Introducing Guest Blogger: Frank Venuto!

Happy Friday, my Muses!

So I am truly feeling back on track! I not only was able to post my first review in over a month this week, but now I am about to introduce everyone to my next guest blogger! I just want to thank everyone for their support and the positive feedback that has been pouring in over my last review! I've been making my rounds with checking and following new blogs and visiting some of my old blogger friends. I have only just begun, so if I haven't stopped by to say hello yet, I will!

Okay, now to the good stuff. I am honored to share the thoughts of this next person on The Muses Circle. He is not only a colleague of mine, but he has a deep passion and love for film as I do. We might not always agree on liking the same movies or share the same opinion, but I can always count on great discussions and debates! Good or bad, I enjoy listening to what he has to say about a movie or a tv show and I've been trying to get him to review something for my blog for almost a year now!

Well, the wait was worth it! Recently we both had the chance to see Oliver Stone's SAVAGES and I am super excited to post his review of the movie tomorrow! Until then and without any further adieu. I introduce everyone to my next guest blogger, Frank Venuto!

FRANK VENUTO

I am a high school history teacher, husband to an amazing wife, father of 3 boys, lover of the arts (especially films as can be seen by my fat gut, JK), coach, and I will have my vengeance (Gladiator...get it?).

In all seriousness, all of those things are true ...especially the fat gut, hahaha. I have always loved movies since I was a kid and have enjoyed in my free time playing with my kids, hanging with my wife, writing, acting, singing, etc. I am currently in school getting my Masters in School Leadership.

If you ever want to contact me you can reach me at:
bubba4crst@comcast.net or Facebook me HERE.
Hope ya enjoy my reviews or at least argue with me. that's always fun...Talk to ya!!!!

Gary's Quick Picks: Movie Recommendations by Guest Blogger Gary Dion

GARY DION'S...

The other day I found myself in need of a couple movies to watch. I actually had some down time so I went to MovieStop to see what I could come up with. I immediately found 3 movies that all turned out to be great finds. Let me share them with you.

There was The Way starring Martin Sheen which was directed by his son Emilio Estevez. Then there was the movie Retreat which had a stellar cast, including Cillian Murphy, Thandie Newton, and Jamie Bell. Finally, I watched Puncture with Chris Evens playing the lead role.

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The WAY

This is a story about a father and son. The son (played by Emilio Estevez) is trying to find himself, so he decides to go on a trek. Many people take this journey every year for their own reasons-- religious, personal, mental or to just find themselves. On the first day of his journey, the son has an accident and dies. I know this sounds like a major spoiler, but this is revealed in the trailer and on the back of the dvd box.

Anyway, his father, played by Martin Sheen, must now travel over there to retrieve his son's body. While there, he learns what his son was trying to do and decides to undertake the journey on his own. He then has his son's body cremated and leaves the ashes along "The Way".

As he travels, he meets up with several characters while walking-- all searching for a way to defeat their own demons. The movie is touching and funny. Emilio Estevez has written and directed several movies and this is his best one so far.

RETREAT

With a very small, but excellent cast, this thriller will wow you. A husband and wife need to get away from everything to try and reconnect after an event affects them. The husband is portrayed by Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Inception, Red Eye, Batman Begins) and the wife is played by Thandie Newton (Mission Impossible 2, ER). They rent a house that is located on a small, desolated island when a man stumbles toward the house, then passes out. He's battered and bleeding so the couple bring him into the house to help him.

The mystery man is portrayed by Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot, The Eagle, Man on a Ledge). When he awakens, he tells the couple that he was involved in an accident where he was stationed that included a deadly virus that was supposedly released into the atmosphere and now they must seal up the house to try and prevent infection. But while he frantically runs about the house boarding up doors and windows, the couple begin to wonder if he is telling the truth or if he is simply psychotic/delusional.

The ending is perfect. The three actors all do an incredible job. So when you do sit down to watch it, just relax and hold your breath for the ride...oh and also just in case there is a virus going around...



