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Posts Tagged ‘Dark Betrayal Author’

Annabelle Creation “Movie Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on August 16, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Annabelle Creation Poster

Annabelle Creation directed by David F. Sandburg and starring Anthony LaPaglia and Maranda Otto follows the origin story of how the infamous Annabelle doll came to be. This movie blends the classic haunted house story with the classic idea of demonic possession. The parents of a little girl must cope with the loss of their beautiful daughter and in the process open themselves up to a realm of unimaginable darkness. Soon after a displaced orphanage of girls along with a nun and priest set up residency in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mullins. The girls quickly learn that there are secrets that the Mullins family have locked away within the house. The innocence of a child like presence becomes something evil in such a way that the residents in the house began to fight for their very souls.

I know that many people go into watching these horror movies with a closed mind, claiming that they have seen it all. That maybe true but if you are looking for a good old-fashioned scare filled with hand grabbing, door creeks, floor board sounds, and severed bodies, then this movie is for you.

The acting was average, and special effects were pretty good, but it was the manner in which the Annabelle story was written that drew me in. The writing was done in a way that answered many questions, but it also was related to the original movie, which also tied into the demon nun from the Conjuring, which we will learn more about when The Nun hits theaters in 2018. I’m very invested in this franchise and I hope that people are willing to give it a chance.

Overall this movie was very enjoyable with lots of scares around every corner. This is a great movie to kick off the horror movie season.

I gave this movie 4 stars.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below.

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Transformers: The Last Knight Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 26, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Transformers Knight

Transformers: The Last Knight, directed by Michael Bay and starring Mark Wahlberg, takes you back in time to the story of King Arthur, Merlin and the knights of the round table. This element of the story was so exciting and had me thinking about the Arthurian Legend. The story delves deep into the history of how humans and the extraterrestrials began their alliance and revealed more history between the war among the Autobots and the Decepticons. The battle between Good and Evil is intense and continuous throughout the film. I’ve read and heard some of the reviews concerning this movie, which was negative, and it seems that this film grossed the least amount money out of the franchise. I’m not sure why this is because honestly, this was a great movie. The storytelling process was very interesting; the writing was well done. I felt as if I was brought into the story and experienced the journey along with the characters. Mark Wahlberg didn’t disappoint but some of the other new characters needed more developing like Isabella and Jimmy, but I think that they could have been better portrayed by other actors. I felt as though their acting styles were forced. Thet both tried too hard and during some scenes, I thought that their characters were not needed. Sir Edmund Burton played by Anthony Hopkins was a great addition to the cast and served as a guardian and historical counsel in the film. I really enjoyed the battle sequences and the enhanced technology brought the characters to life in such a way that made this whole idea so realistic. You could tell that the writers did some intense research in regards to history, fantasy, and folklore.

The visual effects were amazing, and the overall energy of the film brought a smile to my face as the story unfolded. This movie was so good that I would see it a second time. If you have the time to do a Transformer movie marathon then do it, there are past references throughout and a reference to a future possible battle(so don’t leave during the end credits). Seeing all four movies brings the story together. Despite some casting issues, this is a great film to see. I gave this movie five stars!!

L.L.

Check out the Trailer Below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 9, 2017| Leave a Comment »

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Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by James Gunn, and starring Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana is a continuation of the saga of a group of superhero criminals who have vowed to protect the universe. On their quest to keep order within the cosmos, Star-Lord finds answers to his past and discovers some new found truths about the real person he has become.

Without spoiling it for those who haven’t seen this film yet, I must say that it was well done. The storytelling was done well. I just feel that this movie should have been the first film and the first film the second. It was nice to have questions answered about Star-Lord’s past, instead of waiting after four or five films to have questions answered.

The film had a great tone to it, which the aspects of comedy contributed to, but I did feel as if it was a bit too much comedy. It was one step away from being compared to a stand up comedian’s show.  The cast was great and I love the chemistry that each character displayed. This movie was a lot of fun to watch. There are a few surprises with supporting cast members and memorable marks that others made upon us.

I’m always a big fan of special effects and at this point in the game, the effects have to be spot on. The special effects for Guardians was just that! I really did not enjoy the score of the first film, but it was a lot better in this one. I’m assuming that as time goes on the score will continue to get better as the main character and film evolve together.

