When The Movie Is Better Than The Book

Mar30

I watched Insurgent yesterday (YAY!) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it’s better than Divergent turned out, though I really enjoyed it too.

The book Divergent was the reason I saw the movie.

I cannot say the same for Insurgent. For whatever reason, I just couldn’t get into the book and gave up 40 pages in (something I rarely do). That didn’t deter me from watching the movie and I’m glad it didn’t.

So what happened? Is the movie really better than the book? Is Insurgent the exception to the rule (where the book is always better) for me?

Looks like.

Honestly, I’ll prolly try reading Insurgent again at some point…I just can’t give up on the story. Nevertheless I still feel the film was fantastic.

Interestingly, I’m also reading Shutter, a new YA book about the descendants from characters in the novel Dracula (Harker, Stoker, Helsing, etc). They fight paranormal creatures like ghosts, zombies, and vamps. It’s a good book, however, I’m struck with the thought that this may be another case of the film having the potential to be better than the book. Now, this book isn’t being adapted to film as far as I know, but if it was, I’m sure the special effects would be beyond cool to see.

Gosh, I can’t believe I’m saying this!

How about you? Have you ever experienced a film that’s better than the book? Do tell!

Film Fun: Jupiter Ascending

Jan26

I hate to say it, but most movie previews I see don’t interest me. I might get to the theater once a month (sometimes more, but mostly less than that). Actually, there were a few years that I barely got to the theater once a year.

Some folks don’t go at all. Seeing a film in the theater can be expensive!

But in some cases, I prefer the theater. You just can’t compare the big screen and sound systems–unless you have a home theater in your house. (I do not.)

Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to Jupiter Ascending for quite some time. (Since last summer, I think!) the film was supposed to be released much earlier, but was postponed for a long time.

I love Scifi, so that makes it a big draw for me. I like Mila Kunis. And I’m dying (pun intended) to find out if Sean Bean’s character survives!

How about you? Yay or nay on Jupiter Ascending?

Jupiter Ascending Trailer

Book To Film–My Thoughts

Aug4

I posted the other day on YAtopia about my thoughts on the upcoming movie adaptation of Lois Lowry’s The Giver. I’m excited and a bit nervous. Hop on over and leave your thoughts about turning books into films! 😉

Here’s a link to The Giver on IMDb.

Here’s a link to Lois Lowry’s interview with The New York Times about her take on her book being turned into film.

Flake-out Friday–February First

Feb1

That’s one heck of an alliteration in the title there, eh? I couldn’t resist.

Anyway, I’m commenting on it being February solely because I can’t believe how fast January has gone by. I mean, seriously, wasn’t it just Christmas, like, five minutes ago? (Yes, I said that in a Valley Girl voice.)

At the beginning of the month, all the insulation in the attic had been removed (it was vermiculite–a substance often contaminated with asbestos) and I was freezing. Let me say that again. FREEZING.

Four weeks later, the entire house is fully insulated (walls and attic), and now I’m sweltering. YES. SWELTERING.

LOL!

Construction continues as a crew works to re-side the house. It’s hard to see maybe in these pics, but here’s the work in progress:

The circular holes are where the insulation was blown in.

This area has been fully sided.

I had the choice of like 30 siding colors. Because the house is Greek Revival, I fully intended on keeping the white. When I informed the fella directing the project of my plan, he was like, “Well, keep the samples, think about it for a few days. You could have different colors for the soffets, corners, molding…it’s all up to you. There’s lots to choose from.”

I chose white. For everything. (The shutters, when fixed, will still be black.)

What I like most is how the siding really keeps to the style of the house.

Although, I’ll prolly have to replace all the windows next. They look kind of…old, LOL!

* * * * * * * * * *

As for writing, I’m editing my short story, TSAVO PRIDE. I have a trailer and a cover–WOOT!–so hopefully things will be in line for an early spring release. I hope you guys like it. It’s horror, which is different from NEW PRIDE and SHIFTING PRIDE, but it’s based on some folklore in SHIFTING PRIDE. 😉

I’m also slowly drafting the sequel, FRACTURED PRIDE. It’s gonna be good, folks, I pwommiss.

How was January for youse guys? What’re your plans for February? Whose gonna see WARM BODIES? And what about BEAUTIFUL CREATURES??? 😉

Author Janiera Eldridge Guest Post–Winter Must Haves!

