Books Making It To The Big Screen! Ray Bradbury and Karen Marie Moning

I'm a little late on reporting these two projects on my blog, but did a write up on them in my newsletter. Yet, they are still the most promising film adaptations out there so far, except for the Brad Pitt/World War Z movie that is already in production. (There are others, but I'm waiting for more information on them.) Up first, Mr. Ray Bradbury!

Ray Bradbury, who turned 91 years old just recently, received the best birthday present ever. Mike Medavoy and Doug McKay, Vice-President of Production at Phoenix Pictures, will partner with Bradbury, RGI Productions' Rodion Nahapetov and producer Natasha Shliapnikoff to produce the feature film adaptation of Bradbury's classic novel "Dandelion Wine."

"Dandelion Wine is my most deeply personal work and brings back memories of sheer joy as well as terror. This is the story of me as a young boy and the magic of an unforgettable summer, which still holds a mystical power over me." Bradbury fondly recalled.

"I was deeply honored when Ray Bradbury chose me to write the screenplay adaptation for his novel," Nahapetov said. "When I began my studies at the Cinema Institute in Moscow, many foreign books were banned in Soviet Russia. Still, I decided to make my short film based upon 'Dandelion Wine' because this novel represented to me the childhood I never had. My childhood had been stolen by the ravages and destruction of post World War II Russia and 'Dandelion Wine' restored it back for me."

Medavoy recently produced Martin Scorses's "Shutter Island" and the Oscar-nominated "Black Swan." The teaming of Medavoy and McKay alongside, the prolific award-winning writer Bradbury will be very interesting to see. Though I'm not familiar with this novel, I think most of us can say that we are familiar with Bradbury in some aspect. For me, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" is still my favorite story of his and in reading Bradbury's comment on this particular novel, can only mean a dark but "coming of age" story. Love it!

Up next, is an author that I am really not familiar with, so forgive me for not giving too much information on the project. 

Dreamworks has aquired Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, consisting of five books:"Darkfever," "Bloodfever," "Faefever," "Dreamfever" and "Shadowfever."

The first novel, "Dark Fever," centers around MacKayla Lane whose sister is murdered. In an attempt to find her sister's killer, she travels to Ireland where she happens upon a magical world with roaming vampires and fairies.

Certainly, everybody seems to be looking for that supernatural series that can equate to many film adaptations and legions of fans: ala Twilight, Harry Potter... But, I think many of us readers can say with all our heart; it's in the translation. (Which we will see with the upcoming Hunger Games Trilogy.)  The story sounds interesting, so I say keep this on your radar. I think it could be a good movie!

Book Blogger Hop!

It's Friday and time for Jen's Book Blogger Hop, hosted by her site Crazy For Books. Her question this week was “Do you have pets?”

Yes, we do. We have a very mean cat named Pumpkin Pie that harasses the entire family and two dogs; a golden retriever/chow mix named Rufus that hordes wubas (Pronounced Wa-baaaz. Furry stuffed animals), and a pure bred black lab named Lily that looks guilty every time we come home.

Well, since school has started things have been crazy, busy at home. BUT! It’s the weekend, baby!! Read a good book or watch a great film. ~ Love Noelani and Suzie

The Moon And The Tide by Derrolyn Anderson

The Moon and The Tide (Book 2 in the Marina Tales series)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Author: Derrolyn Anderson

Summary: Just when things seem to be all figured out, Marina discovers that there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than she ever imagined. When a terrible accident exposes her secret, she discovers that her whole life has been a lie and has to cope with more than one kind of betrayal. A dangerous enemy arrives on the scene, putting her bravery to the test and forcing her to use all of her newfound talents to protect her family.

Can good win out over evil? Will true love triumph over jealousy?

