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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Feb 6, 2021 (Updated Feb 6, 2021)  
Sneak a peek at the science fiction medical thriller FACTOR-7 by J.D. May, and check out the awesome author interview video on my blog. Enter the giveaway to win a signed paperback of the book, a travel mug, a coffee mug, coaster, pen, tote bag, and a bookmark - 5 winners total.

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2021/02/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-factor-7-by.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Dr. Sam Hawkins’s friend and mentor, Dr. William Roberts, has been struck down by an unknown and hideous disease. Roberts’s dying words are cryptic, and Sam is soon confronted by a massive cover up of his friend’s death. He reluctantly partners with Dr. Rainee Arienzo, an Italian infectious disease specialist, and together they uncover the terrifying truth about Factor-7, a bio-weapon with a 98 percent mortality rate.

Roberts’s journal tips them off that a clandestine plot for using the virus is about to be unleashed by a secret society, the Keepers Collegium. The Collegium, an international group of rogue intelligence agents, ex-military, and government officials, has a demonic plan to use the pathogen to destroy anyone who threatens their twisted ideology. Sam and Rainee soon realize that public exposure of the evil plot would be as dangerous to the world’s security as the bio-weapon itself—the fallout could lead to World War III. Therefore, they must not only shut down the plans of the Collegium, but also keep the top- secret information away from the media.

But as they work to stop the plot, Sam and Rainee are kidnapped by the drug cartel. The kingpin, who financed much of the Collegium’s plot, wants them to hand over Roberts’s journal because it lists the names of the major players in the Collegium who had double-crossed him. He plans to carry out his own revenge. In order to survive, Sam and Rainee have no choice—they must play with one of two devils or be burned by both.
     
Videodrome (1983)
Videodrome (1983)
1983 | Horror, Sci-Fi
First It Controls Your Mind Than It Destorys Your Body
Holy shit this movie is good. The effects, the psychological espect, the sci-fi, the horror, the suspense, the mystery and James Woods.

The Plot: As the president of a trashy TV channel, Max Renn (James Woods) is desperate for new programming to attract viewers. When he happens upon "Videodrome," a TV show dedicated to gratuitous torture and punishment, Max sees a potential hit and broadcasts the show on his channel. However, after his girlfriend (Deborah Harry) auditions for the show and never returns, Max investigates the truth behind Videodrome and discovers that the graphic violence may not be as fake as he thought.

Distributed by Universal Pictures, Videodrome was the first film by Cronenberg to gain backing from any major Hollywood studio. With the highest budget of any of his films to date, the film was a box-office bomb, recouping only $2.1 million from a $5.9 million budget.

Now considered a cult classic, the film has been cited as one of Cronenberg's best, and a key example of the body horror and science fiction horror genres.

The basis for the film came from David Cronenberg's childhood. Cronenberg used to pick up television signals from Buffalo, New York, late at night after Canadian stations had gone off the air, and worry he might see something disturbing not meant for public consumption.

After the box office success of Scanners, Cronenberg turned down the chance of directing Return of the Jedi, having had no desire to direct material produced by other filmmakers.

When it came to casting the character of Max Renn, Cronenberg chose James Woods, who was a fan of Rabid and Scanners and met with the actor in Beverly Hills to offer him the part, and liked the fact that Woods was very articulate in terms of delivery.

Its a excellent movie and a must see, same with david cronenberg's early horror films.
  
    Ticket to Earth

    Ticket to Earth

    Games

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    A distant planet. A dying colony. A deadly conspiracy. Fight a corrupt system in Ticket to Earth,...

Men (2022) (2022)
Men (2022) (2022)
2022 | Drama, Horror
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Men... am I right?

Harper takes some time away in the country, following the death of her husband. But the break isn't quite as restful as she'd hoped.

I had a lot of feelings about Men. The trouble was, every time I started thinking about it, my brain spiralled off into many debates.

With Jessie Buckley and Rory Kinnear, I was fairly certain that the performances would be solid. They didn't disappoint. Kinnear in particular showed immense dedication to his roles, especially considering some of the things he was having to do. But, despite the superb acting, the characters weren't all that easy to get along with... and yes, that's sort of the point, but never mind.

There seems to be a jumble of genres happening, the trailers for the film show some of its creepy horror-esque moments, and the dramatic portion is represented. In the middle of the film, where Harper suffers from phone issues, we get an odd flash of science fiction... it doesn't fit with the rest of the film, it could easily have been removed with no consequences and left us with something much more consistent.

According to writer and director, Alex Garland, the idea of Men is whatever the viewer takes away from it. I've heard plenty of opinions about the meaning behind the film, though mainly from a small demographic.

To me, it felt like a dive into the mind of a woman who had suffered psychological abuse, and how she deals with that trauma. There are certainly a lot of ways this could be taken, and Men could have been a bold statement, but not committing to an explanation was a bit of a cop out.

While I didn't dislike the experience of watching it on the big screen, I don't need to see it again. Ultimately, the inconsistencies left me wanting something more.

Originally posted on: emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2022/07/men-movie-review.html
  
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Merissa (11622 KP) rated A Curse of Forever in Books

Dec 1, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)  
A Curse of Forever
A Curse of Forever
Tessa McFionn | 2021 | Contemporary, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A CURSE OF FOREVER tells you the story of a man cursed within the confines of a lighthouse until his heart returns to him. Nathaniel has paid dearly for loving the wrong woman. Will Laurel be the one to change all that?

This is a fast-paced story that gives you insight into Laurel and her delightful mother and sister. I was so pleased to find out that others in her family were not the same! She is estranged from her beloved grandfather through actions not of her own. When he dies, she is the one to organise the funeral. The paper she works for gives her the time off but asks her to write a piece about the haunted lighthouse too. When she goes there, she sees -- and can talk to -- Nathaniel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The only part I couldn't quite understand was Jacob and Carrie. I didn't feel that he added much to the story or his obsession with Laurel. Yes, I know he had to be there for a certain part but that was it. As for Carrie, she was one way for the whole of the book, just changing at the end. Was it because the curse had been broken? I'm honestly not sure.

This was a steamy read, with instant attraction between our main characters. Laurel and Nathaniel were supported by great characters who helped to keep the story moving along.

Anyway, on the whole, this was a great contemporary read by an author I have come to associate with science fiction. I would say she has successfully moved to other genres. Thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommended.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books
Dec 1, 2021