The Paramount Pictures production World War Z directed by Marc Forster, and starring Brad Pitt was not the zombie horror flick I thought it would be.
The film opens like most zombie films do, with people living their ordinary lives and going though with their daily routines.
As a family starts their day with preparing to go to school and work, everything is disrupted as a sudden unknown emergency sweeps the area of downtown Philadelphia.
Survival mode quickly settles over Gerry Lane(Brad Pitt) as he struggles to keep his family safe from the threat.
As an employee at the U.N., he is soon recruited by government officials to try and track down and identify the origin of the “So called zombie plague”.
Lane sets out on a global quest to learn the answers about what’s happening.
World War Z was based on a book by Max Brown(which I haven’t read yet) but according to what I already know about the book, the film is very different.
I thought the film was interesting, and had quite a few scenes that were intense, and very engaging. This is of course not the classic zombie flick, but the concept of killing them was traditional. The origin of where they come from is unknown, in the movie (they mention rabies’) and the zombies seem to be much more amplified than the “rage” filled 28 Days Later zombie. There wasn’t much zombie killing and gore like I like because I think they were just too darn fast, one of the major pit falls the movie has. The solution they came up with at the WHO was innovative and creative.
The effects were entertaining and the zombie makeup was awesome. I really appreciated the hard work and talent that went into that aspect of the film.
It’s hard to not compare the movie with other zombie films. I clearly understood what the writers and director was trying to go for but I don’t think their interpretation came off well. The last really good Zombie movie I saw was Dawn of the Dead.
I’m a big fan of Brad Pitt’s so I gave this movie 3 stars for overall good entertainment.
Enjoy L.L.
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Amazon author, Author Lataeya Lane, Brad Pitt, Movie reviews, New Blog posts, New Movies, Paramount Pictures, summer blockbusters, Swept Into The Darkness Author, Weekend Box office, World War Z movie, zombie apocalypse horror movies, zombie movies | Leave a Comment »
The drive to work was always a trip of contemplations. Thinking about my parents burned bright on my mind. It’s never easy to survive tragedy and bounce back into the swing of everyday life. I never really paid attention to the low volume radio but the extra noise kept me company. I used to love waking up early to get my day started but lately I wasn’t much of a morning person. I lost my father in an accident, and my mother couldn’t handle the loss. She had a nervous breakdown and is in a mental hospital, so really I lost both parents in one awful moment. It’s a challenge for me to get up and go on with my life like nothing has happened. Just getting out of bed sometimes makes me feel like I am betraying my parents.
Ever since the car accident I have excruciating headaches. I went into the kitchen and pulled out the drawer that my medication was in. At the moment I was taking prescription pain killers, sleeping pills, and sometimes anti-depressants. I hadn’t needed to take those pills in a long time. I tried to deter the pain from gaining force. If it didn’t, I was going to have to cancel my date with Christine and go straight to bed. The headaches are almost blinding at times, and literally feel like a hammer is banging inside of my brain. Every time I think about the trip I am reminded of the worst day of my life.
I had just gotten back from a weekend ski trip in Aspen with some girlfriends, including Christine. It was mid-winter and my flight was delayed for several hours due to a terrible snow storm that hit the area. My dad, a surgeon at Milford General Hospital picked me up from the airport after a thirty-hour shift; the staff was low because of the storm so he decided to stick around to help out as much as he could. We were both pretty tired but it never occurred to me that dad was not in any kind of shape to drive. It was 4:45 on a Thursday morning, and it was dark and freezing cold. Sleet came down pretty hard, and made the roads very slick. It looked like dad was doing fine, and I always felt safe when he was behind the wheel. Mom was waiting for us with hot cocoa and I was so excited to see her and tell her about my trip.
The ride was long and I dozed off a few times. I woke abruptly to the sound of skidding tires and a sudden swerving motion. Dad’s head was slumped down over the steering wheel, his glasses were crooked and his eyes were closed.
