Movie Box Review

Another week, another challenge eh? I know, I'm a crazy woman. I do have a little hesitation on this one as I've the previous reading challenges I've done have been no where near as successful as the film challenges (2 incomplete vs 9 complete, respectively). But I've been reading a lot more recently and perhaps blending types of challenges will work some magic on top of that.

The inspiration here is pretty simple. Several films that I'm really looking forward to seeing this year are based on books, and I always like reading the book first. Some of the books will be first time reads, lots are re-reads in anticipation of the film release and each choice has a movie tie in (MTI) of some kind. Because of the film related nature to this challenge I thought it would be fun write and to share about the process and insights along the way. I'm going with a total of 20 books which feels like a lot, but also feels like the right number. But enough of the waiting and on to the list!

Challenge status of read/re-read books: 20/20 YAY! I did it!!! See my 2010 Reading Wrap Up post here.

Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is really to get into the swing of things and also because I raced though the books so quickly the first time round trying to get through them for the theatrically releases I know I missed tons of stuff. There is an online reading challenge for this one but it started in January and also included The Hobbit so I'm not sure if I'm too late to join. Update - it wasn't too late to going so I'm reading along with the challenge folks - yay!
Time line - February to April 2010.
Read so far: Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King

The Tempest by William Shakespeare (read)
Julie Taymor who brought us Across the Universe and Titus is directing a version of The Tempest starring Helen Mirren (The Queen, The Last Station), Ben Whishaw (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer), Chris Cooper, Alfred Molina, Djimon Hounsou, Alan Cumming, David Strathairn, Russell Brand and Felicity Jones. I can't wait. But I'll have to as no specific release date but it's currently listed as 2010 on it's IMDb Page. I don't know this story well at all beyond seeing The Forbidden Planet, which I it is a version of.
Time line: flexible, will revisit when release date announced

Beastly by Alex Flinn (read)
I only just realized that this re-telling of Beauty and the Beast in an urban setting is based on a book! I've been curious about the film since I first heard about it but not I'm even looking more forward to checking out the book!
Time line: Before July 30, 2010

In Anticipation of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (read)
This shouldn't come as any surprize with me being the fan of the Twlight univerce and all. This one will be really interesting and I really hope that I enjoy the film Eclipse more than New Moon. I'm only going halfsies here with the series and added a bit of reference to so the plan is to re-read New Moon (which I didn't get through before the film! - now re-read), re-reading Eclipse but also sneak a first time read of Wuthering Heights in between the two. The first time I read Eclipse I noticed lots of talk about Wuthering Heights which I straight up skipped over as I hadn't read it yet - time to fix that! As an added plus Andrea Arnold (Red Road, Fish Tank) is set to direct a version of Wuthering Heights this year.
Time line: All read before June 30, 2010

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (read)
I've had this one on my shelf for ages (and I borrowed it too.. yikes... I will return it to the rightful owner when I'm done!) I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've not yet read it because it's really one of those books that all my women friends have read. The film adaptation is set for release on August 13, 2010 (which is almost exact same time Julie & Julia came out in 2009!) so that is my plan to have it read by. The protagonist will be played by none other than Julia Roberts.
Time line: Before August 13, 2010

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (done!)
Another selection that can't be a surprize for regular muggles readers round here. Last year I had a blast re-watching and reviewing all the Harry Potter films in anticipation for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. That process also made me realize that I've only read the books one time each, so in anticipation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (November 19, 2010) I'm going to prep by reading all the books for the second time.
Time line: May to November 2010

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis (read)
In anticipation of the third film in the series, I'll be heading back to the magical world of Narnia for escapist adventure. It's funny because I read Prince Caspian in anticipation for the film, which ironically I didn't love and ended up not even seeing the film theatre but in the end ended up loving the film. Who knew those zany Pevensie siblings get me every time.
Time line: Before December 10, 2010

Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson (complete)
Out of all the selections this one has the least concrete information on the film adaptation. Originally several of the books were going to be the first film, not it looks like it will be 1 to 1. Originally Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) was set to direct, but now the IMDb Page doesn't have any info listed other than 2010. I'm at a bit of a loss on what's going on but I'm already part way through the series and they are extremely fast reads so I'm just going to keep going. And... who doesn't want to read about mutant avian human hybrids kids & teens? I know I do!
I'll only be reading Books 3 - 5 in the series: Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning and MAX, as I've already read book 1 & 2: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment & Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever
Time line: flexible, will revisit when release date announced