My Review: In the second novel, we continue with Marina’s adventures, but understand much has changed since then. “All of these impossibly crazy events happened when my boyfriend’s father Dutch was lost at seas in a terrible storm. The Mermaids had been summoning me, and I gave myself up to them in exchange for Dutch’s life.” Yet soon after, Marina learns of her ability to transform into a Mermaid herself, and was given the opportunity to choose immortality as a sea creature, or live out her remanding days as a human. What would seem like an easy decision, the desire to remain with your family and friends, begins to take its toll on Marina.

She is changing, both physically and mentally. In what is perceived to be an internal battle against her own bodies natural desire to be in the sea, Marina allows herself to act out in attempt to quell her strong urges. She begins to surf, quite frequently. With a rapid progression of ability, she begins to demonstrate a professional skill level. Yet it is a dangerous release, as she plays against her inner turmoils. Each time she surfs, her body become unsatisfied, wanting more and demanding more. She allows Lorelei, her mermaid sister, to bring her to perilous and dangerous conditions.

In addition, she finds that she has a strong inclination to paint the ocean, almost metaphorically a daily reminder of her battling emotions. But, as her skill level with surfing became enhanced, so does her skill level to paint, allowing her to sell her work as art.

There are significant changes within Marina that manifest in the people around her as well. Muselike, she can inspire and she can anger those who are near. This unfortunately, also continues to put Marina in harms way when she meets unsavory individuals while surfing.

With all the changes that are happening around her, it becomes difficult for Marina to maintain a healthy and truthful relationship with Ethan. Simultaneously, her relationship with her Aunt Evie comes into question as she comes to learn more about her.

Though Marina has to struggle with maintaining her human side, Ethan serves to ground her, to keep her from slipping completely into the sea. And as if this was not enough for our two young lovers, there are other people out there who know of Marina’s secret and plot to kidnap her for their own purposes.

To be honest, I still hold the first book as my favorite because it signifies a simpler time in Marina’s life even though it is only months prior. There is something about a young woman’s discovery of herself, watching her come into her own. Not to mention, I adore first loves.

In this story, it seems that Marina acts irrational a good half of the book and though I wanted to throw my iPad across the room, an action that would later cause me undue stress, I began to come to terms with the notion that Marina cannot control her behavior. The feral side of her feels like it’s winning and I felt like Ethan’s constant struggle to keep Marina safe, is ultimately what keeps her human as well. He is the yin, to her yang, sort of speak.

But as frustrated as I became with Marina, I had to know that she was all right. To see if she could recognize the issues that she had unknowingly caused, and would allow the people that meant to keep her safe, safe.

Ironically, in the end it was Ethan that brought me back to the story. It was because of his love for her, that kept me satisfied in those final pages. Understanding that there may be a third book, I can only hope to see these two characters find peace in a tumultuous sea and maybe even get married along the way.

Fright Night directed by Craig Gillespie

Fright Night
Rated R
Previewed in 3D

Summary: A remake of the 1985 classic, the story is about a teenager who suspects his neighbor is a Vampire.

My Review: If I’m going to be honest, I remember the original film, but didn’t think it was the greatest thing since slice cheese. For me, the original Fright Night was marginal, in comparison to other vampire films (seriously, Nosferatu freaking scared the bejesus out of me). But that’s irrelevant... Because the 2011 remake was pretty awesome.

Fright Night 2011 starts off with a pretty graphic and scary scene; great introduction, to a darker and edgier film. I’ll admit the acting was alright and Anton Yelchin who plays Charlie in the film, talks entirely way too slow for my liking, but Colin Farrell was perfect. He was attractive and luring, but brutally psychotic which is how I suppose, a vampire should be. Brooding, never. This vampire had no problem killing; let me tell you that.

In addition, I did watch the film in 3D and didn’t think it was bad. I thought the 3D graphics were pretty good compared to other films, like Alice In Wonderland (where there were literally little to no effects).

So in summary, I’m not going to give you a detailed account of the film because that would ruin your fun filled night. Just know this; Toni Collette (plays the mom), David Tennant (plays Peter Vincent) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (who plays Ed) are all great. Even more so, Colin Farrell. Btw, Colin makes a wonderfully, creepy bad guy. Can we get some more Farrell, please?

