Saturday, August 30, 2014

Blu-ray Review - Draft Day


Draft Day
Director: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, Sam Elliot, Ellen Burstyn, Chadwick Boseman
Studio: Summit Entertainment
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Retail: $39.99
ASIN: B00KVFHBP6
Running Time: 110 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD and Blu-ray on September 2nd from Summit Entertainment is the NFL drama Draft Day. The film is directed by Ivan Reitman and stars Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella, Sam Elliot, Ellen Burstyn and Chadwick Boseman. Special Features include: "On the Clock: The Making of Draft Day" Documentary (Blu-ray Exclusive); "Welcome to Primetime" Featurette (Blu-ray Exclusive); Audio Commentary with the Writers; Deleted Scenes; and Theatrical Trailer.

Draft Day takes place during the fictionalized 2014 NFL Draft and centers on Cleveland Browns General Manager Sonny Weaver Jr. (played by Kevin Costner). He is still mourning the death of his father, who happens to the be the Brown's former coach that he fired, but he must concentrate on picking the perfect player for the team, which isn't easy with the 7th draft pick.

Opportunity knocks when the manager of the Seattle Seahawks offers him an intriguing deal - the 1st draft pick in exchange for the Bowns' first three picks for the next three years. He refuses the offer at first, but eventually accepts it after being pressured to "make a splash" by the Browns owner Anthony Molina (played by Frank Langella). Anthony wants him to pick University of Wisconsin quarterback, Bo Callahan, which upsets the head coach (played by Denis Leary) as he wanted the running back Ray Jennings as this year's first pick.

DVD Review - Transformers Beast Machines: The Complete Series



Transformers Beast Machines: The Complete Series
Voice Cast: Gary Chalk, Ian James Corlett, Scott McNeil, Venus Terzo
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Retail: $29.93
ASIN: B00KTFJ79Q
Running Time: 690 minutes
Rating: TV-Y7
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

With Transformers: Age of Extinction taking in over a billion dollars worldwide at the box-office over the summer, it is no surprise that Shout! Factory would release more Transformers cartoon series to DVD for a new generation of fans. Arriving on DVD on September 2nd is Transformers Beast Machines: The Complete Series, featuring all 26 episodes. Bonus features include audio commentaries and interviews with voice director Susan Blu, voice actor David Kaye, story editor Robert N. Skir and series developer Marv Wolfman.

Picking up where Transformers Beast Wars (1996-1999) ended, Beast Machines debuted in 1999 and aired for two seasons. Using computer animation, the series centered on the Maximals (Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Rattrap and Blackarachnia), whom suddenly arrived on Cybertron with no memory of how they got there. They are stuck in their beast modes and are unable to transform when they are attacked by mindless Vehicon drones. To make matters even worse, the Maximals learn that they all have a deadly virus. Their only hope lies in a supercomputer, Oracle, who reformats them into technorganic Transformers.

The Maximals quickly learn that Megatron is alive and is now in complete control of Cybertron. In order to defeat Megatron and find out what happened to the other Maximals, they must learn how to balance their technological sides with their organic sides.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Book Blogger Hop: August 29th - Sept. 4th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Do you request notifications of new replies when you post a comment on a blog post?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

No, I don't sign up to receive notifications when I comment on a blog post. I already receive way too many emails as it is.


Linky List:

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Blu-ray Review - R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend?


R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend?
Director: Peter Hewitt
Starring: Bella Thorne, Ryan Ochoa, Madison Pettis, Roshon Fegan
Studio: Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: September 2, 2014
Retail: $26.98
ASIN: B00LFHYWRO
Running Time: 91 minutes
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD on Tuesday September 2nd is the horror-comedy sequel - R.L. Stine's Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend? from Universal Home Entertainment. The film is directed by Peter Hewitt (Garfield: The Movie) and stars Bella Thorne (Shake It Up!), Ryan Ochoa (Pair of Kings), Madison Pettis (Mostly Ghostly: Who Let The Ghosts Out?, The Game Plan) and Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up!). There are no special features or bonus extras.

Mostly Ghostly: Have You Met My Ghoulfriend? is the sequel to 2008's Mostly Ghostly: Who Let the Ghosts Out? and is based on the popular children book series by R.L. Stine. Due to the six year gap between movies, all of the actors have been replaced except for Madison Pettis, who returns as Tara Roland.

The plot centers once again on twelve-year-old Max Doyle (played by Ryan Ochoa) and his best-friends, Nicky (played by Roshon Fegan) and Tara Roland, who are both ghosts. His parents (played by Eric Allan Kramer and Gigi Rice) and his older brother (played by Calum Worthy) have no idea that ghosts are living in their house. While Max isn't trying to be a magician, he is trying to impress a popular girl, Cammy (played by Bella Thorne) by joining the school's soccer, which leads to him being invited to the Halloween party.


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Review: Under The Diehard Brand by L. Ron Hubbard

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.
Besides from AMC's Hell On Wheels, the western genre is almost extinct on television. There use to be dozens of western novels being published monthly, but now there are only a few. Luckily for western readers, Galaxy Press is releasing all of L. Ron Hubbard's short stories from the 1930s and 1940s as audiobooks and paperbacks; giving a new generation a chance to read his works, which includes several western adventures.

Under the Diehard Brand was originally published in the March 1938 issue of Western Aces and centers on a  young trail-hand, Lee Thompson, who journeys from Texas to Montana to search for his father, Diehard Thompson.

Diehard is the sheriff of Wolf River, but time has caught up with him and he is not capable of handling the town's troublemakers anymore. He hadn't seen his son, Lee, in over fifteen years, so when Lee arrives in town, he doesn't recognize the boy.

Review - The Berenstain Bears: Blessed are the Peacemakers


The Berenstain Bears: Blessed are the Peacemakers
by Mike Berenstain
Based on the Charcters by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Release Date: July 29, 2014
ISBN: 978-0310734819
Pages: 24 pages
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Since 1962, generations of  kids have enjoyed reading about Papa, Mama, Brother and Sister Bear. The characters were created by the late Stan & Jan Berenstain. The series has over 300 published titles with approximately 260 million copies in 23 languages around the world. The authors' son, Mike, is continuing the franchise by writing and illustrating new books for a new generation.