Static Timeline:
The Fellowship of the Ring (February 2010)
The Two Towers (March 2010)
The Return of the King (planned: April 2010, actual: December 2010)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (May 2010)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (June 2010)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (July 2010)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (August 2010)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (September 2010)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (October 2010)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (November 2010)
Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The (timeline: before December 10, 2010)

More Flexible Timelines:
New Moon by Stephenie Meyers (before Wuthering Heights)
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (before Eclipse)
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyers (before June 30, 2010)
Beastly (before July 30, 2010)
Eat, Pray, Love (before August 13, 2010)
The Tempest
Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride: Book 3)
Final Warning, The (Maximum Ride: Book 4)
MAX (Maximum Ride: Book 5)

Reviews of Books Read
Beastly
Eat, Pray, Love
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyers (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (re-read)
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Maximum Rider: Book 3 - Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports
Maximum Ride: Book 4 - The Final Warning
Maximum Ride: Book 5 - MAX
New Moon (re-read)
Tempest, The
Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The
Wuthering Heights

For fellow book lovers, feel free to friend me over at GoodReads!

What will you be reading this year?

Another week, another challenge eh? I know, I'm a crazy woman. I do have a little hesitation on this one as I've the previous reading challenges I've done have been no where near as successful as the film challenges (2 incomplete vs 9 complete, respectively). But I've been reading a lot more recently and perhaps blending types of challenges will work some magic on top of that.

The inspiration here is pretty simple. Several films that I'm really looking forward to seeing this year are based on books, and I always like reading the book first. Some of the books will be first time reads, lots are re-reads in anticipation of the film release and each choice has a movie tie in (MTI) of some kind. Because of the film related nature to this challenge I thought it would be fun write and to share about the process and insights along the way. I'm going with a total of 20 books which feels like a lot, but also feels like the right number. But enough of the waiting and on to the list!

Challenge status of read/re-read books: 20/20 YAY! I did it!!! See my 2010 Reading Wrap Up post here.

Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is really to get into the swing of things and also because I raced though the books so quickly the first time round trying to get through them for the theatrically releases I know I missed tons of stuff. There is an online reading challenge for this one but it started in January and also included The Hobbit so I'm not sure if I'm too late to join. Update - it wasn't too late to going so I'm reading along with the challenge folks - yay!
Time line - February to April 2010.
Read so far: Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King

The Tempest by William Shakespeare (read)
Julie Taymor who brought us Across the Universe and Titus is directing a version of The Tempest starring Helen Mirren (The Queen, The Last Station), Ben Whishaw (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer), Chris Cooper, Alfred Molina, Djimon Hounsou, Alan Cumming, David Strathairn, Russell Brand and Felicity Jones. I can't wait. But I'll have to as no specific release date but it's currently listed as 2010 on it's IMDb Page. I don't know this story well at all beyond seeing The Forbidden Planet, which I it is a version of.
Time line: flexible, will revisit when release date announced

Beastly by Alex Flinn (read)
I only just realized that this re-telling of Beauty and the Beast in an urban setting is based on a book! I've been curious about the film since I first heard about it but not I'm even looking more forward to checking out the book!
Time line: Before July 30, 2010

In Anticipation of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (read)
This shouldn't come as any surprize with me being the fan of the Twlight univerce and all. This one will be really interesting and I really hope that I enjoy the film Eclipse more than New Moon. I'm only going halfsies here with the series and added a bit of reference to so the plan is to re-read New Moon (which I didn't get through before the film! - now re-read), re-reading Eclipse but also sneak a first time read of Wuthering Heights in between the two. The first time I read Eclipse I noticed lots of talk about Wuthering Heights which I straight up skipped over as I hadn't read it yet - time to fix that! As an added plus Andrea Arnold (Red Road, Fish Tank) is set to direct a version of Wuthering Heights this year.
Time line: All read before June 30, 2010

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (read)
I've had this one on my shelf for ages (and I borrowed it too.. yikes... I will return it to the rightful owner when I'm done!) I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've not yet read it because it's really one of those books that all my women friends have read. The film adaptation is set for release on August 13, 2010 (which is almost exact same time Julie & Julia came out in 2009!) so that is my plan to have it read by. The protagonist will be played by none other than Julia Roberts.
Time line: Before August 13, 2010

