Category Archives: TV or Movie Stuff

Another book update and some TV reviews

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This post contains spoilers to a TV show.

So, here we are. November. It’s been an exhausting month so far. What, with the election craziness and the spike in Covid cases–2020 sure keeps on giving, huh? I’m staying positive by focusing on the fact that this time next year most of this stuff will have blown over, and we will hopefully be on our way to getting back to normal.

In book news, I’m still writing book 2 and hoping to get done before the end of the year. If that doesn’t happen it’s because of the load of work the day job has dumped on my lap. For some reason many, many departments want to rush their work out before the end of year. I can’t blame them, though. Because if it the work is not complete by mid December, then it won’t happen until February of next year since things seem to shut down after the Holidays.

With all the craziness and stress, of course I’ve gotta decompress. And with that comes some TV watching. What shows have I been watching you may ask? Well, I’ll tell you. If you haven’t checked out The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix, you need to. It’s so, so good, and with an interesting premise that will keep you glued to the TV watching episode after episode.

The other show that I really enjoyed was Killing Eve. Hulu just released season 3 last week and I had the chance of watching it this past weekend. The show picks up a few months after season 2 ended where Villanelle shoots Eve in the back. I wasn’t sure how the show could’ve continued and have it be believable that Eve and Villanelle would have some kind of relationship, but somehow they do, and the writers managed to pull it off in a seemingly genuine way. The relationship still remains one of the strangest and toxic relationships on TV, but I can’t stop watching and wondering where the pair will go next.

Well, that’s all from me this month. Ya’ll take care and be safe!

Just a bunch of TV stuff…

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Well, October is here. It’s one of my favorite times of the year, but of course, Covid has put a damper on things. So, like many people out there, I’m wondering if it’s possible to have a no–contact Halloween. I’m sure there’s some creative folks that have thought of some fun ways to pass out candy while social distancing. The best I can come up with is maybe leaving a bowl out with a “Take one” sign next to it. But then I gotta trust that the kids will respect the Honor System. Call me pessimistic, but I keep thinking a few kiddos will take advantage and take handfuls.

Any who. Aside from writing, I’ve been watching a lot of TV. One of the shows I’ve really gotten into at the moment is LOVECRAFT COUNTRY–which is excellent! I definitely suggest checking it out if you haven’t. It has just the right amount of weird for those of you that love fantasy/horror.

On the flip side of the coin was HUBIE HALLOWEEN with Adam Sandler, which was funny–in a corny kind of way. But a Halloween movie with a few laughs is a good change of pace from the normal blood and guts that is the norm–well, at least I think so anyway.

I also watched the season finale of THE WALKING DEAD, which was… okay. I think there was too much of a break between episodes, and I guess it affected my interest and investment. Oh well, Beta died a gruesome death, Judith is still alive, Darryl and Carol made up, and Maggie came back. I guess that’s all that matters. On a positive note, it looks like they’re setting up for those movies featuring Andrew Lincoln. Boy! I hope so, cause I’m really missing me some Rick.

FEAR THE WALKING DEAD premiered Sunday, and it’s looking real good. For as much as my investment and interest has waned with the original series, the spin–off has done the opposite. Ever since they added Morgan’s character, the series had gotten so much more interesting. If you gave up on this show in its earlier seasons, I really suggest giving it another try, because it’s only now really hitting its groove.

Well, that’s all from me this time. I hope ya’ll have a safe and fun Halloween.

Some book stuff, some movie stuff…

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So good new everyone! I have two events coming up! You can check them out here. I’ll be sure to add more events as I book them since I’m planning to do as many as I can in 2020. Hopefully some of ya’ll will come around and see me!

In other news–writing is going slow but steady but it’s getting there. I’m making a great effort to do a little bit of writing everyday–and with my work schedule–it can be tough, but I’m committed. I also have a working title that I’m really pleased with. I think it fits the narrative pretty well. I’ll share that with you guys when I’m a little closer to getting the thing done.

Okay–enough of the book stuff. Let’s talk about movie stuff. I recently saw the new Harley Quinn movie, which had a comically long name that has since been changed to Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey (Why you ask? Because marketing, that’s why!) and it was so, so good. Margot Robbie was excellent. I’ll be honest, I’m not a big Harley Quinn fan. I’ve never watched the animated show, but Robbie’s take of the character has got me on the cusp of being a fangirl and checking out all things Harley Quinn. She’s that good!

The rest of the cast is pretty good, too. Although, my brother had a bit of a problem with Rosie Perez being cast as Renee Montoya (She’s too old!), and thought Rosario Dawson would’ve made a better choice. But I think Perez was fine along with Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Huntress) and Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Black Canary) who make up the rest of the Birds of Prey crime fighting group. I do want to mention that this is not your typical women-fighting-crime kind of move. It’s not Wonder Woman or Captain Marvel. The characters in this movie are gritty anti-heroes. And aside from Black Canery, there’s hardly any skimpy outfits, so if you’re showing up for that, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

But if you’re looking for a movie that has a great plot with decent comedy and action, it’ll be right up your alley.

