Update: Liam McIntyre, the New Spartacus?

Back in September I wrote a post about my sadness over hearing that not only did Andy Whitfield's (right) cancer come back, but he would also be pulling out of Season 2 of Spartacus for good. Andy had a bit of a cult following after he starred in a low budget independent film called Gabriel and I was extremely pleased to see him get the role of Spartacus. With his piercing eyes, high cheekbones, strong jaw, deep but soothing voice, this was a man, an actor that brought something special to his characters. This was going to be his breakout performance and it was...

But when cancer only allowed him to give us 1 perfect, addictive season of the hit STARZ show, the cable network had to make a decision: cancel the series or try to undertake the daunting task of finding another Spartacus. With Andy's blessing, representatives began looking for a new male lead, someone who not only had the look of a gladiator but could act as well. It wasn't an easy process and Andy's sandals were hard to fill. Rumors floated around the cyber world for months. At one point Wentworth Miller of Prison Break fame showed interest. While some fans were excited at the prospect, others were not so kind, saying that Miller did not have the muscular frame nor could he pull off the accent.

Around December it was confirmed that casting had been narrowed down to 3 actors: Liam McIntyre, Aidan Turner (of All My Children fame, not to be confused with Being Human's Aidan Turner), and Stephen Amell. I personally had been rooting for Aidan Turner since he had the look, the accent, and the build.

However, this past week took an interesting turn when suddenly there was news that Dominic Purcell might be up for the role, another Prison Break star who had a huge fan following and known for his muscular physique and deep, booming voice. While Liam was still the favorite choice, STARZ representives were worried that the lean actor would not be able to build up enough muscle in time for Spring of 2011 which is when Season 2 resumes filming.

Well just a few days ago the cable network finally announced that Liam McIntyre IS the new Spartacus. They feel confident that Liam, who has been working out nonstop since his first audition, will be physically ready by the time cameras start rolling this Spring.

So how do I feel about it? I'm a bit on the fence. I like unknown actors and I have no doubt that Liam will be looking like a gladiator by Spring since we have seen big physical transformations such as Taylor Lautner promising to pack on 40+ pounds of muscle in order to keep his role as Jacob Black in the Twilight Saga or Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in 300. I guess why I hesitate to embrace this new actor is because I can't help but still see Andy as Spartacus. We are not talking about a minor character that is being replaced. However, I am relieved that the show will continue on. I'll admit that my other favorite character is Crixus and the romantic in me is dying to see what lengths he will go to in order to find Naevia.

All I can do is wait and see. In the meantime, the 6 episode prequel called Spartacus: Gods of the Arena starts this Friday at 10pm on STARZ. I wish Andy Whitfield a speedy recovery and will be keeping an eye on his future projects because I REFUSE to believe that man will succumb to cancer.

So what do you think? Is Liam McIntyre the new Spartacus?

~~Mia~~

TV Series Recommendation: Lights Out

I have a new fantasy man and his name is Patrick 'Lights' Leary :) The pilot episode for the new FX tv series drama aired on 1.11.11. I knew before the pilot ended that this was my new favorite show. FX has been promoting the hell out of it and I thought this show would not have any rating issues since it has a little bit of everything for different viewers--boxing and street fighting for the male viewers and adrenaline junkies, a hunky new male lead, (despite being middle aged) a little bit of romance, and family life for female viewers, etc. You can imagine my surprise when I did a little research and found out that the premiere ratings for Lights Out were low. So what exactly is the show about?

Holt McCallany plays Patrick 'Lights' Leary, an aging former heavy weight champion who gave up his boxing career 5 years earlier for his concerned wife who couldn't bear a moment more of watching her husband get beaten up and severely damaged. Retired life doesn't seem so bad at first--watching his daughters grow up and supporting his wife's dream of becoming a doctor just a couple of the perks. However, after 5 years out of the limelight and perhaps some bad management, his brother tells him that they are broke. He decides to hide their financial woes from his wife while trying to come up with a solution. But with a deteriorating health issue (which he also keeps a secret) and struggling to find his identity, returning back to the ring or getting involved in some shady illegal debt collecting seem like his best options.

