Friday, April 29, 2011
HEY - THERE'S A VIDEO READING OF RAVEN'S KISS!
http://www.bookinitreviews.com/2011/04/book-flick-feature-6-featuring-ravens_29.html
Do check it out!
Have a wonderful weekend, be cool, and don't do anything I wouldn't...which leaves the field wide open heh heh heh
Next week: THE FUNDRAISER FOR KIDS NEED TO READ KICKS OFF!!!!!
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
The lovely Kriana of SciFi Saturday Night has accepted my challenge to be interviewed! MEOW! I shall be busy, then the next few days, preparing her interview...heh heh heh....which means I shall be offline! So I'm gonna jam two days worth of posting into one!
I want to remind everyone that we have our interview with JANET EVANOVICH coming up in early May, and we also have another lovely author on deck: ASHLYN CHASE, author of the "Strange Neighbors" series by Sourcebooks. if you haven't yet picked up this series, do! It is funny, sexy, and entertaining, and really, what more could you ask for in a book? (except maybe a few more cats as characters - c'mon, people!) the series focuses on the supernatural inhabitants of an apartment building - how cool is that! The first book in the series is STRANGE NEIGHBORS, followed by THE WEREWOLF UPSTAIRS, and in September we will have THE VAMPIRE NEXT DOOR! Master has this on her Wish List! (As I have my Browncoat - sigh)
Which brings me to some other news - the apparent delay of the remake of one of my favorite tv series (and one of Master's inspirations) BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. Buffy started out as a film, then became a cult hit tv series in the 90's, making a star of Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz - and now, the anticipated remake has apparently hit a snag (what the snag is, no one quite knows).
I for one am releived. Buffy without Joss Whedon? How can they even think of it? Plus, they want to make it darker - why does everything have to be dark and brooding? What happened to humor in our lives? We need more humor! And we definitely don't need a Buffy remake without Joss Whedon being involved. Trust me, it will not be the same.
When, oh when, will Holly wood start getting original and stop remaking the classics? Better yet, when will they stop trashing the classics? We all remember the travesty that was the highly anticipated remake of BEWITCHED starring Nicole Kidman. They wanted to remake I DREAM OF JEANNIE but plans for that fell through. Probably a good thing. I have to confess, as much as I await the DARK SHADOWS remake there is a part of me that is scared, too. Although Johnny Depp seems capable, but - he's not writing the script, after all. And the writing is the thing.
Supposedly Vanessa Hudgins woudl take over the Buffy mantle. YOu can read the latest news about it here:
http://buffy-the-vampire-slayer-2012-trailer.blogspot.com/
Okay, kiddies. It's getting time for Rocco to sign off, take a little nap, and start working on Kriana's questions! I will see you again in May! And dont' forget- May is our big fundraiser month for KIDS NEED TO READ! Monday's post will be devoted to that, and we have lots of suprises in store for the month (including an interview with a very famous author - initials JE :)
Meowingly yours,
ROCCO THE SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The best radio show you're not listening to...SCI FI SATURDAY NIGHT, Dr. Who, and Rocco's dream of interviewing Kiriana....
ROCCO here....
Firstoff, a big MEOW shout out to my pals over at SciFi Saturday Night! Not only did they give our KIDS NEED TO READ fundraiser a mention on their last show, but they've posted the news on their site:
http://www.scifisaturdaynight.com/?p=3278
So a HUGE MEOW from me and my master for their help in supporting this cause!
Sci Fi Saturday Night is a cool radio show that airs on Saturday Nights (gee I never would have guessed that) and they talk about all things dark and sci-fi-ish, like Dr. Who, FIREFLY, DARK SHADOWS, and paranormal novels!!!!!!!!!! So for those of you out there who aren't familiar with it, give them a try! they are VERY entertaining (I believe Kiriana has a crush on me MEOW! :) And doncha just LOVE the drawings rather than pix of them! SOOOOOO cute. Makes me just want to roll over in catnip (I may do that anyway, MEOW!)
Perchaps I'll interview one of THEM for a future feature....hmmm....talk about turning the tables......they did a nice interview w/my master a few months ago, and I know Master will be returning when her Dark Shadows tie in novel is released, but...in the meantime, what say, Kiriana? Want to be interviewed by the RockStar????? I'd love to get you in my paws in my interview chair....
Calm down. Take a breath. And now, onto other things.
Mainly, DR. WHO.
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television program produced by the BBC. iT depicts the adventures of a mysterious and eccentric timelord known as the Doctor who travels through time and space in his time machine, the TARDIS (an acronym for Time And Relative Dimension(s) In Space), With his companions, he explores time and space, faces a variety of foes and saves civilizations, helping people and righting wrongs.
Gee, just like a superhero!
DR. WHO originally ran from 1963 to 1989. After an unsuccessful attempt to revive regular production with a backdoor pilot in the form of a 1996 television film, it was relaunched in 2005, produced in-house by BBC Wales in Cardiff. Now a fifth series began in April 2010, and the sixth one began in April 2011. News that might excite faithful DAYS OF OUR LIVES FANS: John DeLancie, (Eugene) has joined the cast!
DeLancie seems to like the science fiction genre (well, his roots are soap opera, after all - heh heh)
De Lancie is best known for his portrayal of the iconic, all-powerful Q, a recurring character on Star Trek: The Next Generation. De Lancie's son, Keegan de Lancie, appeared with his father as Q's son in Star Trek: Voyager's seventh season episode "Q2". He's done his share of horror films, too: how many of you recognize him as the evil gynocologist from THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE!
And on that note, cat nap time
Dont' forget to listen to SCI FI SATURDAY NIGHT, PODCAST Saturday Nights at 8-9 p.m.
