Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Ninja News, Show & Tell in a Nutshell, 2013 Movies, Movie Remakes, and More Critique Comments!

Today I have the honor of a guest spot on Ellie Garrett’s site! I’m discussing critique partners, so if the thought of others reading your work scares you, visit Ellie today. Or if you just want to read more great critique comments from Cassie and Rusty!

Ninja News

Today’s Special Challenge Participant Feature at the A to Z Blog is Nick Wilford. His Challenge theme was “26 Things that Made Me a Writer,” so visit the A to Z Blog for some inspiration.

Christine Rains revealed the cover for her upcoming book, 1301 - The Marquis, which will be out December 13. Congratulations, Christine!

Sean McLachlan has a new article series, Destination: Iraq, about his 17-day trip through Iraq. It’s over at Gadling and the first article is Going on Vacation in Iraq

Julie Luek at A Thought Grows called for revision tips from blog visitors. She compiled them into one post on Monday, and there were some good ones. You’d be amused by her favorite…

 Don’t forget the I Miss You Blogfest is this Friday! Show appreciate for the bloggers you miss and those you would miss.

And my co-hosts for the December 5 posting for the IWSG are Livia and Tasha Seegmiller. Thank you, ladies! I know you will rock.

Show & Tell in a Nutshell

Have you been told there's a little too much telling in your novel? Want to remedy it? Then this is the book for you!

In Show & Tell in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Telling to Showing you will find sixteen real scenes depicting a variety of situations, emotions, and characteristics which clearly demonstrate how to turn telling into showing. Dispersed throughout, and at the back of the book, are blank pages to take notes as you read. A few short writing prompts are also provided.

Not only is this pocket guide an excellent learning tool for aspiring writers, but it is a light, convenient, and easy solution to honing your craft no matter how broad your writing experience. Keep it in the side pocket of your school bag, throw it in your purse, or even carry it around in the pocket of your jeans or jacket, to enhance your skills, keep notes, and jot down story ideas, anywhere, anytime.

If you purchase the e-book, you will be armed with the convenient hyper-linked Contents Page, where you can toggle backward and forward from different scenes with ease. Use your e-reader's highlighting and note-taking tools to keep notes instead.

Purchase the paperback:
$4.40 on Amazon US or £3.99 on Amazon UK
Purchase the e-book:
$1.99 on Amazon US, £1.99 on Amazon UK, or $1.99 on Kobo

For more information about Jessica Bell, please visit: Website, Blog, Twitter, or Facebook

Movies in 2013

It’s not 2013 yet, but there are some amazing movies coming out next year! Just a few to whet your appetite:

May 3 – Iron Man 3 – Guy Pearce is in the cast. Been a while since he’s been in a movie that didn’t suck.
May 24 - The Fast and the Furious 6 – After the awesomeness of the fifth movie, I’m ready!
July 12 – Pacific Rim – Directed by Guillermo del Toro. Need I say more?
November 8 – Thor: The Dark World – Thor battles an ancient race of Dark Elves. Yes, it’s a year away, but get excited, people!

Movie Remakes

Since Hollywood is determined to remake every film, thought we’d have some fun with it. What’s one of the worst remakes you’ve ever seen? What’s one of the best? What film would you like to see remade? And what film do you pray no one ever remakes?

Worst remake – Clash of the Titans
Yes, the original is campy, but it had heart and Ray Harryhausen creatures. The remake was a soulless piece of special effects.

Best remake – The Thomas Crown Affair
The original was good, but with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo, it’s perfect.

Please remake – The Relic
Including the main character, Agent Pendergast, would be a big plus!

Never remake – Aliens
Cameron’s masterpiece is the ultimate roller coaster ride. Remake my favorite movie and I WILL go all Ninja on you!
(And while I’m at it, don’t remake Raiders of the Lost Ark, either.)

See some things you’d like to read? Ready for the blogfest this Friday? Did you pick up Jessica’s book? Excited for the 2013 movie season? And what movies were the best/worst remakes and what do you want/not want remade?

