I’m sorry Dearies. I have been a negligent host and guide. I’ve been extremely busy at work and the weekends have me just as exhausted.
Plus being 5 months pregnant hasn’t helped!
Yep. There is a new child coming into my life come end of November. New adventures are headed my way.
I have to do some more reviews, that I haven’t been able to get enough energy for. So those will be coming shortly…I promise!
So stick with me and I promise I won’t be such a bad host.
XOXO.
Milady
Last weekend I went to see Ghost In The Shell.
I wanted to see this movie since the first teaser came out and since I’m a big Scarlett Johansson fan, I was looking forward to seeing her in this.
And then the uproar started.
Ghost in the Shell is a popular Anime that has a HUGE following. Created by Masamune Shirow, it has had numerous sequels and a film of it’s own. Of course, the story takes place in Japan in a futuristic world where humans have become dependant on machines. In a Steampunk type of world, this story follows Major who is a Synthetic Cybernetic Human and her job within Section 9, a Special Ops organization.
Now, I thought it was a fantastic film. I know a lot of people were upset because the film in based on a Japanese Anime and the main character is Motoko Kusanagi, an obviously Japanese woman.
So the “white washing” casting of Scarlett Johansson caused immediate uproar. Another Asian character being cast by a Hollywood big named starlet.
I think this is a good time to mention that I’ve heard of the Anime, but I myself and not a fan of Anime so I never saw it. I am a firm believer that the RIGHT actor should always be cast. Now, I’m not saying that there’s not an issue with characters being done correctly, but I don’t understand why people make a mountain out of a molehill.
THE WHOLE THING IS EXPLAINED IN THE FILM! If people didn’t get their panties in a twist, and actually watched the film and what it says, there wouldn’t be such an issue. It’s the constant need to ALWAYS be right.
The costumes are AMAZING. Everyone in it does a great job and the story keeps you interested and intrigued until you slowly start to unravel the story. There’s nothing boring or unnecessary in the story, it flows like a nicely poured wine with a full-bodied flavor and a sweet aftertaste that leaves you satisfied.
I liked it. My kids liked it. I don’t understand how it is considered a FLOP. It sucks because the movie was one of the best new movies we’ve seen lately. I say, don’t listen to all the haters and go check out for yourself.
I am Major and I give my consent.
UNTIL NEXT TIME DEARIES,
XOXO
MILADY
Perhaps you’ve not heard, but Disney has released a new movie in the past few weeks. It’s a little flick titled ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Have you heard it mentioned … Continue reading Be Our Guest
This may come as a bit of a shock, but I adored Power Rangers when I was a kid.
I was 5-6 when the original US Power Rangers show came out and I wanted to be the Pink Ranger more than anything. They were cool kids who had the job of saving the world; who wouldn’t want to do that?!?! Be a part of a team of heroes? That is LITERALLY the dream of kids.
When I heard that there was going to be a new adaption of this beloved (albeit sometimes hokey) franchise, I was hoping that they wouldn’t try to completely revamp it in the same style as it’s predecessors. Kids today aren’t the same as they were 20 years ago; they have a different sort of humor and different issues. I knew that a movie like the ones we had when I was a kid wouldn’t succeed in today’s youth audience.
I watched only the Teaser Trailer, because so many of the trailers now reveal so much.
When I heard that Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks had signed onto the film, I knew the script would be good.
So yesterday, the fam and I went to see it. Front row, popcorn at the ready.
You can already see the changes to the suits, the difference in the story and it starts off on a somber note. Not exactly what you expected from a Power Rangers movie.
Let me say, this is DARKER than any of the others in the franchise.
It’s not a child movie, it’s definitely more of a preteen and up film. Though it does have enough action to keep younger kids engaged, a lot of the dialogue is a bit more advanced then for a child only audience. And not only in the sense of the language (i.e. profanity) but also some of the jokes and there’s a lot of foreign languages so there’s subtitles. But all the critical scenes that develop motives is in a universal language, so everyone will be able to understand. But it was definitely written with the fact that there will be 30 year old people are going to be watching this with their children.
There is a lot of differences to the film, but the universal story is the same. The world needs to be protected and 5 teenagers are chosen to be the defenders.
Now, shall we talk about the villain? YES, let’s!
Elizabeth Banks and I have been in a serious thing for quite sometime. She makes the movies and I watch everything she makes. It’s that serious.
I love her. There I admitted it.
