Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Ender's Game - Movie Moments

A young hero. Gifted. Smart. Bullied. A team of misfits. A future world. The under dogs. Good
computer graphics. A decent plot. Some big name actors.

Ender's Game should have everything to make a great movie. 

Problem: Asa Butterfield was not the right choice for the lead character. I would have liked this movie. Really.  Except that Asa apparently has one reaction for every emotion. Tears. Or at least it looked like his eyes were continually brimming with tears. It was tiring and predictable. And most of the supporting acting team were much better and interesting than Ender was.

Throughout the film, I kept wondering why big names like Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley were in that movie. I can't imagine that it had the kind of budget that would have met their level of financial requirement.  (Or is it possible they've slid far enough down the pole these days?)

Honestly, by the last big "test"/battle I had started wondering when it would end. How much longer could it go on? And when the last twist came, it was unsurprising.

The worst part was the ending. It was disappointingly dumb. I hate spoilers so I won't ruin it for others, but I hope you aren't as lukewarm about it as I was.

Oh well. Just another average movie. Most tween and early teen kids particularly boys might enjoy it. And certainly fans of Orson Scott Card will be eager to watch it. Just know you might be disappointed.  Or go with low expectations and you may really enjoy it.



Thursday, November 7, 2013

Thor--The Dark World -: Movie Moments

If you're looking for gorgeous leading men. Beautiful costumes. A love story. Great throw away lines. And a nice adrenalin rush. (And a little predictability.)  Head off to Thor: The Dark World.

The CGI is much better than the first Thor which makes it much more watchable and cinematic. I wish the fighting weren't done so close to the camera so you could see it more clearly, but the effects are great and I LOVE Captain America's cameo. And it's nice to know Stan Lee is still appearing in the Marvel Movies even though Disney the great and powerful now owns them.

This is going to play well on the big and little screen, but you'll enjoy it more on the big screen. Don't miss it!  Nice to have a movie that left me with a massive grin. A good way to start the upcoming holiday watching binge season.

There are a few scary moments--if you have younger children who scare easily.

Be sure to stay for the WHOLE thing. They have an extra scene and an Easter egg.

All She Wants for Christmas Cover Reveal!

Looking for a little holiday romance?  Or looking for a fun gift for your fan of reading?  Well, look no further!

My new book: All She Wants for Christmas is coming out December 6th!

All She Wants for Christmas
Author: Sara V. Olds
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy Romance

Description:
 
George Clauson is Santa's daughter, but she can't stand Christmas. All that ho-ho-hoing, caroling and people's greedy wants? No, thank you. She's left the family business and struck off on her own in the human world finding her niche as a humble second-grade teacher.


Ebenezer Herod is a descendent of King Herod. His family has never stopped trying to destroy Christmas. This year they may actually get their wish, but not if Ben can help it.


George wants nothing to do with restoring balance to the Christmas season, and she certainly isn't interested in the shockingly handsome and devilishly rich Ben. A determined do-gooder, Ben's used to saving the day, but he can't rescue Christmas alone. Can George and Ben find a way to work together despite their opposing heritages to make the Season bright? 


Keep your eyes peeled for some fun giveaways with the release of this book!