The newest installment, titled The Berenstain Bears: Blessed are the Peacemakers, was released last month from Zonderkidz (a trademark of Zondervan) under the Living Lights series. Similar to other recent Berenstain books, this one has a Christian theme.

In the Blessed are the Peacemakers, Brother and Sister Bear are excited about participating in the Bear Country School play, Romeo and Grizzliet, but they are also worried that there will be a conflict with the play's leads, Ferdy Factual and Queenie McBear, as there is a rival with Ferdy's gang and Too Talls' gang, which Queenie is a member of. Brother and Sister Bear must become peacemakers to help to stop the feud.

Monday, August 25, 2014

DVD Review - Adventure Planet


 
Adventure Planet
Director: Kompin Kemgumnird
Voice Cast: Brooke Shields, Jane Lynch, Bailee Madison, J.K. Simmons
Studio: ARC Entertainment
Release Date: August 26th, 2014
Retail: $20.99
ASIN: B00M1CFWCG
Running Time: 81 minute
Rating: PG

Review:

Arriving on DVD this week is the computer-animated family from ARC Entertainment, titled Adventure Planet. The film is directed by Kompin Kemgumnird and features the voice talents of Brooke Shields, Jane Lynch, Bailee Madison and J.K. Simmons. There are no special features or bonus features on disc.

Adventure Planet (originally released in Thailand under the title Echo Planet) centers on a Boy Scout named Sam, who happens to be the son of the president of the Capital State, but he isn't exactly your typical scout, as he is equiped with all the new electronic gadgets. Suddenly, all of his gadgets go haywire, leaving Sam a bit confused that is until he runs into a brother and sister, Norava and Jorpe, and their people living in the rainforest of Thailand, whom informs him that Mother Nature is fighting back against the world because of Global Warming.


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Review - Doctor Who: Engines of War


Doctor Who: Engines of War
by George Mann
Publisher: Broadway Books
Pub. Date: September 9, 2014
ISBN: 978-0553447668
Pages: 320
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

The UK science-fiction franchise, Doctor Who, will turn 51 this November, but don't let the age fool you, as the franchise is more popular than ever, thanks to the 2005 reboot, which started its 8th season this past Saturday with the introduction of Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor. Similar to other science fiction franchises, Doctor Who has found itself in the printed world of novelizations with the first book being printed in 1964.

On September 9th, Broadway Books will release Doctor Who: Engines of War by George Mann to bookstores in the United States. The novelization centers on the War Doctor that was introduced at the end of 7th season (series) episode, titled "The Name of the Doctor," and took center stage in the 50th Anniversary Special The Day of the Doctor. The War Doctor was the forgotten regeneration that took place between the Eighth and Ninth Doctor during the Great Time War.

Engines of War centers on a young woman named Cinder on the planet Moldox in the Tantalus Spiral, who for the last fifteen years has been fighting the Daleks who murdered her entire family. Over the years, she has teamed up with other survivors to fight against the invasion, but most of them have fallen to the Daleks. All hope seemed to be lost that is until a blue box appears out of nowhere, bringing Cinder a hint of hope.

The War Doctor arrives to try to figure out why a swarm of Daleks are in this area of space. Could it have something to do with the Tantalus Eye?

Review - The Healing Quilt by Wanda E. Brunstetter


The Healing Quilt
Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Barbour Publishing Inc
Pub. Date: August 5, 2014
ISBN: 978-1616260873
Pages: 320
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I think I have said more than once on this blog that I like reading Amish fiction. My two top favorite writers of the genre are Beverly Lewis and Wanda E. Brunstetter, in which I either buy each new book by the authors or I sign up to review the books. Arriving earlier this month on paperback is Wanda E. Brunstetter's latest novel, The Healing Quilt, which is the second book in the Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club; well actually it is the third book if you count 2012's The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club. I have to admit that I have never read the other books in the series, though I do own The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club on paperback and I have  The Healing Quilt on my Kindle; I just never got around to reviewing them yet.

That being said, I still jumped at the opportunity to review The Healing Quilt, which follows the same main characters from the previous books, Lamar and Emma Yonder Miller, an Amish couple who purchased a winter home in the Pinecraft community of Sarasota, Florida. After settling into their new home, the couple decide to start another 6-week quilting class.

A wide variety of characters sign up for the quilting class. Erika is an angry teenager who was injured during a diving accident and is now wheelchair-bound; she doesn't want to take a quilting class, but her father signs her up anyway. Noreen joined the class, as she was just looking for something new to do; her husband passed away awhile back and her son and daughter-in-law lives in Texas. Jennifer is soon to be a mother for the very first time and she would love to learn how to make a quilt for the baby, but she doesn't have the money because her husband lost his job. Out of nowhere, an unknown stranger pays for the quilting class. B.J. is a widow artist with terminal-cancer taking one final vacation; he signs up for the class so he can make a wall hanging to leave behind for his granddaughter. Mike's charter boat business takes an unwanted hiatus when his boat's engine need to be repaired; leaving him spare time to take his wife's spot in the class after she had to leave to take care of her injured sister. Kim left her life in North Carolina behind to live in Florida with her boyfriend, but after they broke up, she finds herself looking to make new friends, which is the reason why she joined the quilting class.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Book Blogger Hop: August 22nd - 28th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Do you reply to comments on your blog or do you figure folks won't be stopping back to read your reply so you don't bother?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

I try to reply to the Book Blogger Hop comments, if I remember. I don't normally reply on review comments unless somebody asks a question.


Linky List:

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Review - Eerie Elementary #1: The School is Alive!


Eerie Elementary #1: The School is Alive!
by Jack Chabert
Illustrations by: Sam Ricks
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pub. Date: June 24, 2014
ISBN: 978-0545623926
Pages: 96
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I don't keep up with all the middle grade books being published, so if it wasn't for NetGalley, I would have never known about the new Eerie Elementary series by Jack Chabert, which is part of the Branches line of books from Scholastic Inc.

In book one, titled The School is Alive!, Sam Graves is elected Hall Monitor for his third grade class, which is a position he never wanted, as he was elected by the school principal. His first morning as Hall Monitor turns out to be a morning he would never forget when he learns that the school is actually alive!