“Dad! Dad! Wake up!” I yelled. I yanked off my seatbelt to shake him with force. The car was spinning out of control. His head bobbed up and down and his eyes lazily open and closed. I grabbed the steering wheel and tried to scoot over as close as I could towards him and reach for the break with my foot. The car was going too fast and bumped and swayed through the light traffic. The car sped up and then everything went black.
I’d never been a “normal” person. Ever since I was a child I’d had experiences that were hard to explain. For example, I frequently had “flashes” that showed me glimpses of the future. I also remember times when a small light would emerge from my fingers, and I was able to move things using the light. Sometimes I saw things in my visions as well, like shadows and creatures. I could also see an aura around people—usually either a bright blue color or a muddled gray. Sometimes I’d seen a red aura, which for some reason really scared me. I’d tried to ignore these abilities, and there were times when I refused to admit that strange things were happening…
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Amazon author, Author Lataeya Lane, biblicial fiction, Fantasy, fantasy book excerpt, Greek mythology, kindle books, new authors in fantasy, New Blog Post, New Book releases, Paranormal romance, Swept Into The Darkness, swept into the darkness book release, Urban Fantasy books | Leave a Comment »
The Man of Steel directed by Zack Snyder was a Sci Fi thrill ride that will take you on a massive adventure between worlds.
Starring Henry Cavill, as Superman aka Kal-El. Henry is best known as the Tudors supporting actor and King Henry’s right hand man Charles Brandon.
The two and a half hour movie, features an all star cast in some of the most important roles the story has.
The movie opens with a spectacular scene as Jor-El played by Russell Crow and his wife Laura have a baby. As they quickly settle into parenthood, their happiness does not last long as they face the fate of a dying Krypton.
Jor-El meets with the leaders of the Council and tries to find out what they can do to save their people from extinction. The meeting is interrupted by General Zod played by Michael Shannon as he murders members of the Council and Jor-El in an effort to take over as the leader. He and his crew are captured and banished from the planet. Before Zod’s departure, he vows that he will find Kal as he witnesses Laura sending him to safety in an escape pod.
The secret to Krypton’s survival is within the genetic make up of Kal-El.
The planet explodes and with that no one survives.
As Kal adjusts to life on Planet Earth.
The movie then picks up with Clark as an adult, as he moves from one odd job to the next searching for his place in the world.
A strange and supernatural encounter in the Artic with a journalist sets off a chain of events that changes everything for the entire world.
I don’t want to give everything away but the storyline was indeed very complex and well thought out. The film was hard core Sci FI and not what you’d expect from a Superman movie.
The world created for the film was fitting for the story and the cast choices perfectly pulled everything together. My only concern with casting was Amy Adams as Lois. She was not a good choice. The effects were amazing and pulled you right into the adventure. I give this movie 5 Stars.
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Author Lataeya Lane, DC comics, Henry Cavill, New Blog Post, New Movies, Swept Into The Darkness Author, THE MAN OF STEEL MOVIE, Warner Brothers, Weekend Box office | Leave a Comment »
My debut,angel vampire fantasy novel Swept into the Darkness was re-edited. Some basic corrections were made, and also there are some changes to the lay out of the book, but those changes don’t take away from the story.
The book is in the process of being published. The paperback and eBook will be available within the following weeks. The actual date will be announced soon.
The process of re-editing was more intense than the first, second and third round of edits. There were parts of the story that were a better fit in other places, so there were times when whole sections had to be changed and put elsewhere.
It was a pleasure to work with my editor Dana, recommended by my tour hosts at Promotional Book Tours. She was very professional and always looked for my input and respected my work.
I will start the summer with a book tour hosted by Promotional book tours. The tour will begin July 5th and last two weeks. The tour will feature my book on various blogs, have book excerpts, and feature book reviews. The prize I am offering will be a $25.00 Amazon gift card.
I will also host a goodreads contest and giveaway which I will offer signed copies of my re-released book.
Other book promotions will be offered this summer and as soon as they develop further, I will announce them.