PUNCTURE

Based on a true story, Chris Evens (or better known now as Captain America) gives a magnificent performance as a lawyer (one of the dreaded "Ambulance chasing" kind) who takes on a case more for the prestige then for the actual subject. But he soon discovers the importance of the case. It involves the invention of the disposable needle for hospitals.

At the time, hospitals were using the reusable needles but there were numerous reports of nurses getting infected by them. The disposable needles would obviously stop this from happening. The lawsuit was against the company that made and distributed the reusable needles.

Throughout the movie, Chris Evan's character is the total opposite of his role as Captain America, but somehow he still stands up as a hero. After you watch this film, let me know what you think about the ending by leaving a comment. Do you think it was just another "Hollywood" ending?

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So now your day is planned out for you with these 3 great titles. All you need now is a quick stop at Chick-Fil-A to grab a platter of nuggets so you have something to munch on as you watch!

Enjoy!



Like Gary's review? Have questions for him? You can leave comments below and/or check out his Guest Blogger Introduction HERE!

Prayers For Bobby: A Book/Movie Analysis by Guest Blogger Brian Warriner

Title: Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms With the Suicide of Her Gay Son
Author: Leroy Aarons
ISBN: 0062511238
Genre: True Story
Theme: Gay Bashing, Suicide, Homophobia, Religion vs. Homosexuality
Length: 288
Binding: paperback
Published: 9 August 1996
Buy: Amazon.com
Brian's Rating:


Synopsis: Bobby Griffith, at the age of 15, realized that he was gay and in conflict with his religious upbringing. Through Bobby's journal entries and his mother's reminiscences we learn of the emotional torment that led Bobby to take his own life. Prayers for Bobby takes readers through his mother's anguish and disbelief to her transformation from biblical literalist to enlightened parent.




Title: Prayers for Bobby
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Actor(s): Sigourney Weaver, Ryan Kelley
Rated: N/A
Genre: True Story
Theme: Homophobia, Gay Bashing, Teen Suicide, Religion vs. Homosexuality
Runtime: 91 mins
DVD Release Date: 14 December 2010
Buy: Amazon.com
Brian's Rating:


Synopsis: Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Sigourney Weaver stars in this emotional true story about a deeply religious suburban housewife and mother who struggles to accept her son’s homosexuality. Mary Griffith (Weaver) is a devout Christian who has raised her children with a conservative religious perspective. When her son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley), reveals that he is gay to his older brother, the entire family dynamic is forever shifted. While Bobby’s father and siblings slowly come to terms with his homosexuality, Mary turns to her steadfast beliefs in an attempt to “cure” her son. Alienated and quickly becoming more detached from the safety of his close-knit family, Bobby’s depression drives him to take drastic – and tragic – actions. PRAYERS FOR BOBBY is the multiple Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominated true story of a mother torn between her loyalties, challenged by her faith, and moved by a tragedy that would change her life, and the lives of others, forever. Based on the book Prayers for Bobby by Leroy Aarons.

Brian's Comparison & Analysis: Prayers for Bobby is based on a true story. The lives of mother and son cross. After finding out that her teenage son Bobby is gay, his mother, Mary Griffith, sets out on a course to “cure” her son of his homosexuality. Her faith and religious upbringing has taught her that being gay is an abomination. Adding to her worry is the constant fear of her family not being together in the afterlife. She not only posted index cards all around the house with Bible saying on them but also made Bobby go to therapy to get "fixed". Bobby, being raised in such a God-fearing environment, was also afraid of being sent to hell for being gay. He didn’t want to be gay for fear of God’s wrath for “choosing” to live this lifestyle. In truth, Bobby couldn’t come to terms with who he was.

This story is set in the late 1970’s early 1980’s where the AIDS Epidemic started. Also, you had Harvey Milk being elected to the Board of Supervisors and the Stonewall Riots. Being gay was slowly making its way into the media. Most of the attention was on the negative side, painting gays as sex crazed perverts who are a danger to our children. This is what Bobby heard and saw, so he most likely personalized it. After all, he was a young gay man, trying to find himself in the world he lived in.