Be sure to visit Nick at the A to Z Blog and Ellie Garrett for more Cassie and Rusty comments!

145 comments:

Sean McLachlan said...

Thanks for the shout out about my Iraq series. It was an awesome experience and I'll be writing about it every day for the next two weeks. I'll also be doing some guest posts on other blogs. You can see there series here:

http://www.gadling.com/tag/destinationiraq

Guillermo del Toro is coming out with a new movie? I'm there!

mooderino said...

I think you're being harsh about Guy Pearce's movies, I mean, what about, erm, hold on, let me just think...

mood

RaveAir said...

Never remake - Star Wars IV-V-VI

Please remake - Dragons of Autumn Twilight (it was an animated movie)

Worst remake - The Pink Panther

Best remake - The magnificent seven

Unknown said...

I can not believe that another Fast and Furious is being released. I hope they never remake Star Wars or Aliens. They should be left untouched.

Old Kitty said...

Psycho. Did someone re-make it frame by frame!?! Pointless!
:-)

Take care
x

Anonymous said...

I have all those movies on my To Watch List. I agree, Aliens - don't touch it.
Btw Alex, thanks to you I am buying books to help with editing during Nanowrimo. But, Show and Tell is an issue for me. Thanks for the recommendation.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

The Thomas Crown Affair was a great remake, for sure.

Jessica's reference book sounds like a good one!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sean, you're welcome! And yes, he is.

Moody, that's my point!

Zoltan, that was a good remake.

CM, the last Fast Five made half a billion dollars, so yes, there is a sequel!

Sydney, I'm sure Jessica's book will be a big help!

Ciara said...

Jessica's book sounds like a useful tool. I just finished critiquing three manuscripts for new authors and I'll recommend this to them. I think it is one of the toughest concepts for new writers.

Laura Eno said...

Love the cover and title of Christine's new book!
You can't touch the originals of Aliens or Indiana Jones. Those were perfect.
Friday's blogfest is going to be tough for me. I'd miss so many people!

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

I'm looking forward to many movies in 2013, with del Toro's Pacific Rim being on the top of my list.

Not sure if Clash of the Titans is the worst remake ever. There were some things about it I enjoyed.
I agree about Aliens thought. Anyone who attempts to remake it is a dick! :)

Rick Daley said...

No matter how many "Prometheus" films he's in, Guy Pearce will always be the guy from "Memento."

kjmckendry said...

I can't wait for Iron Man 3 and Thor!

I agree with you about Clash of the Titans.

Nothing could compare to Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones.

Brinda said...

Congrats to all the authors with releases! Who is Guy Pearce? I'll have to look him up online.

Nick Wilford said...

Thanks again for the interview!

I think what's sometimes worse than remakes is passing something off as an original idea when it's pilfered from another film, eg Big and 13 Going on 30. I know everything's inspired by something else in a way, but even so...

Christine's book looks great. I'm off to read your post at Ellie's. I couldn't do without my CPs!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Laura, that part is tough for me as well!

George, well put!!

Rick, that's how I remember him. And LA Confidential.

Brinda, go watch Memento.

Nick, you're welcome!

Robyn Campbell said...

Guy Pearce movies. *snort*

It looks like all is well with you. I missed your anniversary. I finally gave in and got an insulin pump. So I've been trying to get used to the thing. I love it, but I woke up this morning to a THIRTY blood glucose. YIKES MAN! That's low. So now I'm eating glucose tablets as I type. (I hope I don't say something stupid.)

Yay Jessica! It's just what new writers need.

Congrads, Christine! Sean's article sounds great.

*waving*

Robyn Campbell said...

I meant to say, HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY, ALEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Late, but heartfelt. :-)

Kyra Lennon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kyra Lennon said...

Silly typos LOL! Really loving the idea of Jessica's book - it's going on my Christmas list!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the blog mention-- there were so many great contributors I'm glad to see their fantastic advice put to good use. And, yes, that last tip was a doozy! ;)

I'm anxious to read your thoughts about CPs and will head over there. That's my next phase.