Happy Reading and Writing
L.L
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Amazon books, biblical fiction, books about angels, Greek mythology, Lataeya Lane, New Blog Post, new books in fantasy, Paranormal romance, smashwords, swept into the book tour, swept into the darkness book release, Urban fantasy, Vampires | Leave a Comment »
The official summer Blockbuster movie season kicked off with the release of Iron Man 3 this past May.
There is a long list of movies expected to be released this summer, but I have compiled a list of a few that I think will be worth watching.
I’m a big super hero fan, so the first movie on my list is
Man of Steel-June 14 starring Henry Cavill
World War Z- June 21 starring Brad Pitt
White House Down-June 28 starring Jamie Foxx
The Lone Ranger-July 3 starring Johnny Depp
The Conjuring-July 19 starring Patrick Wilson
Elysium-August 9 starring Matt Damon
I’ve seen all of the trailers to these films and feel that they will all take their audiences on a thrill ride of adventure.
I expect that they will do very well at the box office.
As I continue to search for summer movies I may add to my list in the near future.
Enjoy your weekend at the movies!
L.L
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Author Lataeya Lane, Elysium, man of steel, Movie reviews, New Blog posts, New Movies, Summer movies, summer movies list, Swept in the Darkness author, the conjuring, the lone ranger, the wolverine, Weekend Box office, white house down, world war z | Leave a Comment »
My debut urban fantasy novel Swept into the Darkness:Chronicles of the Celestial book one is in the process of being reviewed one last time before it is officially re-published.
The process should be completed no later than midweek.
As soon as the book begins the publishing process, I will start my official book promotion kick off with posting a few excerpts right here on my blog. A book blast and tour will follow, along with an array of cool giveaways and prizes.
All of my events will be announced on my blog, and via Facebook and Twitter.
Happy Reading and Writing
L.L.
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Amazon author, Author Lataeya Lane, biblical fantasy, book publishing, Greek mythology, New Fantasy Books, new summer books, Paranormal romance, self publishing updates, Swept Into The Darkness, Urban Fantasy books, vampire fantasy | 2 Comments »
I finally finished re-editing the first book in the Chronicles of the Celestial series, Swept into the Darkness. It took me a while to work on it and get it exactly the way I want it, but I can say that I am so happy with it.
On Monday I sent the manuscript back to my editor for a final review. Once I give my final approval, the manuscript will be re-published.
I’m so excited about the re-launch of this book, that I had to take a break from writing my new post-apocalyptic fantasy, to resume writing the other books in the COTC series. I just finished chapter 1 in book four which is titled Dark Defiance.
The journey that my main character Sydney embarks upon is definitely an adventure that is out-of-this-world. She faces new challenges, and as new enemies arise, her ability to fight against the darkness is tested once she learns that someone close to her is not what he seems.
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Amazon author, angels, Author Lataeya Lane, biblical fantasy, book promotion, book publishing updates LaTaeya Lane, book tours, fantasy books, goodreads author, Greek mythology, into darkness, New Blog Post, new books, new in the world of fantasy, Swept Into The Darkness, Urban Fantasy books, Vampires | Leave a Comment »
Swept into the Darkness: Chronicles of the Celestial book one is an urban fantasy adventure that introduces the world to a beautiful character named Sydney London. Sydney has always had special powers, growing up with these abilities she never really believed that her powers were real until tragedy strikes.
As she deals with the trials of her life, she realizes that the powers she has are real, and that she is part of the war between heaven, hell and earth.
Sydney’s struggles to live an ordinary life, but the more she struggles to be normal, the more she drifts off into worlds beyond the realm of her reality.
Swept into the Darkness is in the process of being re-edited. The re-editing is almost complete, and the book will be re-released. Following the release will be a book tour hosted by Promotional Book Tours. I will also do a Goodreads promotion, and will have various giveaways during and after the tour. Complete details will be announced.
Embracing something new
L.L
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Amazon books, angels, Author Lataeya Lane, fantasy books, New Blog posts, New Posts, Paranormal romance, supernatural, Swept Into The Darkness, updates on writing, Urban Fantasy books, Vampires | 1 Comment »
The A&E Horror series Bates Motel starring Freddie Highmore is the prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.
