
Highly recommended.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
Alice returns to where the nightmare began: The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.
Starring Milla Jovovich and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson.
The last movie was okay at best, despite how much money it made at the box office. This one was better. The final chapter? Probably not, but it did bring the story line full circle.
The story is simple. Nothing complex, deep, or meaningful. (After six movies, were you expecting more?) But it’s well executed and self-contained. You don’t need to see the other films to know what is going on.
And Mila can still kick butt.
The zombies created by the Umbrella Corporation’s virus are still there, although they take a back seat in the story. Lots of fights, explosions, and other gory moments. A fitting end to the series, if it is indeed the end.
Fans of the series will dig it. Otherwise, recommended to those who like their zombie movies in the style of Road Warrior.

Movie News

Want a bit more to chew on after Avengers: Infinity War?
Some cool articles from JoBlo:
Joe Russo confirms Soul Stone theory in Avengers: Infinity War
Top 10 Plot Theories and Titles for Avengers 4

Also from JoBlo:
Vin Diesel confirms Justin Lin is directing Fast & Furious 9 and 10. 
The ninth movie is set for release on April 10th, 2020.
Diesel confirmed this while promoting the opening of the new Fast & Furious: Supercharged ride at the Universal Orlando Resort. I’ll see the movies but not sure about Supercharged.

Monty Python musical Spamalot getting movie adaptation.
According to JoBlo:
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL is one of the most beloved comedy classics of all time and one that remains as endlessly quotable as it is timeless. As much of a classic as the movie is, the Broadway musical based on the movie, SPAMALOT, has achieved its own level of acclaim and notoriety. Now, it’s time for the stage romp to make its own way to the silver screen, and now 20th Century Fox is fast-tracking a film version into development.

And for those of you who haven’t seen the latest trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp – oh yeah, it looks awesome!



Ninja News

We need one more co-host for the June 6 posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! If you can help that day (or later in the summer) please leave a comment. Thanks!

Don’t forget that Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime is now out!

Learn more about the book and the authors at the Tick Tock Mystery Blog.

Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Kobo.

Available now:

Supervillain!: An Unofficial And Unauthorised Guide To The World Of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog by David Black

An episode guide for Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

Find it on Amazon




I saw this on Twitter last Friday and it made me chuckle:


Trivia

Books to television series – name the book/show based on the author and the star:

1 – Author Laura Ingalls Wilder, starring Michael Landon
2 – Author Craig Johnson, starring Robert Taylor
3 – Authors Richard Hooker & W. C. Heinz and starring Alan Alda
4 - Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch
5 – Author Stephen King, starring Mike Vogel
6 – Author James S. A. Corey and starring Thomas Jane

Answers next Monday!

Are you watching any of those shows? Have any other Infinity War theories? Riding Supercharged? Excited about the next Ant-Man movie? Picked up Tick Tock? Know any of the trivia answers?
And who can co-host next month?

Monday, January 20, 2014

Online Marketing Symposium! Plus Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Movie Review, TV Trivia Answers, and Ninja News

Movie Review

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
Staring Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Kenneth Branagh, and Keira Knightly
It’s a good start to a reboot of the franchise and takes place in current time. Ryan’s first mission as an operative is to go to Russia to analyze some accounts. He’s an ‘analyst out of water’ as he discovers a terrorist plot to destroy American’s economy and forced to go beyond his job description.
The actors all did a good job and I really like Kevin Costner in the film. Branagh pulls double-duty as both actor and director and does it well.
Not a great film, but a really good action-spy thriller. And certainly one of the best films I have ever seen in January. Shame it didn’t do better at the box office this weekend.(Shame what DID do well this weekend.)
Recommended


Ninja News

Yvonne Lewis has been having issues with commenting on certain blogs and with others finding her blog. So if you’ve missed Yvonne, hop over and follow her new blog.

In celebration of her upcoming release, 18 Truths, Jamie Ayres is hosting a special blogfest this week and it includes prizes:
Players tell two truths and one lie. The object of the game is to hop around the blogs and determine which statement that each blogger posted is the false one.Anyone who posts for the Can You Handle The TRUTH? blogfest between January 22nd-28th can enter to win a number of prizes donated by 18 terrific people.

Donna Weaver had a special release last week – Hope's Watch. This eBook-exclusive short story includes special excerpts from both A Change of Plans and Torn Canvas, coming April 2014.
Talli Roland revealed the print version of The Pollyanna Plan, coming March 11.


