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The Incredible Burt Wonderstone: Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 26, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Bert wonder poster

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone Movie Review
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone directed by Don Scardino, known for directing many popular television shows including 30 Rock, stars Steve Carell and follows the story of a middle aged Las Vegas Magician as he struggles to remain one of the top magicians in Sin City.
Wonderstone and his partner/best friend Anton Marvelton played by Steve Buscemi have had an act based at Balleys hotel and Casino for over ten years. Stuck in their old school magician ways, their careers and friendship is put to the test when fellow magician and rival Steve Gray portrayed by Jim Carrey attempts to show the world a fresh new form of creating illusions.
The team of magicians try to keep up with the competition by creating a stunt that hopefully will boast ticket sales, But Burt and Anton soon part ways when the idea of the new stunt goes terribly wrong and Anton gets hurt.
Burt struggles to maintain the show on his own, but the show sinks without his partner. As a result of the act loosing money Burt is fired. Unable to properly adjust, Burt is faced with living in a motel with accommodations that do not suit him.
During his travels and transition he meets the king of magic and learns that throughout the years he has lost his passion for the art of magic.
As realizes that the passion he once had can be regained, he reconstitutes his friendships and opens himself up to new ideas.
The movie was funny but still was not 40 Year Old Virgin funny. That is what I was expecting. Jim Carry’s character was very funny and it was nice to see him back on the screen doing what he loves. Carrell and Buscemi were a great team and had great chemistry.
I give this movie 3 stars and recommend it to anyone that wants to laugh and enjoys the combination of all actors.

Happy Reading and Writing
L.L

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Oz The Great and Powerful:Movie review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 11, 2013| Leave a Comment »

oz poster

Oz The Great and Powerful:movie review
Oz The Great and Powerful directed by the talented and creative Sam Raimi and starring James Franco tells how the origin of the Wizard of Oz came to be. Franco plays a struggling magician part of a traveling circus. A good man at heart, unfortunately Oscar learns how to live his life by tricking the people around him in order to make ends meet. After a day of creating illusions for a show Oscar is swept away in a hot air balloon when he is caught in a tornado.
(The introduction of the movie starts out in black and white just like the original Wizard of Oz.)
Oscar prays that if his life is spared he will change. And suddenly everything stops and he enters another world, Oz. From there on the movie is (shot in color.)
Oscar is memorized by the magic and uniqueness of this place. He soon meets a beautiful woman (Mila Kunis) that admits she is a witch and charms her just like he charms every beauty that walks into his life. In no time Oscar learns that this beautiful land is in trouble and is in search for the one that will save the people of Oz from the wrath of a wicked witch. Oscar quickly makes the people believe that he is the Great Wizard that the prophecy predicted. He uses his charms,wit and ability to create illusions to claim a throne of riches and fame that does not truly belong to him. Once he learns that he is in the middle of a great battle for power among three powerful witches (Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams) he backs out trying to turn his back on the people and the mission to save the land. Forced to demonstrate his true nature of good he soon teams up with Glina the good witch and utilizes his trickster ways to create the ultimate illusion to defeat the two witches.
This movie is actually a prequel to the Judy Garland original. Sam Raimi did an excellent job directing this epic adventure. It was different than the classic Sam Raimi films that his fans know so well but he did not disappoint. The movie was filled with special effects. The effects were created with skill but there were times that I felt I was in Tim Burton’s world. Overall the movie was very entertaining and thrilling. The 3D version of this film did not enhance the cinematic experience for movie goers. That component was pointless. I would not recommend spending the extra money to see this film in 3D. The writing was creative and the make up was artistically developed. Mila Kunis’ makeup as the wicked witch was over the top with added laytex and construction considering the original witch had an elongated nose, warts and green face paint. The costume design was another element that added to the magic of this film. My goal for this review was not be long and obviously I did not meet that goal. ( LOL) The movie is a must see for adults and children to enjoy. I give this movie four stars.
Happy Reading!
L.L