Michelle Wallace said...

I'm off to Ellie's place to check out the post.
Also getting ready for Friday's blogfest.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I don't know if it's the worse remake but it was pretty bad - the newer version of THE THING. I watched that - actually, I think I stopped watching it part way through - then went back and watched the older John Carpenter version. I could not believe how much better it was. So. Much. Better.

Elise Fallson said...

Jessica's book sounds like a great tool for writers!

I think waterworld should be remade. And I think the original Star Wars trilogy, Splash, and ET should be left alone.

Jessica Bell said...

Hey Alex! Thank you so much for posting! :-) PS: I'm signing up for the blogfest. I haven't done one in yonks!

Cathy Olliffe-Webster said...

As usual you have a pot pourri of interesting stuff going on! Congrats to Jessica and Christine and Nick and you, of course, for hanging over at Ellie's.

Can't wait to see the new Iron Man and Thor... yes, I'm excited!

Louise said...

I know there were rumors about a remake of Princess Bride ... *shudders*. Never. Never, never!

I like both The Manchurian Candidate movies. One of the few where I could never pick which one was better!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Robyn, thanks, and that's all right. Your health comes first!

Julie, you're welcome, and glad I could amuse you.

Madeline, Amen! Can't top Carpenter's version.

Elise, it couldn't be worse.

Jessica, you're welcome, and glad you joined us!

Louise, no! Can't remake that film.

Liesel K. Hill said...

SO excited for all those 2013 releases! Show and Tell in a Nutshell looks interesting. It's the kind of book every writer should read, even if they don't have a particular problem with "telling." Also, great post on Ellie's website. I don't know where I'd be without my critique partners, either. You nailed it, man. :D

Christine Rains said...

Thank you for helping with my cover reveal! I've gotten excellent feedback. You always catch me up on what movies are coming out. Thank you! I had no clue they were having another Thor so soon. And with dark elves. Awesome. I'm all ready for the I Miss You Blogfest!

Juliana Haygert said...

2013 is sounding so good for movies. There's also THE HOST, WORLD WAR Z and CITY OF BONES ... I know, the books are better, but still!
I could use a remake of ERAGON - I loved the books but the movie didn't do it justice.

Huntress said...

Congrats to Christine! I'm a long time follower of hers.

Gossip_Grl said...

Great posting and definitely checking out the books you suggested. I don't think they should ever remake the classics, but so far on all the remakes they have did, I prefer the the first movie made. I guess we'll see with the 2013 remakes.

Gwen Gardner said...

That is one scary cover Christine has - and I'm seeing it all over the blogosphere. Congrats and to Jessica, too. I def need that book.

Hi Alex, I'll go check out your guest post at Ellies:) And I did enjoy your response to Julie!

Jo said...

I agree, don't mess with the classics. Watched a bunch of Spencer Tracy movies recently, you couldn't improve on them.

Julie Dao said...

I'm always looking for ways to stop telling and do more showing! Great book recommendation. And I'm heading over to check out your post on critique partners!

Powdered Toast Man said...

I will have to get back to you on the remakes, that is going to take some serious pondering.

I finally joined the blogfest for Friday. After my post on Monday I felt I should really get out there.

Yeah Iron Man 3!! Looks a little dark like The Dark Knight Rises.

Unknown said...

Heading over to Ellie's and the A to Z blog. I could use some humor (Cassie's comments!) and inspiration from Nick!!

Bob/Sally said...

Ah, yes - remaking The Relic (properly this time) would be awesome. I remember sitting through it in the theatre, wondering when Pendergast would make his appearance . . . only to be denied.

I'd like to see a complete unknown own the role, but given the need for a 'star' draw, I think Crispin Glover or Paul Bettany would be tops on my casting list.

Tara Tyler said...

yay for the releases! christine is a writing machine! i think i just said that recently...

movies! exciting! my boys will be thrilled for furious 6!

going to ellie's now =)

Isis Rushdan said...