After nearly being killed by quicksand in the playground's sandbox, Sam encounters the school's janitor, Mr. Nekobi, who enlists Sam in helping him protect the students against the school. It seems Eerie Elementary feeds off of students and it had been up to Mr. Nekobi to stop the school, but now the responsibility has been handed to Sam.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Review: Wickedpedia by Chris Van Etten


Summer is nearly over, well at least for the kids that are heading back to school this month; meaning kids will be having the dreaded homework assignments, including book reports. I know some kids may think reading is boring, as they would probably rather be playing a video game, but reading can be a joyful experience when you find that one perfect title to read. Therefore, I am going to be featuring a few Back to School Reads on here.

Do you remember receiving those Scholastic book catalogs during your elementary years? Or attending the yearly school book fair?

I sure do remember them, as this is when I was introduce to many new authors, including those who wrote under the Point Horror title. I read these books vigorously, introducing me to the works by R.L. Stine, Diane Hoh, Richie Tankersley Cusick, Christopher Pike, and Caroline B. Cooney. The plots of Point Horror were similar to the horror movies from the 1980s, where typically a female teenager must battle some sort of bad guy, like an ex-boyfriend, a stalker, a serial killer, a ghost, a vampire, etc. Yes, the books were heavily criticized, but teenager readers loved reading them. The books became even more popular during the 90s' with ten books or more being released yearly, but toward the beginning of the 21st century the genre almost disappeared. After an eight year absence, new Point Horror titles returned in 2013.

One of the newest Point Horror releases, Wickedpedia (224 pages; ISBN:  978-0545415873) by Chris Van Etten, arrived in bookstores back in June from Scholastic Inc., and follows the similar horror premise of the original Point Horror books, except for the fact that the plot is more updated with today's trends and technology.

Wickedpedia centers on an aspiring teenage chef Cole Redeker and his best-friend Gavin. Cole has never gotten over the breakup with his ex-girlfriend Winnie, as he is still in love with her, but she already has a new boyfriend, the know-it-all Josh. It is no secret that Josh uses Wikipedia to research his class reports. Cole and Gavin thought it would be funny to alter those pages, so Josh would get into trouble. What starts out as a little harmless joke  turns into murder!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Review - Homeroom Diaries by James Patterson and Lisa Papademetriou

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summer is nearly over, well at least for the kids that are heading back to school this month; meaning kids will be having the dreaded homework assignments, including book reports. I know some kids may think reading is boring, as they would probably rather be playing a video game, but reading can be a joyful experience when you find that one perfect title to read. Therefore, I am going to be featuring a few Back to School Reads on here.

Available now in bookstores is James Patterson's latest novel for teens, titled Homeroom Diaries. Co-authored by Lisa Papademetriou, the book centers around teenager Cuckoo Clarke. Don't worry, her real name isn't Cuckoo, but the nickname stuck after a brief stint in a mental hospital (or as she prefers to call it - Crazytown) when her mother left her (again). She attends North Plains high school along with with the other members of the Freakshow, which are friends Brainzilla (Kate), Eggy (Hana), Zitsy (Paul), Flatso (Beverly) and Tebow (Peter).

Yes, Cuckoo and the Freakshow are the outcasts of the high school, but they don't care much. The group sticks together through thick and thin, as they try to survive high school together. From debating whether she has a crush on the new teacher or her friend Tebow, her mother's wanted or unwanted return, and the death of her foster-mother, Cuckoo has a a lot to deal with in one year, if she isn't too busy coming up with a new ending to the Twilight Saga.

A sneak peek into Cuckoo's life!

Sunday, August 17, 2014

The Ultimate Coin Supply Kit Review


Any coin collector will know that Whitman Publishing, LLC is the best company that makes the supplies for coin collecting. From coin books to the yearly A Guide Book of United States Coins, the company manufacturing everything you would ever need.

Available to purchase now from Whitman Publishing, LLC is the 625pc Ultimate Coin Supply Kit, featuring the 2015 Red Book Price Guide, State Series Quarters Folders Volume I & II, 300 Nickel-Quarter Mylar holders, 300 Cent-Dime Mylar holders, 4 Quarter Size Storage Tubes, 5 Cent Size Storage Tubes, a Whitman Coin Storage Box, 5 Quality Thumb-cut Pages, 6 Plastic 2x2 Quarter holders, and a 3" Round Magnifier. If purchased separately, this collection would retail at over $76, but it can currently be purchased at $29.95!

Being a coin collector myself, I was excited to review a complimentary kit in exchange for my honest thoughts. Of course the main item that pops out of the kit is the 2015 Red Book, a price guide of United States Coins, which retails at $14.95 all by itself. The guide covers the current prices of Pre-Federal Issues (colonial and post-colonial), Federal Issues (from half cents to proof and mint coin sets), Bullion, United States Pattern Pieces and other coin issues. The "Welcome To Numismatics" gives a detailed introduction to the United States Coins, starting with the Spanish Milled Dollar and ending with Sunken Treasure. The 2015 Red Book gives a coin collector the current value (well at least close to it) for every coin grade.

Included in the kit are 300 Nickel-Quarter Mylar holders (a 100 psc. set retails at $5.99) and 300 Cent-Dime Mylar holders (a 100 psc. set retails at $5.99). These are great for keeping coins dust-free. To keep each cardboard holder close, I recommend taping it shut with scotch tape. There is also a 6 pcs. State Series Quarters Plastic Holders. These polystyrene holders can be used to keep any quarter in your collection safe. Each 2" x 2" holder retails about $.89. You can store these holders in the Whitman Coin Storage Box (3 dividers; box is 9 inches long), which holds 39 - 2" x  2" holders and retails at $5.99.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

DVD Review - Varsity Blood


Varsity Blood
Director: Jake Helgren
Starring: Lexi Giovagnoli, Wesley Scott, Debbie Rochon, Natalie Peyton, Blair Jackson
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Retail: $27.97
ASIN: B00KB0OAAU
Running Time: 87 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I've been a fan of horror films ever since I watched John Carpenter's Halloween when I was either seven or eight years-old. While I do enjoy most slasher films, there are a few (Blood Murder 1 & 2) that are so horribly written, directed and acted, that they are just laughable. I'm not a fan of the recent surge of PG-13 films either, so I eagerly asked to review Varsity Blood, as soon as heard there were review copies available form RLJ Entertainment.

