TWO MOVIES IN ONE WEEK

Tags

blogging, courage, Dakota Johnson, down syndrome, films, Hustler, Leboeuf, movie review, new release, Zack Gottsagen

(No spoilers but I am opinionated.)

I belong to a movie group from my church that sees new releases and goes to dinner following to discuss. Hearing that they planned to see the Hustlers, I warned them. Restricted movies loaded with f-bombs doesn’t phase them, and they do appreciate the controversial, if well done.

The trailer to this one was enough to inform me that it wasn’t well-made and not a theme I’d like, but to be fair, I gave it a chance. It was worse than I suspected. If were possible to give this piece of soft porn a no stars, I would, but for the pleasure of seeing Mercedes Ruehl. Didn’t recognize her at first, since she succumbed to the Hollywood pressure of youth and plastics. Or a bad makeup job on purpose.

The reasons for disliking this movie on a visceral level were many. It was peopled with unlikable, repellent characters. This can be overcome, such as Melissa McCarthy’s fine work in Can You Ever Forgive Me. But that was about Lee Israel, a complex, interesting person. These women are pathetic Kardashian wannbes, and considering that low bar…it can’t get any lower.

In an era of women reaching for equality, this schlock flick set the movement back a century. Or more. I’m not judging women who strip for income. Many do so to pay off college debt or feed their kids. My disgust with this film comes from the constant bombardment of smut and a rationalization that adulterous Wall Street types deserve to be ripped-off because they caused the 2008 market crash. Even that’s pathetic, because big banks, like Chase and Wells Fargo to name a few, were the cause.

Worse was the rehashing and repetition of the sex parties and the women celebrating their take with spraying champagne and shopping sprees, scenes that did nothing to move the story forward but did a great job of creating boredom.

I suppose guys, being visual, would not agree my opinion. Although I could feel the discomfort of the men in our group. They’re gentlemen. They avoid lechery and have no need to bolster their sense of masculinity via the debasement of others.

Every character in this film is a creep with exception of Destiny’s grandmother, the charming Wai Ching Ho. Even then the writers concocted a scene to diminish her. The acting throughout was competent, but whoever thinks that Lopez’s performance is Oscar worthy has never taken an acting course. She is competent.

I could go on but I won’t waste your time. I’ve already wasted mine seeing this piece of trash. Can’t blame objectifying men for his flick. It was written and directed by women looking for creds with the Hollywood overlords.

Now for something to clean the palette:

The Peanut Butter Falcon 

The trailer was enough to let it be known that this is not a great movie but an intriguing one. I hope it becomes a classic. The hang-up for me was Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson, neither interesting performers, but happily in this case, were believable and accessible, likeable. Because of Zak, (Zack Gottsagen), they find the new life paths. Both are invested in Zak, protective and overprotective of a guy who needs none.

The writing is simplistic, which is sometimes not a bad thing. I had read that this fable-like film was written specifically for Gottsagen, whose strength of purpose and character carry the story arc. He has a strong presence on the screen that paired well with LaBeouf’s angst and Johnson’s floundering but well-intentioned obligation to a Down Syndrome client.

The only thing I found comparable to Mark Twain is floating on a raft. The setting and filming is atmospheric. One can almost smell the humidity and the river. Okay, there are a few cheesy parts, but easily forgivable. I will probably buy this when it comes out because of its charm and goodness of heart and because of that, five stars.

M.L Rigdon (aka Julia Donner)

Follow on Twitter @RigdonML

Blog: https://historyfanforever.wordpress.com/

Website http://www.MLRigdon.com

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-donner

https://www.facebook.com/Julia-Donner-697165363688218/timeline

 

SEASONS OF WAR

Tags

battle, books, dragons, fantasy, free, new release, other worlds, snippet, sorcery, swords, war, writing

It’s a good thing to have someone to nag and knock one about the head. My critique partner, Judi Lynn/Judy Post has a pretty good aim. Sometimes there is ringing in the ears, which is not a bad thing, because it makes me pay attention. And as it was written in the Haggard novel, when She Who Must Be Obeyed speaks, you’d better listen.

SWMBO has been nagging me about doing snippets (among other things) and today’s mini-post is a heads-up just to prove I listened. The snippet thing is a fave of the delicious Ilona Andrews, and if it’s good enough for her…and so on.

The trilogy Seasons of Time made its debut in paperback in 2003, when I was told self-published works were a waste of time, would never sell, would never get reviewed, would essentially get laughed off the face of the Earth. I’d had encouragement from a publisher, but as traditional houses are wont to do, they wanted changes. The vision of the story was too important for me to change it to fit someone else’s format. It went on to sell many thousands of copies, win an Honorary Mention in a Writer’s Digest International contest, and receive an excellent review from Midwest Book Review.