And Kiriana - the challenge is out! Be interviewed by the Rockster!
Meowingly yours,
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Monday, April 25, 2011
End of the Month Blues and ROCCO makes the big time!
I always get a little pensive toward the end of the month, thinking of all the goals I've set for myself that I haven't met yet :) but, of course, being the catly person that I am, I plug onward and upward.
Who caught Kirstie Alley's appearance on QVC this weekend, plugging her health food line? She danced a bit with David Venable - who knows, this Cheer Chick might go all the way! We shall have to see (although my faves are still Ralph, Hines and Chelsea - sorry, Kirstie)
I'm gearing up for the month of May, which will be HUGE! Not only do we have our fundraiser for KIDS NEED TO READ, but we will have an interview with a VERY FAMOUS author in May - ma-row! I'm starting to feel a bit like a feline Barbara Walters!
Speaking of said famous author, check out this link: http://www.evanovich.com/funstuff/pets
Yes, that is my handsome self on JANET EVANOVICH'S WEBSITE! Look for my interview with Janet in May. She talks (albeit very briefly) her new Stephanie Plum book and the upcoming movie ONE FOR THE MONEY, with Katherine Heigl.
Master is in a grouchy mood - had writer's block over the weekend and could not figure out how to begin her new novel. Heck, I have writer's block every day when i sit down, paws to keyboard. I tell her, "nose to the grindstone, babe."
some people just do not appreciate the sage wisdom of cats.
No new Castle tonight! Rats! I'm still trying to figure out who gets killed off in the season finale....
Until tomorrow,
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Friday, April 22, 2011
TGIF, BABY! SHOW YOUR BROWNCOAT SPIRIT!
I accidently pawed through Master's emails and found out she ordered me a 'BROWNCOAT-REDEMPTION' DVD for my birthday (June 1,people. June 1!!!!) YOWZA! I CAN HARDLY WAIT! (I was rather hoping, you know, for my own Browncoat...but i guess I'd better take what I can get...for now)
For those of you unfamiliar with just exactly what BROWNCOATS, FIREFLY, OR BROWNCOAT REDEMPTION is, let me give you a recap (info courtesy of WIKIPEDIA):
Once upon a time, writer and director Joss Whedon (Buffy/Angel, etc.) created a sereis called Firefly. The series is set in the year 2517, after the arrival of humans in a new star system, and follows the adventures of the renegade crew of Serenity, a "Firefly-class" spaceship. The ensemble cast portrays the nine characters who live on Serenity. Whedon pitched the show as "nine people looking into the blackness of space and seeing nine different things". Firefly explores the lives of some people who fought on the losing side of a civil war and others who now make a living on the outskirts of society, as part of the pioneer culture that exists on the fringes of their star system. In addition, it is a future where the only two surviving superpowers, the United States and China, fused to form the central federal government, called the Alliance, resulting in the fusion of the two cultures as well.
Firefly premiered in the United States and Canada on the Fox network on September 20, 2002. Despite high expectations for the Joss Whedon-led project, by mid-December 2002, Firefly had averaged only 4.7 million viewers per episode and was 98th in Nielsen ratings. It was canceled after eleven of the fourteen produced episodes were aired. Despite the series' relatively short life span, the series, labaelled a "space western" became a cult hit and received strong sales when it was released on DVD. It has large fan support campaigns, themost famous of which is the "Raise money for Nathan Fillion to resurrect Firefly" campaign. Its popularity led to the subsequent release of a feature film, Serenity. It also spawned a group of loyal fans, the BROWNCOATS (named after the brown dusters worn by the actors in the series. their original mission was to save the series from cancellation. BROWNCOATS REDEMPTION is an independant spin off film from the series.
You can find out more about the series, the fans, and the charities their activities support at: www.fireflyfans.net One of them is the one Master and I support: KIDS NEED TO READ! (But all are VERY worthwhile!)
You can also visit: www.browncoatsmovie.com
to learn more about the film, BROWNCOAT: REDEMPTION. In a nutshell:
BROWNCOATS: REDEMPTION takes place three months after the signal is sent out regarding the events on Miranda. Captain Laura Mathews and the crew of Redemption are unintentionally thrown into a situation that some view as the potential catalyst for the second unified rise of the Independents against the Alliance, since Unification Day.
BROWNCOATS: REDMEPTION is a crowd sourced, independent film. Proceeds from the sale of the DVD benefit Equality Now, Kids Need to Read, Dyslexia Foundation, the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center, and The Marine Corps – Law Enforcement Foundation!
So, c'mon people! Show your BROWNCOAT SPIRIT! Order the DVD and support these worthwhile charities...and dont' forget our May fundraiser to benefit KIDS NEED TO READ!
And now, I'm off the soapbox for the weekend. Gotta rest up for the Easter Chick - I mean, Egg - hunt. Meow!
Happy Easter
Happy Passover
Til Monday,
ROCCO
Sci Fi Blogging Cat
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART - JOHNNY DEPP
Note this snippet from the internet:
Depp set up a remake of the 1934 mystery/comedy The Thin Man for himself and On Stranger Tides director Rob Marshall at Warner Bros. last October. The studio put together a shortlist of screenwriters for the project, with THR recently reporting that Jerry Stahl (Permanent Midnight) won the job.
The THR report claims that the studio took their time to find a writer that would add a contemporary attitude but keep the period setting for the movie, which will follow former detective and drunkard Nick Charles and his socialite wife Nora as they solve a mystery. No start date has been revealed for the project.
