Friday Wrap-Up and News!

It's Friday! And again I can't help but think.... I need a fucking vacation! *Sighs* So, I'm in the middle of reading American Psycho and I have to say, that... book... is... soooo... disturbing. I can't put into words how wrong that book is. But, I'm determined to finish it, so I can blast it in my review. 

Over at I Adore Books and Film, I reviewed I Am Number Four directed by D.J. Caruso and posted a humorous post on what movie posters should say. Check that out by clicking here. Here's an example of true marketing for 127 Hours. Hey, don't be mad at me, I didn't make these! 

You can see the rest of them at I Adore Books and Film.

Over here at TBT, I posted a teaser trailer for a short story I'm working on, Pressure and I introduce you to Alex Pettyfer. 

Last, I leave you with this week's Screen Shots newsletter with a less candid review of I Am Number Four, theatre events, movie news and our dvd recommendation, Slumdog Millionaire. 

Have a great weekend and don't forget the Oscars are this Sunday. 

Hunk Alert: Alex Pettyfer

I understand there is more to beauty than... I’m sorry. I lost my train of thought. HUNK ALERT! If you are not familiar with Alex Pettyfer, than let me introduce you to him.

Alex plays Number 4, John Smith

See, this weekend I had the pleasure of seeing I Am Number Four and despite critics panning the film, I fucking loved it! Yes, there was a hot guy in the film and yes I might have quivered when he was shirtless, but the movie was pretty good too. And you know I don’t have any problems telling you if a movie sucks.

Alex Pettyfer is an English actor/model, born on April 10 1990 (he’s not even 21). But already, this GORGEOUS actor is making vast headway among both fans AND producers, alike. Let’s take a peak at a few of his upcoming projects.

I Am Number Four is based on the popular YA novel, titled the same. I am positive that Disney will invest in a sequel. This is just one of those times where I think people who hate the film, might be judging it too harshly. So fans will be the driving force behind the success of this movie. And believe it or not, I think Alex can do action. He was really good.

Alex plays Kyle in Beastly

Beastly, a revised telling of Beauty and the Beast, will premiere in theatres March 4, 2011. I’m pretty sure that my daughters will want to see this film and even though I’m not a huge fan of Vanessa Hudgens, I’ll support the kid and say “go see it”. 

Now, is a sci-fi thriller hitting theatres on October 28, 2011. It’s about a future world in which the aging gene no longer exists. To avoid overpopulation, time has become the currency and they way people pay for luxuries and necessities. With an all star cast, which includes Justin Timberlake, Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, to mention a few, I have to say I’m looking forward to this film with Alex. Plus, I love me some JT.

It’s still unconfirmed, but he is rumored to play Jace

in the City of Bones movie adaptation.

City of Bones is movie adaptation of the novel, by Cassadra Clare. I’ve read the book and I’m excited if this is true. Alex playing Jace (a demon hunter) will be awesome! Lot’s of action in this one. More on this once I get confirmation. 

Okay, enough of that. Let’s look at some cute pics of the hottie!

Alex looking devilishly handsome in a suit. 

I like a man that likes dogs... and picking up their poop.

Jesus take the wheel... Yes, that is a Celtic cross on his chest.

He has 7 tattoos total.

I always like boys who drive trucks.

Or who sit in the back of one shirtless. I’m not picky.

Alex running. Do I need to say anything else?

These are some racy modeling pics of my beloved. 

I have a feeling Alex has a wild side. Just saying...

Last, I leave with you an interview of Alex that really shows you 1) He’s young. 2) He wishes he could read minds... I wonder who else reads minds? 3) And finally, Brits don’t joke well. There is always awkward silence. Check it out!  

Teaser Trailer For My Next Story; Pressure

I have to admit when it comes to writing, I get inspiration from practically anything and everything I see, smell, hear and sense. But when it comes to new story ideas, well those can become cumbersome until I do something with them. Thus, I am laying out the ground work for my next story; Pressure. 

See, when I create a character in my head... Sometimes that asshole won’t leave me alone. That is, until I do something with him/her--jot a chapter down on paper... Or an outline. In this case, I created a short story. It’s too short to post or do anything with, but the main plot points are there. So, for fun I thought I’d create a little teaser trailer to help me conceptualize my story... And yes, Christian Bale is the epitome of a handsome man that is slightly chaotic and disturbing. Don’t tell him I said that... Just saying... 