I groaned when F&F 5 came out b/c I knew my husband would drag me to see it. I owed him for all of the sappy RomComs he sits through. Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed it.

Loved the remake of Thomas Crown Affair.

Cherie Reich said...

I'm so excited for Christine's new series!

Lydia Kang said...

I adore the remake of the Thomas Crown Affair. It was so sleek and sexy, with feeling.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liesel, thanks!

Christine, you're welcome.

Juliana, the movie was awful.

Gwen, glad you liked that.

PTM, glad you're on board!

Bob, that was the biggest letdown...

Isis, my wife really liked it as well.

Melissa said...

Yes! I got Jessica's book. Can't wait to read it. I love craft books that give before and after examples.

OMG - I LOVE the original Clash of the Titans, campy or not. It was on cable back when (we won't mention the year :P), and I watched it over and over and over. Its one of the few movies I've watched more than once. And I agree with you. All it took was watching a trailer for the new one to know it was crap. Yuck.

Best remake – The Thomas Crown Affair
Agree. Loved that one, too.

Never remake – Aliens or RotLA
Agree & Agree.

Great post as always, Alex. :)

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Alex, you cover a lot of territory with your blog. I love reading the Ninja news with so many good things happening!

Monti
Mary Montague Sikes

Jeremy [Retro] said...

i am sure you have these too for films coming out... in sequels or remakes, redos...

star trek 2
wolverine 2
gi joe 2
scary movie 5
the evil dead
carrie
die hard 5
texas chainsaw 3d
hangover 3
kick ass 2
monsters university
despicable me 2
grown ups 2
red 2
percy jackson 2
300 2
smurfs 2
hunger games 2
etc...

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Can't wait to see the new Thor...though my adoration of him gets me in trouble with my husband!

See you Friday :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

There's always too many good books to read - I can never keep up!
2013 movie that I'm mostly looking forward to: Ender's Game. I love the book - which means I hope that it will be a really good movie and not suck the life out of the story . . .while at the same time making sense to viewers who haven't read the book. Basically - it needs to be as good as LOTR, or even better.
Never Remakes, the short list: the original Star Wars, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Please remake: The Last Airbender (the other avatar movie based on a nickelodeon show)

Sherry Ellis said...

I agree with your assessment of Clash of the Titans!

Looks like there are a lot of things to check out in the blog world. I'm going to start hopping!

Suze said...

I will prob catch Iron Man 3.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Oh, I agree that "The Relic" could have been much better. I also hated the remake of Clash of the Titans. I think it needs to be rebooted with someone who knows the original story and is faithful to it.

Jessica Bell's book is very affordable, plus I love the cover. I'm going to pick up a copy today :)

Anonymous said...

Mighty fine-looking covers! "Soulless piece of special effects" pretty much sums it up -- as well as the sequel.

Helen Ginger said...

I'm looking forward to Iron Man 3. Hope it's good.

Hey, I just went over to your Awesome Authors and Books Page. Fabulous list of books!

Heather Murphy said...

I need to check out Jess' book
Now I'm off to check out A-Z

Arlee Bird said...

I wasn't happy with the first "Thor" movie and this new one sounds even worse for my tastes. I like the parts where Thor was on Earth like a superhero in our time, but the fantasy aspects really turned me off. Dark elves sounds way overboard to me.

Now "Pacific Rim"...Hmmmm? Could it involve earthquakes and volcanoes? I'm there for that one.

Lee
A Faraway View

Ella said...

Wow, you are busy!
I love to toggle...lol
I am looking forward to Thor!
Congrats to all...these new book sound amazing!
Thanks Captain :D

Allison said...

I'm excited for Iron Man and Thor! (Didn't even know they were making a Thor sequel. Woohoo!) Never remake Star Wars IV-VI. Worst remake--does that Last Airbender movie count as a remake? They should remake Logan's Run.

Allison (Geek Banter)

SC Author said...

I liked Clash of the Titans :( Granted, I didn't see the original, so I don't have anything to compare it to.

Empty Nest Insider said...