In the book by Leroy Aarons, Bobby seemed to slowly come to terms with his homosexuality, but his small progress would be cut short after hearing his mother's voice say, “You are going to burn in Hell if you don’t change.” His struggle would start all over again. What is not covered in the movie, is Bobby starting to embrace his homosexuality. But from the excerpts from his journals, Bobby Griffith was full of self-hatred. Now when I read Prayers for Bobby, I often asked myself, How is it possible that one person could fight against and have so much self-hatred for who they are?

As you read the excerpts from his journals, you soon realize that Bobby couldn’t accept himself because it brought him away from his family and what he believed in. He strongly believed that no one loved him, not even his family. It was the fighting, the struggling, the trying to “cure himself” and the feeling of being unloved that brought Bobby to the end of his life. Bobby completed suicide by jumping off a freeway overpass directly into the path of an 18 wheel truck which killed him instantly. He suffered severe internal injuries, that couldn’t have been repaired. Bobby was finally free from his hell.

Now for his mother Mary, whose journey begins after her son Bobby’s ends so tragically. She constantly questioned whether Bobby made it to heaven or ended up in hell. Both the movie and the book make it clear on how his death rocked Mary. Not only did she question where Bobby's soul ended up, but after meeting Rev. Larry Whitsell of the Metropolitan Community Church, she started to question everything she believed in and was taught throughout her life.

Prayers for Bobby, the movie, was directed by Russell Mulcany and starred Sigourney Weaver as Mary Griffith. In the film, Rev. Whitsell introduced Mary to PFLAG (Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians And Gays). As Mary listened to the other parents discussing when they knew their child was different, it started to cause the wheels in her head to turn. It finally came to her when she realized that Bobby was different. “My son was always different, his difference began at conception, I knew it I felt it...I now know why God didn’t heal Bobby, because there was nothing wrong with him.” From there, Mary became enlightened to the fact that her son is in heaven and that there was nothing wrong with Bobby.

From then on Mary started speaking and soon she became a fighting force for LGBT Youth through California and the country. In 1996, she spoke in front of the U.S Congress. The truth is, you can’t mention Human Rights without mentioning Mary Griffith, who has made it her life’s purpose to help Gay and Lesbian youth. So in conclusion, I want to dedicate this article to Mary Griffith for her work in bringing change. And also to the memory of Bobby Griffith and Leroy Aarons, may you both rest in peace. Much love to you both.

Comparison and Analysis Written By:

Do you like Brian Warriner's comparison/analysis of Prayers for Bobby and want to know more about him? Check out his Guest Blogger Introduction HERE. Also, Brian can be contacted at otherside_connections@yahoo.com .

Introducing Guest Blogger: Brian Warriner!

Happy Saturday, Muses!

I had planned on squeezing in a review of Martin Scorsese's award winning movie Hugo (btw, Hugo was good, but not as good as I expected it to be. It's definitely worth a watch) but unfortunately with my boyfriend's son's birthday upon me, I will be out of town for the rest of the weekend. I am also in the middle of reading Katana by: Cole Gibsen but know I will not be able to finish and review it by Wednesday. So, I decided it was about time I introduce everyone to my friend and next Guest Blogger, Brian Warriner!

I'm not sure if anyone has read the award winning true story called Prayers for Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms With the Suicide of her Gay Son or had the chance to watch the tv adaptation starring Sigourney Weaver. Whether you have or have not, Brian's comparison and analysis of the book & movie is a post everyone should take the time to check out. I am a very strong supporter of gay rights and absolutely DETEST bullying, so I can't wait to share his thoughts with everyone on Wednesday.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Without further adieu, I introduce you to Brian Warriner!

BRIAN WARRINER

Brian is a local medium and writer, whose passion for writing is as strong as his lust for life. He lives in Clayton, New Jersey and is currently working on his book which is coming out soon.

