Two Books & Two Films for Consideration

Archive for August, 2010

Two Books & Two Films for Consideration

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Wicked Becomes You

A friend recommended M. Duran to me and I’m so glad she did. I really enjoyed this story. It had likable characters, a unique plot, significant heat and a fulfilling end. As an added bonus, Duran is adept at building the stories backdrop - traveling from the Moulin Rouge to Nice to Monte Carlo.

An excellent romantic read. 3 1/2 Stars!

After reviewing the Dallas Area Romance Authors upcoming programs, I wanted to read something be our delightful speaker yesterday: Sherry Thomas. Not only was her book delightful, she is as well. Blunt and forthright, yet vulnerable and real – she’s a refreshing romantic author. She’s even more talented considering English is her second language.

Private Arrangement by Sherry Thomas. 3 Stars

Two films from this weekend I reviewed as well. ***MINOR Spoiler ALERT!****

Date Night (PG-13)

With Steve Carell, Tina Fey, and Mark Wahlberg (at his chest perfection best no less) – this film was more than I expected. The commercials did provide the comedic highlights, but it didn’t delve into the very real topic of a marriage trying to balance comfort with boredom. I had a ‘Awww’ moment in the final scene in the diner – S. Carell (see Dan, In Real Life if you want to see him in a dramatic role – I love this film!) is so much more than just a prat-falling comedian. And M.Wahlbergs chest is perfection. T. Fey is funny – she’s not my fave, but I enjoyed her. ONLY disappointment – a drawn-out stripper/dance club version that was initially funny but became tedious. I’m not sure it really added anything – and I kind of as like, did we need to go here? I guess I should add I’m not a prude, at all, so it’s nothing to do with me being squeamish about sexuality – it just seemed excessive. 3 1/2 Stars!

Hot Tub Time Machine (R) – It deserves this rating.

I will watch John Cusack do anything. I love him (Say Anything, Serendipity, Gross Pointe Blank, America’s Sweethearts and The Grifters. Even not so good films: Must Love Gogs, 2012 and Con Air) because he’s this sweet, handsome, vulnerable guy that’s … him. This didn’t really give him the opportunity to do much but drink, use drugs and return to the 80′s. And I didn’t find a single person in the supporting cast (well maye the nephew and Crispin Glover) noteworthy. The movie was funny – but only because it was so completely ludicrous and embarassing. The two funniest scenes for me both included Craig Robinson. 1. When he actually has to SAY that it was a Hot Tub Time Machine and looks into the camera with all of the ‘Yes, I know, I can’t beleive I just said that – so PLEASE laugh’. That was brilliant. The other, when he’s in the hot tub with a groupie – I LAUGHED and LAUGHED! 2 Stars!

Posted in Movies, Random Observations, Romance Novels | 12 Comments »

The Hunger Games

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

I like books in the Young Adult genre. I guess I’m still really in tune with the adolescent me .

My thirteen year old had to read two books this summer for school. While I was surprised that ’The Hunger Games’ was on the reading list, I let her pick what sounded interesting to her. I want my kids to love reading the way I do. She was so quickly entranced that I sat back to devour it once she was done. Turns out I had to wrestle it from my mother before I had my turn, but that only helped build anticipation.

It’s a really solid book. Tightly woven, deeply transporting, and emotional without abusing sentimentality. Set in such a dark and completely encompassing world, you like Katniss, Peeta, Gale and the others. You want them all to be okay, even though you know that can’t happen. It’s not light hearted, there are no comic moments – the name is fitting.

Katniss, the stories heroine, is likable. And though her world is different, she is accessible. As self confident and capable as she is, she’s more likable because of the flaws in her character. Her temper, namely, but it’s not so much a flaw as an extremely useful tool.

The action is charged – very ‘Lord of the Flies’ in some bits… but in a good way. The world building is fun, with new animals and brightly died people living in tyranny. It’s a interesting dichotomy that keeps the book from getting too dark for younger readers.