Overall this movie was every enjoyable and thrilling to watch. I’m looking forward to the third film.

I gave this movie 5 stars!

L.L.

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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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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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The Walking Dead Season Seven Premiere 

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , on October 24, 2016| Leave a Comment »

 

As the intensity and anticipation grew over the last few months, The season Premiere of The Walking Dead unraveled like a roll of gift wrapping paper. Directed by the talented Greg Nicotero, the story continued as the wrath of Negan brought down his bat upon two of TWD’S most beloved characters. I’m still in shock over the whole thing and must say that theTWD PR team did a great job at creating such buzz for this season. The Internet was fuming with kill theories and videos about the potential victims but I must say that my own theories were inconsistent at times. I had a feeling that Glenn was going to die but I figured that the writers had other plans for Abraham.  I’m surprised that the show let go of two major characters at the same time.

I would like to begin with the flow of the story and the story telling process,which was done in classic Nicotero style. It was done in a way that brings the audience even deeper into the story with the realization that these events are happening to the characters.

The events are unfolding through the eyes of Rick as he watches the deaths of members of his family. Glenn has been there since the very beginning so it makes it an even harder pill to swallow. Rick is more vulnerable that he has ever been before. The kill scene spews an unimaginable sence of emotion that deeply impacts us, especially the charcters in the show.

Rick and the group are heartbroken over the loss of Abraham and Glenn and it seems as though the group is torn in a way that will never allow them to heal. 

The evil within Negan is gut wrenching but there is something about him that makes me like him. Maybe it’s the writers or Jeffrey Dean Morgan but I’m excited to see what kind of future he will have on the show. 

Overall the episode was hard to watch. I can’t stand to see Rick go through this turmoil. This season is already intense. What else can I say…..

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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The Conjuring 2 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on June 12, 2016| Leave a Comment »

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The Conjuring 2, starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson was thrilling and intense. Directed by James Wan, the true story follows the paranormal case files of the famed demonologist Ed Warren and his Psychic Medium wife Loraine Warren. This time the couple travel to Enfield England to investigate potential paranormal activity that a local family claims that is terrorizing them.

The Catholic church hires the couple to do a formal investigation to prove to them that a potential exorcism is needed to help the family.

From the moment they enter the house strange things seem to be happening but there are signs that just don’t point to demonic activity. A local sceptic is determined to prove that the young girl is faking possession episodes in order to gain attention. She films the girl having an episode and states that her video is evidence of the girl’s false intentions.

Ed and Loraine make an attempt to head home when the two of them discover that not only is the girl telling the truth but also that there is something deeper that they may have to face in order to save the girl and her family.

 

This movie was the most anticipated horror film of 2016. It was well done and did not disappoint. Since it was based of the real case files of the Warrens, it really made you think about the real dark forces that do exist within the world. Farmiga and Wilson were great as usual and I really hope that there are multiple films that come from the franchise. New Line still has the magic of bringing horror to us in ways that give their films a distinct feel that demands an emotional response from its fans and movie goers alike.

I give this movie five stars, it’s a must see film of the summer.

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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Captin America:Civil War Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 22, 2016| Leave a Comment »

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Marvel’s Captin America: Civil War wasn’t as good as I thought it could be. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and starring Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr, the movie felt like an Avengers reject project with the exception of Ironman’s  storyline. I’m not going to give too much away, but the battle between Ironman and Captain America was highly overrated and uneventful. The storytelling process was way off for me and it took production two in a half hours just to reveal the truth behind Tony Stark’s past. I don’t understand why they couldn’t tell the important part of Stark’s story within his own movie and just let CA’S story be enough. I realize that stories will overlap within the Marvel Universe, but it just wasn’t enough for me to be satisfied this time. Some of the characters I really liked but I felt that there were just way too many at one time. The amount of characters just tried to overshadow the lack of storytelling. I don’t like the idea of good guys battling each other, but now that seems to be the norm within the superhero comic world.

Everything else was fine, the special effects were good and the action was ok. I just can’t remember what the initial mission was for the Avengers. If they make another CA movie, I will wait for it to come out on Dvd.

Sometimes waiting is better.

L.L.

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