I still can't believe that Sir Laurence Olivier was in the original Clash Of The Titans! Jessica's book sounds great! I'll head over to read your advice about CP's! Looking forward to Friday! Julie

Johanna Garth said...

Congrats to Jessica. So excited for her. I keep waiting for your movie review of the new Bond movie! Or did I miss it??

The Angry Lurker said...

Worst Remake: Halloween

Best Remake: Judge Dredd

Please Remake: ?

Hart Johnson said...

I could list a whole bunch of movies I hope they never remake. Terminator, Jaws, Princess Bride... some just have that exact whatever it is. Magic. I agree that the remake of Clash sucked rocks... campy WORKED with the first. That is part of what was so fabulous. I think how well I like a remake has a lot to do with whether I loved (or even knew) the first. The Thing (Kurt Russell version) is FABULOUS, but I didn't even know there was an original until you told me.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melissa, I was SO disappointed with the Clash of the Titans remake.

Jeremy, excited about several of those.

Elizabeth, you sound like my wife.

Tyrean, I haven't read it, so it will have to make sense to me.

Michael, they sucked the charm out of that movie.

Helen, thanks! I need to update it.

Lee, you just had to be a fan I guess.

Allison, I think they are remaking Logan's Run...

SC, there is a world of difference...

Johanna, that was Monday!

Lurker, the Dredd remake was great.

Hart, the original is a cheesy 50's monster movie. You'd laugh.

Andrew Leon said...

Maybe it's just that the common thread of Guy Pearce and bad movies is Guy Pearce?
I am so glad he passed on Wolverine.

Nicole said...

Man, I haven't been to a movie in ages, but there are some definite potentials out there for 2013. Here's hoping that Thor and Iron Man 3 will be good!

Budd said...

I loved Aliens, though it was better than Alien.

Author A.O. Peart said...

Congratulations, Jessica!

In general I don't like remakes. From time to time they get it better, but when a remake is of a really well done movie, then... why? Not enough good books out there to choose from for a brand new story, instead of redoing what has been already done? Ugh.

Anonymous said...

I added the book to my Amazon List. Hoping for it for Christmas. As for next year's movies, a definite yes for the first and the last, so-so on Pacific Rim, and meh on F&TF6. Agreed on the remake of Thomas Crown. Pretty decent flick, that one.

Carrie-Anne said...

I've heard horrible things about the 1962 "remake" of the 1921 classic The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, which was based on VIcente Blasco Ibáñez's international best-seller from 1919. The "remake" moved the story from WWI to WWII, and had lead character Julio reform his wasteful character and go from boy to man by joining the French Resistance and smuggling messages in magazines. In the novel and original film with Rudy Valentino, he joined the Army and saw combat. And in the "remake," Julio's sister Chichi dies, when she's very much alive at the end of both the novel and original film. Complete remake FAIL.

Peaches Ledwidge said...

Just had to check out some of the links. Julie Luek was one.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Congrats Christine, Sean, Jule and Jessica. Memento makes up for anything Guy Pierce ever does for the rest of his career.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Andrew, he started out strong!

Budd, so did I!

Angela, so many new ideas they could choose from instead.

Carrie-Anne, that's not a remake - that's a slaughter.

Maurice, that and LA Confidential.

Leovi said...

Good cover 1301 - The Marquis

mshatch said...

Never remake: anything with Bill Murray in it.

Loved Memento.

Intangible Hearts said...

Speaking of Cameron, I was disappointed in The Titanic, but many loved it. I just didn't like the young looking Jack and the mature Kate Winslet and I guess I always loved "A Night to Remember."

Steven said...

Only a fool would touch Aliens or Raiders. Enough said.

Mina Burrows said...

1301 Marquis sounds awesome.
Looking forward to the blogfest too. Heading over to A-Z to catch up with Nick.

Camille Picott said...

Ooh, the Show & Tell book looks like something that could be really useful! Thanks for the recomendation!

Suzanne Furness said...

Loved your interview over at Ellie's today.

StratPlayerCJF said...

As always, so many wonderful things in your posts, Alex!