Read more about Johnny Depp Movie News: Rum Diary Gets Release Date, Dark Shadows Gets Another Cast Member, The Thin Man Gets Screenwriter by www.reelzchannel.com
Master and I both love THE THIN MAN! And while many have tried to recreate the original 1930's classic movie series that starred William Powell and Myrna Loy, none have really succeeded. There was the 1957 TV series that starred Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirdk (WAY WAY before my time, heh heh) It lasted two seasons, and just didn't have the same spark of the movies. The chemistry between Powell and Loy rivalled that of great supercouples: GAble and Lombard, Astaire and Rogers,Pitt and Jolie, Bo and Hope...you get the idea) IMDB has the remake scheduled for release in 2013, the year after Dark Shadows...this man is truly giving us much to look forward to! Big question now: Who's gonna play Nora??????
and for those of us who can't get enough DARK SHADOWS, here's a good place to get current info:
>">http://dark-shadows-2013-movie-trailer.blogspot.com/search/label/trailer%20Dark%20Shadows">>
And if you're into DS nostalgia, YOU TUBE has a ton of trailers to check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBKP8Egne3Y&feature=related">>
OK - you're informed. My work is done. Miaow.
Tomorrow: Firefly/Redemption updates and Browncoat, anyone??????
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
MEOW...ITS INTERVIEW TIME WITH ARTIST/AUTHOR KIMBERLY KILLION
Master has received some wonderful feedback on the cover of her latest novel, RAVEN'S KISS (SEE SIDEBAR) so I decided to interview the lady behind the cover, so to speak...artist/author Kimberly Killion!
Not only does she design outtasite covers at her website: http://www.HOTDAMNDESIGNS.com
She's also an author! Kimberly writes spicy medieval and historical romances which you can find on her other site:http://www.kimberlykillion.com/
She is truly a lady of many talents, and one I knew I had to interview, so without any further delay....here's Kim!
RL: Meow. Welcome, Kim! Love your work! Both covers are fabulous!
KK: Meow back, Rocco. Thanks for having me :)
RL: Tell us how you became interested in the field of graphic art?
KK: Ever since I was little I’ve also been artistic. I also sent my aunties hand-drawn birthday cards back in the day. When I went to college, I know I wanted to continue along that path, so I majored in graphic arts and I’ve been working as a designer ever since.
RL: What is the most rewarding feature of your job?
KK: Well, acting as the Art Director of Hot Damn Designs, I now direct photoshoots. There’s nothing better than spending a day at the office surrounding by beefcakes. *g*
RL: Do you have a favorite cover out of all of your designs? Which one and why?
KK: I’m partial to a few, Kristen Painter’s DARK KISS OF THE REAPER is one of my favorites, but I also love Megan Hatfield’s CLAIMING THE DRAGON and the entire Ashley Garner series, oh, and Mary Jo Putney’s series, and I do love DARK COVENANT by Gillian Doyle. Oh…who am I kidding? I can’t name a favorite. I love them all. They are my little babies.
RL: What would you rather design for, paranormal, fantasy or contemporary?
KK: None of the above. LOL My favorite covers to design are Regency and braw Highlanders. I’m partial to those because that’s the genre I write in as well.
RL: What inspires you in your art?
KK: One word: Skin
RL: What is one thing people would be most surprised to know about you?
KK: I’m bold, outspoken, naughty, yet I’ve been known to blush on set (but few see that as I hide it well *g*)
RL: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
KK: In regards to the biz, I would have to say agreeing to photograph two 10 foot pythons and a tarantula.
RL: (cat frown) No big cats? NO tigers, lions, panthers?
KK: Sorry, not so far :)
RL: If someone could describe you in one word, what would it be?
KK: Insane! I once asked a close friend of many years why he continued to support me. His response “Because you are insane yet one step away from genius.” I still don’t know if that was a compliment. *g*
RL: And now, just for the fun of it?
Cat or Dog person? Cat (Aha, good answer!)
Fantasy or Horror? Fantasy
Day or Night? Day
Favorite Drink? Whiskey and Diet Coke
Favorite Movie? Legends of the Fall
Favorite Saying? I am the Queen of Everything
RL: Thank you for allowing me to interview, you, Kim! You are one talented lady!
KK: Thank you, Rocco.
RL: So, how can fans find you on the web? Do you have a website?
KK: Yup, a bunch:
Design: www.hotdamndesign.com
Stock images: www.hotdamnstock.com
Writing: www.kimberlykillion.com
RL: Thank you so much, Kim! We look forward to your cover design for my master’s new book as well as many more! and to your new release, HIS MAGICK TOUCH, available on Amazon as well!
KK: Purr, Rocco. Thank you!
So, kids, check out this talented lady's art and her books - and my Master's too!
Tomorrow: Browncoat and Dark Shadows news, I plead for my own Browncoat, and some other stuff!
Purringly yours,
ROCCO THE SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Paying it Forward - Kids Need To Read - May Fundraiser and "Geek Prom"
Master is an author and, I, of course, am a premier blogger...so we both know the importance of learning to read! Kids Need to Read is an Arizona based charity that provides books to children in underpriviliged areas, whose families can't afford books, etc.
To show our support of this charity, I meowed and pleaded (although I confess it did not take too much) and Master Toni has generously agreed to donate all the proceeds of her teen/tween e-book, MY SUPERHERO SISTER, sold during the month of May, as well as a portion of the proceeds of her adult paranormal romances, NO REST FOR THE WICCA and RAVEN'S KISS TO KIDS NEED TO READ!
WHY MAY, YOU SAY????? (hey, that rhymes :)
Because in May, Kids Need to Read holds the Kids Need to Read Geek Prom at Phoenix Comicon. It is a very big deal for them and so much fun! Here is their info page:
http://www.kidsneedtoread.org/geekprom.html
We thought it would be cool to be able to send them a nice donation in conjunction with this fun event!