What makes this show a cut above is the excellent acting. Holt McCallany is fairly unknown but that is in no way a weakness. He brings something fresh to the screen and to his character. He is so ruggedly male, intimidating in size and quiet ferocity and yet he can be so tender when it comes to his daughters, his family. Behind every strong man is an even stronger woman--Patrick 'Lights' Leary's wife Teresa is played by Catherine McCormack. If you are wondering why she looks so familiar (like I did) then you may remember her as Murron from the movie Braveheart. And let's not forget Stacy Keach (Prison Break), who plays Leary's father and old trainer.

The good news is, FX president John Landgraf has confirmed that the cable network will continue supporting Lights Out despite it's slow start, believing that given some time and word of mouth more people will tune in for future episodes. I figured it wouldn't hurt by doing my part in promoting the show since I definitely think it is worth devoting time to each week. So get caught up by going to On Demand to check out the last 2 episodes and please tune in Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. Trust me, it's worth it!

~~Mia~~

Book Review: The Demon Trapper's Daughter

Title: The Demon Trapper's Daughter
Author: Jana Oliver
ISBN: 978-0312614782
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Theme: Demons/Necromancers
Binding: Paperback
Length: 340 pgs (advanced reader copy)
Published: 1 February 2011
Buy: amazon.com, bn.com, borders.com
My Rating:


Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?


**The following review may contain SPOILERS**


My Review: First I must state that I won an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book in a contest so I do understand that there are mistakes and perhaps unfinished thoughts or ideas that may be revised by the time the finished copy is released.

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver was a pleasant surprise. There were a few things in the beginning of the story that troubled me or had me scratching my head in confusion. But by the middle of the book, things started really coming together which led to a very interesting climax and nice segue for a sequel.

After you read so many Young Adult novels, you begin to recognize a formula such as stubborn/independent female heroines, love triangles, etc. Since the formula has been used so many times, it's hard to find an author that can wow me in the character department. When I started reading Demon Trapper's Daughter, I set my expectations low. But let me tell you-- I love it when an author proves me wrong :)

I must commend Jana Oliver for creating interesting characters. Riley is a solid female protagonist. She is an only child, comes from a single parent home, and has a very close relationship with her dad. Riley is somewhat of a tomboy and is trying to enter into a profession that is ruled by men-- demon trapping. Since she is an apprentice under her father's watchful eye, she feels constantly pressured to prove herself and at the very least, not do anything that would embarass or bring shame on her father, Paul Blackthorne who is a well known and respected demon trapper master. Riley finds herself in a bad predicament after what should have been a simple demon trapping job at a law library goes wrong.

To make her even more embarassed, Beck arrives, a 20 something demon trapper who not only has been trained by her father but whom she had a crush on a couple of years back and was rejected by him. At first I didn't think I was going to like Beck, but once his story unfolded and I came to realize the motives of his rejection towards Riley's teenage crush, I couldn't help but fall a little in love with him.

On the other end of the love triangle is Simon, an apprentice, like Riley who is completely different then Beck. Where Beck swears, drinks, and claims to believe there is no God, Simon is quiet, confident, and very religious, always depicted as wearing a wooden cross around his neck. I am digging Jana Oliver's thinking and writing because just when you think this is a typical love triangle, half way through the book another potential love interest is introduced, the sexy, mysterious Ori. Even though Riley makes her choice early on who she thinks she wants to be with, the author gives you just enough here and there to make you wonder about Ori and perhaps what kind of role he will play in future books in the series.

The second thing I enjoyed about The Demon Trapper's Daughter is the third person narration. As many already know, Young Adult novels are usually written in 1st person. While I've come to enjoy and understand its effectiveness, I sometimes get tired of only being in the head of 1 character. Call me nosy, but I like bouncing back and forth between different perspectives. I think this is why Beck really grew on me :)

The third and perhaps most important thing that impressed me about the story is Jana Oliver's unique demon mythology and futuristic twist that is frighteningly realistic. Going into the story I thought it was just going to be about demon trappers. But I was very wrong. First, the author does a great job describing the different kinds of demons--levels 1-5, 5 being the worst kind. She introduces the different kinds of trapping tools that they use such as holy water and magic spheres/globes. The author also makes a clear distinction between a demon trapper and a demon hunter. Many people, including myself may automatically assume that trapping and hunting mean the same thing. But they are very different terms. In the book, demon trapping is just that-- their job is to trap the demons and sell them to the Vatican so they can be properly exorcized. Demon Hunters, however, hunt down demons with the intentions of killing. There is much more involved but I don't want to give everything away.