So if you’re wondering if you should check this film out in comparison with another blockbuster film opening this weekend, (Hint, Conan). It’s Fright Night hands down.

Cast and Credit: 

Directed by Craig Gillespie

Colin Farrell-Jerry

Toni Collette-Jane Brewster

Anton Yelton-Charlie Brewster

David Tennant-Peter Vincent

Imogen Poots-Amy
Christopher Mintz-Plasse-Ed

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Genre: Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Author: George R. R. Martin
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 831 (Paperback)

My Summary: A Game of Thrones (Song of Fire and Ice Book 1) is the beginning and introduction to an alternate universe, a world in which magic and dragons once existed. It is an epic tale of love, deceit and death. Currently, the series is uncompleted with only five books available at the moment.

My Review: To review such a tremendous piece of work, is quite the undertaking. Yet, I will do my best to convey the obsession that I have with all things, "Game of Thrones".

I might add that if you have seen the HBO series, as I did, then you'll be happy to know that the series follows the book to a T. I think I only found one deviation, if my memory serves me correct. Otherwise, I commend HBO for bringing this truly remarkable tale to life.

The novel starts out with what might think to be a medieval tale. Yet, the further you read into the book, the more you begin to understand that this is not England. Nor, the Persian Empire. It is its own world, one in which dragons once existed. Also, there are many hints of other supernatural creatures (I say hints, because you are only privy to them twice in the story). They are called white walkers and though we have no definite explanation to their origin, they presumably appear to be walking dead.

However, a majority of the book really focuses on three families: The Lannisters, The Starks and The Targaryens.

The Lannisters are a very powerful family, but looked down upon by the Starks for various decisions that appear to be ignoble. Cersei Lannister is married to Robert Baratheon, King of the Seven (7) Kingdoms.

The Starks who rule the rough and harsh territories in the North, are led by Lord Eddard Stark, who oversees Winterfell, their castle and home. The environment is cold, barren and unforgiving.

Beyond it lies other treacherous lands, including the boundaries beyond the "Wall", an ancient 700 foot high structure manned by a brotherhood, called the Night's Watch. We don't quite understand what exists beyond the wall, but understand that the structure and the men who watch over it, give their lives to keep it from entering the seven kingdoms. Somehow, these beings, though I am not clear if it is simply just the white walkers, are tied to the foreboding winter that has yet to come. In this land, winter can last many, many years.

In the East, across the seas lies a land that appears to be barbaric, wild and free from rule of the King of the Seven Kingdoms. It is here that we meet two young adults, in actuality, the rightful heirs to the Kingdom they once ruled. They are the last of the Targaryens; an ancient family that once ruled the Seven Kingdoms along side their counterparts, Dragons.

The story begins to intermingle each family with individual points of view being presented; their purposes in the story are slowly revealed. Some characters are filled with unsavory and unjust causes, and some noble to the death. It is masterful blend of something that seems historical, yet distinctly unique.

And in the end, we see that it is simply about a game of thrones... Who is the rightful heir to the Kingdoms and who is keeping dark and unscrupolous secrets? As the story eludes, you cannot trust anyone and as the reader, your heart wanders from character to character, unsure of who to give it to. By the end, you will certainly have favorite characters and be shocked by the demise of others. Excellent start to a convoluted story.

My Overall Opinion: I've heard many people wonder if they should even read the books, since it is not a complete series. Many are worried that it will take the writer years to finish. I beg you, do not let these worries stop you from reading the series. Though, I've only read the first novel, my husband has read the first four and offers no complaints. I think there is so much going on in each story that you may find, a break is certainly needed between each novel as well. We can only hope that Mr. Martin becomes inspired enough to finish the series, but until he does, read Game of Thrones! It's definitely worth your time.

Book Blogger Hop!