Back then, I did book events where I talked about e-publishing and the digital future where hundreds of books could be stored and read on a device not much larger than a postcard. I was given pitying looks from the attendees, but it didn’t bother me. They all bought the book.

Today’s snippet is the opening of The Gracarin, Seasons of War. I’d been asked to write more about the world created in the first trilogy, so I am deep in that process. The interior map is almost done. It needs a few tweaks before sending out into the world. The cover is being created and a cover release should happen any time now. The notes from three beta readers have come back, which means it’s almost time to send it along to SWMBO.

Thanks for following. Because if it’s good enough for Judi/Judy and Ilona, it’s good enough for me.

M.L Rigdon (aka Julia Donner)

Follow on Twitter @RigdonML

Blog: https://historyfanforever.wordpress.com/

Website http://www.MLRigdon.com

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/julia-donner

https://www.facebook.com/Julia-Donner-697165363688218/timeline

BLUNDERS

Tags

AUSTEN, new release, regency, SOCIAL MEDIA

Things have changed in the last few hundred years, in some ways, drastically. The root of this observation comes from my bumbling around in necessary research. When I write contemporary, all that’s needed for up-to-date conversation is an hour watching a current sitcom. But my WIP is regency-set, and—oh, yeah—things have changed.

Two hundred years ago in upper crust London, there were specific rules for everything. Let’s imagine you’ve just entered a drawing room for an obligatory visit. (How and when to call on others involves another set of rules). This is how a morning call goes: After an appropriate salutation which includes curtsey and/or bow, you wish everyone a pleasant good day, ask about or wish them good health, talk about the weather. A comment may be made in regards to a recent social event. Children may be discussed, or perhaps a comment about an upcoming event. If all else fails, go back to the weather. No compliments can be made directly to one’s hostess/host. That can only be exchanged between family and the closest friends. After fifteen minuets, and no long than twenty have passed, thank the hostess/host and beg your leave.

Imagine today:

“Dude.”

“Whaddup?”

“Nuh.”

Compare that cintillating exchange to Caroline Bingley’s snide remarks to Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, all rendered in perfected ton style and yet she is snark personified. Jane Austen knew every social rule and how to abuse, use, and mock at the same time. Nowadays, we are reduced to single word responses. Young males speak in childish, noncommital mumbles with no evidence of consonants. Girls speak too fast in nasal valley-speak that used to be ridiculed and is now the lexicon and style of ninety percent of the young female population. I recently spoke to a girl who aspires to a career as an actress and she didn’t know who Tennessee Williams was. She thinks emulating Hannah Montana is the epitome of the acting. This was not easy to swallow after watching the Starz recent rendition of The Dresser.

Half of what goes in conversation today was not done in 1950. Marlon Brando’s mumbling started this mess IMHO. (And yeah, text anachronisms haven’t helped.) Freewheeling acceptance of social taboos has also changed. In the fifties, sex was never mentioned. Strict monitoring and censorship didn’t allow it in any form on the screen. Nary a hint. If a bedroom was shown, there were separate beds! There was a time when I was quite young that I thought it was weird that my mom and dad didn’t have two beds. Wow, I digressed.

Going back to the subject, if you are interested in the wide gap between aristocracy, middle earth, and today, try Jane Austen’s Guide to Good Manners by Josephine Ross. It is, as they say today, a hoot. Oy, how the times have changed.

Book Eight in the Regency set Friendship Series, The Barbarian and His Lady, is now available for pre-sale on Amazon, due for release on June 18, 2016.

And don’t forget to curtsey or bow before you exit.

Follow on Twitter @RigdonML
Website http://www.MLRigdon.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Donner

BAH HUMBUG PLUS

Tags

Christmas, film review, new release, sales, Spectre

Does it make you nuts that they’re putting up Christmas decorations right after Halloween? It really frosts my cookies the way a religious holiday has been minimalized, dare I say it, cannibalized for the unholy dollar. Stores were rolling out the trees, and fa-la-lahs the first week of November. I can remember when—sorry, one of those yes-I’m-from-the-stone-age remarks—people were horrified that the sales started right after Thanksgiving. Hey, why not leave the sales hype and decorations up all year long? Wait a minute, there are people and businesses already doing that. So a few years ago I started my own bounce back.

Instead of buying Christmas gifts from department stores, I went on the net to buy, started making gifts like homemade candy and canned goodies, bought art and artsy items from friends and family. I might not be saving a tree, but I’m fighting back in my own feeble way.