Jana Oliver also paints a scary future in the modern world. Because of the bad economy, the city goes bankrupt. Schooling for students are now held in the backrooms of grocery stores and coffee shops since educational buildings are too expensive to run. Gas prices are outrageous. Since the city is bankrupt, jobs are scarce and businessmen and women are cheap. This is where Oliver introduces Necromancers. Yeah, trust me, I at first thought she was going a little too overboard with adding so many things in the first book, but you know what? It somehow works. Necromancers are paid to raise the dead so that the dead can be used essentially as slaves. It's creepy and sad. If we knew how to do that now in the real world, I'm sure we would try it-- I guess that is the scariest thought.

So now to the little things that bothered me. What kept me from giving this book a perfect 5 star rating is as follows:

1) I know this is the first book in a potential series so I understand that some things will be explained and explored in later novels. I came to love Beck's character but in the beginning he confused me. He had a rough childhood-- no father and a mother who slept around due to alcoholism. It's stated that Beck doesn't believe in God which is one of the things that confuses me. Demons exist, so does Satan, and somewhere in the book angels make an appearance. And yet he still doesn't believe in God? I know that some people believe that being alive is hell on earth, therefore there is no Hell. I know there are other forms of religion and beliefs-- but if you are going to write a book about demons, necromancers, holy water, angels, etc., and one of your characters is a demon trapper but doesn't believe in God, then you better explain yourself. It just doesn't make sense. Now I would find it believable if Beck didn't have much FAITH in God since he had a crappy childhood, but that is not how it is stated in the book. So my point is, Oliver has some character development and explaining to do in book 2 in regards to Beck's faith.

2) I know this next thing is trivial to complain about but it just bothered me. The author wrote this: "By the final visitor she was so bitchy, so sleep deprived, she'd told him off even before he'd opened his mouth. That had earned her a profanity-laced rant that would have impressed a rapper." Umm, stereotypical much? Not all rappers use profanity. Not sure why that line annoys me so much, but it does.

3) Here is something else she wrote that annoyed me. "The boy was almost Simon's height, five nine or so, with black scruffy hair and a collection of metal in his eyebrows, nose, and tongue. Riley wondered how he could afford all that bling." Umm okay? It's not that expensive, trust me, I should know since I have my eyebrow pierced and had my lip pierced awhile back. I'm not sure if the author is either misinformed, uneducated in the matter of piercings, or maybe it is just how Riley thinks since teenagers can be judgmental.

Other then those few things, Jana Oliver really has impressed me. The Demon Trapper's Daughter is the kind of Young Adult novel that either a teen girl or boy would enjoy. I look forward to reading book 2 since this one leaves you sort of on a cliffhanger. I almost wish I hadn't read this book in advance since now I have at least 6 months or more until book 2 is released. Oh well, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait! Enjoy!

~~Mia~~

Book (soon-to-be movie) Review: I Am Number Four

Title: I Am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
ISBN: 978-0061969553
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-Fi
Theme: Aliens
Binding: Hardcover
Length: 448 pgs
Published: 3 Agust 2010
Buy: amazon.com, bn.com, borders.com
My Rating:

Synopsis: Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

**The following review may contain SPOILERS**


My Review: I Am Number Four has to be my favorite novel so far this year. I think the last time I was this excited over a book is when I came across Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles 2 years ago. Many of you may think it's weird that I sometimes start my posts with HOW I discovered a book or movie rather than just focusing on the review itself. However, I think it is important for me to remember these little details because I've noticed a pattern. Most of the time I come across books or movies by accident or sometimes coincidence. When this happens, especially when it is young adult literature, I feel like it's put in my path for a reason. I teach and am around teenagers all the time so maybe I'm supposed to use these books as a way to promote reading. And as Eric Draven says in The Crow, "The little things used to mean so much to Shelley-- I used to think they were kind of trivial. Believe me, nothing is trivial." I most definitely agree.

Okay so I was on IMDB.com (Internet Movie Data Base) checking out actor Timothy Olyphant's filmography since I like to keep up on his current projects (another one of my favorite actors!). I noticed that he was playing a character named Henri in the movie I Am Number Four which is in post production. The title of the film intrigued me so I started to do a little research. I soon came to realize that the movie is based on a young adult novel of the same name that was just published in August 2010. What intrigued me even more was the fact that Michael Bay (director of Transformers) and Steven Spielberg are 2 of the producers of the soon-to-be film. After reading the movie blurb and checking out the teaser trailer, I was hooked. I ended up calling Barnes & Noble that day to put the book on hold until I got there.