If you wish to know more information please contact Brian via email: otherside_connections@yahoo.com

Lesson on Female Exploitation Films & a Review by Guest Blogger Jake Henderson

Title: Big Doll House (1971)
Director: Jack Hill
Actor(s): Judith M. Brown, Pam Grier
Language: English
Rated: R
Genre: Exploitation
Theme: Women in Prison (WIP)
Runtime: 95 mins
DVD Release: 1999, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Jake's Rating: (3 1/2)


Synopsis: Beautiful women prisoners are abused in a Philippine prison, until 5 of them plot an escape by taking the evil female warden hostage with the reluctant help of 2 male fruit vendors.

Jake's Lesson & Review: Ah yes. One of the most infamous Exploitation genres: "Women in Prison", often just called WIP. An extremely controversial sub-genre due to it’s main focus being the torture of beautiful young woman, often naked. The plot would tend to concern a young girl who was wrongfully incarcerated and now has to deal with the cruel life of a prisoner. There would also usually be a torturous warden, most often a woman. The final climax would be the woman attempting to break out. These films became a huge hit with exploitation nuts everywhere. There were American made ones, Italian, and even Asia took a crack at the sub-genre. Some of the most prolific films being Big Doll House, its sequel Big Bird Cage, Women in Cages, 99 Women, and of course the Ilsa films. The ironic thing is how much the "Nazisploitation" films like Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS spill over into the WIP films. The difference is obviously a heavy reliance on the Nazi culture, as well as ghastly experiments there were actually performed during WWII. So what was the allure behind these films? Well probably the biggest thing is beautiful, young, naked women. What can I say? Men are pigs. I myself am a newcomer to the genre, having only seen the first Ilsa film before I sat down to watch Big Doll House. I had little idea what I was in for.

Big Doll House follows a group of imprisoned girls. The main focus being on the new girl: Collier. The cast also includes the great Pam Grier in her second role after Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. Her character in this is actually a lesbian caring for her crackhead girlfriend. It is actually an interesting sub-plot that really adds some substance to what would otherwise be a routine WIP film. I could be wrong but I believe this may be one of the first "Women In Prison" films. It was directed by Jack Hill who Grier would go on to work with for a few more films including the "Blaxploitation" Classic, Coffy. In addition, the famed Roger Corman produced it. The film follows Collier as she adjusts to her new life as a prisoner of a Jail located in the Philippine’s jungle. Collier befriends her cell mates as well as two produce salesmen and together they plot their escape. Along the way she has to deal with the cruel and sadistic warden as well as the corrupt prison psychologist. Furthermore, there is a new prison doctor who feels there is something fishy going on.

While the film does have a decent amount of torture scenes, the focus really is on the girls. It is a much more character-driven WIP film and that probably led to me liking it as much as I did. I found myself really engaged with the story and got a kick out of Grier, as well as Bodine. Bodine is the bad ass chick that “Even Grier wouldn’t fuck with.” She is played by Pat Woodell, who unfortunately didn’t do much else besides this film and the TV show Petticoat Junction. Sid Haig also has a role in this as one of the salesmen that helps break the girls out. His character is also a bit of a pig, demanding Grier pay him for a pack of smokes with a touch of her breasts. Scenes like this show why Grier's character has turned to women. The love story between her and the drug addict also has a tragic twist ending that really made my jaw drop. I think what really makes this film work is, like I said, it focuses much more on the characters than the actual torture. This was my second WIP film and I look forward to its sequel as well as more of the genre. I can only hope out of the 15 or so I own a few will be as good as this one.

Review by: Jake Henderson

Like Jake's review? He also has a blog! Follow him at Dark Recesses of Cinema or on Facebook! For more about him, check out his guest blog intro on my blog HERE!

Introducing Guest Blogger: Jake Henderson!

Happy Friday, Muses!

Instead of my normal "Cover Art Friday" post, I decided to introduce everyone to my next guest blogger, my close friend and co-worker, Jake Henderson! I am very lucky to have Jake in my life, not only as a great friend, but as a way to help me balance things out on my blog. Here's why. I am a very open-minded person as many of you can tell. But I do have a few downfalls, one of them being I am not a huge horror fan. Jake's area of expertise just so happens to be anything horror! Yes, I know he looks young, but don't judge a book by its cover! Trust me, he knows his stuff and then some!