Pressure is the story of a young businessman: pristine, calculated, perfect. Narrated over the course of one day, sunrise to sunrise, we find Edward falling deep into the grips of his dark secret. With cryptic clues, Edward seeks help... But it’s too late. The crimes have been committed. 

And yes you can say he’s a little psycho. Possibly a revised American Psycho? We’ll see how this plays out. 

Have a great President’s Day.

Friday Wrap-Up and News!

Can I get a "HELL YEAH" for three day weekends? If you have to work Monday, I'm sorry for you. But I for one, am THRILLED to have it off! Work has been kicking my ass and I'm in the middle of bedroom renovations which means the house is a mess and probably full of asbestos. My older daughter has officially bid adieu to her soft blue walls. Her new color choice? Gun Metal Gray. I both fear and marvel at her. She will be 13 in May and I will be getting out my rosary. Enough said.  

So hopefully everyone had a pleasant Valentine's Day? My father decided to come over, ahem, uninvited. This forced my husband and I to allow him to watch our girls, while we try and find a restaurant to eat at. Mind you, we have no reservations ANYWHERE. Closer to 9pm, we finally get a seat at Tanaka of Tokyo which features Teppanyaki style Japanese food. Where we sat unfortunately allowed for fumes to consume us in a cloud of cooked meats. All I can say is thank God, I was hungry. My eyes were burning and I wreaked of burnt oil. But it was super yummy and nice to actually get out of the house on a Monday night. What rebels we are! 

Moving on... 

At I Adore Books and Film, I reviewed two books this week: The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson and Discovering Arugula by Elizabeth Allen. To read my review, click on the book title. (Both received five stars! Excellent books!)

Over here at TBT, I bestowed news of Alexness! To read about Alex Skarsgård's new film Melancholia getting picked up by Magnolia, click here. 

To read my film newsletter Screen Shots, distributed by Inside Out Hawaii Magazine, click here. This week we reviewed "The Eagle" with Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell. We also discuss events and film festivals, movie news and recommend a DVD; this week being 500 Days of Summer.

In News... 

Sometimes you just have to pimp a blog. Ian from The Buzzsaw Report, time after time, cracks me up in his posts. This week he discusses SAG and the role they played in blocking Robert Pattinson from accepting a role as a fire fighter. To read his post, click here. 

Last, I leave with you a music video. This week I'm bringing you TV On The Radio; Wolf Like Me which has inspired for me, both a screenplay concept and a short story. In the screenplay, yes I picture Rob Pattinson. Think American Werewolf in London... Except change that to a Brit in Paris, modern times... edgier and darker. I'm exploring the "horror" fan side of me. 

Side note: When I was young, some of the first works I've read were Edgar Allen Poe. I moved onto folklore and then to fiction that primarily focused on ghosts. When I finally grabbed a satanic bible of some sorts and brought it my father, he put the book back and took away my library card. Then he had me baptized at 12. I shit you not.... What? I used to like to read scary stories! I was young! 

Have a great three day weekend!

Alexander Skarsgård's Film Picked Up in U.S.

Lars Von Trier's new film Melancholia stars Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlotte Rampling, John Hurt, Alexander Skarsgård, Stellan Skarsgård and Udo Kier.The plot focuses on two women and their reactions to the impending end of the world. The movie is rumored to be completed by Spring, and will most likely premier at Cannes Film Festival.

A promo was recently viewed in Berlin, and this is what Todd from Twitch had to say about it.

"In short, it is gorgeous – instantly recognizable as Von Trier’s work and very likely the most commercial iteration of his talent that we have seen yet. This in no way implies that he has dumbed things down, just that the wild transgressions of Antichrist are not present here – where they would be entirely inappropriate – and that the imagery is so beautiful that this is a film that you could clearly cut one hell of a trailer for…Though firmly grounded in reality there are a lot of special effects in this and they are integrated seamlessly, shots of static electricity arcing off skin and dead birds falling from the sky in super slow motion being particularly effective."