Another week has passed. Honestly, were is August flying too? Huh? I'd like to know. Are we seriously heading into Fall? Truth be told, it is my favorite time of year with the holidays peeking just around the corner. Anyhoo... Jen over at Crazy For Books is hosting, once again, her weekly book blogger hop. Shall we?

This week's question is this: “Let’s talk crazy book titles! Highlight one or two (or as many as you like!) titles in your personal collection that have the most interesting titles! If you can’t find any, feel free to find one on the internet!” 

Suz: Interesting question. I don't have any books to read, or that I've read that have questionable titles. I mean, I have a few adult books, such as Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty trilogy or The Story of O that might be construed as questionable because of their content, but not necessarily their title. 

And here our this week's posts: 

Books Making It To the Big Screen: World War Z by Max Brooks!!

Harry Potter Team to Reunite for Stephen King's The Stand!

My Movie review: 

Rise of the Planet of the Apes

My Weekly Film Newsletter:

Screen Shots for Inside Out Hawaii Magazine

Book Review to come: Game of Thrones!! (My god, I'm almost finished!!) 

Have a great weekend!

Harry Potter Team To Reunite For Stephen King's The Stand

I know what you're saying right now: The Stand miniseries was good enough; the book is really long; and what happened to his "Dark Tower" project?

Well, with regards to the miniseries, I certainly think we all agree that a revised movie version could bring life back to this story. (Did you really think the miniseries was that good?) After all, it is considered one of his greatest books (though I vote for Dark Tower being Stephen King's crowning achievement). Still, it is a grand project, to say the least.

Though it has not been confirmed, Steven Kloves (who wrote most of the Harry Potter films, excluding Order of the Phoenix) and David Yates (who directed the last four Potter films-the best in the series), will be reuniting to bring this adaptation to the big screen. More on this project to come!! Honestly, with Kloves AND Yates behind this proposed film, it could only be awesome.

Team Potter!! Photo courtesy of Collider

To answer your question regarding Stephen King's novel/screen adaptation: The Dark Tower television and film series, the last I heard was the project had been turned down by Universal, claiming it was just too ambitious and costly. Ok, those are my words. But in a nutshell, I believe this is at the heart of their rejection. At this moment, Ron Howard has not given up and it is only a matter of finding a financier to back up this very monumental task.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes directed by Rupert Wyatt

Rise of the Planet of the Apes 
PG-13

Summary: The Rise of Planet of the Apes is a prequel to the forty three year old iconic franchise and reboot to the series with the hopes of a continuing story of man’s fall. Outstandingly directed by Rupert Wyatt, exquisitely performed by Andy Serkis (Gollum-LOTR) as Ceasar the ape, and brought to life by the award winning company, Weta Digital (Lord of the Rings, Avatar, King Kong); this cautionary tale is only the beginning of a much larger impending chronicle, that explicates how man came to be at war with ape.

My Review: Will Rodman (James Franco) is a scientist desperate to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, a disease that he knows too well due to his father’s (John Lithgow) own deteriorating condition. By testing the virus on a female chimp named Bright Eyes, the results tentatively prove successful, and in an attempt to showcase Bright Eyes improved cognitive skills, things go very awry and the chimp is killed due to suspicions of aggressive behaviour. Yet, she was simply trying to protect her baby, a young chimp that Rodman secretively takes home to nurture, raise and study.

Shortly after, Rodman soon learns that the chimp, given the name Caesar, begins to display impressive intellectual skills and understands that the altered gene has been passed down to the young primate. We watch the young chimp playfully swing from birth through the adult age of five; his excursions becoming less filled with play and more filled with complexity and thought. But in an unfortunate event where Rodman’s father, unknowingly due to his illness, leaves the home and has an altercation with the neighbor, Caesar becomes protective and attacks; a move that lands the chimp to be quarantined in a primate sanctuary. For the first time in his life, he is forced to interact with species of his own kind.