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (done!)
Another selection that can't be a surprize for regular muggles readers round here. Last year I had a blast re-watching and reviewing all the Harry Potter films in anticipation for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. That process also made me realize that I've only read the books one time each, so in anticipation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (November 19, 2010) I'm going to prep by reading all the books for the second time.
Time line: May to November 2010

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis (read)
In anticipation of the third film in the series, I'll be heading back to the magical world of Narnia for escapist adventure. It's funny because I read Prince Caspian in anticipation for the film, which ironically I didn't love and ended up not even seeing the film theatre but in the end ended up loving the film. Who knew those zany Pevensie siblings get me every time.
Time line: Before December 10, 2010

Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson (complete)
Out of all the selections this one has the least concrete information on the film adaptation. Originally several of the books were going to be the first film, not it looks like it will be 1 to 1. Originally Catherine Hardwicke (Twilight) was set to direct, but now the IMDb Page doesn't have any info listed other than 2010. I'm at a bit of a loss on what's going on but I'm already part way through the series and they are extremely fast reads so I'm just going to keep going. And... who doesn't want to read about mutant avian human hybrids kids & teens? I know I do!
I'll only be reading Books 3 - 5 in the series: Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning and MAX, as I've already read book 1 & 2: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment & Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever
Time line: flexible, will revisit when release date announced

Static Timeline:
The Fellowship of the Ring (February 2010)
The Two Towers (March 2010)
The Return of the King (planned: April 2010, actual: December 2010)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (May 2010)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (June 2010)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (July 2010)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (August 2010)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (September 2010)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (October 2010)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (November 2010)
Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The (timeline: before December 10, 2010)

More Flexible Timelines:
New Moon by Stephenie Meyers (before Wuthering Heights)
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (before Eclipse)
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyers (before June 30, 2010)
Beastly (before July 30, 2010)
Eat, Pray, Love (before August 13, 2010)
The Tempest
Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride: Book 3)
Final Warning, The (Maximum Ride: Book 4)
MAX (Maximum Ride: Book 5)

Reviews of Books Read
Beastly
Eat, Pray, Love
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyers (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (re-read)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (re-read)
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Maximum Rider: Book 3 - Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports
Maximum Ride: Book 4 - The Final Warning
Maximum Ride: Book 5 - MAX
New Moon (re-read)
Tempest, The
Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The
Wuthering Heights

For fellow book lovers, feel free to friend me over at GoodReads!

What will you be reading this year?

Although the result are all over the place here, if you look close enough it almost feels like an even split with 40% pro 3D (25% to Awesome When Done Well + 15% to The Wave of the Future) and 60% not so thrilled about 3D (30% to A Fad, 20% to I Can't 'See' the 3D and 10% to A Cash Grab)

Out of all of the results I'm the most surprized with 20% who picked I Can't 'See' the 3D, as when I tell people I can't see the 3D they give me the strangest looks or comments... but as the poll indicates I'm not alone on this one! Something for the filmmakers to consider!

30% - A Fad
25% - Awesome When Done Well
20% - I Can't 'See' the 3D
15% - The Wave of the Future
10% - A Cash Grab

Thanks for voting!

Although the result are all over the place here, if you look close enough it almost feels like an even split with 40% pro 3D (25% to Awesome When Done Well + 15% to The Wave of the Future) and 60% not so thrilled about 3D (30% to A Fad, 20% to I Can't 'See' the 3D and 10% to A Cash Grab)

Out of all of the results I'm the most surprized with 20% who picked I Can't 'See' the 3D, as when I tell people I can't see the 3D they give me the strangest looks or comments... but as the poll indicates I'm not alone on this one! Something for the filmmakers to consider!

30% - A Fad
25% - Awesome When Done Well
20% - I Can't 'See' the 3D
15% - The Wave of the Future
10% - A Cash Grab

Thanks for voting!

Denise Ho Wan Si used fresh flower in place of offering like roast pork and chicken for the production start ceremony

Johnnie To Kei Fung led the ceremony

Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) and Lau Ching Wan waited several years for the production

courtesy of takungpao.com

Here is my Full Moon Dreamboard for this months Full Wolf Moon, and it's only fitting that The Wolfman makes an appearance on it!

See more Dreamboards and inspiration over at Jamie Ridler Studios. You can even make your own Dreamboard for this Full Wolf Moon and linky it up!

It will be interesting to see what this month brings.

Here is my Full Moon Dreamboard for this months Full Wolf Moon, and it's only fitting that The Wolfman makes an appearance on it!

