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Posts Tagged ‘Author Lataeya Lane’

Underworld Blood Wars “Movie Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 8, 2017| Leave a Comment »

 

Underworld Blood Wars staring Kate Beckinsale and directed by Anna Foerster is a fast paced vampire fantasy that wraps up the long reigning war between the vampire clan and the Lycans.  Selene finds herself alone and now a hunted outcast within her own community, as she tries to defend herself and protect her hybrid daughter from her enemies. A new Lycan enemy has risen from the shadows, Marius and is in desperate need to find Eve (Selene’s daughter) and use her blood to transform himself into the ultimate powerful Lycan hybrid.  Selene’s ignorance of her whereabouts is deemed helpful but that does not give her a pass to live freely. Instead Marius continues to hunt her down and destroy everything in his path to get what he wants. Selene and her friend David make an attempt to seek refuge in one of last surviving vampire Covens. One that eventually appears to be linked to David and the Coven that Craven led in the first Underworld. Answers to questions of the past are finally revealed and Selene discovers that some members of this Coven are not on her side. Once again betrayed by her own kind, Selene and David head to the Artic to seek help from another ancient tribe of vampires that appear to peaceful seekers and defenders of Selene’s cause.  It is there that she learns that Marius’ part in this play a more sinister role in destroying the life she once had. The final battle begins and Selene finds herself on the brink of the true death.

Underworld Blood Wars was an exciting film to see. The story telling process did the franchise justice. The action sequences were classic Underworld with a few surprises that horror fans will love. The effects were technologically developed in a way that allowed the movie goer to fully appreciate the ideas being presented. The vampire world was very enticing and I must say that the overall look of the characters in full costume was beautiful. The black leather designs were unique to every character and added to the world being presented. It allowed the environment to become a character in itself. My only issue, the movie was over too fast.

I gave this movie 5 stars for a fun whimsical vampire fantasy!!!

L.L.

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Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them (Movie Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »

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Fantastic Beasts directed by David Yates and starring Eddie Redmayne follows the story of a young wizard, Newt Scamander, as he explores the City of New York and the underground world of magic. Newt Scamander is the author of the book Fantastic Beasts and where to find them, the same book that Harry reads at Hogwarts seventy years after these events. Newt Scamander finds himself in a world of trouble as some of his creatures have escaped his magical suitcase.  As Newt tries to finds the creatures, he also tries the keep the City safe from magic being exposed to non-magical beings.

The action packed fantasy adventure was exciting, and everything you would expect from a Harry Potter franchise film. There was a lot going on with multiple story lines but I still felt as though there was a clear direction in where the story was going. There were surprises at every corner and every moment was filled with thrilling elements. Eddie Redmayne displayed a soft spirited persona and made me smile almost every time he was in a new scene. Eddie’s character added a freshness to the story and created new elements to the Wizarding World.

The creatures were interesting in appearance and the concept of Newt being able to go deep inside the suitcase, to a whole new world was spectacular. The special effects were impressive and the magical elements were enthralling. The time period was authentic in its presentation and the supporting cast all added to the storytelling process.

Overall the movie is a must see. You will be enchanted throughout the entire film.

L.L.

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Dr. Strange “Movie Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on November 6, 2016| Leave a Comment »

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Dr. Strange Movie Review

Marvel’s Dr. Strange starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton was directed by Scott Derrickson. This was a thrilling adventure that was absolutely sensational.  The story follows a very successful neurosurgeon Steven Strange as he suffers from a horrific car accident. His body is left broken and spirit shattered as he tries to pick up the pieces of a life that will never be the same again. Strange receives word from an occupational therapist that a man he knew was in a similar situation and found an alternative way to heal his body and spirt in the process.

Strange seeks answers across the world, with the hope that he will be able to heal and become the surgeon that he once was. He meets two people on his journey Mordo and the Ancient One. They expose Dr. Strange to a world of infinite possibilities by opening the doors to a wider consciousness and teaching Dr. Strange the rules of magic that dwell within the realms of multiple dimensions. Strange opens himself up and allows his belief in medicine fuel his drive to see this world and the worlds beyond differently. In the process he is faced with many challenges and an enemy that poses a threat that could end humanity. Strange takes on the threat and becomes an entity that’s strength is built on his knowledge and increasing magical abilities. Throughout the film Strange is constantly evolving and becoming better than his previous self. He ends up becoming the guardian of New York City.