My votes for remakes:

Best: Tie between "The Fly" with Jeff Goldblum, and "The Thing" (the 80's one, not the latest-remade-remake)

Worst: "Arthur" or "The Stepford Wives"

Never remake: I agree with you on "Aliens" that's one of my favorites. And I'd add any attempt to remake a Monty Python movie.

Needs Remaking: None. How about coming up with new ideas rather than regurgitating old one?

Livia Peterson said...

Thanks for the shout-out! I'm looking forward to co-hosting IWSG! It will be fun! :)

Can't wait until Friday's blogfest! I would miss you so much if you stopped blogging.

You're the leader of this writing community - support and guide us. You're a King who shines over us every day! Perhaps you're a miracle who has\have entered the lives of many and has changed lives of others online.

We all admire you, Alex! Who wouldn't? It's because you're so awesome! :)

jaybird said...

It's actually kind of frightening how excited I already am for Thor movie, (even though it's not coming out until next year.)

Looking forward to the blog fest on Friday!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Marcy, that's funny!

Steven - yeah!

Thanks, Suzanne.

Chris, Carpenter's The Thing rocked. And HOW could anyone remake Monty Python?

Thanks, Livia! Glad you're on board and helping with the IWSG. You rock!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Another Thor movie? On the calendar. I totally agree with remaking The Relic and get it right.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Jessica's book sounds great, and I love Christine's cover!

What do I not want remade? The Crow. Too late.

The Thomas Crown Affair was great, so I'd agree on that one. And I agree that The Relic would be fun to remake. And, boy, they'd better never touch Aliens or Temple of Doom (that one's my favorite). Or the original Pirates of the Caribbean.

Jemi Fraser said...

They could please remake Star Trek 1 *shudder*. And they can't remake the original Star Wars or LotR! :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I totally agree that Aliens should never be remade. That's so awesome as it stands.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

I once took a nutshell to school for show and tell, does that count? And I agree, they shouldn't remake Aliens, that's like the 11th Commandment, eh? Thou shalt remake Alien.

I've got my I Miss You post already and standing on tippee toes!

M Pax said...

Congrats to Sean, Christine, and Jessica!

I thought it was utterly stupid to remake Psycho. I think remaking any Hitchcock is wrong.

I agree about Aliens.

Relic was such a good book, they could have done a better movie.

Anonymous said...

Gotta check out both books!

Cathy Keaton said...

I liked your guest blog post over on Ellie Garratt's blog. I definitely need more critique partners and am finally starting to collect some.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Susan, yeah!

Shannon, no way they could capture the essence of the original Crow. It was all Brandon Lee.

Jemi, it wasn't good, was it?

Lynda, agreed!

Joylene, that made me laugh!

Mary, Relic was an awesome book!

Theresa Milstein said...

I agree, never remake Aliens!

As you know, I've got Jessica up on my blog too!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

Just saw the preview for Iron Man 3 and thought it looked fantastic! And I did't even notice Pearce was in it! Now I really can't wait!

Karen M. Peterson said...

The Fast and the Furious needs to stop existing.

Denise Covey said...

Hi Alex. I'd just bought Jessica's book before I came over. Thanks for offering to plug our Holiday Spirit blogfest. Much appreciated. Your support of your fellow bloggers is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

My uncle was buddies with someone big working on Aliens and got to visit the set! Maybe instead of a remake they can come out with a 3D version?

Lisa Regan said...

Congrats to Christine! I'm loving the Show Don't Tell book! Oh and I'm totally appalled that they would remake Red Dawn. That's one of those classics that should not be touched. They should just make a new movie.

Mel Kinnel (@TizMellyMel) said...

I read your interview over on Ellie's blog. My biggest question about critique partners is where to find them. Yes, I talk here and there with other writers online but I don't know if they would be interested in being a critique partner. I like that you said you advertised your need on your blog. How did you narrow down who to work with? I can imagine you had quite a few people to come forward.

Krista McLaughlin said...