Even as the foe of the Power Rangers she was crazy excellent. We got to see a whole new side to an old enemy and a fresh beginning for the role. Of course, the original Rita was the original and can never be replaced, but Elizabeth was a new take on the character and didn’t try to recreate some of old Rita’s spunk. She had her own. I will be excited to see if we see her in the future.
So go out and see this one. Go into it with the love you have for the original but the open-mindness of a new beginning. There were some wonderful scenes and as a whole this movie worked. Nothing was unnecessary.
Just trust me and check it out!
Then come back and let me know what you think!
UNTIL NEXT TIME DEARIES.
XOXOXO,
MILADY
This week has been a hard one for us fans of Star Wars. We lost our General.
Carrie Fisher who played Leia Organa in the film series died after a heart attack. I grew up with Carrie, not only as Leia but all the other wonderful roles she played. I loved how candid she was and the force of nature advocate she became for those who suffer with being Bi-Polar. She was always outspoken and spoke her mind.
Sadly she was joined just the next day by her Mother, Debbie Reynolds.
Now, if you don’t know who Debbie was an actress, you’ve been living a dull life. Debbie Reynolds played so many great roles, including the one above in Singing In the Rain with Gene Kelly and as Grandma Aggie in the Disney movie Halloweentown.
This was such a heartbreaking loss. Such wonderful talents lost. My heart goes out to their loved ones who lost these two fierce women in such quick succession.
I would highly recommend you read both their books as they both lived exceptional lives.
Farewell dear ladies, I hope you’re up there in the good place having a ball with old friends. Please give my Grandma a kiss for me.
LOVE ALWAYS,
XOXO
MILADY
Hello my Dearies.
It seems that the season of good tidings is upon us once again. The time where the big guy in red comes over to drop presents for all the good girls and boys.
I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry December or anything else that may apply.
May your days be filled with happiness and remember that this time of the year is hard for many people, so perhaps the best thing you can truly give someone this year is you just being there.
Many blessings to you and yours.
Until next time Dearies.
HO HO HO!
XOXO,
MILADY
In case you’ve been living inside a small rock, hidden inside a cave, then I don’t need to tell you that the Star Wars universe has expanded with a new film.
My family and I went to see it yesterday. The theater was 98% full and there was a ton of young kids there with their parents.
Now, you know I don’t like to spoil anything, so I’ll give the bare bones of the story.
Our main character is Jyn Erso.
A young woman who has been spending her whole life just trying to be invisible. She is asked by the Rebel Alliance to help them perhaps change the balance of the war against the Empire. The story moves around a bit, making us as the viewer have to pay close attention to what’s happening. We meet an interesting band of characters as the story moves along.
The film has several excellent actors, including Academy Award Winner Forest Whitaker, Donnie Yen and Mads Mikkelsen.
It moves a bit slow at times, but the story itself is fairly easy to follow. And for fans who know the originals like the back of their hand, there will be numerous little treats that will pop up. But this was an enjoyable film. Several of my friends think this one was better than Episode VII: The Force Awakens. I’m not comparing them in any way as these stories are two separate spectrums of the universe itself. But if you are a Star Wars fan, then you’ll definitely want to watch this one.
Will it become your favorite? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Only you can make that decision.
May The Force Be With You.
UNTIL NEXT TIME DEARIES.
XOXO,
MILADY
I received this book free of charge from the author/publisher.
Just in time for a new book review Dearies!
This is the first novel in a new series written by author Elle Boca, titled Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia.
I was unfamiliar with this author’s work before I picked up this novel. The cover is what caught my attention. The city of Paris on full display in a beautiful photograph that captures the magic and allure of the city. So I was interested to see what this novel had in store. I also was lucky in getting the opportunity to do a Questions section where I sent the author a few questions in hopes that we all together could learn a little more about this world she had created.
But first, to review the novel. Now, in my style, I won’t be doing any spoilers, so don’t worry Dearies.
When we first meet our character, we are sort of thrown into her story mid-step. We learn about Danni as we read the novel; who she is, what she’s lived and this feels a bit like more of a self-exploration story. This novel was for Danni to sort of come into her own as a person and as a member of this world normal humans don’t know anything about. She is a member of what is known as the Weeia and she has made it her life’s work to protect and uphold the laws. As the story unfolds, we learn more about a mystery that quickly becomes our (the reader’s) main interest. There’s a lot of things that happen as this story unfolds, but the characters are fun and well-written with great detail and lots of interesting moments that will keep you as a reader interested.