Dr. Strange came out on top and was one of the best superhero movies I’ve seen since the Avengers. There were references to the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy, so I am excited to see how this whole story is going to unfold. The special effects were amazing and had a strong Inception feel to it. I would love to see what the storyboards look like frame by frame for each scene. Hopefully the DVD will have bonus features like that in it.  The storyline was great and I actually felt like there were also many Swept into the Darkness references made throughout the film as well. The dark dimensions and the ability to manipulate time within the cosmos, are major elements in the book and movie. Swept into the Darkness is about the battle between Good and Evil among Heaven and Earth and Sydney London, the main character must travel within the dimensions and use her angelic powers to defeat the evil.  Swept into the Darkness is available on Amazon.com and written by yours truly.

Benedict Cumberbatch was a great casting choice and I felt that the whole cast was awesome in contributing to the story-telling process. I rarely see movies a second time in the theater but this movie is worth the money and a second trip. I saw it in 3D which added to the overall experience. If you have not seen this movie yet please go see it.

I give Dr. Strange 5 stars for being just outright awesome and giving meaning to what a cool movie can look like.

L.L.

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Magnificent Seven 2016 Review 

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 25, 2016| Leave a Comment »


​The Magnificent Seven, directed by Antone Fuqua, and starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt, follows a bounty hunter (Chisolm) and six members of aquaintances as they help to protect a local western town from a rich industrial tycoon.

This movie was a lot of fun to see. It was well executed and the overall production was presented and delivered in a very authentic manner. The multicultural cast was just perfect and the on screen chemistry gave off a natural vibe as the movie goer watched the story unfold. The score was engaging and the mood of film was pure and reflected a feeling of old school adventure, something that most remakes lack. I thought that the movie was well done and exciting. It was a nice change from all the horror and drama that has been on the silver screen lately.  It was refreshing to see a cross of classic 90’s Hollywood actors like Denzel and Ethan, work with modern Hollywood actors like Chris Pratt. For those people who are not familiar with the 1960’s version, you will not feel like you missed out when watching this version. The movie had a great blend of modern film aesthetics while still staying true to the naturalness that the time period represents. The effects were not overwhelming but was done in a way that sharpened the story-telling process. Before the movie was over, I was hoping that a sequel could be possible, but I think this was a stand alone film.

This is a must see, if you are looking to have fun and be taken away to the past. I give this movie 5 stars. 

L.L 

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Don’t Breathe “Movie Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on September 4, 2016| Leave a Comment »

​Don’t Breathe directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Horror Legend Sam Raimi, stars Stephen Lang and Jane Levy.  The story follows a young woman and her two friends as she tries to make a better life for her and her daughter. Living the life of a criminal, Rocky and her two friends have knowledge and experience in robbing houses. They soon come to learn that a local blind man is sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars of settlement money. The three decide to rob the man with the hopes of everything going smoothly. The plan is underway but things soon go sour despite the blind man’s disability.

This movie was just outstanding. It’s the perfect horror movie that fans have been anticipating for a long time. The intensity and suspense building is great. The overall concept was nice and fresh. The score kept the thrill going and Stephen Lang did an amazing job portraying “the blind man.”

I give this movie 5 stars, this is the type of film that people will be talking about for a long time. Go see it, if you haven’t already!

Happy Haunting

L.L 

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Writing with Purpose Part Two

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on July 13, 2016| 2 Comments »

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Writing with a purpose

Life has had its many challenges, so it’s been difficult for me to get back into the habit of blogging again. But I’m back and it feels good to get my words out (on paper, LoL). There have been and will be a lot of changes for me in the near future, which will all be positive. I’m moving in the right direction and will be able to put my writing back on the top of my list. In this post I will discuss writing with purpose and meaning.

People write in our society for so many reasons. They write for communication, entertainment, and to help us learn new things. Writers use words to express themselves and share parts of themselves that they would not necessarily share by speaking.  Writing in our world is the way we connect with others and how we are brought together in so many ways. The written word teaches us how to acknowledge each other’s differences, and teaches us about other, times,places, worlds, realms and dimensions.

I like to read a variety of genres, and it is important as a writer to write with meaning and purpose. When a writer writes with purpose they make a deeper connection with their readers. It doesn’t matter what genre you are reading. It is a writer’s job as a deliverer of communication to write in a way that makes the reader feel respected and viewed as a unique individual. Writing with purpose and the meaning behind the writing is a special bond that the writer and reader have between the two. It is that special human connection that links us among time and space.

Writing with meaning also is a way that defines who a writer is, and gives the writer a chance to express themselves in a way that makes them identify with others. Writing brings them in a world where the writers and the readers can be and do what ever it is that they want to be. It is the place where they can escape, share in an adventure of relive an event from the past. It is the place where they can fly into the future or save a damsel in distress. It is a place where you can be you any way or how you want to be.

Writing with meaning opens doors for both the reader and the writer and the relationship they share is honest and unbiased when they both stay true to who they are within their own world.