I don’t want to delve too deeply into the story itself. If you could compare it to a few books, to grasp its vibe, I’d say ‘Lord of the Flies’ meets ’1984′ meets ‘Totall Recall’ meets ‘Gladiator’ meets ‘The Island’.

It’s really enjoyable.

I’ve read the sequel. It’s good, but I wasn’t as absorbed as I was with its predecessor. My thirteen year old informed me that we’re going to get the third and final installment when it’s released tomorrow. I admit, it’ll be tough for me to bid my time while she reads it first.

4 Stars!

Posted in Random Observations, Young Adult Novels | 7 Comments »

Clash of the Titans

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

As you’ve probably guessed, I have a movie addiction. When I’m not reading I’m watching a movie. I have favorite actors and genres, favorite movie composer and directors. As mentioned in an earlier entry – I applaud high concept films, even those attempting to revisit or re-tune a classic.

Then there are times when the film industry should leave well enough alone.

The remake of ‘Clash of the Titans’ is a perfect example! ** Mild Spoiler Alert**

Sure the original is somewhat dated by its special effects but not enough to diminish the film as a whole. The acting is a little campy, but it totally works. And the theme – that true love conquers all – is as classic as the film itself.

The new version is a mish-mash of samplings from other ‘big budget’ films.

1. Zeus impregnating the King’s wife as the King - Excalibur (so not worthy to borrow from that film.)

2. Ralph Feinnes hissing and slinking about in black – Um… it’s Voldemort with a nose and hair (and I like R. Fiennes)

3. Liam Neeson raging and looking fearless – a little too expected

4 Sam Worthington – just poor timing. Terminator Salvation, Avatar and Clash all came out bam bam bam. And he didn’t even change his appearance. It’s like, hey, I like you Sam Worthington pretending to be Jake Sully and Perseus, and mutant man/machine thing that gives John Connor your heart… But you’re still Sam Worthington.

5. The wooden man scorpion trance inducing things were like wooden wookies – with tasers. AND – the scorpions were so a copy of the robot/transformer scorpion Scorponok in the 1st Transformers film.

6. Ferryman = Pirates of the Caribbean

I could go on – but I won’t. It was like they had a bunch of great ideas that they wanted to put together but… these ideas had already been used in other films.

If you can enjoy it for pure camp – go for it. I admit that fast forward became my friend during the never-ending battle sequences.

Oh – and don’t even get me started on the Medusa. On second thought – she was kind of cool, if for no other reason than to see how far CGI has come way.

2 Stars

Posted in Movies, Random Observations | 5 Comments »

Back to School

Monday, August 16th, 2010

My children are dreading the imminent return to school. Getting up early, wearing clothes (beyond pjs or pants only – boys), and the need to appear, if only for appearance sake, somewhat social. In actuality, my kids are really social. They can get along with anyone, except each other of course. I think the groans that follow any mention of the word school really stem from what comes in addition to school. With school comes soccer, homework, orchestra, an earlier bedtime and a lot less free time in general.

I, on the other hand, am counting down the second until school starts. I know that we have six days, eleven hours and twenty two minutes until I have my brood delivered to their respective campuses. Their return to school won’t make the volcano of laundry, my constant companion, any less overwhelming. And the the dishes, chauffering and general house-keeping will still be very present. BUT there will be one thing I haven’t experienced since… last Spring.

Drumroll please… silence.

Yes, silence. That underappreciated state of auditory rest that moms rarely enjoy. I mean you can plug yourself into ear buds or blast music, but that’s just to drown out the offensive sound – it’s not the same.

I will have almost eight hours free from the shrill dog-deafening shriek of my precocious seven year-old; free from my elder son’s continuous commentary on every Star Wars characters evolution… or explosions… or weaponry… Or farting – a source of never-ending giggles for both my boys. My lovely daughters, both bordering womanhood, provide a different sort of noise. They delight in eliciting the youngests shrieks, the complete and utter frustration of the other, and try my infinite patience with their charmingly erractic mood swings. Twenty-four hours can feel like fifty years.