I am definitely excited for Iron Man 3 and Thor 2! I'm a girl, but totally a nerd. If someone tried to remake Raiders of the Lost Ark, I would cry and then hunt them down! It's a masterpiece and perfect the way it is! :)

Trisha said...

Looking forward to more THOR. and Loki too for that matter ;) Can't believe Fast & Furious is up to #6!

Hilarious that they didn't have the main character in The Relic. WTF on that!

Tammy Theriault said...

i heard (read) about the iraq story and also am looking forward to it! have fun bloghopping everyone!!

Nancy Thompson said...

I didn't even realize it was Wednesday until it was 1am Thursday! I missed the party. Personally, I'd prefer if movies were strictly originals. I'm sick of all the lousy remakes.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Theresa, she got a lot of love this week.

Terry, he is!

Karen, no! I dig those movies.

Denise, I will feature it tomorrow!

Jamie, that's cool. And I can see them doing that.

Lisa, too late, it comes out tomorrow.

Melissa, I'll send you an email.

Krista, it is a masterpiece! And you are one cool girl.

Trisha, yeah!

Nancy, it would be nice!

PR said...

They should never remake any James Cameron movies, they are all brill :)

Unknown said...

Late to this party, but made it at last. I don't normally like remakes, but I think Disney should start their Star Wars takeover by remaking those ridiculous prequels. Or at least figure out how to wipe them from our collective consciousness. ;)

Thanks for the great links and I am looking forward to Friday.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Never remake The Terminator. Ever.

Think I might have to do this blogfest.

Unknown said...

I like your assessment of the movies. I can't wait to see Iron Man 3.

Angela Brown said...

I have to say they must never touch The Color Purple. Actually, there are so many movies that just need to be left alone because there are a ton of novels out that could make for great to-screen adaptations so why remake?

Just saying.

By the way, been glad to see you cheering the knights in Mary Pax's online jousting :-)

Leovi said...

Very interesting your post in ELLIE Garratt, good to have honest opinions and contrasted.

Susan Oloier said...

Nick and Ellie are both fantastic! So I am leaving a brief comment, so I can go visit them.

Unknown said...

Thor's coming back! Hooray! Thanks for all the links, Alex. Sean's trip sounds fascinating, I'll check it out as well as take a look at your post over at Ellie Garrett's. btw - your friends box says "no friends" in your sidebar :-D

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for all the info, Alex! I think I need to check Jessica's book out soon. Looks like a winner.

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

I could not agree more on your four remakes! I agree with all four. Loved the remake of Thomas Crowne affair and referenced it in Opening. Clash of Titans remake ... ugh! The Relic didn't even have Pendergast as a character. And Aliens should never be touched.

I'll download Jessica's book today. I'll read it this weekend. I can use a few tips regarding this very topic as I work on Escalation.

1301 is a creepy cover. Well done!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Anna, I agree!

Melissa, wiping those movies from our minds would be a good start.

Angela, it was brilliant the first time - why remake? And so many of you knights are participating! I'm trying to cheer on all of you.

Susan, it does that. My friends are back now!

Stephen, I knew YOU would agree with me on the Relic. How could they leave out Pendergast?

Jack said...

I've seen that Show Don't Tell book on another blog. It sounds like it would be very helpful and I am eager to get it. I'm one of those writers who tells more then I show.

Not remaking Raiders of the Lost Ark, I agree.

Unspoken said...

I agree about Aliens!

Carol Kilgore said...

Totally loved the Thomas Crown remake.

And totally love Christine Rains' cover!

See you on the blogfest tomorrow :)

Jennifer Lane said...

Hi, Alex! I agree that Aliens is a masterpiece. So freaking scary, especially when they're using that motion sensor and the aliens are on top of them yet they can't see them. I wish Hollywood would do fewer remakes and more originals.

Callie Leuck said...

I think I'd enjoy seeing some of the Indiana Jones movies remade. Not that I didn't like them, but it would be interesting to see what a director would do with them today.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jack, it's a really helpful book.

Carol, looking forward to it!

Jennifer, as do I.