Stay True to Yourself,

L.L.

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X-men Apocalypse Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 31, 2016| Leave a Comment »

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X-Men Apocalypse was a marvelous continuation to the mutant saga. Directed by Bryan Singer and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender, the story follows the group of exceptional mutants as they defend the world against the most powerful mutant they have ever faced-Apocolypse.

The film opens in ancient Egypt, where a society worships mutants like gods. En Sabah Nur is in the process of transferring his spirit into another body when suddenly his transference is interrupted by a band of radicals that will stop at nothing to save their people from persecution. The temple is destroyed and the ceremony stopped, but not before En Sabah Nur is protected several hundred feet under ground. Centuries later En Sabah Nur’s ruin temple is rediscovered and some of his servers awaken him. The now super mutant Apocalypse goes on the hunt to search for the world’s most powerful mutants so he can execute his plan to destroy the world, rebuild it and rule as the god he intended to be.

In this film we see our favorites like Mystique, Quicksilver, and Magneto, but we also learn the origin story of how Storm came to be and we find out a little more about Professor X  and Magneto’s past, in addition to learning how Jean Gray and Wolverine first crossed paths. It was very surprising to see Hugh Jackman make an appearance and very fitting for Jean’s story. Now we know how she and Wolverine connect they way do.

This movie was just great on all levels. The casting was just perfect. The newcomers had great onscreen chemistry and blended into the story extremely well. The storytelling, character plots, action scenes and the special effects were awesome. This movie made up for what Civil War was lacking. I’m actually willing to see this movie a second time. If you are looking for a blockbuster to kick off your summer movie list, then XMEN Apocalypse is the movie for you. I gave this film 5 stars. If you haven’t seen it yet, please go!!!

L.L.

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Norman Reedus at The Montclair Film Festival

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 10, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Norman Reedus

Norman Reedus, star of AMC’S hit zombie apocalypse show, The Walking Dead, graced fans this past weekend with a live Q and A session at the Montclair Film Festival. The event was hosted by Joel Stillerman, AMC’S president of Original Programming. Stillerman asked Norman a series of questions that allowed fans to get an  in-depth and personal look at the Boondock Saints actor. Norman’s down to earth attitude was infections as the crowd  listened to stories about Norman not being the “cool kid in school.” He talked about how his life has been impacted by fame, and how it hasn’t changed him as a person within. We all shared a sympathetic “awww” when he talked about having cameras in his face all the time and deciding to eat his lunch in the bathroom on a plane. Stillerman mentioned some of Norman ‘s earlier work and revealed that he loves photography. He showed two of Norman ‘s published photo books and openly discussed his passion for “capturing dark moments, but seeing a light within that darkness.” He discussed the close relationship he had with his mom and he talked about his new venture with his friends, expressing his love for motorcycles and the open road on his new show “Ride with Norman.” TWD was mentioned several times, along with his close and loving relationship with cast-mates Andy Lincoln and Steven Yeun, but he could not discuss the fate of his character Daryl Dixon. Norman made it known that he has not read the comics and when filming, he just asks some of the cast where the timeline rolls into the story. Toward the end, a few people got up and asked questions. Two became very emotional and Norman got up to give them some official TWD memorabilia.

Overall the event was very exciting and it was so nice to see Norman live, up close and personal. I hope that he and some of the other cast members make an appearance at a future Montclair Film Festival event.

L.L

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The Walking Dead Season 6 Finale

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 4, 2016| Leave a Comment »

TWD Season 6

The Walking Dead season 6 finale excited, shocked, and made us crave for more. The episode answered lots of questions, but also left us asking more questions. The Roller coaster ride continues to go up. Things haven’t been quiet for sometime now. Rick has fully assumed position as leader of Alexandria since Deanna’s death during the mid-season. He has fallen in love and started a romantic relationship with Michone, met Jesus from the Hilltop and has come face to face with arch nemesis Negan. Rick is stronger now than ever, but I fear that his strength will soon weaken once he witnesses the full wrath of Negan.

The people of Alexandria are on the verge of loosing everything they have built and tried to maintain within the walls. Daryl started the war against Negan and his group, which was initiated when he blew up the bikers with the rocket launcher.

While at the Hilltop  Rick learns about Negan. He and the group take on the challenge to get rid of him and his group so that he and Alexandria can trade with the Hilltop. That decision leads the group to Negan’s compound where Glenn makes his first kill and Maggie and Carol are captured. The group does some damage but not enough. They come out victorious, but soon run into a new band of problems as they settle back home. Carol leaves, and Rick sends a group out to find her. Daryl sets out on his own to find Dwight, the sleaze that shot an arrow and killed Denise on a run. He is filled with loss and revenge, but then soon finds himself in hot water just as he stumbles on a captured Glenn and Michone.