Jan18

Janiera Eldridge is celebrating the release of her second novel, DARK EXPECTATIONS. It is the sequel to her debut, SOUL SISTERS. Today, I’m hosting her on my blog as part of her blog tour. Take it away, Janiera! (Please see my review below.)

My Top 5 Winters Must Haves!

Winter (including the holiday season) is my favorite time of year. You think a Florida girl would say summer but, not-so-much. The 50’s and 30’s temperatures we get during this time of year isreal relief! However, there are some items I must have to get me through this time of year!

1. The Snuggie: Now I admit, I made fun of this too when it first came on the market. However this is a readers and writers dream. It keeps me warm without having to turn on the heat and my arms stay protected. I love being able to pull this out of the closet whenever it turns cold.

2. Coffee: This one does not need much explanation but coffee is must for the cold weather season. Coffee never gave me much energy but I love how it fills you with warmth as soon as you swallow it. There are really delicious holiday creamers you use to spice up your coffee too and I have to have it while I read and write.

3.Laptop: Well, as a writer simply, this is the bread and butter of my life. It really is a must have item all year around but my best writing happens during the window. We don’t get any snow but it is often grey and rainy during this time of year. It really makes you want to hunker down and let thoughts flow from my brain to the computer. I just wouldn’t feel complete without my laptop.

4. Netflix: What would I do without streaming Netflix on my TV? The cloudy, chilly, winter days makes it hard to want to go out. Some days with suffering from Fibromyalgia I can’t go out so watching shows and movies on Netflix is a real convenience. There is nothing like a good movie to get caught up in on a cold winter day.

5. Books: This is my favorite one and an absolute must have! There is nothing like getting caught up in a good book this time year! I don’t have a particular genre I like to write the most but urban fantasy and mystery are my favorite to read this time of year. Put a good book, coffee and a snuggie together and I never want to leave the house

What are some items you must have during the winter?

Awesome list, Janiera!

Here’s more information if you’d like to check out Janiera’s books:

Title: Dark Expectations (Book 2 in the Soul Sisters Trilogy)

Author: Janiera Eldridge

Release Day: October 31, 2012

Synopsis: With Ani taking her place as queen, there are some enemies lurking she could never imagine! There’s a secret compound in California that wants to know the secrets to making a vampire or werewolf. When they kidnap Ani during a trip back to California they might actually get what they want. Her sister Dana, her lover Diego and other vampires do everything they can to get her back. If they don’t succeed, they face being controlled completely by the human race forever! Dark Expectations is the exciting sequel to Soul Sisters that’s full of adventure, danger and what it means to be queen!

Buy Links:

Amazon (Paperback & Kindle)

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Expectations-Book-Sisters-Trilogy/dp/1480192023/ref=la_B006667N1Q_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355250490&sr=1-1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13640540-soul-sisters

Coming soon to other online book retailers in late January!

Title: Soul Sisters (Book 1 in the Soul Sisters Trilogy)

Author: Janiera Eldridge

Release Day: October 18^th 2012

Synopsis: Soul Sisters is an urban fantasy novel about African-American twin sisters Ani and Dana who have a rather unique secret: one sister is human while the other is a vampire. While the sisters have lived peacefully with each other for many years one fateful night will change both their lives forever. When a drunken man tries to attack Dana (the human sister) Ani (the vampire sister) protects her sister with all of her ferocious power. However, when the vampire’s leader Donovan finds out about the public display he calls for the sisters to be assassinated for disobedience. Ani and Dana now are in for the fight of their lives to protect each other as well as the lives of their dedicated friends who have joined them on their mission for survival. If Dana and Ani can make it through this time of uncertainty, Ani can take her new place as vampire queen. Soul Sisters is expected to be a trilogy; The book also features a multicultural cast of characters that brings a new edge of chic to the vampire world!

Buy Links:

Amazon (paperback&Kindle)

http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Sisters-Trilogy/dp/1480089230/ref=la_B006667N1Q_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355250490&sr=1-2

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13640540-soul-sisters

Coming soon to other online book retailers in late January!