So........
During the month of May, I'll be my charming, nagging self once a week. There will be posts and links to the books and maybe even a contest!
Just warning y'all....I can be a VERY persuasive cat!
Plus, it's for charity!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay! (And it's Nathan Fillion's charity (Castle, Firefly). C'mon, who doesn't love Nathan Fillion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And if we do really well, perhaps Master will finally give in and get me a Browncoat.....
Tomorrow: My interview with Master's RAVEN'S KISS cover artist, Kimberly Killion!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Master has a Guest Post over at HP Mallory's Blog...and we interview cover artist Jeff Taormina
Happy Monday! Do check out author HP Mallory's blog today...my Master has a guest post, talking about her new book, RAVEN'S KISS! and other things, like our May Fundraiser for KIDS NEED TO READ! (MORE ON THAT TOMORROW!) You can find it here: http://urbanfantasyauthor.blogspot.com or, just cruise over to my sidebar! HP Mallory's blog is listed there :) Today we have an interview with Jeff Taormina, a talented artist and co-worker of my master's who did the cover art for MY SUPERHERO SISTER. There is also a very nice review of MY SUPERHERO SISTER over at Glows novel addiction here: http://glowsnoveladdiction.blogspot.com Watch for an interview with cover artist Kimberly Killion later this week! Now, here's Jeff :)
RL: Tell us how you became interested in the field of graphic art?
JT: Way back in middle school I would draw a lot of Star Wars stuff. That was golden back then. Star Wars, KISS I think all the kids back then were drawing. There was no Play Station! LOL
RL: What is the most rewarding feature of drawing?
JT: I get a reward while drawing. It puts my mind at ease. I can feel myself relax.I have been doing a bunch of drawings to help a friend raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness and to find a cure. So like they say “When you do good you feel good”
Also seeing my art for the first time on the cover of Toni’s book on Amazon was cool!
RL: Do you have a favorite drawing out of all of yours? Which one and why?
JT: The one I’m working on at the time. I have to get fully into the drawing or I don’t feel it and if I don’t feel it I think it shows.
The new piece I am doing now Is called “SOMEDAY” and it’s three little kids in hero costumes dreaming about being Superheroes. Cute huh?
RL What superhero would you rather draw?
JT: Batman hands down and anyone who knows me knew that was coming! LOL
RL: What inspires you in your art?
JT: As I said before, I have feel it and if I don’t feel it I think it shows. I tend to sit in front of a blank sheet with my comics and reference photos and I wait for a moment to see what I feel like working on. It usually jumps out at me pretty quick. Then there are the times when I get an Idea in my head and I “Gotta get it out on paper”
The new piece I am doing now, “SOMEDAY” was like that.
RL: What is one thing people would be most surprised to know about you?
JT: Well I was a Heavy Metal musician 10 years ago, I’m an Assistant Fire Chief I’m not sure I think I’m all over the map and most people know it already. LOL
RL: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
JT: How much time you got? LOL Back when I was in my 20’s I was in a Metal Rock band Think KISS meets Van Halen with Alice Copper in there. Well in our show we used a prop straight jacket. It was made to come off easy. So the day after a show we are at the hotel packing up and loading in and a bunch of “Atlantic City” seniors (It’s a Jersey thing) are checking in. My Bassist and few of the crew dare me to so…. I put on the straight jacket and run down the halls bouncing of the walls and yelling “They’ll never get me!!”
RL: Who are some of your favorite artists/covers?
JT: I’m big into Batman and the JLA.
RL: If someone could describe you in one word, what would it be?
JT: Hmmmm Like I said I’m all over the map so I don’t know if one word does it?
I have been called Stoic in the past.
RL: And now, just for the fun of it?
Cat or Dog person? Both (heh heh how diplomatic, considering a cat is interviewing you LOL )
Fantasy or Horror? Depends on the Fantasy! LOL more Superhero!
Day or Night? Day, I love hanging in the sun on my patio!
Favorite Drink? Coffee Black the darker the better!
Favorite Movie? The new Batman movies and The Road Warrior movies!
Favorite Saying? “Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.”
Favorite comic? Any of the Bat books and today there are a lot of them!
RL: do you have a website? Or a place where people can learn more about you and your art?
JT: It’s more like a hobby but I have been doing drawings for people by word of mouth. Just to cover my supplies. I do have a deviant art site: http://chief-bull.deviantart.com/
Thank you so much, Jeff! We look forward to you designing more covers for my master’s YA books!
And so do I!
Tomorrow:
Important news about KIDS NEED TO READ! Please come visit!
Meowingly yours,
ROCCO, THE SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Sunday, April 17, 2011
All the News that's fit to print.....
Also want to tell everyone that during the month of May, the proceeds of all sales of MY SUPERHERO SISTER will be donated to KIDS NEED TO READ, a charity out of Arizona to promote literacy and provide underprivileged children with books! A percentage of Wicca's sales will also go, so if you havne't picked those up yet, you might want to do so in May :) We will remind again closer to the date. For next week: Interviews with Master's two cover artists, Jeff Taormina and Kimberly Killion; news about KIDS NEED TO READ; and, of course, Rocco continues his quest for a Browncoat! Stay tuned, ROCCO SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Thursday, April 14, 2011
ROCCO'S SCREAMFEST - GRAND FINALE!
the first SCREAM, as we all know, was a sleeper hit that grossed over $103 million and reinvigorated Wes Craven's career. We can thank screenwriter Kevin Williamson for getting hit with the "inspriational bolt of lightning" that not only precipitated SCREAM 4, but (according to Williamson, in an interview for Entertainment Weekly) piece together plots for SCREAM 5 & 6! YAY!