Callie, no! Not Raiders.

klahanie said...

Hi Alex,

Short and sweet. No, not me. My comment...How about a remake of Groundhog Day? How about a remake of Groundhog Day? How about a ....

Cate Masters said...

I loved The Thomas Crown Affair too! I'm sorry to see they're remaking The Wizard of Oz (and apparently in a confusing manner).
Congrats to those with new releases!

Anonymous said...

Looking forward to your blogfest tomorrow! I've been off the radar for awhile. But am looking forward to reading about all the blogs your readers would miss very much! And have missed.

I have never really been a fan of re-makes however, I did not mind the latest Spiderman that had a modern twist to it.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I recently saw the remake of Footloose, and it was actually pretty good - maybe better than the original.

Wow, just read the above comment. It should be against the law to remake a classic like The Wizard of Oz.

xoRobyn

Tina said...

Getting ready for tomorrow's blogfest, came to grab the logo. Now I gotta buy that book.
I agree with Aliens and Raiders and don't touch my Empire Strikes Back, either.
The Thomas Crown Affair is one of my top five movies. Haven't seen the original, perfectly happy with Brosnan and Russo. Don't leave out Denis Leary though. He does some of the best work I've seen out of him.
See you tomorow!
Tina @ Life is Good

Anonymous said...

I am super excited to see the new THOR movie! Thanks for letting me know about it.

Tonja said...

I'm a little late....

I disagree - the first Clash of the Titans movie was one of the most terrible movies ever made. They should have just animated it. I was happy for the remake. The second one in that series was just a mistake.

Jay Noel said...

Vacation in Iraq...um, no thanks. Maybe we'll just live vicariously through Sean.

Worst remake: Karate Kid.

Elana Johnson said...

Excited and ready for the blogfest! Congrats to Jessica and I can't wait for Iron Man 3.

Deniz Bevan said...

Looking forward to Jessica's book - it's just the sort of advice I need!

Anonymous said...

I agree with never remaking Aliens.

Yay for Jessica's book. I hope to read it.

I'll check out the guest post.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gary - funny!

Cate, actually it's a different story, not the Wizard of Oz.

Lynn, glad you are on board!!

Robyn, don't worry - they are doing a new story.

Tina, Leary was awesome. And no touching Empire - best Star Wars film ever.

Tonja, but it was part of my childhood!

Jay, haven't seen it.

Elana, glad you are joining us.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I just saw they are remaking Red Dawn. I'm looking forward to that one. :)

D.G. Hudson said...

Bought Jessica's book (ebook) and have started reading it. Just had to look at the first one. It was worth it. I was immersed.

Good luck with the blogfest tomorrow. I'll drop by to see what's up and who's being missed.

Helena said...

You're so right that The Thomas Crowne Affair remake was better than the original. Sometimes the critics can be so blasted wrong.

Unknown said...

I'm very excited for Thor 2, and you're right that Clash of the Titans was campy but way better than the remake.

Jamie

Lisa said...

Hi Alex, I'm testing if my link to the blogfest post works. I have posted two posts since. Talking about energy :)

http://livehigh2.blogspot.com/2012/11/oh-how-i-miss-youlike-crazy.html

Lisa said...

Well I do not know how to post a link in a comment :(

Anonymous said...

I can't wait for Iron Man 3! He will finally meet his biggest opponent, the Mandarin dude, yay!

L.G. Keltner said...

I just posted for the blogfest, and I stopped by to let you know that I had to give you props for being so cool.

http://lgkeltner.blogspot.com/2012/11/oh-how-i-miss-you-blogfest.html

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

DG, her book rocks.

Lisa, your link is direct to that post, so no worries!

Thanks, LG!

Unknown said...

Hi Alex, I too said you were AWESOME, because you are.

Who else has the ninja skills to visit, and comment, on over 1,000 blogs everyday? Without you, I think blogger would crash.

Thanks for being there for ALL of us.

ediFanoB said...

Iron Man 3 is on my list.
I wait for a Pcific Rim trailer before I decide.