Sunday, May 6, 2012

NOTICE about Future Blog Posts

Notice: I will be concentrating my time and efforts at my Author Site/Blog found here:

www.ginamarielong.com

I write paranormal thrillers, urban fantasy, young adult novels. On my site I do blog about paranormal entertainment - many of the exact same things I post about here. Which is why I've been feeling as if I'm writing the same thing for two different sites! And many times I cross-promote - directing readers to hop over to the other site or even re-posting the same article in both places in their entirety.

I hated to "delete" this account with all the goodies found here and I do get visitors all the time reading the posts - even ones that are over a year old! So...this is to let everyone know that at the time of this writing I haven't fallen over dead or been abducted by aliens or seduced by a vampire or whisked off to a foreign land to battle evil werewolves.

I may pop in here to post from time to time. At my author site, whenever I post something pertaining to paranormal entertainment, I'll be sure to "title" it the same way I have done here and will announce the new posting in the same way as here.

Now go bookmark www.ginamarielong.com

Thanks!!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

'Dark Angel' TV series - Remembering & Discovering

'Dark Angel' season 1 & 2 promos

I really liked 'Dark Angel' and was so ticked off when it abruptly ended after only two seasons. We bought both Season 1 and 2 on DVD and faithfully re-watched every episode. Perhaps if it aired now, instead of back in 2000 - 2002, it would be a huge hit. When you think of what is currently popular on television and the movies, 'Dark Angel' would smoothly fit right in the mix and do some major ass kicking! (which of course Max, played by the stunning Jessica Alba, totally did just that and rocked doing it!)

Two specific changes that happened with/to the show that bothered me: 1) it was moved to a different night for the second season, 2) the entire ordeal with Logan's legs being paralyzed then him regaining his ability to walk again towards the end of the second season drove me bonkers. But I still loved the show!

I did some digging and discovered what was SUPPOSED to happen if another season was picked up by the network...which it wasn't...and that would've been Season 3. The show was canceled on a cliffhanger:

~~~

It was to bring together the storylines of season 1 (Manticore) and season 2 (ancient blood cult) and reveal the mythology of Dark Angel. As detailed by Charles H. Eglee: Many thousands of years ago, a comet passed closely through the atmosphere of the earth, and deposited viral material that killed 97% of the human race. Some people survived that had a genetic predisposition, some kind of antibody or immunity. The great pyramids in Egypt were actually genetic repositories, preserving the DNA of the survivors. This cult was an ancient blood cult that passed on this genetic immunity to selective members to keep this antibody against the return of the comet (which was set to happen in Season 3) so that they'd survive for being genetically select. Everybody else on the planet would perish and the members of the cult would be there to rebuild civilization, and thus inherit the earth.

Sandeman, Max's creator, out of the Manticore X-5 mythology, was a man that jumped from this cult to implement this immunity genetic technology into the rest of human society to save all of humanity. He believed that everybody deserved the cure. The other cult members deemed Sandeman a heretic and a threat, undermining their goals of rebuilding humanity in their own image.

Max was going to be the savior of the human race. Sandeman finally found out how to give this genetic immunity to everyone through Max. There were multiple ideas of how to spread Max's immunity to humanity, including: an air burst that would spread the antibody and dispersed through the human race and save everyone from the comet or, the immunity would be attached to the viruses associated with the common cold and thus spread through the common cold (he detailed how a scene would show original Cindy sneezing as part of the beginning of the immunity spread).

Series writer Moira Dekker also spoke on the DVD commentary that Logan's transfusion that allowed him to use his legs once again at the end of season 2 would begin to fail during season 3.
~~~

And how about some TRIVIA:

>Season 1 begins and ends the same: "Sometimes it seems like it happened to someone else, like maybe it was a story I heard. Even though I know it happened." Max says it atop the Space Needle in the Pilot and Logan says it atop the Space Needle in the season finale.

>At the end of the series finale, "Freak Nation", the shot of the transgenics raising their flag mimics the American flag being raised by US Marines on Iwo Jima.

>Kevin Durand's character, Joshua, was modeled after a bloodhound. He was also Manticore's first gene experiment.

>Tagline: "She is the shape of things to come..."

'Dark Angel' (2000–2002), TV Series - 60 min - Action | Drama | Mystery.
Scored a 7.4 out of a 10 from 11,575 users/voters at Internet Movie Database. (and yet with a rating like that was canceled!)

Synopsis: A group of genetically-enhanced children escape from a lab project. Years later we meet Max, one of the escapees who now works for a messenger service in the post-apocalyptic Pacific Northwest.