There are many issues raised in the film such as experimental testing on animals and the lengths that we, as a society, will go to in our pursuit for “the cure”. We might add, that no primates were harmed in the making of this film, because no real primates were actually used. All apes were CGI; a spectacular accomplishment by Weta. (Big ups to Weta!!)

Though we felt a few of the characters were stereotyped, such as Frieda Pinto’s character Caroline; the love interest to Will Rodman and a Zoo Vet--her lines seemed to interject the unnecessary, reasoning throughout the film and Tom Felton’s character, Dodge, son of John Landon, the owner of the primate sanctuary, and obviously, the venomous animal hater that is employed to take care of the primates--the catalyst of Caesar’s animosity towards humans; the two characters unfortunately felt painfully obvious in their arid attempts. However, this is a very minimal complaint. If anything, our argument is that we would have liked to see have seen more from our “humans” but understand that this film focused on the apes, as this is their story.

However, on the other end of the spectrum, James Franco and John Lithgow were simply outstanding and their developing relationship with Caesar felt believable and real. There is one scene in particular where Caesar asks in sign language who his father is and James Franco responds, that he is the father. In Caesar’s eyes, he is intelligent enough to understand that he is not human, yet created in a lab, is neither an ape either. He is a hybrid; a primate that far exceeds the intellect of the primitive species.

Finally, the most commending performance of all is by Andy Serkis, the actor behind the movements of Caesar. Between Weta digital and Serkis, the chimp is breathtaking on film. There is so much expression within him and facial features that convey every heart breaking emotion where no words are needed. For me, Caesar, along with the other primates were the stars of the film and had it now been for the exceptional special effects, I may not have been satisfied.

In the end, the two hours flew by with many questions left unanswered. Thus, I eagerly await the next installment in this surprising hit of the summer. If you haven’t already seen it, catch it while it’s still in theaters. It’s that good! Again, the underdevelopment of certain characters left me saying, “what if” and that’s really the only reason that I did not give it a perfect score. I lean toward 4 1/2 stars, to be honest. So please understand that though I didn’t give it five stars, the film is still very much worth seeing. I really am eager to see what the next film will bring.

Cast and Credit:
Directed by Rupert Wyatt
James Franco-Will Rodman
John Lithgow-Charles
Tom Felton-Dodge
David Oyelowo-Steven Jacobs
Frida Pinto-Caroline

Books Making It To The Big Screen! World War Z by Max Brooks

Photo courtesy of Slash Film

There is a big argument in my home! Zombies vs. Vampires, who reigns supreme. My two daughters and I, obviously out rank the men in this family and vote, Vampires. However, my husband and my son both vote Zombies and say, they are preparing for the zombie Apocalypse that should be occurring any day now and with two dogs (the dogs voting Zombies), we lose. When we go hiking, this is all they talk about: should I build my house there, or can Zombies swim? It's an ongoing discussion and a serious one in our home. 

I have to admit after watching and falling in love with AMC's The Walking Dead, I'm slowly being swayed. Soooo... My son has been bugging me to read War World Z, written by Max Brooks and is the follow up novel to The Zombie Survival Guide (also another book my son is forcing me to read). Honestly, what is the big deal? 

Anyway, I thought I'd showcase this novel because as it appears to be the trend (or maybe it's always been done), War World Z is being made into a film. That last statement was dripping with sarcasm, by the way. So, the film could be sinfully awesome, or it could be horribly disappointing. But have faith my little zombie-loving-freaks. Guess who is attached to the film? Brad "I'm super hot and can act" Pitt. 

Below are new images of Mr. Gorgeous in character. 