There is a magical/fantasy element as well as some spy like stuff that makes it fun and of course, the heart of it all….a mystery our young Weeia must solve. Toss on a little romance and cut it into a triangle, and we’re all cooking now in the pot. The end result is a savory and enjoyable novel that will be enjoyed by several audiences. There’s nothing too adult in this novel such as foul language or sex-scenes, so it’s a good choice for the 15+ crowd for sure.
All in all I enjoyed the book and didn’t find any slow parts that lagged. I enjoy reading new authors and I hope you’ll pick this one up and you’ll enjoy it too.
NOW! Onto the Q & A portion!
First off, I would like to thank Ms. Elle Boca for allowing me to do this, it’s exciting since this is my first time 🙂
1. What got you interested in writing in this genre?
That is easy! I enjoy ready urban fantasy.
2. Which part of the story came first? Was it character creation or was it a specific plot piece?
The character, definitely. Amy, the narrator in my five book Miami urban fantasy series, was a powerful yet understated personality. When that series ended I searched for a completely different character who could continue carrying the Weeia torch in her own unique, as one reader put it snarky, voice. That is Danni.
3. A good chunk of the story takes place in Paris, was there a certain place that made you want to base this story there?
So many! The city in general lends itself to stories. Paris is one of those magical places people are drawn to from near and far.
4. How would you describe a Weeia?
The Weeia (pronounced way-yah) are like you or me in almost every way except that they have superhuman abilities. They live hidden among us unnoticed. It could be your neighbor, banker, boss or doctor, even a person you’ve known all your life. Chances are they’re not because most of them live in secluded neighborhoods or small towns.
Weeia who choose to live with people are usually in big cities where they’re most likely to blend in with the crowds. The abilities of Weeia among us are always explained away. They look like us; they hurt and bleed like we do. Their DNA is human.
Their super abilities vary by type and strength. They fall into four main categories: Emotional, Material, Mental, and Temporal. Weeia, it’s the same word for one or many, can be Lowes, Medius or Maximus depending on how strong an ability they have. Lowes is the most common which might explain how extraordinary beings have lived on the same planet with ordinary ones for a long time without anyone, or hardly anyone, discovering their existence.
There are multitude abilities among the Weeia, some common and some rare. For example, there are Weeia who can move so quickly no one sees them. Others heal very fast. Some can read people’s thoughts; pick up impressions from inanimate objects; or move things with their mind. There are those who have the ability to influence people and issue commands that must obeyed without fail. Rare Weeia control reality through dreams or travel in time.
5. There are a lot of interesting characters that show up in the story, do you have a favorite? If yes, what is it about them that you love?
Thank you! I hope to bring them alive, to give them depth so they’re not uni dimensional just good or bad. It’s hard to say… Danni has a special place in my heart because she tries so hard and life has definitely dealt her some lemons. Plus, she’s an introvert on a tight budget in an expensive city of extroverts where appearances are so important. Ernie is a genius. I love his brilliance, his generosity of spirit and his deep love for Danni even if he is halfway across the world away. Iaen is an intriguing tough guy, right? When she meets him Danni is convinced he is selfish and not to be trusted, but is that true?
6. Did you write this novel and the sequel back to back?
Yes, once Gypsies, Tramps and Weeia was in the publishing stages I began Weeia on My Mind. Likewise, once Weeia on My Mind was being published I started writing Smells Like Weeia Spirit. Although each book is designed so it can be read as a title by itself the books are linked with common threads and a unifying story.
7. Do you have any more plans for Danni and her story?
Absolutely, her story continues in Smells Like Weeia Spirit, book three of the Paris Marshals Series.
8. There’s a bit of a romantic triangle, have you decided who Danni might end up with?
Yes and no. I decided some aspects in the outline for the series and fine tune them when I write the outline for the individual books.
9. Do you have a favorite scene or part of the book?
It is difficult to say… I love Danni’s slow discovery of Paris. It is like I am rediscovering the city along with her.
10. What is your usual writing plan? Do you just sit down and write or do you plot it out and write by plan?
I outline the series and then the individual books from a big picture perspective. As I am fleshing out the story some fine tuning takes place, but the salient issues are more or less set.
11. Do you have any plans to continue to expand this universe you’ve created?
For now, I plan to continue Danni’s stories in Paris. After that, I am not sure.
Once again, thank you so much again for answering these questions and I look forward to what comes next.
The sequel to this novel, Weeia On My Mind is also available now.
You can get the book here-
https://francebooktours.com/2016/10/11/elle-boca-on-tour-gypsies-tramps-and-weeia/
Or you can try your luck with this awesome giveaway-
You can enter the global giveaway here
or on any other book blogs participating in this tour.
Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook,
they are listed in the entry form below.