Creators: James Cameron, Charles H. Eglee
Stars: Jessica Alba, Michael Weatherly and Richard Gunn
~~~
Well, gotta bounce...as Max would say :)

Sunday, April 8, 2012

"The Twilight Zone" - A Major Influencer

The Twilight Zone at Amazon

I hadn't been born yet during the five years that "The Twilight Zone" shows were filmed and broadcast. But I can appreciate and respect the incredible influence these shows had on the future of science fiction and fantasy in all areas of entertainment (movies, TV shows, books). Let us pay homage and review...

"Twilight Zone" (1959–1964), also "The Twilight Zone" (original title). 156 episodes.

TV Series - Rated TV-PG, Fantasy | Horror | Mystery.
Score: 9.3 out of a 10 from 15,637 users/voters at Internet Movie Database.

Synopsis: Rod Serling's seminal anthology series focused on ordinary folks who suddenly found themselves in extraordinary, usually supernatural, situations. The stories would typically end with an ironic twist that would see the guilty punished.

Creator: Rod Serling
Stars: Rod Serling, Robert McCord and Jay Overholts

"Twilight Zone" Video Clips: Here and Here

Official Show Website - "The Twilight Zone"

Trivia:

>CBS wanted Orson Welles as the narrator/host, but the producers felt that he asked for too much money.

>All episodes in Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 5 were thirty minutes in length. Episodes in Season 4 (airing from January to May 1963) were one hour in length due to CBS' switching the show's available time-slot where only an hour could be taken.

>Rod Serling thought he had come up with the term "Twilight Zone" on his own (he liked the sound of it), but after the show aired he found out that it is an actual term used by Air Force pilots when crossing the day/ night sides above the world.

>Rod Serling invited any viewers to submit a script. He was flooded with over 14,000 scripts, and he actually got around to reading 500 of them. But only two were any good, and he couldn't use them because they didn't fit the format of the show.

>The TV Show was followed by:
Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
The Twilight Zone (1985)
Twilight Zone: Rod Serling's Lost Classics (1994)
The Twilight Zone (2002)

>Here are the famous quotes narrated by Rod Serling at the start of the episodes (each season varied a bit):

Season 1: "There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge.This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call - the Twilight Zone."

Season 2: "You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead - your next stop, the Twilight Zone!"

Season 3: "You are traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone!"

Season 4 & 5: "You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension - a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into the Twilight Zone."

Wow. Don't you just love that?!? I think I like Season One's Quote the best! I swear I'm about to open my back door and recite it to the world (or at least my husband who is actually out there!).

Sunday, April 1, 2012

'Wrath of the Titans' - Zeus is in Trouble

Official 'Wrath of the Titans' Movie Trailer

Official 'Wrath of the Titans' Website

Storyline - Written by Warner Bros. Pictures:

A decade after his heroic defeat of the monstrous Kraken, ('Clash of the Titans') Perseus - the demigod son of Zeus - is attempting to live a quieter life as a village fisherman and the sole parent to his 10-year old son, Helius. Meanwhile, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Dangerously weakened by humanity's lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos, father of the long-ruling brothers Zeus, Hades and Poseidon. The triumvirate had overthrown their powerful father long ago, leaving him to rot in the gloomy abyss of Tartarus, a dungeon that lies deep within the cavernous underworld. Perseus cannot ignore his true calling when Hades, along with Zeus' godly son, Ares (Edgar Ramírez), switch loyalty and make a deal with Kronos to capture Zeus. The Titans' strength grows stronger as Zeus' remaining godly powers are siphoned, and hell is unleashed on earth. Enlisting the help of the warrior Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike), Poseidon's demigod son Agenor (Toby Kebbell), and fallen god Hephaestus (Bill Nighy), Perseus bravely embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, overthrow the Titans and save mankind.

Quotes:

[from trailer]

Zeus: You will learn someday that being half human, makes you stronger than a god.

[from trailer]

Hades: You're sweating like a human... next it will be tears.

Reviewers' Comments:

>So bad it will make your eyes bleed.

>Action packed, and better than the first.

>Offers a lot of intense action sequences.

>Creatures this time are much more inventive.

>Decent 3D and visuals, but lacking plot.

>Story is better than 1st one, even though dialogues are weak. More light- hearted.

>Acting was fair and the plot was not complicated-thin material.

>The 3D was used nicely and didn't come off as a total gimmick.

>An entertaining experience, despite not being excellent.

>Don't watch it with pre-conceived ideas based on actual Greek mythology, but rather loosely based on the stories.

>Most of the characters were dull; the comic relief was dull! On a positive note, Liam Neeson and Ray Finnes were awesome as always.