For those of you who are members of the IWSG Facebook Group - remember that promotions are to be posted on Saturday News & Promo Day only. (And I understand the group is over five hundred strong now!)
Jessica Therrien announced a great opportunity and giveaway:
To celebrate our new blog, the authors at Darkly Delicious YAalong with Book Nerd Tours are hosting a huge giveaway, and we’re looking for authors of Young Adult and New Adult (provided there are no graphic sex scenes) to submit their books for the giveaway. The grand prize will be a Kindle Fire HD loaded with all our books. Giveaway will start on March 1st and run through March 17th.


TV Trivia Answers

On The X-Files, what's Mulder's nickname? Spooky
What show starred Michael Landon as an angel? Highway to Heaven
On The Simpsons, who shot Mr. Burns? Maggie Simpson
What was the name of the charter boat that shipwrecked in the 1960s show "Gilligan's Island"? S.S. Minnow
What 80s show is Frasier a spinoff of? Cheers

What Works – Online Marketing Symposium
A blogfest with information you can use! Hosted by Arlee Bird, Yolanda Renee, Jeremy Hawkins, and Alex J. Cavanaugh.

We want you to tell us your stories of success (or not so successful) as we present a blogging event that will help us learn. Tell us about a marketing idea that you've used and what worked or didn't work. Your post could describe a campaign that succeeded in a big or small way or one that failed drastically. Tell us about a business campaign, an organizational event, a fundraiser – anything where a bit of promotion was necessary! The What Works.. Marketing Symposium is not limited to authors but also to anyone in a business that has a promotional aspect – online or otherwise!

I’ve seen a lot of blog tours in over four years of blogging (and conducted three of my own) and I think they are still very effective. Based on my experience and observations, here are my tips on how to get the most out of a blog tour:

One tour stop a day. If a blog was nice enough to host you, return the favor by making that the one and only, front and center stop. (It’s just being courteous.)

All guest posts and interviews should be unique. No duplicates.

Announcements aren’t tour stops.

If bloggers are announcing the release of your book (or whatever) try to send something a little different to each one.

Select high traffic stops with lots of followers. (Those with smaller followings can do an announcement for you.) You want to get in front of a lot of people, plus putting together a guest post takes time and effort – make it count.

Avoid weekend stops unless that is the blog’s prime traffic and post time.

Announce each stop the day it occurs on your blog, Twitter, etc. (And once you have the exact link, go back and edit it into your blog post.)

Keep your interview answers and guest posts short. (Just being real here.)

Offer a couple giveaways during your tour.

That’s what I’ve seen work best. And I didn’t mention the use of clones, but those also help!

Visit other participants:


Anyone else see Shadow Recruit? Signed up for those blogfests? Part of the IWSG Facebook Group? Get any of the television trivia right? And what online marketing tip would you offer?

Stop by on Wednesday for the announcement of one awesome contest!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Bourne Legacy Review, Ninja News, TV Trivia Answers, and Announcing My Next Blogfest!

Yes, after weeks of taunting you, I’m finally announcing the theme of my blogfest today! But first…




Movie Review

The Bourne Legacy
I’ve read the books (except this one – of course) and enjoyed the other movies. And I enjoyed this one as well!
The events of the last Bourne movie overlap, with Jason Bourne arriving in New York. However, the movie focuses on the two leads – Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross and Rachel Weisz as Dr. Marta Shearing. This movie expands on the Bourne mythos, revealing other operatives and an ever-widening conspiracy to keep the project a secret.
The film has a slower pace in the beginning, but when the action picks up, it goes full throttle. I found it incredibly entertaining and had no problem following the plot. The series could easily continue with Renner or follow another operative altogether. Good film!

Ninja News!

Siv Maria is hosting the Unforgettable Blogfest August 13-15 – post about a place or person who left a lasting impression on you. Her blogfest is to celebrate the release of her first published story, “Secrets of the Ash Tree,” in the fantasy anthology, Open Doors. EBook will be available free for a limited time only through the Wayman publishing book fair starting Labor Day weekend. See Siv’s SITE for all the details!

Part Two of Andrew Leon’s book, Shadow Spinner, is available for free on Amazon now. Download “The Kitchen Table” HERE

I was notified last night that I won Diane’s Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest! Thanks so much, guys. I am really honored. Roland and Misha were just as deserving. Thanks to those who voted, and I hope I live up to that title.

MAJOR breakthrough with edits for CassaStorm this weekend! So many subplots emerged by the end of the first draft and I finally figured out how to really tie in one that rocks. So stoked!!

And just to let you know, I will not be posting on Wednesday.

TV Trivia Answers

1 – Burn Notice’s Bruce Campbell also stared in what western series? The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
2 – On Deep Space Nine, what do Rom and Quark call their mother? Moogie
3 – Who plays Jayne Cobb on the show Firefly? Adam Baldwin
4 – On the X-Files, what character did Mitch Pileggi play? Agent Skinner
5 – On Psych, who plays Shawn Spencer’s dad? Corbin Bernsen

My Next Blogfest!