Another TV show review

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Hello Everyone! Happy Fourth of July!

It’s been awhile since I posted and that is mainly because I’ve been working on marketing for Dark Sun Rising. I won’t lie–it was so much work (and so time consuming) reaching out to book bloggers that it kinda put me off of writing. I didn’t even really get a chance to work on book 2 either. Between work and all the other life stuff it was hard to do anything creative. I spent most of my free time recharging.

I think by now you all can tell how I recharge my batteries–Netflix!

So what show has caught my eye, you ask? Well, Lucifer, of course. For awhile now, I had heard about this show–how good and entertaining it is–but I had no idea how fun a watch it was. It’s kinda formatted like Law and Order and CSI in the sense that Lucifer helps the local police department with solving murders. The only difference is he has a secret power of making people tell the truth. Very handy for solving murders, that is.

Lucifer is also a lovable guy, not quite the fire and brimstone characterizations that have been done in the past. He’s actually a bit of a dolt when it comes to self awareness, which makes for some good comedy. The fact that he’s very honest about the fact that he’s Lucifer Morningstar, the Devil of Hell, and no one believes him make for some funny situations. I’m on season three, Chloe (the female lead and love interest) still doesn’t believe he’s the Devil, so I’m eagerly waiting for that reveal.

So yes, this show has been used to keep me from doing the thing I should be doing: writing. But it’s not a complete waste of time… I mean inspiration and all that.

Right?

Some Movies…

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Hi everyone! Can you believe it’s already May? The year is going by soooo quick. Before we know it summer will be here, and all the things that come with it.

So in between prepping Dark Sun Rising for release and writing book 2, and all the other day to day life stuff, I’ve been watching a few good movies.

Like half the world population, I recently saw Avengers: Endgame, and–like most people–I enjoyed it very much. There were several times I teared up, but that’s to be expected because I’m pretty much a sap when it comes to sentimental or sad movie moments. And Avengers had quite a few. But those parts were secondary to the action scenes–which were awesome! The battle at the end was probably the best battle scene I’ve ever seen. It’s worth buying the $14 dollar ticket just to experience it.

Another movie I recently saw was The Big Country. It’s actually a classic 1950s western that my father recommended. My dad is a big classic movies fan and every now and then one of his faves catches my interest. This one stars Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston and Jean Simmons. Gregory Peck stars as James McKay, a former sailor who travels to the American West to join his fiancé, a native westerner. Since McKay is from the east, almost everyone he encounters treats him as a city slicker and refer to him as the dude. If you like a good movie with a good plot, I recommend checking out this movie–even if westerns aren’t your thing.

Anyway, that’s all I have for this week! I’ll see you guys soon.

Leaving Neverland

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Did anyone catch Leaving Neverland last week? Well, I did and boy, oh boy… it really made me think. First off, I’m not a huge fan of Michael Jackson, and I didn’t have any preconceived notions before watching. I do think having a documentary that focuses on the alleged victims is okay. I mean, I think we heard Jackson tell his side of the story over and over through out the years, so why can’t these guys?

So for those of you who haven’t watched the documentary, Michael Jackson allegedly abused these two men when they were little kids. Like super little. One was seven when the abuse started and the other was ten. They said Jackson basically groomed them and their families. He threw his money around like the celebrity he was while at the same time portraying himself as a very lonely individual with no real friends. He also got in with the families of the two boys by telling them that he loved being around them (spending the night in one boy’s house, and inviting the other’s family to Neverland Ranch).

So after listening to these guys and their families, I have to say, it really looked like Jackson abused them. Either that or he was the dumbest man on the planet, because who thinks it’s ok to have these kinds of friendships with little boys? And why, oh why did he put himself in a position to be perceived as an abuser not once but twice? I’m just saying, if you’re a grown person who makes the mistake of putting yourself in a position where you can even be perceived as doing something with kids, well then, try not doing that again. Try not stating to reporters that there’s nothing unnatural with a grown man sleeping in the same bed with little boys. Why couldn’t he be like: you know what? You’re right, I’m not going to do that again, and then never be alone with anyone else’s kids again.

And really, what is Neverland Ranch? What does it represent? Is it really a home constructed by a man who didn’t have a childhood? Or was it a large playground to groom parents and children.

Which possibility makes the most sense to you?

 

 

Book, TV, and Movie Things

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Hi Everyone! I hope your February is going well. Mine is going pretty good!

So mini update on Dark Sun Rising– I’m now working on getting the book formatted and also contracting for cover design. All in all, it’s pretty much on schedule for the August release. I’m thinking the closer I get to the release date, the more excited I’m going to get to share it with ya’ll. I’m hoping ya’ll enjoy it.

In other writing news, the novella is still in progress, and I’m having lots of fun writing it. It’s a completely different story then the novel, but still very much in the fantasy genre.

So when I’m not writing the novella or preparing for the release of the novel, you know I’m watching TV and movies!