Creepy! The Catholic in me is very excited to see this film. And I might add, Alex and Stellan in the same film? Yes, please. What also intrigues me about this film is the concept of the ending being shown first. Last year the director had noted that he wanted to present his story in this fashion because he didn't want the audience to speculate on what will happen, but focus on the levels of intricate events leading up to it. I can imagine myself and how I would feel and what my own feelings would be if I knew we were truly in our final days on earth. The plot in itself, sounds very deep and emotional and I'm sure that I will cry... Actually, I take that back. I KNOW, I will cry. 

So I am happy to report that the film has been picked up by Magnolia Pictures. No word as of yet on the US release date. 

Notes: I should stress that I have not seen any of Lars Von Trier's films but there is controversy over them. I suppose, there are people that hate his films and then there are people who praise them. One notably, is Antichrist, released in 2009.

I'm not even going to front, the movie poster for his previous film looks like all sorts of fuckery. Now, again. I have not seen the film. But, it sounds like something I wouldn't watch anyway. So let's cross our fingers that the Skarsgårds made a healthy choice in choosing to work with Von Trier, for the sake of a good script and not for the sake of being tied to a controversial director. 

Peace Out!

Happy Valentine's Day!

To all my readers, passersby, and fellow bloggers;
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! 

A Valentine's Day video from HBO's True Blood.

A Valentine's Day picture of Isle Esme from Twilight.

A Valentine's Day card from Warners Bros., Red Riding Hood.

Friday Wrap-Up!

After a day like yesterday, I have never felt so much in love with "Friday" than today. Truly, TGIF. Well, I'll make this short and sweet because I still feel very wound up from work. 

Because of my exhaustion and pent up frustration, I only have one post over at I Adore Books and Films. To read my movie review of Vanishing on 7th Street, click here. 

Here at TBT, I profess my love for two Swedes; Skarsgård and Larsson. To read my post, click here. 

Screen Shots film newsletter, February 11, 2011: Click here. 

And because music is my therapy... I leave you with one of my favorite songs, The Temper Trap-Sweet Disposition (Live). I so need a sweet disposition. Currently, disposition is bitter. 

I’m Not Perfect, I Just Like to Write.

Sometimes you just need to rant...

I have two face book accounts. One personal, one blog related. On my personal account, a friend of mine (X) posts her blog updates--she’s an aspiring writer. One post had a misspelling in her title. Another friend of mine (Y) commented on the misspelling and corrected her in comments. Later Y updates her status and says, learn how to spell if you want to be a writer. Then Y later deletes the status. Could have been directed at any one of us, certainly there are few of us from high school that write.

So here is my rant.

If you enjoy writing, do it. Don’t worry about spelling or where the fucking commas go. Just write. Don’t be stressed that “this author” says adjectives are lame. Just write. It’s certainly okay to continuously educate yourself by reading posts or books on grammar, but remember... Just write.

Want to hear how imperfect of a writer I am?

• I misspell words. Even words that don’t exist.
• I’m always quoting phrases incorrectly, but that is my MO.
• I love needless words. 
• I type excessively fast and hate editing.
• I make words up, insistent that they are in the dictionary. 

Need I go on? So my point is, I’m not perfect. I just like to write. And I think people who like to be grammar police should just remain silent. (Oh, I’m good. See how much I’ve grown? Only one curse word in this whole post!)

Btw, here is another great post on writing rules. Simon Larter is a very witty writer and I love reading his updates and tweets (which are often laced with Vodka). Here’s what he had to say on the subject, check out: Things I believe, No. 1: Who Needs Them Grammar Rules?

Down With The Grammar Popo!

My Two Favorite Swedes: Skarsgård and Larsson

When it comes to reading, I tend to become a little obsessed. I know, you'd never guess by this blog. But, as time wears on, I get over it and move on, becoming less intrigued as the newness wears off.

Currently I have to admit, I am head over heels for Sweden. The country has produced two of my favorite loves: Alex Skarsgård, the director/actor and Stieg Larsson and his ever so popular novels, the Millennium trilogy.

Alex, his father and his brother at 

The King's Speech awards season party. {Source}

Can a family be anymore awesome?

Now I shall impose my obsession on you. With respect to upcoming films, I am most eager to see Alex in Straw Dogs, set to premiere September 16th, 2011.

Alex on the Straw Dogs set. 

A remake of the 1971 Dustin Hoffman film, the 2011 Straw Dogs version is this time set in the deep South.