Varsity Blood is written and directed by Jame Giovagnoli; yeah, you're not the only one that has never heard of him. The film stars a bunch of unknowns, except for Debbie Rochon, who is famous for the low-budget films Tromeo and Juliet and Toxic Avenger 4; so you can pretty much guess that the acting is cringe-worthy. Then again, most horror moves have bad acting in them anyway.


The "killer" in Varisty Blood!

The film begins on Halloween Eve, where a Hogeye High cheerleader is murdered by the football team's mascot. The rest of the film takes place on Halloween night with a group of teenagers and football players having a party at a remote farm. Of course the mascot-axe-carrying-killer is also there and one by one, the killer murders each teenager, all except for the new girl in town Hannah Wallace (played by Lexi Givoagnoli).

DVD Review - Power Rangers Megaforce: A Battle to the Finish

 
Power Rangers Megaforce: A Battle to the Finish
Starring: Andrew Gray, John Mark Loudermilk, Christina Masterson, Ciara Hanna, Azim Rizk
Studio: LionsGate / Saban Brands
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $14.98
ASIN: B00KPHL8CM
Running Time: 92 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Despite the franchise entering its twenty-first year, the Power Ranger's future looks bright with the last batch of Power Rangers Super Megaforce scheduled to air on Nickelodeon at the end of the month, the new series Power Rangers Dino Charge debuting next year and the big-budget reboot of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - coming to theaters in 2016! In the mean time time, fans can grab a hold of LionsGate's newest DVD release, Power Rangers Megaforce: A Battle to the Finish, featuring the final batch of episodes from the first season of Megaforce (minus the Halloween and Christmas episodes).

The episodes featured on the singe-disc DVD are:

Staying on Track - While Robo Knight learns the meaning of humanity, Metal Alice attacks the city.

The Human Condition - The Power Ranger's enemy, Admiral Malkor, awakens from his cocoon and returns to earth to destroy them.

The Messenger - While the Power Rangers battle the Cyborg Vrak, Metal Alice receives that word that a fleet of alien ships are on their way to invade Earth.

End Game -  The Power Rangers have their hands full as they battle Cyborg Vrak, Metal Alice and the Messenger, but things get even worse the aliens invade Earth.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Book Blogger Hop: August 15th - 21st

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

What is your favorite electronic device to use to add posts and content to your blog? Example: Your phone, your computer, your iPad, or another device?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

I use either my desktop computer or laptop to publish blog posts. 


Linky List:

DVD Review - Aftermath


Aftermath
Director: Peter Engert
Starring: CJ Thompson, Monica Keena, Edward Furlong, Andre Royo, Christine Kelly, Jessie Rusu
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: August 26, 2014
Retail: $27.97
ASIN: B00KBZZIS8
Running Time: 92 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD and Blu-ray from Image Entertainment this Tuesday August 26th is the apocalypse thriller Aftermath. The film is directed by Peter Engert and stars CJ Thompson, Monica Keena (Freddy vs Jason), Edward Furlong (Terminator 2: Judgement Day), Andre Royo, Christine Kelly and Jessie Rusu. There are no extras or special features on DVD.

Filmed in 2012, Aftermath centers on a young doctor, Hunter (played by C.J. Thompson), who is hitchhiking in Texas when a nuclear apocalypse occurs. After witnessing the mushroom clouds in the distance, he helps a young woman and her younger brother and a woman named Elizabeth (played by Monica Keena) find food and supplies. The four drive to an isolated farmhouse and convince the occupants to let them stay in their basement/cellar for the next 30 days when the atmosphere has cleared up.


The group has enough food to last the next 30 days, but infected zombie-like people are wanting in, so they must step outside and expose themselves to the poison air in the attempt to kill the infected.

Blu-ray Review - Jarhead 2: Field Of Fire


Jarhead 2: Field Of Fire
Director: Don Michael Paul
Starring: Cole Hauser, Josh Kelly, Danielle Savre, Bokeem Woodbine, Ronny Jhutti, Cassie Layton, Jesse Garcia, Jason Wong, Esai Morales, Stephen Lang
Studio: Universal Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Retail: $29.98
ASIN: B00JRB01RK
Running Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Rating: R
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray and DVD from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on August 19th is the action-packed Jarhead 2: Field of Fire. The film is directed by Don Michael Paul (Lake Placid: The Final Chapter) and stars Cole Hauser, Josh Kelly, Danielle Savre, Bokeem Woodbine, Ronny Jhutti, Cassie Layton, Jesse Garcia, Jason Wong, Esai Morales and Stephen Lang. Both the Blu-ray and DVD feature the unrated version and the rated version. The only special feature on the Blu-ray are deleted scenes.

The original Jarhead was released to theaters back in 2005. Despite receiving positive reviews from critics, the film didn't exactly light up the box-office. Now nine-years later the sequel is arriving straight-to-video this coming Tuesday; minus the original cast and any connection to the first film.

Set in the beginning of the Afghanistan War, the sequel centers on Corporal Chris Merrimette (played by Josh Kelly), who is leading a team of Marines (Cpl Danny Kettner, Lance Corporal Danielle 'Danni' Allen, Private Rafael Soto and Private Justin Li) on a mission to resupply an outpost near the Taliban-controlled territory. They are aided by an Afghan National Army personnel, Private Khalid Hassan abu Faisal.

Review - In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin




I'm not a big reader of the WWII genre, as I prefer my fictional reading to be set in the 1800s, but from time to time I do find myself reading a book or two set in this era. The Wings of Nightingale series is written by Sarah Sundin. I recall reading the first book, With Every Letter, but for some reason I don't remember reading the second installment, On Distant Shore

In Perfect Time centers on the Army Air Force flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson, a character that also appeared in With Every Letter as a minor character and I presume she also appeared in the second book as well. Her romantic interests in the book is C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper, another minor character from book one. I'm not going to go into detail about the plot here, as I don't want to spoil it for everyone else.