>If you watch the movie with an open mind and can accept a shallow storyline, then the action and special effects make for some decent entertainment.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

'Snow White and the Huntsman' Gaining Momentum

Snow White & The Huntsman movie poster

'Snow White and the Huntsman' (2012) - Action | Adventure | Drama | Fantasy - June 1, 2012 (in theaters - USA)

In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

Stars: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron.

Official Movie Trailer: Snow White & The Huntsman

Official Movie Site: Snow White & The Huntsman

TRIVIA:

>Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder were considered to play Ravenna, the Evil Queen. Charlize Theron won the part.

>Charlize Theron dropped out from 'J. Edgar' to do this movie.

>During filming Kristen Stewart accidentally punched co-star Chris Hemsworth in the face giving him a black eye.

>Filming began in the United Kingdom in October 2011 and was completed in December 2011 in London, England.

>Kristen Stewart admitted while filming the fight scenes that she had to overcome a fear of horses dating back to a mishap at nine-years-old in which she sustained a fractured elbow.

QUOTE: [from trailer]

>Queen Ravenna: Do you hear that? It's the sound of battles fought and lives lost. It once pained me to know that I am the cause of such despair. But now their cries give me strength. Beauty is my power.

QUESTION: WHY DO YOU WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE?

Various ANSWERS from different people:

>I am interested to see what Kristen Stewart does with this role.

>The trailer was good.

>Charlize Theron.

>Chris Hemsworth.

>The dwarves.

>The actors playing the dwarves.

>I love re-tellings of fairy tales, and the twist interests me.

>I really did not care about this movie until I saw the trailer. Now I want to watch it!

~~As do I!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

'Dark Shadows' with Johnny Depp. Making Waves.

'Dark Shadows' movie poster - 2012

'Dark Shadows' (2012) - Comedy | Fantasy | Horror - In Theaters May 11, 2012 (USA).

An imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.

Director: Tim Burton

Stars: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green

Official Movie Trailer: Dark Shadows

Well, well... Fans of the 'Dark Shadows' gothic soap opera which aired from 1966 - 1971 with 1,225 episodes and fans of the short-lived 1991 TV series (which ended with a cliffhanger) are not happy with this new movie version. The majority of fans are NOT pleased with the heavy comedy angle, comparing it to the style of The Addams Family.

But curiosity will win out and many will flock to watch it anyway. (I'll wait until it comes out at the rental store on two buck night.)

Shock, confusion and even anger was felt among those who viewed the movie trailer (myself included). It was not what people expected. Then again, Tim Burton was behind the making of this movie. And he is well known for "the unusual". If you want to read all the bad comments and emotional uproar about 'Dark Shadows' 2012, see the Internet Movie Database Bulletin Boards. (That link should take you directly to the 'Dark Shadows' boards.)

I really think Johnny Depp could have pulled off a very convincing Barnabas Collins because he is actually creepier in real life than the original character was in the 1966 series. And that's NOT a negative comment or "dis" towards Johnny Depp. He is brilliant with his acting, I love many of the movies he's been in and I soooo expected an amazing Barnabas Collins recreation from him. Such a shame.

Now...if I can manage to NOT think of or compare this movie to the original stuff, then I did find the movie trailer quite funny. It was entertaining. Yeah, call me "wishy-washy" -- I rarely ever completely shoot down or bad mouth anything.

Lots of memorable quotes from the trailer that stuck in my brain:

Angelique Bouchard: Hello, Barnabas. Remember me?
Barnabas Collins: Witch, you cursed me to be this hideous creature! You may strategically place your wonderful lips upon my posterior and kiss it repeatedly!

Barnabas Collins: How soon can the horses be ready?
Elizabeth Collins Stoddard: We don't have horses, we have a Chevy.
[Collins looks confused]

Barnabas Collins: [seeing TV for the first time] What sorcery is this?
[attacks the TV]
Barnabas Collins: Reveal yourself, tiny songstress!

Carolyn Stoddard: Are you stoned or something?
Barnabas Collins: They tried stoning me, my dear. It did not work.

The movie doesn't hit theaters till May 11, 2012. Anyone who's seen the trailer have any feedback?

Sunday, March 11, 2012

'The River' - Continue to Flow or Dry Up?

'The River' promo logo

'The River' is an American paranormal/adventure/horror/found-footage television series (that's a mouthful) that debuted during the 2011–12 television winter season on ABC as a midseason replacement. Only eight episodes will be produced for the first season. The series premiered on February 7, 2012 and will have its finale on March 20, 2012 (unless pushed forward due to scheduling conflicts). According to TV Guide, it's not looking good that it will be renewed for a second season, but not confirmed yet. Scroll down for more of my thoughts...

Long Synopsis (for those curious):