L.A. screenwriter David Sumner relocates with his wife to her hometown in the deep South. There, while tensions build between them, a brewing conflict with locals becomes a threat to them both.

Alex plays Charlie in the film. 

I am scared for him to play this character, 

but eager to see if he can bring depth to this

complex character who teeters on pure evil.

The concept behind the films are derived from a novel titled, The Siege of Trencher's Farm by Gordon Williams. The 1971 film made headlines for its violence and complicated rape scene (between Charlie, an ex-boyfriend, and Amy Sumner, David Sumner's wife). However, it is now considered one of Peckinpah's (director) greatest films. Let's hope the newer version can do the original film justice. So if you love True Blood, and are a fan of Alex; put this on your alert. Straw Dogs--September 2011. 

Next, I can finally say, I have read all three of Larsson's books. Don't know who he is? Well let me tell you. Stieg Larsson was a Swedish writer and journalist. Prior to his death in 2004, Larsson completed three novels: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. He did not get to see the success of this series. Isn't that sad? 

I can proudly say that not only have I read all three novels (I just finished the third one), but have watched the three Swedish films as well. All of them excellent! (If you have Netflix, the Swedish films are streaming.)

In regards to the novel, the first book focuses on a 40 year old mystery; the disappearance of a young teen. Blomkvist (a journalist) is hired by a very wealthy family to investigate this mystery. What starts off as an incredibly difficult task at hand, turns into a darker and more sinister story, with family secrets threatening to be exposed. It is more of a crime, thriller. 

The second and third book then shift and primarily focus on Lisbeth Salander, a woman that Blomkvist hired in the first book to assist him in his investigation. Salander appears to be a young woman, rebellious and estranged. Nothing could be farther from the truth, as the plot takes a deep look into political corruption, Russian spies, and inhumane treatment and violations against women. Lisbeth Salander is one bitch you don't fuck with--she will cut you.

My warning: be prepared because the book gives a lot of information with respect to Sweden's economy, political figures and scandals. So much so, I felt like I've lived in Sweden the last six months. But I honestly think that reading the books, only enhanced my viewing pleasure when I watched the films. I recommend you do the same. 

Now I bring you information related to the highly anticipated American Version, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

 Daniel Craig will play Mikael Blomvkist. 

PERFECTION!!

Rooney Mara will play Lisbeth Salander. 

I am not happy. 

I am Team Noomi Rapace. 

(the Swedish Actress who originally played Salander)

Directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, Panic Room, The Social Network), the film will make its American debut, December 21, 2011. Even though I will have a hard time seeing another actress play my beloved heroine, Lisbeth Salander. You can bet I will be there opening night. Because I have invested so much into the books and the Swedish films, this movie reigns number 1, as my most anticipated film for 2011.

To read my book reviews, click on the title: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire. Since I just completed the third book last week, I'm still working on a review. 

And there you have it. My two Favorite Swedes: The gorgeous, Alex Skarsgård and the late, Stieg Larsson. 

till nästa gång

Friday Wrap-Up and News!

Can you believe it’s February? I honestly do not know where the time flies. I can’t believe I’m thinking taxes, vacations, car payments almost being done, my littlest one starting junior high in September. I just want to stop the clock. Not for my benefit, but to keep my kids from aging. *Sighs* Well, enough of that. Hey, I finally got my computer! Yeah me! For those who are not aware, Macs don’t last forever. I know you thought buying Apple would be magical, right? Well, sorry to say even a Mac will only last about three years. But if hasn’t died, Apple does have a recycle program. I was able to turn my old Mac in and get a $403 credit. So knowing that Macs don’t last forever, why buy their top of the line? I bought the cheapest iMac, (the $1,199) and with my gift card, walked out only paying about $850. That’s not bad!

So I’m curious, anyone sad that RHoBH (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) is over? What a hot mess they are at times! I freaking loved it! And for the record, those women are the real deal--they have money. Orange County, Atlanta, Jersey and New York have nothing on them. Probably my favorite out of all the housewives seasons. Bye, bye Giggy the Pom.

Friday Wrap-Up--

Over at my book and film blog, I reviewed “The Rite” starring Anthony Hopkins. You can read what I had to say by clicking here. By the way, great film! But if you scare easily because you are a Catholic like me. Wait for it on DVD. It freaked me out for several days. I honestly cannot watch that type of stuff because I end up thinking about it when I’m trying to fall a sleep... in the dark! 