So you see, I’m looking forward to Monday because of the silence. I will sit, enjoy some coffee, read a bit, and listen to the nothingness in a state of sheer bliss.

That’s not to say that four o’clock Monday won’t be just as sweet – for the exact opposite reason. Eight hours, alone and quiet, isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

Posted in Random Observations | 5 Comments »

Scary Movies

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

I love scary movies. Good scary movies. I like high concept, far flung backdrops that keep you glued and characters you can like a little bit. There are plenty of not so good scary movies out there, from laughable to ‘what the @#!?’ but I won’t list them as that’s giving credit where credit is not due. Instead, I’ll throw up my top five scary movies of all time – feel free to share yours too!

1. 28 Days Later – I love this movie. It’s gripping, scary, and the best of all evil virus turning people into flesh eating zombie movies EVER.

2. Alien & Aliens – Totally immersive environment and unique alien – originality rocks. And Sigourney Weaver is awesome.

3. Hostel – Yes. This is a gore fest and more than a little disturbing. However, it meets my standards for a Quality Scary Movie. Not for the squeamish - mind you.

4. Pet Cemetery – Evil kid and the nightmare inducing sister locked up – Shiver. But what would you expect from Stephen King.

5. The Descent – It’s not the creatures lurking in the caves that get me in this one. It’s the tight spaces. I’m not claustrophobic, but this turns me into one.

After sitting through an okay wannabe ‘Descent’ last night, I pondered my faves and thought I’d share them. I’m certain I’ll come up with more good ones as the day progresses. After all, I’ve seen lots and lots of movies and I have an opinion on them all.

Posted in Movies, Random Observations | 3 Comments »

Romance Novels, Pitching and Other Adventures

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

My first Romance Writers of America conference is behind me. Truth be told, it was okay, just outrageously crowded. I was astounded by how many attendees were there that hadn’t written anything. I’m not saying they didn’t have a right to be there – no way – I’m just amazed that so many in the ‘idea stage’ made the trek.

A few things to note, for all prospective writers or conference attendees:

When you attend an Open House and have the opportunity to ask questions directly to a Major Publishing House Editor – be prepared. For example, know their submission guidelines and, if possible, their category lines. Do not ask something like, “You’re looking for 50,000 word manuscripts? Mine is 60,000 words. So do I need to cut 10,000 words or will you do that?” of the Editor. And, if you do, be prepared for the collective gasp and stares of incredulity that follow. I’m assuming getting published by Harlequin isn’t something this person wants to do.

If you’re trudging along, at the end of your conference stay, don’t be surprised if a Big Name author person gets their four inch stilettos stuck in the slats between the Boardwalk beams (or that someone is wearing stilettos on the Boardwalk at 2pm in the afternoon – they are a Big Name Author – they can do whatever they want!). Just help them extricate their heel and smile as if it’s no big deal, then call your husband to gush and pray that some of their creative writing genius has transferred from their ankle to your hand… That could so happen!

Go listen to Donald Maass – because, quite simply, he rocks. I have to review my manuscript, with his voice echoing in my head, to make sure it’s stellar. Jennifer Jackson wants 50 pages from me, a dream come true. But I cannot submit anything less than the best 50 pages possible… Cause I really liked her and I want her to want to represent me… and since J.Jackson works with Mr. Maass, chances are she’s going to be looking for hooks and transitions he was talking about.

Take a buddy/roommate. It’ll be a lot more fun to have someone in your corner to gab into the wee hours with. There’s so much to take in you really need to have someone to share it with – and it will make it way more affordable. You’ll both remember more and have a different point of view to see things with. And POV is always critical when you’re writing. And, when you’re a writer, everything is potential writing material… See above.

Posted in Random Observations, Romance Novels | 8 Comments »

Sasha Summers

Archive for August, 2010