The author, Sarah Sundin, obviously loves the genre and did a lot of research, as she crafted detailed descriptions of the era throughout the novel; making the reader feel like they are actually in 1940s right there with the characters; dropping supplies to soldiers and helping the wounded. The romance never felt forced upon the characters, Kay and Roger, making me to believe that they actually loved each other.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

DVD Review - Home Is Where The Heart Is


Home Is Where The Heart Is 
Director: Rajeev Dassani
Starring: Bailee Madison, Laura Bell Bundy, John C. McGinley, Conrad Goode, Jonathan Banks
Studio: ARC Entertainment
Release Date: August 19, 2014
Retail: $20.99
ASIN: B00KITEHI4
Running Time: 116 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on DVD on Tuesday August 19th, 2014 from ARC  Entertainment is the drama Home Is Where The Heart Is, starring country singer and actress Laura Bell Bundy (FX's Anger Management), Bailee Madison (Wizards of Waverly Place), John C. McGinley (Scrubs), Conrad Goode (Con Air) and Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad). The film is directed by Rajeev Dassani. There are no bonus features or extras featured on the DVD, but there is a VUDU Digital Copy.

Filmed in 2012 under the original title "Watercolor Postcards," Home Is Where The Heart Is centers on the prodigal daughter, Sunny (played by Laura Bell Bundy), returning home to visit her dying mother in Bent Arrow, Texas, but she arrives too late. Her mother leaves her custody of her 10-year-old sister Cotton (played by Bailee Madision), while the house is left to Cotton.

Sunny had no intention of ever returning to her small hometown after failing in California; she has no other choice, but to stay and raise her sister. She quickly befriends their ex-football player neighbor, Butch (played by Conrad Goode, who also wrote the screenplay), whom tries to make a living hand-painting postcards.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Monday Morning Madness #47: Strep Throat & Ice Cream

These last few days have been dreadful. It isn't even fall yet and I have already gotten strep throat, which I'm just now starting to recover from it. Of course being sick didn't stop me from writing several reviews over the weekend. Actually, I didn't have much a choice, as I needed to get those reviews written and posted before Tuesday. I still have several reviews that I did to get written in the next few days. Yes, blogging can be stressful at times, but it can also be a bit a fun too.

I did have time over the weekend to makes some homemade ice cream, which tasted cold on my sore throat. My grandmother had bought one of those self-freezing ice cream makers a few weeks ago, but after she bought it she noticed the freezing container wouldn't fit into her freezer, so she give it to me, which I made her a batch of ice cream for her birthday last week

Actually, I know my way around kitchen, as some of my blog readers already know. Just last week I made pizzas from scratch (one hamburger and barbeque chicken). The pizzas were personal pan sizes. I don't have pans that small, so I used cake pans instead. One of these days I need to purchase actually pizza pans at a Pizza Shop Supplies.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Review: Bewitched In OZ


Bewitched in Oz
By Laura Burns
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Pub. Date: August 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1623701291
Pages: 256
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I believe almost everyone has seen the 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz, but only a handful have probably ever read the original 14 novels by L. Frank Baum, let alone the 21 sequels that were written by Ruth Plumly Thompson that were published after his death. Of course, there are other authors that have taken their turn writing about the world of Oz over the years. Now author Laura Burns is putting her writing talents to franchise with this summer's release of Bewitched in Oz.

In this new tale, all magic has been banned from Oz. Only Princess Ozma, Glinda and the Great Oz himself are allowed to use magic, but this doesn't stop a few teens from practicing their magic skills. The story centers around the teenager Zerie and her pals Vashti and Tabitha. (No, this isn't Samantha's daughter from Bewitched.) They sneak out into the woods and practice their talents. Xerie is super fast, Vashti can levitate any object and Tabitha can vanish into thin air. The girls later recruit Brink into their coven, as he can cast illusions.

Despite the fact that anyone who gets caught using magic will be submerged in the Water of Oblivion, the girls continue to practice in secret that is until the Winged Monkeys apprehend Tabitha, dragging her to Ozama!

Review - The Boleyn Reckoning by Laura Andersen


The Boleyn Reckoning
by Laura Anderson
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pub. Date: July 15, 2014
ISBN: 978-0345534132
Pages: 416
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Now available in bookstores is the final chapter in the Boleyn Trilogy that started with The Boleyn King and The Boleyn Deceit from author Laura Andersen.

I've never read the first two books in the series before I reviewed The Boleyn Reckoning last week. Actually, I didn't even know about the previous books when I agreed to review this one from the publisher. Though the third installment does continue (I'm guessing here) the storylines from first two books, it didn't bother me a bit, as I jumped right into reading this and easily figured out who was who and what was going on. I don't really read very many books set in the regency era, but as I have worked on my family's genealogy over the years, I have a newfound interest and respect for the era and genre.

I wouldn't call this a "historical fiction" novel, as there are plenty of fictional character throughout the novel, so it is more like an alternative timeline featuring the Tudor family. There is a lot of drama gong on with love triangles, backstabbing and several twists & turns behind every curtain; so basically it is a soap opera set in the 1500s.

Blu-ray Review - Disneynature Bears



Disneynature Bears
Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Narrator: John C. Reilly
Studio: Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $39.99
ASIN: B00GPWERCO
Running Time: 78 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving Tuesday August 12, 2014 is the documentary Disneynature Bears from directors Alastair Fothergill (Earth, African Cats, Chimpanzee) and Keith Scholey (African Cats). The film is narrated by John C. Reilly. Bonus Features on the Blu-ray are Welcome to Alaska, The Future For Bears, A Guide To Living With Bears and How Did They Film That?. The DVD features the "Carry On" Music Video by Olivia Holt.

The documentary centers on a female grizzly bear (Sky) and her two cubs (Amber and Scout) in the Katmai National Park in Alaska, as the family leaves their den on a mountain scope in search for food. Leaving a mountainside is not an easy task for a bear, as there can be an avalanches at any second.

As the trio head into the valley, they encounter other bears, which some have tempers and can attack the cubs at any minute, especially the bear Magnus. Sky always has her eye on her cubs, especially when the grey wolf, Tikaani, is near them.