Noe reviewed the first three books in the Pretty Little Liars series. (Watch the show! It’s better!) To read her review, click here. 

And of course, in case you missed my post on the new “Superman” casting, click here. Henry Cavill is yummy. Beyond yummy, actually. He’s edible! 

News--

February is a time for hearts

First. I want to help spread the word. Over at Twitarded, they are doing something important this month. They are raising money for the American Heart Association in memory of Snarkier Than You’s late mother, who passed away last year. Any amount helps, be it $5.00 (what you might spend at Starbucks), or $1. In mass, we can make a difference. 

If you would like to donate, please visit Debbie’s dedication page by clicking here. 

Fact: Heart Disease is the number cause of death among both men and women in the United States. Cancer and stroke, round out the top three. 

Finally I leave you with one of my favorite current bands, Cold War Kids (which their new album just came out). I am having a passionate love affair with this song! This is an acoustic version of "Audience" (off an older album, but still one of my favorite CWK song's).

A New Superman! And He's Yummy!

Credits: To kiTT who emailed me this info way before Warner Bros. did.

Well, it's not True Blood or Twilight news but it does involve another one of my favorite shows, The Tudors. Sorta. Let me explain.

Recently I watched a documentary on "Superman". It spanned the inception from comic book hero (DC Comics, 1938) to the many films and television series made. Basically, it was like "Why does one Superman work and another bomb". Or that's what I got out of it. The character is beloved, but let's be honest. Smallville was a hit, yet did you know that there was a recent Superman film? It was released in 2006, Superman Returns. Of course I didn't see it! Christopher Reeves will always be my one and only Superman!

But I do give filmmakers credit for trying. And in 2011, here we are again. Another Superman movie in the works. BUT! The difference is this. Zach Synder is directing. If you are not familiar with him, then I'm sure you know his films.

Let me just point out a few: 300--(You know, "THIS IS SPARTA!") I actually hated that movie. That's right I said it. I liked Gladiator better, but that's beside the point. I'll give Snyder credit for his vision.

Then there are the more recent movies (because you only get better with age), Legends of the Guardians--The graphics were freaking amazing!! Side note: My daughter said that was the lamest movie ever and that owls don't deserve a movie of their own. But I threatened to buy her pajama jeans for her birthday if she ever talked smack on my owl movie again. I loved it! Plus Ryan Kwanten is the voice for the lead and two hours of his accent. Yes, please!

And Suckerpunch--I know. It hasn't come out yet, but damn if I don't want to see this movie. OMG, girls wielding swords and kicking ass. Take me with you! I want to kick ass too! *Husband rolls eyes when I mention this movie*

So, to sum it up. Snyder will be an awesome director and I am looking forward to his technical genius.

But then guess what? Warners. Bros. has officially confirmed on Sunday, that Henry Cavill has been cast as Clark Kent/Superman! *drops dead* Have you seen the Tudors? Go Netflix that shit right now. Season 1 is on instant streaming. (Remember, Stephenie Meyer wanted Henry Cavill to play Edward Cullen? Yeah, I'm sure she watched the Tudors. Just saying... "Steph, I got your back!")

Henry looking yummy in The Tudors.

So who will be Lois Lane? Don't even say it. I heard the rumor too. It's just a rumor! (Okay, supposedly Kristen Stewart has auditioned). A part of me doesn't want her to touch my Henry because she already has Rob and that's just not fair. But, if you think about it. They would be smokin' together on screen. Cavil and Stewart. I could see that working.

UPDATE: According to NYDailyNews.com, Stewart did not read for the role but instead met with both Zach and his wife (producer). Stewart declined the role. 

Cavill. Henry Cavill. 

He doesn't drink martinis. 

He drinks his Vodka straight. 

Anyway, here's the official press release: 

BURBANK, CA, January 30, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Henry Cavill has won the coveted role of Superman, the iconic superhero.

The film will be directed by Zack Snyder, who stated, “In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen. I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder are the producers of the film. The screenplay is being written by David S. Goyer based on a story by Goyer and Nolan. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.

Cavill recently wrapped production on “The Cold Light of Day” and stars in the upcoming “Immortals,” opening this fall.

Targeted for release in December 2012, the new Superman movie will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.