There is one thing about me that you all must know-- I am not an attention hog! First of all, I like to inform people of the unknown (must be the teacher in me!). If it is a topic I am not too familiar with, I will either do lots of research to make sure I am giving everyone the correct information or I turn over the reigns to people that are experts in those particular areas. I am lucky to be surrounded by creative, unique individuals, like Jake, that are willing to help me out by bringing their own fresh ideas and experience to my blog.

Anyway! Tomorrow I will be adding Jake's post on female exploitation films, a very controversial genre, followed by his review of one of these movies.

Without further adieu, I introduce you to Jake Henderson!

Hey everyone! Jake here. I am the resident horror addict at The Muses Circle and am extremely honored that Mia picked me to be one of her guest bloggers. I am 18 and lead a pretty normal life. I am currently attempting to go to Film School in hopes of eventually become a Film Archivist or preservationist. When I am not working I love to curl up with a good 80's movie. However, I also love me some 70's flicks too! Italy definitely produces the best Cinema has to offer as far as I am concerned. As far as books go I love to read about film and true crime. I also do not mind the occasional Drama. You can expect to see a slew of horror and exploitation reviews from me. I look forward to contributing to this wonderful blog!

`Jake`

P.S. I can be contacted through my Facebook HERE and my very own blog HERE.... But I must warn you, it's sorta under construction at the moment!

Movie Review: Take Shelter, A Review by Gary Dion

Title: Take Shelter
Director: Jeff Nichols
Actor(s): Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain
Rated: R
Genre: drama, thriller, indie
Theme: Apocalypse, mental illness
Runtime: 120 minutes
DVD Release Date: 14 February 2012
Website: Take Shelter
Buy: Amazon.com
Gary's Rating:


Synopsis: Following his acclaimed debut, Shotgun Stories, writer/director Jeff Nichols reteams with actor Michael Shannon to create a haunting tale that will creep under your skin and expose your darkest fears. Curtis LaForche lives in a small town in Ohio with his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Hannah, a six-year-old deaf girl. When Curtis begins to have terrifying dreams, he keeps the visions to himself, channeling his anxiety into obsessively building a storm shelter in his backyard. His seemingly inexplicable behavior concerns and confounds those closest to him, but the resulting strain on his marriage and tension within his community can’t compare with Curtis’s privately held fear of what his dreams may truly signify. Take Shelter features fully realized characters crumbling under the weight of real-life problems. Using tone and atmosphere to chilling effect, Nichols crafts a powerful psychological thriller that is a disturbing tale for our times.

Gary Dion's Review: I was looking forward to seeing the new movie titled "Take Shelter" starring the little known actor Michael Shannon. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. Michael Shannon was superb as a man who is having visions of approaching doom and danger, but are they visions of what's to come or of what is being distorted in his mind? Since his character's mother was diagnosed with mental problems, did he inherit these traits?

The movie is a big mystery, keeps you guessing what's going on and wondering what's real. There are many intriguing scenes and tense moments but the trip in between these are too long and wearing. In the end, there is a worth while finale but by that time I was ready to go to bed. 30 minutes or so shorter may have allowed the movie to move along a little better but at least the performances by both Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain (who plays his wife) were worth watching. Just be ready for some down time if you do wish to partake in this film.

Reviewed By: Gary Dion

Like Gary Dion's review? Check out his author & book recommendation post HERE and check out his Guest Blogger Information HERE.

Mia's tidbit: Have you watched Take Shelter but can't make sense of the ending? Stay tuned for my Saturday post on what people are saying about the "ambiguous" ending and why I think there is no ambiguous ending!

2/20/12 **UPDATE** My Take Shelter Analysis has been put on hold! I will update everyone when it gets posted!