Famed explorer Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) went looking for "magic" deep in the uncharted Amazon basin and never returned. The shocking truth about his disappearance is out there, somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. To the millions of kids who grew up watching his nature show, Dr. Cole was a hero. To his own son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), he was more of an enigma. Now, six months after he vanished, Lincoln is finally ready to bury the past when Dr. Cole's emergency beacon suddenly goes off. At the urging of his mother, Tess (Leslie Hope), Lincoln reluctantly joins her on a search for his father. To fund the rescue, they agree to let Dr. Cole's cagey ex-producer, Clark (Paul Blackthorne), film the mission documentary-style. The mixed crew of old friends and new acquaintances includes the missing cameraman's daughter, Lena Landry (Eloise Mumford), Magus mechanic Emilio Valenzuela (Daniel Zacapa) and private security bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (Thomas Kretschmann).

Official 'The River' Website. Jammed with way cool stuff! One of the better sites I've seen dedicated to a TV show.

According to ABC's final ratings data through Thursday, March 8, 2012: 'The River' was #15 out of 19 Scripted TV Shows on ABC. It received a "D" grade. The 18-49 age demo rating was 1.7. The viewers in millions: 4.97. Not looking good.

Much comparison is made between 'The River' and 'Lost' but they are quite different. I think a decent number of viewers started out watching the show, only to have faded away after a few episodes. At Internet Movie Database the latest voter rating gave it 6.7 out of a 10 from 3,498 users. That's isn't terrible, although it could be fans are flocking the site trying to post great reviews to help save the show, boosting the rating score.

I'm always amazed at the number of new TV shows that are heavily promoted...it seems as if you've memorized their previews as they are firmly lodged in your memory banks from constant advertising. The new shows fire up, everyone is excited and then to the disappointment of many, half of them (again-it seems that way) get canceled mid-season or only survive the one initial season. I reviewed the early predictions/rumors/actual facts/etc. at TVGuide.com about the fall season...I think MORE THAN HALF of the current shows I'm watching are either canceled or "not looking good". Depressing and a sad, sad time to see some disappear. I hope the networks come up with decent replacements or I'll be spending more time reading books (which is not a problem!).

Monday, March 5, 2012

"The Thing" - Prequel to "The Thing"

'The Thing' movie poster

"The Thing" - (2011), Rated R, 103 min - Horror | Mystery | Sci-Fi - October 14, 2011 in theaters (USA), DVD Release Date: January 31, 2012.

Couldn't they have added some additional clarification to the title "The Thing" - something as simple as the words: "The Beginning" or "Prequel" or "Prelude" or "How It Began"?? I wasn't aware that's what this 2011 movie happened to be. I thought it was a remake of the original from 1982. Maybe I wasn't paying attention to the previews as close as I should have. Hmmm...see my Trivia further down for a note about this.

Details:

Here's an editorial review from Amazon: It's not human. Yet. From the producers of "Dawn of the Dead" comes the chilling prelude to John Carpenter's cult classic film. When paleontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) travels to an isolated outpost in Antarctica for the expedition of a lifetime, she joins an international team that unearths a remarkable discovery. Their elation quickly turns to fear as they realize that their experiment has freed a mysterious being from its frozen prison. Paranoia spreads like an epidemic as a creature that can mimic anything it touches will pit human against human as it tries to survive and flourish in this spine-tingling thriller.

Official Movie Trailer: The Thing (2011)

Official Movie Site: The Thing (2011)

TRIVIA:

>>The producers convinced Universal Studios to allow them to create a prequel to John Carpenter's The Thing (that's the link to the 1982 movie!!) instead of a remake, as they felt Carpenter's film was already perfect, so making a remake would be like "painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa". However, the prequel still has the title of the original film, because they couldn't think of a subtitle (for example, "The Thing: Begins") that sounded good.

>>When we first meet Kate Lloyd she is studying something that looks stunningly similar to the 1982 dog monster.

>>An enormous amount of screen shots from the first movie were kept on the set while filming at all times, in order to ensure that the Norwegian station would be rebuilt to the smallest details.

Monday, February 27, 2012

'The Walking Dead' - Full of Life!

The Walking Dead TV promo

'The Walking Dead' is alive and surviving quite well, zombies and all. The majority of the reviewers have given this show high marks as you can see in the rating score below. Of course, as with all shows, movies and books, there will be a number of people who are neutral, have become tired of the show or simply hate it. But most love it...

Details:
TV Series: 2010 – current, airs Sundays on AMC, Rated TV-14, 45 min - Drama | Horror | Thriller.

8.7 out of a 10 rating from 94,280 voters at IMDB.com

Super brief synopsis:

Police officer Rick Grimes leads a group of survivors in a world overrun by zombies.

Stars: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal and Sarah Wayne Callies (she was on 'Prison Break').

'Walking Dead' Trailer