See more Dreamboards and inspiration over at Jamie Ridler Studios. You can even make your own Dreamboard for this Full Wolf Moon and linky it up!

It will be interesting to see what this month brings.

Shannon's Definition of Sword & Sandals Films: Films that includes someone wielding a sword and wearing sandals, but also includes gladiator & Greek mythology as well as historically set epic adventurous and biopics set in the Greco-Roman period. They are easy to pick out, but are a micro-genre that tend to fall under the home genres of action, adventure, historical, fantasy or biopic.

Love Sword & Sandals films? Check out the Sword & Sandals Marathon & Wrap Up Vlog as well as Episode 25 of the Movie Moxie Podcast where I take on Sword & Sandals Films as a Genre and discuss the definition of a sword & sandal film, notable sword & sandal films, my favourite sword & sandal films and review The Eagle.

300
Agora
Alexander
Arn: The Knight Templar
Centurion
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Cleopatra (1963)
Conan the Barbarian
Conan the Destroyer
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
Eagle, The
Gladiator
Hercules (1983)
Immortals
Ironclad
Jason in the Argonauts (1963)
Julius Caesar (1953)
Outlander
Pathfinder
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Robin Hood (2010)
Scorpion King, The
Spartacus
Troy

Back to Genre List

Shannon's Definition of Sword & Sandals Films: Films that includes someone wielding a sword and wearing sandals, but also includes gladiator & Greek mythology as well as historically set epic adventurous and biopics set in the Greco-Roman period. They are easy to pick out, but are a micro-genre that tend to fall under the home genres of action, adventure, historical, fantasy or biopic.

Love Sword & Sandals films? Check out the Sword & Sandals Marathon & Wrap Up Vlog as well as Episode 25 of the Movie Moxie Podcast where I take on Sword & Sandals Films as a Genre and discuss the definition of a sword & sandal film, notable sword & sandal films, my favourite sword & sandal films and review The Eagle.

300
Agora
Alexander
Arn: The Knight Templar
Centurion
Clash of the Titans (1981)
Clash of the Titans (2010)
Cleopatra (1963)
Conan the Barbarian
Conan the Destroyer
Conan the Barbarian (2011)
Eagle, The
Gladiator
Hercules (1983)
Immortals
Ironclad
Jason in the Argonauts (1963)
Julius Caesar (1953)
Outlander
Pathfinder
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Robin Hood (2010)
Scorpion King, The
Spartacus
Troy

Back to Genre List

Ella Koon Yun Na, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Denise Ho Wan Si

courtesy of takungpao.com

Wu Chun, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Daniel Lee Yan Kong, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, and Qi Yuwu promoted earlier sans Vicki Zhao Wei

courtesy of on.cc

Daniel Lee

courtesy of mingpao.com

Xu Jiao and Vicki Zhao Wei at a MULAN promotion last year

courtesy of takungpao.com

New film 14 BLADES (GUM YI WAI) director Daniel Lee Yan Kong, actors Wu Chun and Qi Yuwu yesterday attended a press conference in Chengdu to unveil the film promotion. Donnie Yen Chi Tan was busy with the LEGEND OF CHEN ZHEN (JING MO YING HUNG) film production was absent. Rumored to be pregnant, Vicki Zhao Wei did not appear. The lead actress has been absent from the film promotion. Director Lee Yan Kong yesterday publicly admitted Zhao Wei's pregnancy. Lee Yan Kong said, "I fully understand Zhao Wei, I hope everyone can give her some personal pace. As a good friend, we stand on her side. Anyone would want to see the birth of their own child." He expressed that after completing 14 BLADES he has only seen Zhao Wei once, as they met for dinner during post production.

Wu Chun became 14 BLADES' primary promotion actor. Wu Chun gave up his usual sunshine boy image. In a topless armor he showed off his tight abs and mesmerized many female fans. Wu Chun expressed that because he liked to eat, he could only exercise more to stay in shape. Wu Chun said, "My past characters were all mild mannered. I wasn't used to playing the film's Magistrate character, but I have no bottom line for my roles. As long as the character requires it and the subject is healthy I have no problem."

A.R.S Radio presents SyFy Producer Christopher Saint Booth's Interview discussing the paranormal documentary film, "Children Of the Grave" (as seen on SyFy). Listen if you dare as we uncover the shocking truth, history and haunting of Ghost Children.

courtesy of on.cc

Wong Cho Nam, Samantha Ko Hoi Ning

Samantha Ko, Jeanette