Author & Book(s) Recommendation by Guest Blogger Gary Dion

When trying to find a new book to read sometimes the best idea is to get the advice of an expert, so that's what I did. Some months back I was in need of a good companion in the form of a book. I tried to read a couple new authors but found I wasn't interested in what they had to say, or in this case, write. Then I stumbled upon an article from Stephen King in which he was listing the top 10 books he had read this past summer and near the top of the list he mentioned the book Too Close To Home by Linwood Barclay. I'm not sure what drew my attention to this particular title and author, it wasn't his number one selection but was close to the top, maybe it was his synopsis of the book, I don't remember but I decided to give the book a read. I found the book and tried reading a few pages, those few pages were good so I read more, those "more" were good too. Before I knew it I couldn't wait to be able to read more, I was hooked. The book turned out to be very good, so once I finished I looked for more of Linwood Barclay's books. I found them and I read them...all.

Now I don't consider myself an expert on books but I do consider myself an expert on movies and what is a book but simply a movie that you have to read the subtitles as you watch, but you watch through your mind's eye. But despite this lack of expertise I feel I should resoundingly recommend giving Linwood Barclay a try especially if you enjoy a well written thriller. Here are a couple to get you started: Too Close To Home, Fear The Worst, Never Look Away. Any one of these should do the job of keeping you deeply entertained.

--Gary Dion

Like Gary's recommendation? Check out his Guest Blogger Introduction which includes his contact information HERE

Introducing Guest Blogger: Gary Dion

Hey, everyone! Today I am introducing you to my second guest blogger, my friend (and boss!), Gary! This week is a special treat because he not only will be doing a book recommendation, but a movie review as well! So Wednesday I will be posting his book recommendation and Thursday his movie review for Take Shelter.

I am really grateful to be surrounded by a strong, supportive network of friends and co-workers. I have some other guest bloggers that have already submitted their reviews and I can't wait to share their thoughts with everyone in the upcoming weeks.

But for now, without further adieu, I introduce you to Gary Dion!

GARY DION

I am 47, lived more than half my life in Florida before moving to New Jersey. I have two awesome boys (12 & 10). My only hobby I have time for is movies but I do enjoy soccer, certain video games, & reading. I have worked with movies for almost 15 years so I have a pretty good sense of knowing which movies are the good, the bad, & the ugly.

I can be contacted through my Facebook page HERE.

Introducing Guest Blogger: Rhiannon Marie

Hey, everyone! So this week I will have the pleasure of posting a new review that just got submitted by my very first guest blogger, friend, and co-worker, Rhiannon :) She recently finished The Night Circus by: Erin Morgenstern, which coincidentally I bought awhile back but haven't had the time to read nor review. So Rhi did me a HUGE favor and I can't wait to share her thoughts about The Night Circus with everyone!

Without further adieu, I introduce you to Rhi!

Rhiannon Marie

I'm a Sophomore in college studying to be a Dietician. In my spare time I like to read, write, belly dance, play ukelele, kick box, learn different forms of martial arts, and watch the funny animations on Google's home page. I get by with the love and support of my friends and family in life, and I use books to inspire me to go on my own adventures. It is an honor to be a guest blogger for Mia and The Muses Circle.

You can contact me on my Facebook page HERE.

Happy New Year & Welcome!

Happy New Year! I know I'm a few days late, but that's because I've been busy giving my blog a facelift. For those of you who know me, I'm sure you are tired of hearing the word "facelift" but I think it's the best word to describe what I've been doing. I grew tired of struggling to read my own blog due to the horrifying "dot" background...I figured if I had trouble viewing my own blog, I could only imagine how others felt while visiting. My incredibly talented and creative best friend Adria at Neverend (she makes awesome websites, btw!) had plans to make me my own website...but then I started thinking, if she makes the site, how will I know how to do my own updates? I absolutely suck at html and if I ran into any problems, it's not like I could call her to come over and show me how to fix things since she lives in Colorado! So, I decided to stop whining and try working with what I already had. So during the holidays I just kept playing around with blogger. I watched some "How To..." youtube videos, bugged the hell out of the ever gracious Kristin F. over at her blog GrowUp YA, called my best friend to help me with my banner issue that had me frustrated all day...of course it took her only MINUTES to fix the problem! *sigh* But I must say, the end results look great. I'm proud of myself for figuring things out on my own.