'Walking Dead' Official Site

Question: Is this based on a book?

Answer: Yes, it is based on the graphic novel of the same name, written by Robert Kirkman. However it is not an exact representation of the comic, there are characters in the comic that are not in the show, and vice-versa.

Question: So then, is it true to the graphic novels?

Answer: The first episode is a faithful interpretation of the first issue of the comic book. The main differences are 1) the opening with the little girl zombie 2) and extended scene before Rick gets shot 3) the show contains more background on Morgan and Duane and 4) the comic does not show us the fate of Lori until the next issue. The remaining episodes of the first season diverge fairly widely in terms of plot. The general idea of the camp outside of Atlanta is the same and most of the characters in the camp are in the comic. The Dixon brothers, the extended zombie siege of the department store, and the Vatos are all invented for the show. The TV show adds several characters. It also makes some changes to existing characters.

The following reviews REALLY caught my attention (at www.imdb.com) and sum up the opinion of the majority of viewers:

>Walking Dead is Amazing!!!!, 11 February 2012

Author:abkm47 from United States
This show is so entertaining. Starting out season one with a Sheriff waking up in a hospital to a world that has completely changed. The story gets better and better as the you get to know the characters. The show has terror and keeps you on the edge of your seat, you are yelling at the screen just like in a horror movie, the difference is the actors are amazing, especially, in my opinion Norman Reedus as Daryl. There is just enough gore and the make up artists are amazing.

The show takes you on an emotional roller coaster, you are scared, happy, sad, anxious, I love this show and can 't Wait for what is going to happen next. I loved how they are developing the characters and am hoping for a love interest for Daryl, but maybe that will ruin his manliness.

I am not a huge zombie fan but this show has me completely hooked!

>Walkin' The Walk, 20 February 2012

Author:ween-3
Full disclosure: I'm not a big fan of zombies (at least not since "Time Of The Season" and "She's Not There" were hits, anyway), I never read the graphic novels this show is based on, and I wouldn't have given you a plugged nickel for my chances of watching this show past the 15-minute mark of the pilot episode.

But here I am...glued to this puppy midway into the 2nd season. Why? Because good acting goes a long way, kids. (Particularly with the addition---however ultimately tenuous--of Scott Wilson to the cast.) Act as if ye have real drama, and real drama shall be given unto you.

Given the premise here (essentially "Night of the Living Dead" in series format) this show could have easily pegged the "Complete Drivel" meter right out of the gate. Instead, the producers and the cast treat the material as more than comic book fodder for tweens. This is the kind of show that could actually give "post-apocalyptic" a good name again.

Like "24", "Walking Dead" is an E-ticket ride once you're strapped in. Lots of fun. And this make-up department can really dial up the "ick" factor and scare the dookie outa yet when they want. So turn down the lights and enjoy one of the better genre exercises of this type that you're likely to see.

Monday, February 20, 2012

'Alcatraz' - Captivated, Confused or Quit?

'Alcatraz' - Are you captivated or confused? Or did you quit watching it by now?

Just to lay down the official plot summary and then some discussion:
On March 21, 1963, over three hundred inmates and more than forty guards disappeared from the Alcatraz island prison without a trace. To cover up the disappearance, the government invented a cover story about the prison being closed, due to unsafe conditions, and the inmates were transferred. As a young guard in 1963, federal agent Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill) had been one of the first to discover the inmates missing. He now runs a secret government unit dedicated to finding the prisoners. In present-day San Francisco, the "63s" (as the inmates and guards are called) begin returning, having not aged at all. To help track them down and capture them, Hauser enlists police detective Rebecca Madsen (Sarah Jones) and Dr. Diego Soto (Jorge Garcia), an expert on the history of Alcatraz. The 63s appear to be returning without memory of where they have been and with compulsions to find certain objects.

Alrighty then...here are some major concerns and questions (and intrigue) about 'Alcatraz':

It seems we don't know the order in which inmates appear (or reappear). No timeline is mapped out. One thing that is a mystery, Rebecca's grandpa was there before the first inmate was tracked down. And as inmates pop up, they are getting captured by our merry little team, but Rebecca's grandpa seems to still be on the loose. Just because each week we are introduced to another inmate, doesn't mean that they are appearing one at a time...others could have reappeared in 2012, too.

The inmates who return seem to have specific instructions that they don't even fully understand the nature or purpose of. Many have been locating those large keys that we've been shown existed and were used back in the old prison. It was surprising to hear in the last episode how that inmate said he went to sleep a week ago and suddenly woke up in the year 2012. And he didn't seem to have any instructions, but went back to his old criminal activities from the 60s (setting bombs to blow up). When he and Soto chatted, he seemed completely lost to what was happening to him.