Blu-ray Review - Muppets Most Wanted

Muppets Most Wanted
Director: James Bobin
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey
Studio: Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
ASIN: B00HNX28TI
Running Time: 113 minutes (original theatrical), 120 minutes (extended version)
Rating: PG
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray on August 12, 2014 is the international crime caper Muppets Most Wanted, featuring the Original Theatrical, The Unnecessarily Extended Edition and the Statler & Waldorf Cut. The film is directed by James Bobin (The Muppets) and stars Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell and Tina Fey. Bonus Features include The Longer Longest Blooper Real in Muppets History, Rizzo's Biggest Fan and "I'll Get You Want you Want" Music Video.

Picking up exactly where the 2011 The Muppets left off, Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang are approached by Dominic "The Lemur" Badguy (played by Ricky Gervais), who claims that he is the CEO of a talent agency, when in fact he is the world's 2nd best criminal. He talks the Muppets into going on a world comedy tour, which gives Kermit an excuse to avoid Miss Piggy's wedding plans to him.



Shortly after arriving in Berlin, Kermit is attacked by his look-alike Constantine, who slaps a fake mole on him. Constantine takes Kermit's place on the Muppets tour. Kermit is mistaken for Constantine and is sent to prison at Gulag 38B. Despite not sounding or acting like Kermit, Constantine is able to convince the Muppets that he is Kermit, well, all except Animal. Constantine is the world's #1 criminal and along with his partner, Dominic, they plan on stealing the crown jewels in Dublin, but they must somehow avoid Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon (played by Ty Burrell) and CIA Agent Sam Eagle, whom are tracking them.

Review - Dark Shadows: Year One


Dark Shadows: Year One
by Marc Andreyko, Guiu Vilanova, Patrick Berkenkotter
Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
Pub. Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1606904954
Pages: 128
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Ever since the original dark soap opera, Dark Shadows, ended in 1971, the franchise has continued to live in other medias, such as feature films, remakes, novelizations, merchandises, DVD sets, etc. The Collins family has even found their way into the comic book world over the years.

Last month, Dynamite Entertainment released the Dark Shadows: Year One graphic novel (featuring issues 1-6), which tells the origin of the vampire Barnabas Collins, who caused his family to suffer for generations. It only took one night of passion with the witch Angelique to ruin his life forever.

If you have ever seen the original series or the Tim Burton movie, then you know that Barnabas was engaged to Josette, but the maid Angelique was in love with him, leading Barnabas to have a fling with her, unknowingly at the time that she was in a fact a witch. Barnabas rejected Angelique, so she cursed him to become a vampire.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

DVD Review - Rage

Rage
Director: Paco Cabezas
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Danny Glover, Rachel Nichols, Peter Stormare
Studio: Image Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $29.96
ASIN: B00KBZZI10
Running Time: 98 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon


Review:

Arriving on DVD this Tuesday, August 12, 2014, is the crime-thriller Rage from Image Entertainment. The film is directed by Paco Cabezas and stars Nicolas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas), Danny Glover (the Lethal Weapon films) Rachel Nichols (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra) and Peter Stormare (Fargo). Special features include: The Making of RAGE, deleted scenes and an alternate ending.

Nicolas Cage plays Paul Maquire, a businessman, husband and loving father, who has a deadly past. Late one night, the unthinkable occurs - his teenage daughter, Caitlin (played by Aubrey Peeples) goes missing. What looks like a kidnapping, turns into murder when his daughter's body is found near Tokarev Russian gun.

Paul shoves his wife (played by Rachel Nichols) away, as he reunites with his old buddies, Kane (played by Max Ryan) and Danny (played by Michael McGrady) to seek out who murdered his daughter, which includes starting a war with the Russian mob.


Blu-ray Review - The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad / Fun and Fancy Free



The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad / Fun and Fancy Free
Directors: Jack Kinney, Clyde Geronimi, James Algar, Bill Roberts, Hamilton Luske, William Morgan
Voice Cast: Eric Blore, Pat O'Malley, Cliff Edwards, Edgar Bergen, Luana Patten, Walt Disney, Clarence Nash
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $36.99
ASIN: B00K7BCWLW
Running Time: 68 minutes (The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad), 73 minutes (Fun and Fancy Free)
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack (3-discs) this Tuesday August 12, 2014 is the 2-movie collection featuring The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad and Fun and Fancy Free. As an added bonus on the Blu-ray is The Reluctant Dragon feature film.

WWII put a financial strain of film companies, as they created "war effort" short film projects. Walt Disney's next big blockbuster, Cinderella, wouldn't come out until 1950 and until then the company needed to create fast films that would make them money. Out this era came "packaged films," which featured two or three shorts compiled into one film.

Fun and Fancy Free was released to theaters in 1947, featuring Bongo and Mickey And The Beanstalk. Bongo is based on the story "Little Bear Bongo" by Sinclair Lewis and is narrated by singer Dinah Shore. It centers on a circus bear named Bongo, who dreams of being free in the wild. Mickey And The Beanstalk is Disney's version of Jack and the Beanstalk, which features Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as poor, starving farmers, whom happen to acquire a magic bean that grows a beanstalk. It is is the last theatrical to feature Walt Disney as the voice of Mickey Mouse.

Blu-ray Review - Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Special Edition


Bedknobs and Broomsticks: Special Edition
Director: Robert Stevenson
Starring: Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, John Ericson
Ian Weighill, Cindy O'Callaghan, Roy Snart
Studio: Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $29.99
ASIN: B00K5ZXKFM
Running Time: 117 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray Combo Pack this Tuesday August 12, 2014 is the 1971 Disney classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks, with an all-new digital transfer. Bonus features include Music Magic: The Sherman Brothers, Five Enchanted Deleted and Extended Songs, Eight Magical Deleted and Extended Scenes, David Tomlinson Recording Sessions, Song Selections and The Wizards of Special Effects.

Based on the book by Mary Norton, Bedknobs and Broomsticks was released to theaters in 1971, but was edited to fit into a 2-hour slot. The film was heavily edited for the 1979 re-release. In 1996, the film was reconstructed on VHS in its original intended 139 version.