I’ve hosted six solo blogfests:
Movie Dirty Dozen
Top Ten TV Shows
Top Ten Countdown - Music
It’s All Fun and Games
Worst Movies Ever
First Loves

Now are you ready for blogfest lucky number seven?



Genre Favorites Blogfest, September 17, 2012
One blogfest, four favorites!
List your favorite genre of:
Movie
Music
Books
And a guilty pleasure genre from any of the three categories!

Sign up below and spread the word!

Did you see The Bourne Legacy? Get the TV trivia questions right? And are you ready for the Genre Favorites Blogfest?



Friday, August 10, 2012

Olympic Torch Relay, Ninja News, Favorite TV Shows, and TV Trivia!

Nicole at Write Me a World has been hosting an Olympic Torch Relay, with daily posts inspired by the Olympics. And now, it is my turn! Visit Nicole’s SITE to find out why I think writing should be an Olympic sport.

Speaking of the Olympics…

Highlight for me was watching the USA win Gold and Silver in Women’s Beach Volleyball. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won their third Olympic Gold medal, solidifying their names in Olympic history.

And for the final match, all four women wore bikinis – joy!

Ninja News

EJ Wesley will be revealing the cover art for his book soon and needs your help! Check out his site for details.

MsHatch at Maine Words is holding a three year blogging anniversary giveaway!

Voting continues for Diane’s Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest, Thanks DL and all the others who nominated me – you guys rock!

Don’t forget, Monday is the big reveal!

Save the date – September 17

Favorite TV Shows

Yes, my childhood was spent in front of the TV. Recently with NetFlix, that addiction has continued into adulthood. Those of you who’ve avoided this addiction, I salute you! In the meantime, these are some of my favorite shows, in no particular order:

Present:
Psych
Burn Notice
Leverage
Breaking Bad
The Glades
Sports Nation

Past:
Eureka
Firefly (curse you FOX!)
Stargate SG1
Stargate Atlantis
Star Trek Next Generation
Star Trek Deep Space Nine (my favorite Star Trek series)
Star Trek Voyager
Star Trek Enterprise
X-Files
Farscape
Yes, I tend to lean toward the science fiction shows!

TV Trivia

For those of you who struggle with the movie trivia…



1 – Burn Notice’s Bruce Campbell also stared in what western series?

2 – On Deep Space Nine, what do Rom and Quark call their mother?

3 – Who plays Jayne Cobb on the show Firefly?

4 – On the X-Files, what character did Mitch Pileggi’s play?

5 – On Psych, who plays Shawn Spencer’s dad?

(What, you were expecting questions about Glee or something? Be serious!)

Did you watch the final beach volleyball game? Ready for Monday’s reveal? Know the answers to the trivia questions? Seeing The Bourne Legacy this weekend? And what are some of your favorite TV shows?

Don’t forget to visit Nicole at Write Me a World

Monday, January 16, 2012

Pop Culture Gone Wild!

Thought we’d do something to kick-start those brain cells.

It’s time for some pop culture trivia!


Come on – it will be fun. Bet you know at least one answer. Everything focuses on the 80’s and 90’s.

Speaking of 80’s, Nicki Elson is hosting a blogfest on February 10 – I’ll Tumble 4 Ya – name your 80’s crush. (And I’ll tell you right now, it was NOT the Culture Club!!!!)

And we are looking for guest posts from past and coming participants over at the A to Z Challenge blog. Contact Lee or any of the co-hosts if you are interested.

Now, on to the trivia!

Movies

Quote – name the movie: “Three weeks, twenty papers, that’s two dollars.”

What now famous actor was killed in his bed in A Nightmare on Elm Street? (1984)

What actress appeared in Less Than Zero, Twister, and The Lost Boys?

In True Romance, who plays Christian Slater’s vision of Elvis?

Quote – name the movie: “You know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?”


Music

What famous guitarist for Ozzy was killed March 1982?

Where did the band White Zombie get its name?

Milton Berle was in two of Ratt’s music videos – what was the connection?

What album spent a record-setting 778 weeks on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart?

Who was the hot blonde in the video for the Grammy winning song, Rosanna, by Toto?

TV

Before it was a hit series, The Simpsons debuted as a short skit on what FOX show?

Which actress replaced Shelly Long when she left Cheers?

What award-winning two hour show parodied other movies from 1988 to 1999?

Director Michael Mann produced what TV series? (He later directed the film version.)

What actor was on Saturday Night Live, hosted two TV shows, did Monday Night Football, and even hosted a game show?

Bonus Game question!

What is the best-selling game console ever?

Give me your best answers! Winner gets the right to strut his or her pop culture geekness for a week. Runner up gets… a warm, fuzzy feeling.