Right now, I’m spending time watching one of the best comedies on TV: One Day at a Time. If you haven’t checked out this show, you really need to. It centers on a Cuban family and tackles all sorts of issues including: immigration, sexism, homophobia, racism, and mental illness. It all sounds serious, yes? But the show has a knack for focusing on all these issues tastefully and with a large dose of humor. It also has Rita Moreno who is amazing! I don’t think there is a character on TV that comes close to her Lydia. She’ll have you laughing ’till your stomach hurts.

Oh! And also, I saw Alita: Battle Angel, and I know it’s getting bad reviews and everything, but I enjoyed it. Yes the story is a bit hammy, and moves soooo quickly, but you know what? I didn’t care. Because it was entertaining and the plot was still interesting and fun, and the effects were excellent! So yeah, I think you should check it out if you’re into fantasy movies. I think you’ll like it.

Well, that’s about it from me this week. Until next time!

Movies at the moment…

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Photo by Nathan Engel on Pexels.com

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and enjoyed spending time with their family and friends. I know I did! So I’ve been soooo sick this past week with a cold or allergies, but that didn’t stop me from seeing three movies.

First one was Bumblebee, which I enjoyed very much. It was a fun movie with some humor and action, and not at all like the big budget movies from the Transformers franchise (It actually had a plot!). This one starred Hailee Steinfield, who is known for starring in True Grit and The Edge of Seventeen–as a troubled teen who recently lost her father. When she’s given a VW Beetle for her birthday, she stumbles upon a scared Bumblebee, who is lost and alone on Earth. The two quickly begin a friendship that is funny and a little emotional. All in all, it was good!

Next was Aquaman. Which many of you will go see regardless of what I say, because why not? It’s the DC Universe’s next big movie! It stars Jason Mamoa and Amber Heard. And all I gotta say is: Nicole Kidman rocks. Watch it just for her.

The last movie I watched was Bird Box on Netflix starring Sandra Bullock. So basically, people start going suicidal when they see a monster that takes the shape of their worst fear, or a relative that has passed. It was weird. But good weird. And was more suspenseful than anything, as the monster was left to the imagination for the most part. So yeah, I liked this one too.

Anyway, I hope you guys check out these films. I think they’re worth a look.

And that’s all from me! See you guys next week!

TV at the moment…

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This post may contain spoilers. Beware.

I just finished watching season two of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and it was excellent! For those of you who have never watched this show, I really suggest giving it a try. It’s super funny, has great characters, and has a great story line. It takes place in 1950s New York, and focuses on a young woman who happens to discover she has a talent for stand-up comedy. In an era when woman shouldn’t say certain things, Midge, the main character, defies the social norms in a way that’s extremely fun for viewers, and in other ways can be a bit shocking–either way, hilarity ensues.

Another show I wrapped up fairly quickly was The Ranch. This season was pretty good too, and discovering how the show handled Rooster’s leaving was interesting. I thought they did a good job of writing Danny Masterson off the show, although I was surprised they decided to kill his character off. I wasn’t expecting that after last season’s finale. I really thought Rooster was going to just disappear into the sunset. I will say that the only disappointment I had for the show was that it ended with more Colt and Abby drama. Can’t those kids get their stuff together?

Last, I saw The Ballad of Buster Scruggs on Netflix. This movie is a collection of Wild West tales by the Coen Brothers. The tale that was my favorite was Meal Ticket, which starred Liam Neeson, and a completely unrecognizable Harry Melling, who played Dudley in the Harry Potter movies. It was a strange film, but it was the end that got to me, and had me thinking about it for days.

Anyway, that’s all from me this week. I hope you guys are enjoying the holiday season! I’ll see you at the same time, same place next week.

A Wizard and a Saxon

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My brother handed me book 1 of The Dresden Files this week, and now I’m hooked. I read the first two books of the series in two days, and I’m just itching to get started on the third. Hopefully my brother has already ordered it on Amazon, because otherwise I have to walk my little butt to Barnes and Noble, and who does that anymore?

So you might be wondering why I’m enjoying the series so much, and really–what is so great about the main character, Harry Dresden? Well, he’s a wizard, of course! And not like Harry Potter. Probably more like Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but not as polished (and not as cute or smart). He kinda bumbles along, and you know what? It’s great to follow a bumbling wizard. I can’t help but to cheer him on. He’s the underdog, through and through. And who doesn’t like an underdog?

Another interest at the moment is The Last Kingdom, which just had its third season released on Netflix. I’ve been bugging my brother to watch this show for awhile, but he’s a little punk and would rather watch Pokemon reruns. Anyway, I hope you do check it out. It’s like Vikings, but better. Better writing, better acting, just better.

And Uhtred, the main character, is just a cool dude. He was born a Saxon, but raised a Viking, and now stands between both worlds. Which will he choose? Will he stand with King Alfred, King of Wessex, who wishes to annihilate the Vikings? Or with his adopted brother Ragnar Ragnarson and his childhood friend Brida as they war against the Saxons?

It’s a mess of a situation, but it makes for entertaining TV.

Anyway, that’s all I have for this week. If you guys have any books or shows you’re into and would like to share, let me know in the comment section.