Set during WWII, the film centers on Eglantine Price (played by Angela Lansbury) taking in three orphans, Charlie (played by Ian Weighill), Paul (played by Roy Snart), and Carrie (played by Cindy O'Callaghan). Just after arriving, they learn that Miss Price is an apprentice witch!

Review - When I Fall in Love


When I Fall in Love
by Susan May Warren
Publisher: Tyndale Publishing
Pub. Date: June 20, 2014
ISBN: 978-1414378435
Pages: 400
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/swarren
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/z5Ijj

Review:

I think all my blog readers have heard me say that I don't care for reading contemporary romances, but on a rare occasion I do read a book with a contemporary setting. Sometimes the settings doesn't matter to me, as it is the author that draws me in. When I Fall in Love is written by the bestselling and award-winning author, Susan May Warren, which is the newest installment in the Christiansen Family series. I have loved reading her historical setting titles, therefore I gave this novel a chance. Plus, I did read the previous book in the series, It Had to be You, a few months back and enjoyed it.

When I Fall in Love centers on Grace Christiansen, a young woman who desires to have her own catering business in Deep Haven, but first she needs to go to culinary school. After not hearing a thing from the school she applied to, her family sends her on a culinary vacation in Hawaii. 

Pro hockey player, Maxwell Sharpe, happens to be going on the same three-week cooking retreat, where he gets paired up with Grace for a cooking competition. Of course there are sparks between the two, but their past fears and troubles may block the two of them from being together.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Book Blogger Hop: August 8th - 14th

Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth!

Do you have a pet peeve about when someone posts a comment on your blog? Example: no link back to their blog.

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

                   No Spam! And No Blog Awards!


Linky List:

Blu-ray Review - The Three Musketeers: 10th Anniversary Edition



The Three Musketeers
Director: Donovan Cook
Voice Cast: Wayne Allwine, Tony Anselmo, Bill Farmer, Russi Taylor, Tress MacNeille, Jim Cummings, April Winchell, Jeff Bennett, Maurice LaMarche, Rob Paulsen
Studio: Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $29.99
ASIN: B00K5ZXKTS
Running Time: 68 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray for the first time on Tuesday August 12 is the swashbuckling adventure The Three Musketeers starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Bonus Features include: New "Get Up And Dance!" - Be Stouthearted And Dance To The Song & "All For One" From The Movie, Deleted Scenes With Commentary - Learn Why These Scenes Were Deleted From The Movie, Sing-Along Songs and much more!

A Disney animation based on the famous novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, père had been in the works for years before finally being released as a direct-to-video feature in 2004 starring Mickey, Donald and Goofy. In this version of the classic tale, Mickey, Donald and Goofy are the janitors for the palace, but they dream of becoming Royal Musketeers, even though Mickey is "too small," Donald is a "coward" and Goofy is "doofus" in the eyes of the Musketeers.




Meanwhile, Captain Pete of the Royal Musketeers and his goons (the Beagle Boys) are planning on kidnapping Minnie Mouse, the princess of France, before the opera The Pirates of Penzance, where Pete plans on taking the thrown for himself. Pete knows that there is no way to kidnap Minnie when there are skilled Royal Musketeers guarding her at all times, so he appoints Mickey, Donald and Goofy as Musketeers, knowing that they will fail at protecting her.

Review - The Toothless Tooth Fairy



The Toothless Tooth Fairy
by Shanelle Hicks
Illustrated by Anca Delia Budeanu
Publisher: Mirror Publishing
Pub. Date: April 11, 2014
ISBN: 978-1612251400
Pages: 28
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I don't accept very many book review requests from authors or publishers anymore, mostly due to the fact that I have little time to read and what time I do have is left to review books that I have signed up to review. That being said, when I saw the request to review the children's book, The Toothless Tooth Fairy, I agreed to review it, as the title alone caught my attention.

The Toothless Tooth Fairy is centered on a young tooth fairy named Bella, who is participating in the Miss Tooth Fairy Smile Contest that is being held on Cloud Nine. She is favor to win this year, but the meanest tooth fairy in the world, Zelda, has a plan on stopping Bella from winning.

After a presumed accident occurs, Bella looses a tooth and she can't win the contest without a perfect smile. With the tooth missing, Bella goes on the hunt for a new tooth. She plans on borrowing a tooth from a sleeping child that is scheduled to loose a tooth, but things doesn't go as she had planned.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Blu-ray Review - Tarzan: Special Edition


Tarzan: Special Edition
Directors: Chris Buck & Kevin Lima
Voice Cast: Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Rosie O'Donnell, Glenn Close, Brian Blessed, Lance Henriksen, Wayne Knight, Nigel Hawthorne
Studio: Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $29.99
ASIN: B00K5ZXIZY
Running Time: 88 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

The 1999 Disney classic animated film Tarzan is getting the Blu-ray treatment on Tuesday, August 12. The film is directed by Chris Buck & Kevin Lima and features the voice talents of Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Rosie O'Donnell, Glenn Close, Brian Blessed, Lance Henriksen, Wayne Knight and Nigel Hawthorne. Bonus Features include deleted scenes, Research Trip to Africa, The Making Of The Music, "You'll e In My Heart" Music Video Preformed by Phil Collins and DisneyPedia: Living In The Jungle.

Based on the story Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the first animated version of Tarzan blends traditional animation with 3D backgrounds. Set during the 19th Century off the shore of Africa, an English couple barley escapes their burning ship. The take refuge in the rainforest by building a treehouse, where the plan on raising their son. Out of nowhere, a lioness, Sabor, invades the treehouse and murders the couple.

A female gorilla, Kala, hears the cries of the baby boy and comes to his rescue just in the nick of time to stop Sabor from claiming another victim. Sabor is the one that murdered Kala's child a few days before. Despite her mate's (Kerchak) objections, Kala claims the child as her own, naming him Tarzan.

Tarzan grows up as an ape and becomes best-friends with a gorilla named Terk and an elephant named Tantor. Shortly after he enters adulthood, human explorers invade their camp, leading Tarzan to meet the English woman, Jane. While Jane and Professor Porter are fascinated with Tarzan, their their hunter-guide Clayton isn't impressed. Actually, Clayton is planning on caging the apes and selling them.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

6 Songs That Were Made for Writers


This month, I have songs about books on the brain. Last week on Daily Mayo, I made a list of 12 hit songs that are inspired by books.