His concept was so strong that the stars of the first three films - Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and David Arquette - didn't hesitate to sign on. Campbell said, "Ten years ago we were right not to do it(another sequel) but now enough time has gone by it's going to be a gas for people to see it again."
True: Now SCREAM has an entirely new generation to terrorize,as evidenced by the new teen troupe: Rory Culkin (of the infamous Culkin brothers), Emma Roberts (yes, Julia's niece, Nancy Drew herself) Hayden Panettiere (minus the superpowers), Marielle Jaffe, Erik Knudsen and Nico Tortorella.
Who will survive for future sequels? Any? All?....NONE? williamson has two more installments in his pocket, but he's waiting for fan reaction first.
All this begs the question: at what point does the SCREAM stop? At what point does the novelty of seeing GHOSTFACE pop out of closets or deliver his famous phonecall turn jaded? How can you keep this fresh and new?
I'm hoping all that will be answered at the premiere tomorrow. Heh Heh.
In the meantime, satisfy your SCREAM urges by viewing the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTID_e9Pxdc
Just remember: Movie rules have changed. Virgins can die now.
Will be back Monday with lots of interesting posts, including two interviews with illustrators of my Master's books!
DO YOU LIKE HORROR MOVIES???????
SCARINGLY YOURS,
ROCCO THE SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
SCREAMFEST PART TRES
My Top FIVE Scary Movie moments!
Ready...grab your GHOSTFACE and here we go....
#5 - A young girl stands in the shower stall - through the misty curtain we see the bathroom door open, and a figure slowly approach, and then......Janet Leigh turns and gives us the best scream of her life in the shower scene from PSYCHO! (1960)
#4 - There are actually several in this movie - one when the little boy is riding up and down the corridor on his tricycle and sees twin girls changing "REDRUM" - another when Torrance is making out with the sexy woman in the bathtub and sees she's actually a corpse in the mirror - then again when he's chopping down the bedroom door with an axe and sticking his head in the opening "Wendy - I'm home" - yes, it's Jack NIcholson in the original THE SHINING - 1981
#3 - Jimmy Caan as an injured writer held captive by a crazed fan, finds out the true meaning of "hobbling" in MISERY - Kathy Bates Academy Award Winning performance!
#2 - Phantasm - the first appearance of "The Tall Man" Can you say "BOY"
and #1 - Halloween (1978) had so many it's impossible to list them all, startng with the absolutely perfect music. If you've never seen it (and Rocco finds that hard to beleive) GO...RENT...NOW.
I shall not be posting this Friday, as I intend to go camp outside my local theatre and await the opening of SCREAM 4, so my weeklong salute will conclude tomorrow with a bit about .....SCREAM 4! Appropriate, no??????
What you can look forward to next week:
An announcement regarding Kids Need to Read
Interviews with my cover artists:
Kimberly Killion (Raven's Kiss) and Jeff Taormina (My Superhero Sister)
More Dark Shadows/Browncoat news
Oh, yeah...and my master will be doing a guest post on her new book on HP Mallory's blog!
Yours in Horror,
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
SCREAMFEST PART DEUX
In honor of my very favorite slasher/satire flick, here are ROCCO's ten favorite slasher movies OF ALL TIME!
Beginning at the bottom (ahem)
#10 - Final Destination (2000) After a teenager has a terrifying vision of him and his friends dying in a plane crash, he prevents the accident only to have Death hunt them down, one by one. Ali Larter before she got superpowers.
#9 - My Bloody Valentine (1981) - A decades old folk tale surrounding a deranged murderer killing those who celebrate Valentine's Day, turns out to be true to legend when a group defies the killer's order and people start turning up dead.
#8 - When a Stranger Calls (1979) - A psychopathic killer terrorizes a babysitter, then returns seven years later to menace her again - Carol Kane (of TAXI fame) is the babysitter.
#7 - Black Christmas - (1974)A sorority house is terrorized by a stranger who makes frightening phone calls and then murders the sorority sisters during Christmas break. Stars Olivia Hussey and Superman's Margot Kidder
#6 - Terror Train - 1981 -A masked killer targets six college kids responsible for a prank gone wrong years earlier and whom are currently throwing a large New Year's Eve costume party aboard a moving train. David Copperfield performs magic, but he can't make the killer disappear - Jaime Lee Curtis in another "scream queen" effort post-Halloween.
#5 - SAW - 2004 - With a dead body laying between them, two men wake up in the secure lair of a serial killer who's been nicknamed "Jigsaw". The men must follow various rules and objectives if they wish to survive and win the deadly game set for them. Raised "slasher" to a new level - and who can't love a villian named "Jigsaw"?
#4 - A Nightmare on Elm Street - 1984 - In the dreams of his victims, a spectral child murderer stalks the children of the members of the lynch mob that killed him. Who doens't love the movie that introduced us to Freddie Krueger?????? And his ninety inch nails?????????
#3 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - 1974 - Five friends visiting their grandpa's old house are hunted down and terrorized by a chainsaw wielding killer and his family of grave-robbing cannibals. C'mon- admit it - you can't really look a chainsaw in the eye anymore, can you?
#2 - SCREAM,(1996) SCREAM 2 (1997), SCREAM 3 (2000) - A three way tie! (bet you thought this was #1, right? right? Well, lets see, In SCREAM, A killer known as "ghost face" begins killing off teenagers, and as the body count begins rising, one girl and her friends find themselves contemplating the "Rules" of horror films as they find themselves living in a real-life one. In Scream 2,Two years after the events of the first film, a new psychopath dons the "Ghost face" costume and a new string of murders begin. and in SCREAM 3, Ghostface pays Sidney and her friends a third visit while they visit the set of "Stab 3", the third movie based upon the Woodsbro murders.