Visit each blogger on the tour:
tweeting about the giveaway everyday
of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!
[just follow the directions on the entry-form]
Global giveaway open to all:
1 winner will receive a mobi/kindle copy of this book
And you can visit Elle Boca’s internet beehive via
elleboca.poyeen.com
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7499807.Elle_Boca
Until next time Dearies.
XOXO,
MILADY
I was given a free copy for an honest review.
Erica Spindler is one of my favorite authors in the world. And Triple Six is an exact reason why.
This book picks up where our last one left of. Once you read the first paragraph, in true Spindler fashion, you are hooked and can’t put the book down until the last period.
This novel is a little bit different from her previous work, but it is a continuation of the first book in The Lightkeepers series and they must be read in order.
In my true reviewer fashion, I will not reveal anything major, but I will mention how this book has the usual romance that Erica writes so well, while the story moves around with a pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
There is mystery, romance, danger and a bit of good and evil as you root for the heroes to solve the case.
If you are looking for a series to dive into and are open to new and fresh story, pick this one up folks. It’s a total winner and it will make you a Spindler fan for life.
100% guarantee.
UNTIL NEXT TIME DEARIES,
XOXO
MILADY
Continuing on from my post about Suicide Squad, let’s talk about our favorite Batman bad-guy….MISTER J himself!
Jared Leto wasn’t someone I pictured as Joker. But let’s look at it this way, HOW many times has Joker reinvented himself as a character? Every single person who has ever played him has played him in a totally different way then the one before or after. Starting with the original man himself, Cesar Romero.
In the Batman TV show, it was supposed to be fun, goofy and guess what…Batman and Robin always won. That was the point. Joker was a..Joker. He was a prankster, a fun foe. Kids enjoyed watching Batman catch this guy over and over, his plans always elaborate and complicated and usually fall apart at the very end. It was the 60’s!
Next is Jack Nicholson.
Nicholson’s Joker went into the re-vamping of Batman in the end of the 80’s, with a darker version of the hero. Now, this Joker was responsible for Batman’s parents and was a career criminal and all-around bad guy. His only plan was to be the bad guy Gotham deserved, because Gotham had made him this way. It was about revenge!
And onto Heath Ledger (and his OSCAR)
Heath played Joker in a totally different light. Joker was a mastermind, he was a genius who wanted to show the world what it really was…Damaged, just like he was. Now, the best part of this Joker is there is NO ORIGIN of who he is. He’s a liar, he’s a con man, but at the end of the day he is exactly what he says he is. There’s chaos in his method and that is why Heath’s Joker will always be considered one of the best villains in cinema history. He made you uneasy, he made you feel crazy and angry. All those things you were supposed to feel. Joker becomes CONSUMED by his plan to bring down Batman that it becomes his only purpose.
And last but not least…Jared Leto
Jared Leto played a Joker who has been around the block at dozen times. The biggest problem with people and Jared as Joker is they EXPECTED him to play him the same way as Heath Ledger. These two characters may share the same story and general background, but they aren’t the same Joker.
I am a big fan of Jared Leto. I love him in almost everything he’s been in because he changes himself in small ways that bring the characters out. Here he plays a man bordering on madness. He is a calm, cool collected cat and then he flips a switch and becomes a madman.
Isn’t that EXACTLY why we love Joker? He’s a man who walks that grey line of sanity and absolute madness. It’s why I do. He is a guy who makes no damn sense at first and then his whole plan comes into vision and you’re just left going…
“I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT…”
The way I see it, Joker was consumed with his obsession for Batman that once he was in Arkham Asylum, he had to find a new obsession. That became Dr. Harleen Quinzel.
She was pretty, smart and he saw her as someone he could manipulate and change into what he wanted her to be. There was a connection there. But think about it guys…
Batman and Joker were OBSESSED with one another and then once Joker was locked away, Batman paid him no mind anymore. So Joker needed something to fixate on. That is the whole premise for his turning Harleen into Harley. He needed someone to become his addiction. He was ADDICTED to Batman. Because like Joker says, “I don’t, I don’t want to kill you! What would I do without you? Go back to ripping off mob dealers? No, no, NO! No. You… you… complete me.”
It’s right there Dearies in Black and White. That is OBSESSION if ever there was a definition of the word. He wants to see just how far he can push Batman, because he knows that there is a line Batman never crosses.
So I am interested to see how this relationship continues to develop. And where these characters end up. I’m excited at the prospect!
Alright Dearies,
UNTIL NEXT TIME.
XOXO,
MILADY
Milady Adler's Blog... 