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Walking Dead Rant

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on February 11, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Walking Dead Rant
I know every one was tuned into watching the midseason premier of AMC’s The Walking Dead. I along with everyone else have been itching to find out what would happen to the Dixon brothers. About to battle to the death as they both take blows from each other two walkers enter the ring, suddenly shots fire and the crowd seperates like ants running from a foot that’s about to stomp on them. Rick’s group is weaker than ever and they all are struggling with their own demons, which are many. Glen can’t get past the sexual harassment and beating that he and girlfriend Maggie endured while in custody in Woodbury. As the group recoups briefly, Daryl decides that if Rick will not accept his brother then he will leave the group. Rick does not feel safe with bringing Merl back to the prison. So the brothers set off on their own. Rick takes Michone in temporarily and heads back to the prison. A new problem arises which is the new group of people that seek refuge. A war has broken out between Rick’s group and Woodbury. ANDREA finally learns that her old group made contact with the Woodbury group. She should leave considering all the weird things she has witnessed. The people of Woodbury are afraid and want to leave. The Governor has lost control and wants revenge against Ricks group. Towards the end of the episode Rick seeks Hershal’s council as he tries to make a decision on whether to accept the new people. Pondering over what to do, Rick sees a ghostly apparition that remembles Lori. At this point he blacks out loosing his mind. Everyone gets nervous and gives Rick some space. Considering that it has only been a week since Lori gave birth, Rick has not had the chance to mourn her absence. We never really saw Carl shoot Lori. I’m waiting to see her surface again as a walker. I don’t believe Carl killed her. The role of being the groups leader has taken a toll on Rick on a level that is and can be internally damaging. The future of the post apocalyptic survivors is uncertain but their struggle to endure and stay strong remains prevalent.
From a writers perspective I would have killed off Merl. He is untrusting and unpredictable. He is nothing like his brother and does not deserve a chance. But I understand his role to stir up conflict and action. If I did decide to go with keeping Merl alive my second option would have been to just let the brothers go their separate ways. Daryl makes the choice to stay with Rick. Daryl completes Rick’s group. The unspoken love that he shares with Carol is almost painful to watch. Just to know that they love each other and do not express it is hurtful. I would have spent time developing their love story. Just taking the time to be human beings is something that Rick’s group must do. The people of Woodbury had their time now it is Rick’s group’s turn. The last time the group had some real time to relax was the time they briefly spent at the CDC. I am looking forward to seeing what the next episode reveals.
Embracing Something New
L.L

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Beyonce Rant

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , on February 1, 2013| Leave a Comment »

I usually don’t blog about things related to the entertainment industry but I had to get this off my chest. Okay so what if Beyonce lip sang during the Presidential Inauguration. People think that it is the end of the world and the media eats it up. It makes me sick. There are so many other important things going on in the world that we as a society need to worry about. When I saw the news story this morning and saw Beyonce singing live, I said to my self “oh boy!” now she needs to prove to everyone and validate herself as a performer. Then on top of that Beyonce’s appearance is just to promote her upcoming Superbowl Performance. Its all about getting the right PR and piggybacking off of whatever publicity you can get. just look at Lindsay Lohan. So many entertainers are so over rated these days. People need to do something else with their time!!! Gotta go, I have writing to work on.
Embracing Something New
L.L

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Self Publishing Marketing Updates

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 12, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Happy New Year Everyone! First I would like to update all readers on some of the book promotional aspects that have been put into action concerning my debut novel Swept into the Darkness. I launched a book blast hosted by Promotional Book Tours that started on December 21st and ended on January 6th. The blast was a great success and gave my book the appropriate exposure. Next on the promotional agenda will be a giveaway hosted by Goodreads. That will take place starting this Monday. In addition my book tour is in the early stages of the planning process and will begin February 13,2013. That event will also be hosted by Promotional book tours. During Valentines week I will be participating in a special book promotional event where Swept into the Darkness will be featured on several blogs, a group giveaway will be included in the promotion. I have more good good news. My Facebook author page now has over 500 LIKEs and I am so happy that everyone has been so supportive. I am looking to increase book sales and start the process of starting my own publishing company. Stop by my author page at http://www.facebook.com/authorlataeyalane
Happy Reading and writing
I have some movie reviews I will include in my posts for this weekend
L.L