Ya gotta love a cartoonish slasher named "Ghostface". YA also gotta love a trilogy that doens't disappoint, and that spawns a fourth film that will (hopefully) spark a new trilogy. (Star Wars, anyone?)
DRUM ROLL....ROCCO'S FAVORITE SLASHER FLICK IS
NUMERO UNO: HALLOWEEN - 1978 - A psychotic murderer institutionalized since childhood escapes on a mindless rampage while his doctor chases him through the streets.
this movie single handedly redefined the slasher movie genre as well as the horror movie genre, set a new standard for villians and gave us Jaime Lee Curtis, all in the same breath. Gotta love it!
The SCREAMFEST CONTINUES TOMORROW
ROCCO'S TOP TEN SCARY MOVIE MOMENTS!
UNTIL THEN,
ROCCO THE SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Monday, April 11, 2011
Scream Four Times on the Ceiling if you love it!
A week devoted to the fantabulous slasher/satire flick, SCREAM! in honor of SCREAM 4 debuting April 15!
Now, for those of you living under a rock who've never heard of SCREAM, here's a rundown:
Scream is a 1996 horror film that tells the story of the fictional town Woodsboro, California being terrorized by a masked killer who enjoys tormenting his victims with phone calls and movie references. The killer's main target is Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), a teenage girl whose mother, Maureen, fell victim to a brutal murder one year earlier. The film takes the form of a "whodunit" mystery, with many of her friends and townspeople being fellow targets and suspects.
Scream is to slasher flicks in the late 90's what Halloween was to them in the late 70's. Wes Craver used a tongue-in-cheek approach that combined straightforward scares with dialogue that satirized slasher film conventions.
Who can forget the memorable mention of "how to avoid being killed in a horror film?" (doled out by character Randy):
You can't have sex, since only virgins can outsmart the killer in the end.
You can't drink or do drugs, since like rule #1, they are sins.
Don't ever say "I'll be right back."
Or Ghostface's immortal line, usually asked when doling out a phonecall to a potential victim: "Do you like scary movies?"
YES!
This film was excellent,ahead of its time, and its two sequels, unlike many others did NOT disappoint! I, for one, am curious jsut what's left to tell of the tale of Sidney Prescott (cause you know, you just know, there is) and am also curious to see if this chick is gonna be another Michael Myers or Jason - one who never dies. The new film stars Courtney Cox, Neve Campbell, and David Arquette,as well as a whole new cast of "Scream-ites".
Tomorrow: Rocco's ten best SLASHER flicks!
Screamingly yours,
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Saturday, April 9, 2011
A Taste of What's To Come....
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Friday, April 8, 2011
SEX, HOLLYWOOD TRASHES THE CLASSICS AGAIN, AND A CALL FOR BOOKS
In five years.
In five years Ms. Parker will be 50...will it really be the same? And what new storylines could they possibly have? Carrie pregnant?
Meow thinks this is a bad idea...a very bad idea. Sometimes you have to know jsut when to let go. Like, for example, with the first two Superman movies back in the late seventies early eighties. Superman and Superman II were masterpieces! Not so the two that followed, Superman 3 and 4.
They were bad, very very bad.
MEOW!
Hollywood also has a bad habit of taking the classic movies and tv shows, remaking them over, and mangling them badly in the process.
Take, for example, the remake of Bewitched starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. Could that compare, in any shape or form, to the tv series starring Elizabeth Montgomery (which plays endlessly on Nick at Nite, btw).
Hell NO.
I cringe at the remake of "Arthur" which comes out today. The original Arthur, starring the late Dudley Moore and Liza Minelli, was a classic, and Moore's bumbling portrayal of the alcoholic man/child remains classic to this day. From the previews, Russell Brand's character seems more self-indulgent and narcissistic.
Final judgement, of course, will be reserved until after I see the entire movie - which will probably be when it comes out on DVD or Demand.
Thank god they haven't attempted Gone with the Wind or Casablanca yet. Some things just should not be touched...no matter what the age. They age, like fine wine, getting better and better with each generation.
wasn't that proved on the recent "Best of Film" special, when both Casablanca and GWTW made the top five? And GWTW was voted the best film of all time? OF ALL TIME, PEOPLE! And it was made in 1939.
anyway....look for some top ten lists next week, some particularly gory ones in honor of "SCREAM 4" hitting theatres April 15! *(What better way to celebrate INcome Tax day!) and some exciting news on Kids Need To Read....
and whilst we're on that subject, any children's authors out there who'd like to donate HARD copies of your books (no ecopies, please...at least not yet). You can send them to:
Kids Need to Read
101 W. Main Street, Suite 1
Mesa, AZ 85201
Mention me (Rocco) and this post!
Always remember: pay it forward!
Have a great weekend
ROCCO, THE SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Yes, he can, yes he can, YES HE CAN
which starts off thusly:
Nathan Fillion, an actor who first rose to nerdy popularity as the star of dearly departed series Firefly and now stars on the ABC series Castle, has become the poster boy (literally — there are posters) for yet another attempt to bring back Firefly from cancelation. Hey! What's with the nerdy adjective?????? Our guy Nathan is FAR from nerdy, I'll have you know! MEOW!!!!!!
They go on to say:
But leaving aside Fillion’s ongoing commitment to the ABC series Castle, and the fact that series creator Joss Whedon is busy directing The Avengers, and the fact that the California lottery is fickle with its winnings — it’s not going to happen.