ANNOYING WHINE PART II

So I went to see the new Bond flick. Terrific action sequences, but we all know that’s expected in an espionage film. The helicopter thing went on way too long, but as I lost interest in the action, I had time to consider how the background was accomplished. The problem for me was the token plotline. The script was childish and transparent, using Moneypenny to make an idiot level mistake for an unnecessary plot plug. Luckily, the FX stuff was over the top so I was able to accept the insulting supposition that the mystery portion of the story was meant for a first grader to figure out. The music was well done (an important component for me) but way too loud, sometimes a distraction from the action on the screen. Maybe the people making the decision for the decibel level had already burned up their fuzzy ear linings from listening to rap music that rattled surrounding car windows from a hundred paces. The art design for the opening credits were marvelous but the music theme cannot come close to Adele’s brilliant “Skyfall” lyrics. Now that I’ve stopped complaining, the end result is my opinion that it’s worth seeing.

THE NON-WHINE PORTION

Hopefully you’ve hung in there to this point because I hope you’ll take a moment to follow this link:

https://www.facebook.com/KyraJacobsBooks

http://www.amazon.com/Kyra-Jacobs/e/B00E5PIJ04

Check out Kyra Jacob’s newest release and Facebook page. As the daughter, granddaughter, niece, aunt, and cousin of firefighters, I got hooked on her via her first book. And she’d a really, really nice gal. And prettier in person than her photo. Please give her a look-see.

M.L Rigdon (aka Julia Donner)

Follow on Twitter @RigdonML

Website http://www.MLRigdon.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Donner

DRIVING MISS CRAZY

Tags

freeway, LA, new release, road rage, traffic

Just got back from a trip to LA. Lived there for over a decade and loved living there in the fab-fun sixties, but now that I’ve long since put away my love beads, bell bottoms and fringe, it’s good to come home to the Midwest. There are only a few things I miss about living out there, the foothills, the ocean and the drivers. Yeah, the drivers. I admit to a love affair with LA drivers.

Traffic is an issue in Southern California, has been for decades. In order to survive, the great hive of commuters must move as one. Keeping the flow moving is uppermost on the mind of every person behind the wheel. Cars move in a graceful dance, weaving in and out, with a pervasive understanding that everyone on the road must do their part. Flip on the turn signal, check your mirror, move into the next lane. The unwritten rule is make a space for the signaling driver, take turns merging into backed-up lanes, keep creeping forward. Making space isn’t courtesy; it’s hive necessity and fascinating. They use mental maps of the freeways like geeks navigate cyberspace.

In the short time I was there, I recalled how to get on the 10, zip over to the 405 and slide onto the 118. LA drivers talk about using the freeway systems the same way Midwesterners talk about food and meals. (Some of you out there know what I mean, how we Plainsfolk talk about what we’re having for dinner, then about what we ate last time and go on to what we’re having at the next meal. It’s weird but so true.)

Now the ugly part. If you’re a lousy driver and planning to visit La-La-Land, let someone else drive. Bad driving of any kind brings out the beast/s. In the Midwest, car horn usage is rarely heard in comparison to what happens out there. LA drivers have an aggressive car horn language easily understood—insistent taps means get moving, rapid pounding bleats says you’re making a mistake or pay attention. Then there’s the ever terrifying full-on-hold-it-down-and-make-it-a-screaming blast. If you don’t respond to what they’re honking, you may see them bang their car roof with a fist, even get out to shout in your face—stalled traffic permitting, of course. And heaven help you if you’re the one causing the hold up. Imagine dead wildlife on the asphalt. A furious So-Cal driver may have originated the term road kill. But when it all works, traffic on the LA freeways is a thing of awe-inspiring beauty, an eerie example of how humans can become one in order to preserve the whole.

Speaking of preservation, and as a Monty Python devotee would say, “and now for something completely different.”

Friend and critique partner, Judith Post has recently put up a new bundle of the Babet and Prosper series, Collection III, that introduces Prowl, a new shifter. (Warning, do not touch the illustration of Prowl. Contact with your fingertip may cause a temporary burn.) In the Voodoo & Panthers installment, we get the double-whammy of Prowl and return of the mouth-watering warlock, Slate, both guys serious contenders to my personal heartthrob, Prosper. Check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/Babet-Prosper-Collection-III-Collections-ebook/dp/B016APGYB2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444645340&sr=1-1&keywords=judith+post+babet

And lest I forget to toot my own horn—for non-traffic reasons—last month I had a new release as Julia Donner, The Dandy and the Flirt:

http://www.amazon.com/Dandy-Flirt-Friendship-Book-ebook/dp/B014OESH70/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444645422&sr=1-5&keywords=julia+donner

The stress-filled last five months will be over soon, which will leave me more time for attending to this neglected blog. Apologies.

M.L Rigdon (aka Julia Donner)

Follow on Twitter @RigdonML

Website http://www.MLRigdon.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Donner