Retro A to Z Challenge: U – Underworld 2003 (plus updates on Godzilla, Jurassic World, and Bioshock Movies)

Underworld – 2003

Released in January, usually the dumping ground for movies, this film was a complete surprise. Following a war between vampires and werewolves, it featured a sexy, leather-clad Kate Beckinsale. (I still want that outfit for my wife. She still says no.) Three sequels have followed (with another in the making), but nothing beats the fun and adventurous original.

2003 fun facts –
*Cost of a new house - $246,300.
*Cost of gas - $1.83
*The Do Not Call Registry was implemented
*The Concorde made its last commercial flight
*Apple launched iTunes, selling ten million songs in the first four months
*The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their first Super Bowl

Movies released –
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions
X2
Finding Nemo
School of Rock
The Italian Job
Elf

Music released –
Rush in Rio (live)
Anthrax – We’ve Come For You All
OSI – The Office of Strategic Influence

Games released –
Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

And why is 2003 special?
Because 2003-2004 Angela Brown’s life was wonderful and she was blessed with her daughter, the Chipmunk!

Angela is an author and has a daughter she fondly refers to as the Chipmunk. She helps with several other blogs and publishes books under a second name, Rayven Godchild. Angela is just a delight, and so thoughtful and caring. Find her blog HERE

Three New Books!

Pat Hatt just released three more Tarsier Man books.
Not one, not two – three!
Get the full scoop on all of them at his site.
Congratulations, Pat!

Movie News

The game Bioshock’s road to the big screen seemed doomed. However, JoBlo reported yesterday:
Kotaku has noticed that about a month ago, Sony registered multiple domain names with the words "Bioshock" and "movie" in the URL. While this is far from a confirmation that the movie is back in development, it is definitely intriguing. Unlike specific domain names with subtitles, this clearly has the word "movie" which means we cannot misconstrue it as another video game or other type of project.

Jurassic World News – there may be sequels!
From Blastr:
Director Colin Trevorrow, who takes over the franchise with the upcoming Jurassic World, told the print edition of Empire they’re already eyeing plans for more sequels to this semi-reboot of the franchise.

And in Godzilla News –
From The Epoch Times, a few words from director Gareth Edwards about the time and care that went into designing Godzilla:
He said creating Godzilla–one that appears fresh and original–took about a year. “Forget the giant monsters,” he told them. “If this really happened, it would be a life-changing experience. You have to take it seriously.”
“I grew up watching Spielberg movies,” he said, referring to director Steven Spielberg. “What they did so well — as well as having epic, fantastic spectacle — they made the characters feel real and human. We were trying to do the same thing here.”

Fan of Underworld? Following the talented Angela Brown? Picking up Pat’s books? Think we’ll ever see a Bioshock movie? Do you want more Jurassic World films? As excited as I am for Godzilla next month? And what do you remember best about 2003…?

I’m also at the Insecure Writer’s Support Group website today!

A to Z Challenge – Underworld and Under a Glass Moon, Plus Ninja News

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!

Underworld

I’m sure this selection comes as no surprise! (Had it not been for Kate in black leather, I would’ve picked The Usual Suspects.) Vampires versus werewolves – just can’t go wrong with that combination.

Selena is loyal to her clan and justice. She’s there in the shadows, ready to take down evil, and proud of who she is. Selena is also just bad-ass cool. Who wouldn’t want to hang with someone like her?

Who is Selena?

Allison at Geek Banter!!

(Minus the leather outfit, although it wouldn’t surprise me if she knew how to use a sword and crossbow.)

Her profile states right up front that she loves Jesus, which is very admirable. And from that point, she becomes even more cool as she reveals her geeky side. For those into games, fantasy, science fiction, and other geek pursuits, that makes her beyond awesome. I’d definitely hang with Allison.

Allison is a writer, reviewer, gamer, and resident geek expert.

To you I dedicate Under a Glass Moon by Dream Theater. (Song title leads to YouTube.)

You will appreciate the music and the imagery. “Beneath a summer sky, Under a glass moonlight, Night awaits the lamb’s arrival…”

Trivia and Facts:

In Greek mythology, “Selene” means what…?

T’s trivia answer - The largest independent college of contemporary music in the world is Berklee College of Music, located in Boston.

Ninja News

Yesterday, I was captured by Mark Twain’s ghost and taken into space on a questionable ship, courtesy of Roland Yeomans. If you want a good laugh at my expense, read on! (And for the record, I DO NOT shrill.)

Terri Rochenski is offering some cool downloads for her upcoming book, Eye of the Soul, at her site. Check it out!

Julie Luek posted about the 30th Annual Colorado Gold Writing Contest of 2013: “For unpublished writers of COMMERCIAL novel-length fiction. Here’s your chance to get your novel in the hands of an acquiring agent or editor.” Check out her site for details.

The Wednesday Movie Quote returns next week!! Action-adventure quote this time. Post your favorite quote here next Wednesday or on your own blog.

Don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group posts next Wednesday, May 1!

CassaStorm is on the Goodreads list for “Can’t Wait Sci-Fi/Fantasy of 2013." Would be cool to see it bumped up a little higher! If you have a second, I’d appreciate a vote HERE.



Fan of Underworld? (Or sexy vampires in leather?) Following the awesome Allison? Know the trivia question? Want to read about my abduction by Mark Twain’s ghost? Entering the contest? And can you help me out on Goodreads? (You guys rock!)

Underworld

Continuing the A-Z Challenge from Arlee at Tossing it Out

Today is U - Underworld!!

Yes, another big surprise.

Rather than go into the first three movies - or my fascination with Kate Beckinsale - - thought I'd give you an update on Underworld 4.

The rumors are thick. There's no director yet, but Kate Beckinsale is 99% confirmed. Michael Sheen and Bill Nighy are also rumored, but since they both died in the first movie, I'm not really sure how their presence could be justified. (Maybe they have small roles in flashbacks?)

The release date was going to be January 21, 2011, but it has been pushed back to September 23, 2011.

io9 reports that Kate will return with two daughters in tow - and that it will be set in space!

Underworld 4 Trailer's site agrees that the movie will be in 3D and it's not a prequel. They also state movie trailer is coming soon...


Any wild speculations? Maybe if it's twenty years in the future, the space thing might be plausible. No confirmation that Scott Speedman will return - so what happened to Michael during that time? Will Victor really return from the dead?


Do you have a series of movies that you follow this closely? And why?