Something goes terribly wrong with Maggie, as she experiences possible miscarriage pain. Rick and the group gather a few things and set off to take Maggie to the Hilltop where she can get medical attention. On the way, Rick encounters Negan’s group on the road. They are stopped several times and are eventually led into a major trap where a large number of Negan’s men have ambushed Rick and the group. Meanwhile Morgan finds Carol and she confesses that she is ready to die, but Morgan refuses to let her go. She slips away from him injured from her battle with the Saviors. On her travels alone one of the survivors catches up to her and shoots her twice. Morgan finds her again and finally kills the guy to save her. They are recruited by a two men dressed in armor, one of them is the man who lost his horse in episode 15. Those people are from another community called the Kingdom, as it is known in the comic books. Eventually the Hilltop, Alexandria, and The Kingdom join forces to battle Negan’s group.

After  plan to dodge Negan goes wrong, Rick and the group are all brought to their knees, and are reunited with Michone, Daryl, Glenn, Rosita, and Eugene. Negan finally makes himself known along with his precious bat Lucille. The fear in everyone’s eyes is practically haunting as they all take in the air of death upon their necks. He proposes an offer for Rick-for them to give half of all they have to him in order to stay alive. Negan is dead set on punishing Rick for killing so many of his men. One by one he tries to choose which person to kill. He makes a choice and bashes the head in of someone who we will have wait until October to find out who lost This episode was directed by Greg Nicotero , who by which is an awesome director, but this episode had to be one of the most disappointing episodes I’ve seen in a while. I had a problem with the 90  minutes, and half of a season of building up to such an epic point just to be let down by the end. Jeffrey Dean Morgan had to be on camera for about a whole five minutes, then it ended and we have no clue who was killed. At this point I don’t even think the writers know who they want to kill off. Most of the episode was spent on the group going in circles,  and Carol and Morgan’s to die or not die story-line.

The special effects were great and there is always something new to see visually. I will spend this time reading the books which will include the new book.

Happy Zombie Hunting, Just Survive Somehow

L.L.

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Batman Vs Superman Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 27, 2016| Leave a Comment »

batman vs superman

Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice was not as bad as most of the reviews claim. Directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck, the movie merges Metropolis and Gotham City in a way that helped to possibly introduce a future that fans of the DC  comic world has been anticipating for years.

Without giving too much away basically Bruce Wayne aka Batman believes that Superman is a major threat to the world and sets off on a personal vendetta to put an end to the extraterrestrial hero. Superman does everything he can to try to clear his name as a killer. His intentions were misunderstood, but no matter what he does to help,the people just can’t fully put their trust in him. In this movie Batman is more of a villain than a hero. Another villain soon surfaces, Lex Luther played by Jesse Eisenberg. Lex does all he can to try to destroy Superman once he gets his hands on Kryptonite.

Some interesting characters make an appearance like, Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg, which I think will set the stage for future movies.

Overall the movie was very interesting. The action scenes were done in a manner that was exciting, but I just think that the some of the casting choices muddled the story-line and brought down the overall mood of the film. First and foremost I just can’t get over why Christian Bale declined the original offer. Aside from Michael Keaton,  Bale is by far the best Batman and that is why I just cannot accept Ben Affleck in this role. Batman appears to be aging, and the fact that he still hasn’t come to grips with the death of his parents just makes him even more distant as a character. It is clear that this is not the crime fighting Justice seeking individual that we have seen and grown to love in the past. We have struggled with Bruce and seen him in ways that made him more identifiable than any other hero we have seen. Affleck was unconnected and cold on so many levels. This role was not meant for him and it was clear that his on-screen delivery expressed that.  Another problem I had with the casting was with The Social Network star Jessie Eisenberg. He just did not channel a serious Lex Luther character. His comical air,seemed to be a better fit to play the Joker. It was as if his character was trapped in the body of another character. He was not a good fit.

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Henry Cavill was great as Superman. He gave the same passion and energy he did in the Man of Steel which was a great movie. Another Character that I really loved was the new Wonder Woman played by Gal Gadot. The only problem I had with her was that I wanted to see more of her and know more of her backstory. I hope they get her to do her own movie before Dawn of Justice 2 comes out. I’m not talking about the 1980’s Wonderwoman version.

I won’t spoil the end, but the movie was very interesting and it seems as if some characters have to go through a deeper transition, which will shape who they will become in the future of this adventure.

I give this movie 3 in a half stars. It would have been 5 but for obvious reasons I just couldn’t do it.

If you are a fan please go see it. Check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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