But the question isn’t whether Whedon fans would get behind a web-oriented project (ahem, Dr. Horrible), the question is whether or not the rights to Firefly will ever be for sale. As Entertainment Weekly points out, the rights to Terminator were available for $30 million, not $300 million — but rights holder Halcyon was in bankruptcy and in need of cash. Fox is currently doing just fine; even if Fillion really had $300 million to hand over, there’s no strong incentive to sell on the part of Fox.
The article also mentions Nathan's fans efforts to raise money to support the effort:
Help Nathan Buy Firefly links to a post by Henry Jenkins doing math on what it would cost to create a new Firefly series using a direct-to-viewer subscription model based on the show’s original budget. If a million fans agreed to spend $40 for a 16-episode season, that would give Whedon $40 million to work with.
In fact, the story that got this all started — Firefly has been picked up for syndication on the Science Channel — is proof that there is yet more money Fox can make on Firefly, thus disincentivizing them to consider an offer from another company or individual.
Translation: Even if NF won 300 million in the CA lottery, he probably would not be able to bring back Firefly becasue it's doubtful Fox would sell the rights when there is still the potential for them to make money.
I say horsefeathers! Or catfeathers :)
BUT...there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel:
That isn’t to say that things are completely impossible; fans of the show, through the purchase of DVDs, got one movie made, and have also engaged in projects like an unauthorized feature-length sequel to Serenity, Browncoats: Redemption. As Stamell pointed out, “Look at the history of Firefly. If there were any fandom that could make this happen, it would be this one.”
Throw enough money at Fox and they'll do pretty much anything, I say!
So, carry on, Nathan! Carry on, Browncoats! Fight the good fight to bring back Firefly/Serenity. I, Rocco, am buying two tickets each week in the NJ lottery, hopeful of a win to throw some money your way! (Just dont' tell my Master - I dip my claw into her pocketbook every night to add to my stash of coins). It's our little secret :)
Tomorrow....OH NO NOT ANOTHER SEX IN THE CITY....PLEASE!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
DARK SHADOWS PEOPLE ARE AUTHORS TOO....
And then the answer came to me...Dark Shadows, what else?????
As any dyed in the wool DS fan knows, Kathryn Leigh Scott has managed her own publishing company, Pomegranate Press, for years. http://www.pompress.com/
The company publishes non fiction books on the entertainment industry, most notably DARK SHADOWS. So if you're a DS newbie or a fan who needs a fix, check the site out! they have MANY books on the subject!
Other DS stars have ventured into the world of literature, becoming novelists: Lara Parker, who portrayed the witch Angelique published a novel based on Dark Shadows in 1998, called Angelique's Descent. Its sequel, Dark Shadows: The Salem Branch, came out in July 2006. She has recently reprised the role of Angelique for a new series of Dark Shadows audio dramas, and is the reader for the audiobook recording of Angelique's Descent.
David Selby, for years the heartthrob Quentin Collins on DS, is also an author. His writing includes the plays Lincoln and James and Final Assault as well as the poetry collections My Mother's Autumn and Happenstance. His novels are Lincoln's Better Angel and The Blue Door. My Better Place combines memoir and social commentary to discuss Selby's West Virginia upbringing. In 2010, Selby published My Shadowed Past, chronicling what it was like to work on Dark Shadows during the turbulent late 1960s and early 1970s. for more info on David and his books, you can visit his website: www.davidselby.com
www.collinwood.net, the site of the DARK SHADOWS JOURNAL, offers many of the above actors books for sale, in addition to a series of audio dramas about Dark Shadows voiced my many of the actors. It's also a good place to go to check out the latest news on the DArk Shadows movie starring Johnny Depp!
Speaking of which, Eva Green, the new Angelique, revealed in a recent interview the movie is "sort of a dark comedy". HMMMM....not too comedic, we hope. After all, part of DS's charm was that it was campy and ahead of its time - and all the actors played it like it was Shakespearean drama!
So, if you're a DS fan and like to read, you should check some of these people out!
and now I must think about what I will post tomorrow....
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
WHEDONFEST 2011 - CANT STOP THE SERENITY
Joss Whedon Fans return to Kentucky for Can't Stop the Serenity Charity.
Whedonites United present their third annual WhedonFest, a weekend-long convention, to be held August 5-7 at Barefoot Republic in Scottsville, KY. All proceeds will be donated to charities designated by the Can't the Stop the Serenity Global organization and Whedonites United.
Joss Whedon fans have repeatedly done the unlikely: turning a failed movie into a long-running and much-loved TV series (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), then turning a canceled series into a movie destined to become a cult classic (Serenity), and then turning repeat screenings of that movie into a series of worldwide popular fund-raising events to keep the fandom alive while promoting gender equality (Can't Stop the Serenity). Since 2006, the global Can't Stop the Serenity movement has raised over half a million dollars for charity, and included events in scores of cities all over the world.
WhedonFest is scheduled for August 5-7. Designed to welcome fans of all Whedon's work, the programming will cover Buffy, Firefly, Angel, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and Dollhouse, as well as Joss's upcoming Avengers movie. Activities include panel discussions and activity workshops, guest speakers, a “Shindig” with costume contest, and more. WhedonFest will be held at Barefoot Republic, near Scottsville, KY.
All proceeds from this event will go to charity. All Can't Stop the Serenity Events donate a minimum of 75% to Equality Now as the globally supported charity. Events are allowed to allocate the remainder for local charities if desired. WhedonFest will donate 15% of the proceeds to Kids Need to Read, an organization co-founded by P.J. Haarsma and Firefly's own Nathan Fillion, and 10% to New Leash on Life, a local animal welfare organization.