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Swept into the Darkness Promotion

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 24, 2012| Leave a Comment »

First of all I want to wish everyone a Happy, and Healthy Christmas and New Year. I know everyone is busy shopping, cooking or preparing their homes for the holiday, and I had promised myself that I was not going do any work for the next couple of days but there is just so much to be done. I will be working on chapter six in both book two and three and I have decided that I will be writing a fourth book in my Chronicles of the Celestial series. After that project is complete, I will start on my next project which will be a post-apocalyptic fantasy.
I have been hard at work with promoting Swept into the Darkness. For the next two weeks the book will be involved in a Book Blast hosted by Promotional Book tours. My book Swept into the Darkness (Chronicles of the Celestial book one) will be featured on several blogs across the internet. The book promotion will include a Kindle prize giveaway as well as ebook copies at a special promotional price of 99.cents at Smashwords. Enter coupon code NM25R to receive the special discount price. The promotion ends on January 6, 2013. The Smashwords book page is here https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164123
Happy Holidays
L.L

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Swept into the Darkness publishing updates

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 8, 2012| Leave a Comment »

As we all start the recovery process from Hurricane Sandy, slowly I have started to get back on track with everything.  My heart goes out to all the families that lost their homes as a result of Sandy.  May God be with you and deliver you out of this disheartening period in your lives.

I usually don’t blog this early but the baby is sleeping and work is delayed because of the snow so I decided to take this opportunity to write a long overdue blog post.  I will begin with updates concerning Swept into the Darkness Book one.  My promotion was delayed because of the storm, but now things seem to be falling into place again.  I am waiting for the latest edition of my proof to arrive, which I ordered a few moments ago.  As soon as I review it and approve it, the paperback will be available for purchase.  I am striving for perfection and that takes time, patience and money.  It’s amazing how long and tedious publishing a book can be.  On my original timeline, book one and two were supposed to be published and available to readers.  When it is finished it is finished.  Despite all the work that comes with publishing, I really love it.  The more I write and work on my books the more passion I gain for my craft.  The feeling is indescribable.

Announcements will be made on my blog as well as via Twitter and Facebook once the book is up for purchase.  My Facebook release party is in a couple of weeks.  I am just waiting to confirm my official date and will announce that once I get more info on that.  If you cannot wait for a paperback, Swept into the Darkness is available on all distribution channels as an eBook, which includes Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com

Book two in the Chronicles of the Celestial Series will be titled Swept into Betrayal.  The book is in the process of being typed.  It is complete but I am making some changes as I go along.

There are many promotional events that are being planned for the release of Swept into the Darkness.  As they begin to unfold I will make sure that they are announced.

Be Safe, Happy and Healthy

Happy Reading and Writing

L.L

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Paranormal Activity 4 Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 21, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Paranormal Activity 4 directed by Henry Joost and starring Katie Featherston takes place five years after Katie kills her family and kidnaps her nephew baby Hunter.  Hunter now known as Robbie, along with Katie are the new residents of a neighborhood in Nevada.  The moment Katie and Robbie move in across the street, Alice the teen that notices that Robbie is strange begins to experience paranormal events in her home.

The subtle noises in the night become elevated when Robbie is forced to stay a few days with Alice and her family.  Her friend Ben encourages Alice to video record all the strange activity.  Alice feels that Robbie is a bad influence on her brother Wyatt.  After viewing the tapes of recorded footage the teen is convinced that something maybe after her and her brother.  Alice ties to confront her mother about her findings, but her mother continues to not listen and ignore the signs.

Alice eventually discovers that Robbie may be linked to a coven of witches and a demonic force.  By the time she learns this information it is too late for her and her family.