I finished the book within a week. I had to purposely slow down so that I didn't inhale the novel in one sitting. So why is it so good? Who gives a crap about 9 alien children from the planet Lorien? First of all, the book itself is shrowded in mystery before you even open it. The author says he is Pittacus Lore, a 10,000 year old alien. Hmm what an interesting pseudonym. The story is fresh and original with its own mythology--I'll make a comment about that later.

What I think the author did well and why I think this book will appeal to a wide variety of readers is how it pulls you in. The first 10 chapters or so are short and sweet, ranging from 3 to 4 pages long. This can be very deceptive and I fell into the trap quite easily. I'd read a chapter which would end on a mini cliffhanger and think to myself, eh I will just read the next chapter since it is only a few pages more. Next thing I know it's 1am and I just finished reading 4 more chapters!

When I first started talking to my students about the book, I would bring my copy of I Am Number Four in. I didn't realize I was actually intimidating the reluctant reader! While I had captivated them with the storyline and movie trailer, I intimidated them by waving around this thick 400+ page book! Once I caught on, I tried to reassure them that the first 10-15 chapters are short and addictive. The author has the ability to draw the reader into the story so that it's not only hard to put the book down but by the time you reach towards the end where the chunky chapters are, you're dying to know how it ends. The reader is ready for the big showdown between Number Four and the Mogadorians!


Even though the story is being told in Number Four's perspective, the author does a great job with creating and building on characters that we come to truly care about. One particular character that stuck out through the story was Bernie Koshar. I will say no more and allow you to figure out why for yourselves :)


If I had to find a negative in the story it would be about the showdown at the school. I don't want to give too many details away or ruin the ending but I questioned how realistic the battle scene was. What I mean is, this was not simply a fist fight between Number Four and the enemy. The fight was literally like a battle with alien weapons, etc. My point is, with all the explosions and fire in, around, and near the school, wouldn't the authorities hear or see it? I know that the town is very small, but come on! Someone must hear the noise that is being made!


Back to the mythology of the book. This isn't really a negative thing but the only comment I wish to make is that I want more. Since this is the first book in the series, I am going to assume that the author was just getting started and that he will give us more in future novels.


As I mentioned before, the movie version of this book will be in theaters in Febuary. Even though only a teaser trailer has been released, I have a feeling the movie will follow the book closely since I already recognized several scenes from the clip released.