I keep wondering what happened between 1960 and 1963. Does anyone notice how the flashbacks are always in 1960? And yet they didn't disappear until 1963? Why are we never shown any flashbacks during those 3 years? I'm assuming the disappearance actually occurred in 1963 - on whatever day Alcatraz closed.

Whew-Hauser sure looks good for as old as he'd have to be by now! If he was a guard back in 1963, let's say he was 20 years old then, add onto that 50 years passing, and that would make him about 70! You'd think he'd retire and not be hunting these inmates!

It's amazing none of the inmates decided to high-tail it out of there and make a new life for themselves...but obviously something supernatural or who-knows-what happened to them during the last 50 years and reappearing in a world they know little about, especially with all the technology, had to be shocking. And they had committed horrible crimes - if they feel like no time has passed to them, they would likely fall back into their old criminal ways out on the run. Then again, we're getting the impression they are being controlled or instructed to do certain things.

Alcatraz's doctor is deeply involved in whatever is happening to the prisoners. Remember all the times back in the 60's when he kept drawing blood from them? And when Hauser nabbed Lucy from the hospital and brought her to this doctor (who also returned - who knows when?) and told the doc to heal her! What the heck?

I would say I'm captivated by 'Alcatraz'. I loved 'Lost' (same writer) and kept telling myself how totally confusing THAT show was, but still adored it and watched every episode. I hope these shows don't get to feeling like it's the same thing every week/episode, or it could get boring. Quickly. As long as they keep feeding us interesting and question-answering details each week, I'm sticking around.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Watched 'Paranormal Activity 3'

Today has turned into a cross-promoting venture and it was unintentional -- both this site (Enter Paranormal) and my Author site have seriously overlapped in blogging about related content...Here's a tiny blip of what I posted at my Author Site:

Just watched 'Paranormal Activity 3' with my husband. He fell asleep midway through it and I kept waking him up like ten times. Once we got beyond the middle of the movie, the action picked up some. I rarely ever give negative feedback, but I guess I expected way more screeches (from me) and scenes that would make me jump off the couch. The scare factor level was low and the frequency of really spooky stuff happening wasn't very often. I remember watching the first two PA and clinging to the ceiling and afraid to walk down my dark hallway!

To finish reading hop over there: http://www.ginamarielong.com/2012/02/paranormal-activity-3-couldve-had-more.html

'The Vampire Diaries' - Werewolf Refresher

Thumbnail for version as of 22:03, October 22, 2011

The Vampire Diaries/Tyler/CW promo

'The Vampire Diaries' manages to do a nice job of sucking you into their supernatural world filled with very specific, deep mythology on the vampires, werewolves and witches. Sometimes I feel like I need a refresher course on what different characters/beings are capable of doing or how someone is connected to another or how they "came to be". Recently, I questioned my memory on the werewolf storyline and started scratching my head...so...

I stumbled across this tremendous resource at: http://vampirediaries.wikia.com/wiki/Werewolf (see-I'm giving credit where it's due:) If you want to see LOADS more of 'The Vampire Diaries' goodies (it claims to have 886 PAGES!!!!), go check it out. Otherwise, if you want the low-down on the werewolf "rules" of the show, read on. (I will leave the specific links within the article for convenience in finding out extra stuff.)

History

Not much is known about the history of werewolves except that they existed before vampires were created over 1,000 years ago. However, it was revealed that Mikael, father of the Original vampire family, unwittingly ignited a war between the species not long after turning his family into vampires; when Klaus transitioned his werewolf gene was activated, revealing he was not in fact Mikael's son; enraged by his wife's affair, Mikael slaughtered Klaus' biological werewolf father and his entire family, which began a raging blood feud between werewolves and vampires that continues to this day.

Psychological Characteristics

Werewolves are known to be aggressive strong and fast even in human form. Tyler Lockwood often had trouble controlling his temper. Those with the werewolf curse still latent can exhibit some supernatural traits which can be triggered by aggression, along with unusual physical strength for the person's given size but they cannot fully transform. Also werewolves have a higher body temperature than humans. When Tyler first activates his curse he states that his skin feels as if it's on fire. With the curse activated their eyes turn yellow while enraged, as Mason's eyes did when he stopped the fight between Tyler and Carter (Brave New World). Activating the curse is also painful. When there is a full moon after sunset they will transform into canine form, looking very much like a timber-wolf, although larger. They can also be distinguished from regular wolves by their displays of supernatural strength, speed, and overall size.