Author Bio: Janiera enjoys feeding her book addiction when she not writing. She is also a book blogger at Beauty and Books where she mixes being a book nerd with keeping things chic. When not reading or writing she is freelance writing in the entertainment industry.When trying to relax she likes a huge yard sale on a Saturday morning, rainy days to read by and nacho cheese is her kryptonite. Soul Sisters is her debut novel.

Connect With the author:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/lazenbeauty

FB: http:/facebook.com/janiera.eldridge.1

Blog: http://janieraeldridge.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5319319.Janiera_Eldridge

US Giveaway Only!

<a id=”rc-f2a83a50″ class=”rafl” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f2a83a50/” rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

Intl. Giveaway

<a id=”rc-f2a83a53″ class=”rafl” href=”http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f2a83a53/” rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

PS–Sorry these last links are kind of messy–Sometimes WordPress isn’t cooperative, LOL! 😦

My Review of Dark Expectations by Janiera Eldridge

Dark Expectations is the sequel to Soul Sisters. In it, twin sisters (one human, the other a vampire) must adapt to a new way of life. Ani has stepped into her role of Vampire Queen and must deal with the accolades…as well as the dangers and the naysayers. She has to maintain relations with werewolves, prove to other vampires that it can be done, and protect both vampires and werewolves from humans who would destroy them. (No pressure, right?)

What I liked about this sequel is the extended roles of each of the characters. (Character growth is a MUST, IMHO.) I also enjoyed the conflict, particularly between Ani and Deigo (her lover). (Tension is another must for any good story.) Plus, we get to see some cultural diversity.

We also get to see Janiera grow as an author. Her skill set at weaving a tale is growing by leaps and bounds. I believe there needs to be more work done on editing (lots of typos) and formatting, but the story is there.

I’d rate Dark Expectations 3-3.5 out of 5 stars, because I’d like to see a cleaner draft of a published work. Nice job, Janiera! I fully expect to see more growth and great work from you. 😉

Flake-out Friday–MOVIES!!!

Jun1

Two movies are out (one today and one next week) that I’ve wanted to see for several weeks now. (Advertising works, right?)

Anywho, just checking with with youse guys to see who’s into them and who isn’t.

Prometheus

Snow White and the Huntsman

Any interest in seeing these movies?

Which summer blockbusters are you going for?

Flake-out Friday–The Raven

Apr27

Okay, who doesn’t love Edgar Allan Poe? He really knew how to rock darkness, angst, terror, insanity, and scathing humanity.

When I saw the previews to The Raven, I knew it was something I had to see.

Who’s with me???

What’s your favorite Poe tale? (I love The Telltale Heart myself.)

Flake-out Friday–Flicking Out

Mar23

Photo credit

Today is the day. The day that The Hunger Games debuts in theaters.

There’s been a LOT of marketing to get everybody salivating.

I’m conflicted.

I LOVED the book. LOVED. The. Book.

BUT, I found the premise so disturbing (WHO sends their kids to fight to the death???), I have yet to read the rest of the trilogy. They’ve been sitting on my bookshelf since last summer.

I’m not ready to read on yet.

I’m not sure I’m ready to see the movie.

I have a feeling it’ll be a good one, though.

So, I should just bite the bullet and go see it, right?

BTW, have your learned your Hunger Games name?

Check it out: Hunger Names

I’m Lovage Amberdeen. I was killed in the 6th Hunger Games by loving too deeply. LOL!

Oh, and I totally want these!!!! Hunger Games Capitol Colours Nail Polish!!!!!!:

Photo credit

Especially this one (Fire Glitter!!!!!!):

Photo credit

Mental Health Monday–The Movie Dirty Dozen Blogfest!!!

Jun21

Firstly, have you heard about Tessa’s Blogfest of Death? You haven’t?! Well, check it out! Sign up by July 19 and you too can take part in killing your little darlings…um, I mean your characters. You knew that, right?

All right, now on to today’s blogfest…

Next week, I plan to start a series on medical illnesses that cavort as psychiatric ones–Thanks, Lydia, for a great topic idea! This week, though, I thought I’d join Alex Cavanaugh’s movie blogfest!!! (Click on his name and you will be taken through a virtual portal (imagine Bill and Ted’s EXCELLENT phonebooth or Back to the Future’s DeLorean) to the other bloggers celebrating all things film related!