A Sci-fi thriller mixed in with a little romance, suspense, mythology, teen drama-- I know I am forgetting something. But what more could you ask for?!

~~~
Mia

Recommendation: Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead

I'll be perfectly honest-- other then assigned books that I HAD to read for high school and college, I rarely pick up biographies or autobiographies at a bookstore.

Three to four years ago I never read a young adult novel until the Twilight Saga. Now I am addicted.

A couple of weeks ago I was trying to track down my mom in Barnes & Noble and found her in the biography section. They are her type of books. As I was trying to help her find a couple of books on the Holocaust (crazy right?) I saw this striking book cover with the title Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead. I read the inside flap and I wanted it. But for some reason I put the book back. I went home and for 4 days my brain, one way or another, could not stop thinking about that book. I finally drove back and bought it. In the days that passed and the book became an extension of my hands, I came to learn things about a movement that I suddenly realized I basically knew nothing about and the things I thought I knew were completely wrong.

Several days ago I never read an autobiography on my own free will. Thanks to Frank Meeink, my mind has opened up to a new genre.

Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead is the story of Frank Meeink's violent childhood filled with abuse and neglect and his descent into America's Nazi underground. The book chronicles his years as a Skinhead in South Philly and his scary rise to leadership of his own group called "Strike Force". He tells us about his years on the streets, his years in prison, his years of trying to turn his life around, and his years of battling drug addiction.

Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead has taught me many thing, such as the true definition of a Skinhead, how one becomes a Skinhead, the difference between a Skinhead, the KKK, and other white supremacist associations. Frank's words have introduced me to all kinds of new terminology, people, and groups, such as SHARPs (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice).

Frank's story has taught me the true meaning of the phrase "there is a thin line between love and hate" and most importantly, the power of self-worth and forgiveness.

I wanted this post to be more of a recommendation than a review because I truly feel that reading this book is an experience one should explore and come to terms with on their own. I don't want to sit here and analyze, dissect, or JUDGE. I just want to make people aware that this book exists and despite how I feel about Frank Meeink himself, it needs to be read.

The book is vulgar, raw, and makes no apologies in its brutal honesty and that is why somehow, some way kids need to be exposed to it. Despite the profanity, the violence, and other sometimes offensive comments, Frank's story will not only benefit the ignorant adult but may save the lives of teens going down a very bad path.

~Mia~

Recommendation: Good

I might as well admit now that one of my favorite actors is Viggo Mortensen and because of this, I try to keep an eye on his current projects. It seems like I spend a lot of my time waiting for movies to become available for viewing. I waited about 8 months for Good to come out on dvd/blu-ray. While waiting gives you something to look forward to, sometimes it can make your expectations a little too high.

Good is one of those movies that left me feeling a little disappointed but I still think it is worth viewing-- perhaps even more than once! If you are expecting an action/drama piece like Defiance then get that right out of your head now. It is more of a character driven, out of sequence film filled with music symbolism (I'll get to that in a minute).

What made Good interesting and worth viewing (even a second time around) is the two lead actors, Viggo Mortensen and Jason Isaacs. Viggo plays John Halder, a passive, stressed out university professor who's latest novel catches the interest of none other then Hitler himself. John's best friend, a Jewish man named Maurice, is the more carefree of the two, more outgoing and always encouraging John to live a little. The more John gets sucked in by the Nazi party, the more his morals don't seem to matter and his hunger for acceptance and prestige puts a toll on his relationship with Maurice who is obviously horrified to see his friend becoming every Jews' worst nightmare.

The script is good, the acting is top notch (although it is weird to see Viggo in such a passive role!)...so what is it about the movie I didn't like? The music drove me a bit crazy. I wasn't so impressed by the actual soundtrack and from the opening scene I was a bit thrown off by the tempo of the classical music while John sits anxiously in the backseat of a car (that you soon find out is taking him to a member of the Nazi party). I guess what I am trying to say is that during some scenes the music seemed a bit off or didn't quite fit the mood. That being said, I did come to realize that some of the music was symbolic-- I am just not quite sure I understand the meaning. There were parts where John clearly was hallucinating and music usually accompanied those illusions. Upon further reflection, I have my own theories on what it all means but I think a second viewing might help.

What do you think?

~Mia~

Andy Whitfield: This...is...SPARTACUS!

Cancer...freakin'....sucks! That is the first thing that popped into my mind after the news I just read. As some of you may or may not know, the STARZ cable channel embarked on a new, original, somewhat controversial tv series called Spartacus: Blood and Sand last spring. Headlining the show was a new face to American audiences, Andy Whitfield. He brought something special to the screen; honest, fresh, sexy, fierce. While most Americans may not have known Andy, as SOON as I saw those piercing eyes in the promotional ads and trailer before the show even aired, I knew who he was. He had starred in a little independent flick called Gabriel (2007) and I never forgot about him. When I realized he was taking on the role of Spartacus, I thought wow, great! This is going to be Andy's big break and he is going to go on to do even better things now that America has finally noticed him. After all, he is only 36 years old, at the prime of his life!

Well I couldn't have been more shocked to find out back in March that he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and would be undergoing immediate treatment. But there was hope. The doctors said they caught it early and he would be as good as new. STARZ representantives were fully supportive and decided to halt the production of Season 2 while Andy went through treatment. In the meantime, to keep the sets in use, they created a miniseries called Spartacus: Gods of the Arena which is to be aired sometime next spring in hopes to keep fans satisfied until Season 2 is filmed and aired.

Things were really looking up until today. Today I learned that Andy's cancer has returned with a vengeance and due to doctors orders, he must pull out of the production of Season 2 so that he can focus on treatment and his health. This saddens me so much and is down right scary. It is just a reminder that life is so fragile and precious and you never know what hand you are going to be dealt.

Now in the wake of the tragic news, the representatives at STARZ send their love and support to Andy and his family while not rushing into a decision on what will become of the hit series. How can it go on without Andy Whitfield? How can he be replaced?

This post is dedicated to all those who are suffering and have suffered from this savage disease. I send my love to Andy and his family while he fights this battle. In my opinion, Andy IS Spartacus, so if anyone can beat it, he can!

xoxo
Mia