Werewolves have and will attack humans, but instinct and centuries of rivalry have hardwired them to hunt their prey of choice: Vampires. This especially began after vampires drove werewolves almost to extinction. So, if a werewolf finds prey, whether it's a human or a vampire, it will be mauled, ripped apart and devoured. In 1864, George Lockwood had attacked several humans and killed them, leaving horrific wounds on the corpses, (essentially ripping them apart) much worse than some vampires would have. This is evident when Henry tells Katherine that the wounds "worse than anything he had ever seen before." Despite this, with the cooperation of Katherine Pierce, who was running from The Originals, George was able to convince the Mystic Falls town council that vampires were responsible which lead to their round up. It is unknown if George continued his attacks there or elsewhere.

Food

Like normal people, werewolves can eat normal food if they choose to. However, because they turn into ferocious beasts during the full moon, they are flesh eating creatures. When they feed, it is absorbed throughout the body and they need to consume organs or body parts, but they do not have to feed in order to prolong their existence like Vampires. There is no known side effects in the absence of devouring victims in werewolf form. It seems that most werewolves do not get to feed because of the fact that most tend to lock themselves up during the full moon, or that before or after they make a kill, they're scared off before they get to chance to truly feed.
Werewolves have not been seen to attack each other in human or lupine form, but have been known to hunt both human and vampire prey while transformed under the full moon. Jules, for example, was seen to be horrified when she woke up to find she'd slaughtered a group of campers after attacking Rose. Werewolves seem to have an urge to attack vampires regardless of what form they are in, as witnessed in The Hybrid when a werewolf instinctively attacks the vampire Damon Salvatore instead of pursuing its first choice, Elena Gilbert, and when Ray (a newly turned hybrid) instinctively attacked Damon on sight.

Appearances

Werewolves in their wolf form have the appearances of an ordinary wolf, but with glowing yellow eyes and a much larger and brute-like appearance. The fur color of their wolf forms differ from one to another (e.g., Tyler Lockwood's fur color is dark brown, Mason Lockwood's is white and grey, Jules is light brown and hints of white. Werewolves appear the same as any other human the rest of the month, apart from the full moon.

Triggering The Werewolf Curse

A werewolf has to kill a human in order to trigger their werewolf curse to activate their powers, regardless of the fact whether the curse was activated accidentally, or it was intentional. After the curse is triggered their eyes will turn yellow and their powers will activate instantly.

Werewolf Transformation

A werewolf will only transform in to a wolf under a full moon. The first transformation is quite slow and the person is subjected to at least five hours of intense pain before transforming. After the first transformation it will get faster but still hurt.

During the transformation, the body of the person is twisted in an unnatural manner as bones reshape and shift to form a wolf skeleton, causing the person immense pain. Later, the person grows excessive body hair and becomes feral and huge eyes that glow yellow and fangs, then in minutes the werewolf will become a wolf. A werewolf returns to their human form in after a few hours. After the first transformation the werewolf will experience muscle aches. Older werewolves can control themselves to some extent on the night of the full moon.

Powers and Abilities

Super Strength: Werewolves are much stronger than any Human. They are not as strong as a Vampire whilst in Human form but when it is a full moon they are more powerful than most Vampires. Rose, a 500+ Vampire was knocked down and over-powered by the fully transformed Werewolf Jules. Another case was when Damon Salvatore, a 100+ vampire could barely hold off the transforming, newborn, Werewolf Tyler Lockwood.
Super Speed: Werewolves are extremely faster than any Humans and non-Original Vampires. Werewolves can use this ability in either Human or wolf form. Under the full moon, Werewolves can use their speed in wolf form to even swiftly chase down Vampires.
Anger: When a Werewolf is furious, their anger increase all their powers and abilities for a short period of time, as well as can have an advantage over a Vampire.
Heightened Senses: Werewolves have extremely keen senses of smell, sight, taste, and hearing.
Night Vision: Werewolves can see in total darkness.
Super Agility: Werewolves possess superhuman agility. They can move, jump, climb, and run incredibly fast without difficulty or exhaustion.
Accelerated Healing: Werewolves possess superhuman regenerative abilities, meaning if ever injured, their bodies will heal near instantaneously. Silver will accelerate it even more.
Endurance: Werewolves can take far more trauma than Humans can without much discomfort or injury. they can also exert themselves without much tire.
Lie Detection: Werewolves are able to sense if you're lying or not.