Today, I decided it would be fun to look and see if any songs feature the writing process. Although a lot of songs have literary themes, few that I found actually were specifically about writing.

The best songs about writing that I uncovered are listed below:

Party for the Fight to Write-- Atmosphere



This song is about the writing process- mainly about the struggle to be a good band, but much of the lyrics can also apply to prose writers. The chorus and a few significant lines feel like references to the writing process- and in one line he references the book The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton.

Biggest reference to writing: “And he said some got pencils and some got guns, some know how to stand and some of them run; we don't get along, but we sing the same song – party for the fight to write, and write on.”

Open Book – Cake



This song is more about a boyfriend not knowing how to read his girlfriend than it is about actually writing, but there are plenty of lyrics that could be taken literally.

Biggest reference to writing:

"She's writing, she's weaving
Conceiving a plot
It quickens, it thickens
You can't put it down now
It takes you, it shakes you
It makes you lose your thought"

Losing It—Rush



Losing It is basically about the fear of failure and never quite reaching your dreams- as it happens to most people. In the song, a dancer and a writer are both mentioned. Rush sums up the point of the song with the lines:

Blu-ray Review - Hercules: Special Edition


Hercules: Special Edition
Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
Voice Cast: Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Susan Egan, Rip Torn
Studio: Disney Home Entertainment
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Retail: $29.99
ASIN: B00K5ZXJFI
Running Time: 93 minutes
Rating: G
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving on Blu-ray for the first time is the 1997 Disney animated classic Hercules. The film is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and features the voice talents of Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Susan Egan and Rip Torn. Bonus Features include From Zero to Hero Sing-Along "No Importa La Distancia" Music Video and The Making of Hercules.

Based on the Greek mythology, the film centers on Zeus' son, Hercules, who is kidnapped by Hade's minions (Pain and Panic). The two feed the baby Hercules a formula that makes him mortal. As a mortal, Hercules can no longer live with his parents at Mount Olympus, as it is a place for Gods only. Therefore, Hercules is left to be raised by a moral couple.

Years pass by and Hercules has grown into an adult with super strength. His foster parents inform him about his birth parents. Then Hercules sets off for the temple of Zeus, where his father leaves him a message to search for the satyr Philoctetes, "Phil." who will train Hercules to become a hero. Once he becomes a hero, then maybe he would one day be accepted into Mount Olympus, but hiding in the darkness is Hades, whom is planning on overthrowing Zeus and taking over Mount Olympus.



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Adventure Planet DVD Giveaway


Arriving on DVD on later this month from ARC Entertainment is the computer-animated family Adventure Planet. The film is directed by Kompin Kemgumnird and features the voice talents of  Jane Lynch (Fox’s “Glee,” Wreck-It Ralph), Brooke Shields (Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana”), Bailee Madison (Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”), Drake Bell (Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh,” Super Hero Movie) and J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man Trilogy).

About the film:

Get ready for this amazing adventure that shows how kids can save the world! NORVA and JORPE are a gifted and loving sister and brother living in Thailand who have unique abilities to communicate with nature. They literally run into SAM, the son of the president of the Capital State, when he gets lost on a scouting expedition. Sam is impetuous and fool-hardy, but he soon learns to respect his two companions as his electronic gadgets go haywire and strange, burning objects plunge from the sky. The kids rush to the Capital State to warn the president and stop the damage, but they’re no match for the energy-hungry devices that threaten to engulf the planet. The only way to prevent the complete destruction of the world is to turn off all the power and let the earth regenerate, but how can they get the message across to everyone in time?




Giveaway Details:

Adventure Planet DVD
4 Winners
Sponsored by ARC Entertainment
United States Address Only
Giveaway Ends August 18th!


DVD Review - Transformers: Cybertron: The Complete Series



Transformers: Cybertron: The Complete Series
Voice Cast: Garry Chalk, Matt Hill
Studio: Shout! Factory
Release Date: August 5th, 2014
Retail: $44.99
ASIN: B00JHH1ZYW
Running Time: 1180 minutes
Rating: Not Rated
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

Arriving today on DVD is Transformers: Cybertron: The Complete Series, the third and final chapter in the UNICRON Trilogy, featuring all 52 episodes on 7 discs.


The series first aired in Japan in 2005 as a reboot, but when the English-dubbed version aired in the United States, new dialogue was added to connect to Transformers: Armada and Transformers: Energon; making this a trilogy. Unlike the previous series, Cybertron blends computer-animation with traditional 2D animation.

After a black hole threatens their home-world, Cybertron, the Autobots, lead by Optimus Prime, take refuge on Earth by transforming into vehicles. Before long, they are confronted by an ancient Autobot, Vector Prime, who informs them about the Cyber Planet Keys that can help stop the black hole from destroying their planet. The keys are scattered across the universe on four planets and the only map is in the hands of the Decepticons.

Along with their three human friends, Coby, Bud and Lori, the Autobots are in a race against time to find the keys and save their planet.

The 52 episodes on the 7-disc set are:

Monday, August 4, 2014

Journey to the Lapawia Valley in Woman of Courage


Woman of Courage
by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Pub. Date: April 4, 2013
Pages: 320
Buy Link:  Amazon

Review:

I guess it is a little predicable that I'm reviewing another historical fiction title, but I can't give you an excuses, except for the fact that I enjoy reading the genre. Two of my favorite Christian authors are Beverly Lewis and Wanda E. Brunstetter, so any time one of their books becomes available to review, I eagerly sign up to review it.

While the majority of Wanda E. Brunstetter's books are either set in the Amish or the Mennonite world, her newest book, Woman of Courage, is about a Quaker woman, Amanda Pearson, who was jilted by her fiance, Nathan. While she is upset about the breakup, she uses this opportunity to start a new life by going out west to join Rev. & Mrs. Spalding on their mission to minister the Nez Perce Indians.

Accompanied by her father and a guide, Harvey, Amanda heads west for the Lapawia Valley, but after a deadly situation, tragedy strikes, resulting in Buck McFadden rescuing her and bringing her to the home of Jim and Mary Beck, so she can heal her wounds. Despite her near death experience, she is determined to continue her missionary.