MEOW!
As you know, I'm a charity loving cat, and I heartily support anything that aids kids and animals. It's just the way I am :) So even if you can't get out to KY to attend (and this event seems like a lot of fun) you could always send a small donation to either Kids Need to Read or New Leash on Life! Tax deductible AND you are helping a good cause!!!!!!! If you are a big Serenity or Buffy fan this seems like a cool funfest.
PAWS for thought.
And Istill do NOT have my Browncoat! oh, well. Maybe for my birthday? June 1? Hint, hint.
Until tomorrow,
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Monday, April 4, 2011
Meow Monday!
We watched "The Tourist" on demand yesterday, and Johnny Depp's depth as an actor never ceases to amaze me. while I could take or leave Angelina Jolie (as an actress - as a babe,she's HOT) Depp's disarming performance was rather high quality. I didn't find the movie to be as disappointing as the critics painted it, either - it had a lot of Hitchcokian qualities to it (and Meow is a big Hitchcock fan) particularly the ending, although I must confess, Master had a glimmer of that midway through the movie. Still, it was quite enjoyable. so if you missed it on the big screen, go rent "The Tourist". If you like twisty mysteries (And Angelina Jolie all glammed up in to die for gowns) you wont be disappointed.
As for books - Master is more than halfway through JD Robb's latest, TREACHERY IN DEATH AND GIVES IT TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!! JD Robb (aka Nora Roberts) has never disappoited in the "In Death" series, and in this, her 32nd, Ibelieve, is no exception. Master will have a detailed report on this and on JD Robb in general, in the May issue of NIGHT OWL REVIEWS in her column DARK STREETS. If you dont' already subscribe to NOR, you might want to. There are lots and lots of fun articles, interviews and reviews each month! www.nightowlreviews.com
Here's another cool site I found: WWW.2movietrailer.com it has lots of movie trailers, current and upcoming. Was looking for the Dark Shadows trailer but apparently it's not out yet. Will keep you all informed!
Yawn. Got to get me some shut eye myself!
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT
Friday, April 1, 2011
Little bit o'this...little bit o'that
Taken straight from the internet:
Chloe Moretz could join "Dark Shadows". The "Kick-Ass" beauty is allegedly in talks with Warner Bros. Pictures to join the cast ensemble for the drama. If she agrees, she will play Carolyn, the daughter of Michelle Pfeiffer's Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, who owns the Collinwood mansion where the supernatural story starts.
Once she signs in, she will join other cast members including Johnny Depp, who stars as the lead character. Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Bella Heathcote, Thomas McDonell are also attached to the project.
Not quite sure how I feel about that. She's a bit young for the part of Carolyn (Carolyn was 18 when the series started - Chloe is 14 - although she looks 21) but she could certainly pass as Michelle Pfeiffer's daughter, and Michelle is playing her mom, Elizabeth Stoddard, so...we shall see.
Here's another article:
Thomas McDonell, who is generating early buzz off his work in Disney's upcoming Prom, has been cast as Johnny Depp's younger self in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows.
Warner Bros. is eyeing an April start for the movie, which is a big-screen take on the 1960s gothic vampire TV soap opera.
The movie has been casting up, with Michelle Pfeiffer, Jackie Earle Haley, Eva Green and Bella Heathcote already on board.
Depp will portray Barnabas Collins, a self-loathing vampire living in a Maine manor who is searching for his lost love. McDonell, who has already garnered comparisons as a "young Depp" in industry circles, will play the young Barnabas.
A young Barnabas? Hmmm....that might be a switch. We've never had a "young" Barnabas. that could prove interesting.
And in other news about my other passion, SUPERMAN, here's an article about the new Lois Lane:
Amy Adams has landed the iconic role of journalist Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman reboot from Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures.
Adams joins Henry Cavill, Diane Lane and Kevin Costner on the production, which will be directed by Zack Snyder.
“Second only to Superman himself, the question of who will play Lois Lane is arguably what fans have been most curious about," Snyder said in a statement Sunday. "So we are excited to announce the casting of Amy Adams, one of the most versatile and respected actresses in films today. Amy has the talent to capture all of the qualities we love about Lois: smart, tough, funny, warm, ambitious and, of course, beautiful."
OK, I'm still not 100% on Henry Cavill playing Supes, but I am 150% behind this choice! Amy Adams is also my master's own personal favorite to play several of her fictional characters. She's brilliant, beautiful, and a talented actress besides! Nominated for two Academy Awards so far, it's only a matter of time! (although, Margot Kidder will always be Lois Lane to us, jsut as Christopher Reeve (God rest his soul) will always be SUPERMAN.
and finally, April 15 brings the release of a much anticipated movie sequel: SCREAM IV!!!!!!
'Scream 4' has been a long, long time coming, but you know what they say: Some things are worth waiting for. And though it's been over a decade since 'Scream 3' terrorized audiences, fans are still over the moon for the chance to see Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette fight sadistic pop icon Ghostface again! ALTHOUGH one must wonder - just what else can they do plotwise - oh, wait, I forgot - they don't need a plot! Just lots of slashing and blood (and Ghostface popping up at the most inopportune times!)
Next week I shall expound on Hollywood's remakes of the classics.....a habit they should definitely get out of, with a few exceptions. This cat's tired of seeing the true classics butchered to death....but that's for a later post.
OH, WAIT...I SEE GHOSTFACE BEHIND ME......
APRIL FOOL!!!!!!!!
Have a good weekend, humans.
ROCCO
SCI FI BLOGGING CAT