Werewolf Bite: The bite of a Werewolf is extremely lethal to normal Vampires but not to an Original.
Full Moon: Werewolves' powers and abilities are enhanced and are at their peak during a full moon.
Shapeshifting: Werewolves turn into wolves under a full moon, but they have no control over themselves.

Weaknesses

Wolfsbane - When ingested, wolfsbane causes a werewolf to become severely weak and feverish. Although, If a werewolf's skin is exposed to wolfsbane, it can result in burning them.
Device - Invented by Jonathan Gilbert (Enchanted by Emily Bennett), the Device was a weapon designed to emit a high-frequency noise that could only be heard by vampires and werewolves.
Broken Neck - By breaking a werewolves neck, it results in instant death.
Magic - Witches are able to curse and inflict supernaturals aneurysms that cause the blood vessels of werewolves to explode.
Heart Extraction - If the heart of a werewolf is removed, it will cause instant death.

Myths

Silver - They are not weakened by or allergic to silver, as Mason explained after Damon stabbed him with a silver knife. Mason said that the myth was probably started by werewolves. That's why Klaus can't be killed by the white oak daggers.

So, are you like me and just LOVE reading this stuff?! Can't wait till the next episode!!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

'The Woman in Black' - Pat on Back for Radcliffe

The Woman in Black Movie Promo Poster

The Weekend Box Office reports that 'The Woman In Black' and 'Chronicle' battled for the number one spot. 'Chronicle' beat 'Black', but by very little. And this was the first time ever that two titles opened to over $20 million on a Super Bowl weekend. 'The Woman in Black' raked in about $21 million; 'Chronicle' - about $22 million. Neither was expected to surpass the $20 mil mark, so this is great news! Perhaps life after Harry Potter is looking bright for Daniel Radcliffe. Good for him!

The Details:
'The Woman in Black' (2012), PG13, 95 min - Drama | Horror | Thriller - February 3, 2012 (USA) in theaters.

Rating: 7.4 out of a 10 from 854 voters at Internet Movie Database.

Budget: $17,000,000 (estimated)

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer and Ciarán Hinds.

(Very) Brief Synopsis:

A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.

Trivia:

>The boy who plays Daniel Radcliffe's son is his real godson, a casting idea made by Radcliffe himself which helped him establish an authentic relationship between father and son.
>There is a version of 'The Woman in Black' (1989) made for TV. This movie is based on the same novel.

Official Movie Trailer - The Woman in Black

Official Movie Featurette - The Woman in Black

Official Movie Site - The Woman in Black

Monday, January 30, 2012

For Fringe Fans

For Fans of "Fringe", here are links to sites loaded with extra-cool goodies to keep your head swimming for days (or till the next episode):

Monday, January 23, 2012

"Grimm" - Raves and Rants

"Grimm"...I'm not sure what to think anymore about this show. Call me stupid (I'm sure some will) but I just don't "get" the deal about the different creatures. Only a Grimm is supposed to be able to see the creature's true nature, how they really look, right? So, are you telling me that all these different creatures cloak or mask themselves against humans? No human, except for those of the Grimm heritage, can see the actual creature. All they see is another regular, average "Joe" or "Jane" going about their business. It's one thing if one type of creature (or maybe a few) are able to mask (conceal, cloak - what do you call it?!) themselves, but ALL the MANY varieties have that ability?

I don't know. I guess it's like werewolves and vampires who can look completely human and if they choose, can also transform into their scary-looking version of themselves.

Another rant I have about "Grimm" - When each episode begins, a few sentences are thrown on the screen to be quickly read by the viewer. The lines are from one of the Grimms' fairy tales that relate to the story you're about to watch. The problem is, my husband and I will look at each other and try desperately to figure out WHICH fairy tale the few lines are actually referring to. Of course, as the show proceeds, you get your answer, but I wish under those few lines it would reference the related fairy tale right from the start.

Other thoughts: Nick's fiancee, Juliette, is starting to snoop around and you'd think at some point she's going to figure out Nick's unique "Grimm" talent or he's going to tell her about it. Same for Nick's detective partner.

My raves about "Grimm": How cool is Aunt Marie's trailer? It's jam-packed with old books that explain about the different creatures, weapons of all sorts for fighting the bad dudes, magic potions, mystical kick-butt thingys, and stuff we have yet to learn about!

Also, I love Monroe. Sorry other characters - but Monroe is the star of the show. On the January 20th episode, it seems the creature community isn't thrilled that Monroe is helping Nick - a Grimm - and in turn beat the crap out of him (Monroe). A scythe symbol drawn in blood on Monroe's car translates into Reapers of the Grimm. Not good for Nick...or Monroe helping him with his detective cases. But the beer bottle toast between the two seal the deal that they are buddies and Monroe ain't backing down. He'll be better prepared next time...Yes!

Here is a list of Grimms' Fairy Tales found at:
All Family Resources