Now, just be aware that my new blog is still a work in progress. The "Review Policy" page is still under construction, and I am still working on learning how to add certain buttons, polls, and other goodies to the side bars of the blog to make things more interesting and up-to-date. Once I get more followers, I plan to eventually add contests, author interviews, etc.

If you are visiting for the first time or are a brave soul that decided to give my blog a 2nd chance after being scared away awhile ago, I put together a little something below to help everyone better understand what The Muses Circle is all about and what you will find here.


What "The Muses Circle" means

If you haven't checked out the "About" section of my blog, then I'll give you a quick history lesson. The Muses were the Greek goddesses who presided over the arts & sciences. They were believed to inspire all artists, especially poets, philosophers, and musicians. In paintings, they were often depicted dancing in a circle with Apollo, who is the god of the arts (among other things). I guess that is why the name of my blog fits so perfectly. Since I'm a lover of the arts and I enjoy reviewing different mediums, what better way to celebrate books and cinema then at The Muses Circle?


What makes The Muses Circle different from other review sites

Without sounding repetitive, my blog may differ from other review sites simply because my love for the arts cannot be put into one specific category. My passion for reading & literature is just as strong as my interest in watching movies & television series. I have well over 1,000 movies and over 400 tv series from all over the world. Crazy, right? So, instead of making a blog that is only focused on reviewing books, I made one to encompass all the things I enjoy talking about.




What you will find while navigating The Muses Circle

Here is where I tell you about some of the updates and changes I've made to my blog. My "About" page is pretty straight forward-- it gives you some background information about myself and my blog. All of my reviews have been archived on the right side bar on the main page and are in order by year, month, and date. Since I review books, movies, and tv series, I made some extra pages to help viewers find what they are looking for. For book lovers, you will find a complete list of books I've reviewed & recommended in ABC order by title on my "Book Review" page. If you are only into cinema, then you will find a complete list of my movie/tv series reviews also in ABC order on the "Movie/TV Review" page. Anything that is not a review or a recommendation can be found on the "News" page. Sometimes I go on rants about random stuff, or sadly, an actor or author may pass away-- these are the kinds of posts you will see in the "News" section. My "Review Policy" page is still under construction, but it will contain information about the types of books and movies I review and am willing to review for publishers, upcoming authors, etc. It also will include a list of guidelines if you would like to submit a review on my blog. The rest of my blog is still being updated and added to, so the best thing to do is explore and keep coming back frequently!


The reviews and who writes them

Up until now, all of the reviews from 2009-2011 have been done by myself. Now that we are in 2012 and am proud to show off my blog, I'm excited to announce that I will be having guest bloggers help me out with some reviews. This is great for 2 reasons. 1) Since I work 2 jobs, it's hard for me to write as many reviews as I would like to. Sharing this labor of love with others will help keep my blog updated frequently instead of weeks going by with no new reviews. 2) Even though I am open-minded, there are still book and movie genres that aren't on the top of my favorite list. For example, I am not a big horror fan, but my friends-- Jake at Dark Recesses of Film and Kenn-- eat, sleep, and breath that genre. My talented and beautiful friend Ali at theartistalicrozier is great with martial arts films. It only makes sense to have them do some reviews on upcoming movies & books in their area of expertise. It doesn't mean that these are the only genres they will be reviewing since all of my friends are open-minded and enjoy a broad range of categories, but having them write reviews on things they feel confident about will help keep my blog fresh and interesting. Anyone that submits a review will obviously get full credit. :)

Well, I think that's about it for this post. Again, I want to thank Kristin at GrownUp YA for all the helpful advice and detailed instructions on how to make my blog pretty :). I also want to thank my best friend, Adria at Neverend for her help with my banner...and just being my best friend all these years. ^_^ I look forward to seeing what 2012 brings to The Muses Circle!

If you have questions or comments about my blog or suggestions in regards to things that can make The Muses Circle a better experience, please feel free to leave a comment or email me directly: famulan23@gmail.com.

Best Wishes,
~Mia~