The show is very interesting and shows the growing psychotic relationship between Norman and his mother Norma.
Bates Motel opens with the mysterious death of Norman’s father, and Norman discovering his body. Distraught and shocked Norman and Norma try to move past it by starting fresh, and moving to a new town. Norma purchases the Seafair Motel in hopes of building a successful business and making a good life for her son. Before they even have a chance to settle in, they are confronted by the previous owner of the property. Upset that he lost his home and business he breaks onto the house one night, attacks and rapes Norma. Norman walks in and discovers his mom is hurt. He knocks out Keith Summers and Norma stabbs him several times.
Determined to keep the murder a secret Norma and Norman disposes his body.
This murder and secret is the beginning of a chain of events that lead Norman and Norma on a downward spiral into the pit of darkness.
The show is exciting and has some very interesting storylines. The introduction of an older brother is fresh to the Psycho theme in addition to Norman’s blackouts.
I really don’t have too many complaints concerning this show except for the time period. The time period can be very confusing. The house and style of the show is presented in a way that is authentic to the time the original takes place, then is interrupted by the introduction of modern technology.
Norman and his mother dress and act like they are from the 50’s and 60’s. Then the second they take out a cell phone or go on the computer, it takes away from the authenticity of Hitchcock’s legacy.
Bates Motel is a great show and shows great promise. The characters have good on screen chemistry and I love the way the writers are developing the relationship between Norman and his mother.
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged A&E shows, Amazon author, Author Lataeya Lane, BATES MOTEL, Bates Motel review, Lataeya Lane, New Blog Post, New Posts, Reviews, Swept Into The Darkness Author | Leave a Comment »
The Marvel Studios production, Ironman 3 starring Robert Downey Jr. and directed by Shane Black was a good film considering some of the negative reviews that have been written about the film. Black is fairly new to the directing scene and is known for writing for the popular 80’s action flicks Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 2, and Lethal Weapon 3.
Ironman 3 picks up sometime after the Avengers have saved the world from an intergalactic alien invasion. A disturbed Tony Stark is in the process of trying to deal with the shock of knowing that other worlds and beings exist. He is also adjusting to being in a steady relationship with Pepper.
The normalcy of life quickly comes to a halt when Tony learns that the world is once again under attack by a terrorist. The Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley. He is a vicious killer and will do anything to get what he wants. The government acts quickly and sends Colonel James Rhodes out on a mission to search for the terrorist. An old acquaintance of Tony’s surfaces Aldrich Killian, and makes Pepper an offer for Tony to be a partner in his DNA altering project. Pepper declines and little do they know that Killian has a more malicious agenda in mind. Tony calls out The Mandarin and soon his home is under attack. Barely making it out alive Tony and Pepper survive, but their home is destroyed. As Tony searches for The Mandarin he quickly learns that he is a fake, an actor and that his real enemy is Killian. Killian has developed a way to heal the physically disabled, but has changed them into heat resistant mutants. He has created these beings to destroy Stark and the world. His plan is to become the world’s most powerful terrorist. He kidnaps the President and Pepper and tries to use Tony’s love for her to get him to work for him.
Tony and Killian battle it out in the traditional fight between good vs evil.
Overall I thought that Ironman 3 was a good movie. The first two were better, but that still doesn’t take away from the film. Black was creative in his representation of Ironman. There were a lot of action pact scenes and creative concepts that haven’t been done before with Ironman. The effects were good, the score was disappointing.
I give this movie 3 1/2 stars.
Posted in Fantasy literature | Tagged Amazon author, Author Lataeya Lane, Blockbuster hits, Ironman 3 movie review, Jon Favreau, Marvel Comics, Marvel Studios, Movie reviews, New Movies, New Posts, Robert Downey Jr, Swept Into The Darkness Author, Weekend Box office | Leave a Comment »
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The World According to LaTaeya 