The fast moving movie really was pointless and did not answer any of the questions franchise fans want to know concerning Katie and Kristi’s past that involve the demonic creature.  The movie was done the same way as the others.  A bump here, a crash there, then suddenly Katie pops into the home and randomly kills everyone.  Katie makes a statement at the end of movie telling the possessed Wyatt that “he will be ready soon.”

For those of you who still plan to see the movie, I will not give any more away, but to tell you the truth, I should have gone to see Taken 2, which I am three weeks late seeing.  I am not going to go over special effects or score, because this movie did not bring anything new to the franchise at all.  This movie should have gone straight to DVD and Netflix.  I cannot believe that the production company wasted money to release a movie like this.  I give Paranormal Activity 4 two stars.  I hope they do not make another one for next Halloween.

As a horror fan, I was disappointed and screamed only once.

Happy Reading!!

L.L

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Sinister “Movie Review”

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 15, 2012| 1 Comment »

Sinister directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Ethan Hawke and Juliet Rylance follows the life of writer Ellison Oswalt as he makes an attempt to write his next best-selling novel.  As he struggles to get back on his feet, he begins his writing journey with moving into a new home that has a horrid past.  Keeping that past a secret from his wife and children, Ellison is best known for writing books centered around real murderers and murder victims.  As the family deals with preexisting strain it does not take long for Ellison to realize that it was a mistake to move his family into the house.

After the official move, Ellison discovers a box of home movies in the attic.  Believing that the movies could be useful research for his book, Ellison views the films and learns that strangely the home movies consist of footage of the actual murders.  As he continues to view the films, he is drawn deeper into the darkness that comes with being in the house.  When paranormal disturbances become prevalent, Ellison learns that there is a dark entity that potentially is the source of the murders.  The dark entity is an “eater of children” and consumes their souls over the course of time. When Ellison’s children become the target , the survival of his family is number one priority.  For the first time, Ellison transitions into a “real believer.”

Usually before I see a movie, I have some kind of background knowledge about it.  In this case I knew nothing about the film or what to expect from it.  Derrickson did a great job with the team of writers, production crew and visual effects artists to create a horror film that was meant to live up to the goal of scaring you. Overall the movie was well done.  The script was written well and the character development was realistic in its delivery and was presented in a way that was believable.  Ethan Hawke is not normally seen in this type of film,, so it was a pleasure to see him take on a character like Ellison. The score and sound were two other elements that added to the fear and made the movie more intense.  The score was an extension of telling the story and created a more balanced component to the film.

The idea of a demonic entity preying on children obviously has been done time and time again but It still brought a freshness to the world of horror.  I highly recommend this movie as part of your Halloween film list this season.  All the theatrical elements combined make this movie very haunting and entertaining.  I give Sinister four stars for its dark and malicious components that “draw in” the horror movie fan that gets a kick out of “things that go bump in the night.”

See you in theaters!!

L.L

 

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Caught in a Web

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 12, 2012| 1 Comment »

How can a person be caught in a web of negativity?  There are so many things that can go on in a person’s life that can contribute to that.  The web is life and the things that make up life.  The negative aspects are obviously very overwhelming and vary in capacity.  What makes the whole thing even more difficult is the fact that you are stuck within a realm that is consistently holding you back mentally, spiritually and physically.  Sometimes you may feel like it is impossible to move forward or live up to the greatness that you are supposed to be and live.  Many people may say  “just remove that negativity from your life”  But I say that it is not that simple.  It takes time, patience and planning.  You must endure or tolerate certain negative aspects in your life so you can begin to set up the necessary building blocks to take one step at a time to move in the direction of the path you want to take.   The direction of positive change and high potential.  The whole idea is a process on its own but the end result will be good no matter how far away you think the journey is.  So no matter how tight my legs are tangled in the web, I will always manage to wiggle free, and embrace my creativity turning the web of negativity into weaves of positiveness and great success by overcoming my challenges and rising above it all.

Happy Reading and Writing!!

L.L

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