Brad Pitt will be playing UN Officer, Gerry Lane, who is trying to compile a report of the aftermath of zombie rising. Sounds creepy. Apparently, the novel is told in first person: a collection of individual accounts. Here is the book synopsis: 

The Zombie War came unthinkably close to eradicating humanity. Max Brooks, driven by the urgency of preserving the acid-etched first-hand experiences of the survivors from those apocalyptic years, traveled across the United States of America and throughout the world, from decimated cities that once teemed with upwards of thirty million souls to the most remote and inhospitable areas of the planet. He recorded the testimony of men, women, and sometimes children who came face-to-face with the living, or at least the undead, hell of that dreadful time.World War Z is the result. Never before have we had access to a document that so powerfully conveys the depth of fear and horror, and also the ineradicable spirit of resistance, that gripped human society through the plague years.

The film is scheduled to be released December 21, 2012. Just in time for Christmas!! Because that is what we  all want to see at such a festive time of the year, ZOMBIES!! 

So I have to admit, I'm slightly intrigued by the synopsis of the book. The wording makes me feel like I'm going to be reading something authentic and real. I guess I'll just have to succumb to my son's argument that Zombie's are cool and read the book before next year's film premiere. I say, put this project on your radar and definitely check out the book (which averages 5 stars on Amazon).  

Oh... And vampires are still cool. Enough said. 

Book Blog Hop!

It's Friday!! And that means it's time for another Book Blogger Hop, hosted by Jen from Crazy For Books. This week's question is: 

“What is the one ARC you would love to get your hands on right now?”

Noe and Suz: We don't read ARC's because we are too busy to request them. I know, panda sad. We actually buy our books, believe it or not and that's how we roll over at our book portion of our blog. So we'll change the question up a bit. The book that I (Suz) and most anticipating and would die to get my hands on, is the sequel to Danielle Trussoni's Angelology. This is an adult fiction book based on nephilim. I completely inhaled this novel. It was actually scary, how much I loved this book. Soooo... If Danielle ever gifted me an ARC of the next book in this series, I would past out from its potential awesomeness. How's that for an answer? Btw, I think the novel will be called Angelopolis and will come out next year.

So if you are new to our blog, please let us know and we will return the love. Also, check out this week's posts: Books Making It To The Big Screen and my movie review of Cowboys & Aliens. 

Upcoming book review: Game of Thrones

Upcoming movie review: Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Fright Night

Cowboys and Aliens directed by Jon Favreau

Cowboys and Aliens
PG-13 118 min

Summary: A spaceship arrives in Arizona, 1873, to take over the Earth, starting with the Wild West region. A posse of cowboys and natives are all that stand in their way.

My Review: I have to admit this film slowly embedded its awesomeness into my psyche. When I first caught word that director, John Favreau (Iron Man) was working on a film that involved both Cowboys and Aliens, I quickly became skeptic. Egyptians vs. Aliens, probable. But Cowboys, pfft... But then the list of actors tied to the film came out, and with Harrison Ford AND Daniel Craig in lead roles, I shamed myself for even doubting.

Cowboys and Aliens essentially is a Western film with sci-fi elements to it and are based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name by Scott Mitchel Rosenberg. Set in the late 1800’s Arizona, the beginning of the film commences with Daniel Craig’s character awaking in the desert, injured and cuffed with an unusual bracelet. He has no recollection of who he is and how he got there. After a few unsavory mishaps with some passersby who stumble upon him and attempt to kidnap him, hoping that he is worth a bounty, wanders on his own accord to the desolate town of Absolution. It is there that he finds trouble and becomes embroiled in an argument with the local town’s bully, who happens to be the son of a wealthy rancher. When he is arrested for assault on the bully, the sheriff recognizes that he has a “Wanted” man in his custody and decides to turn him over to the Feds, including the town bully, whom he is tired of dealing with.

In summary, the wealthy rancher (Harrison Ford) decides to rescue his son, but soon realizes that the sheriff is holding none other, than Jake Lonergan; a man who has stolen gold from him. Woodrow (Ford) demands both be turned over to him. That is until the town suddenly becomes terrorized by flying objects that attack, by whisking away many members of the community, including the rancher’s son, Percy. In the aftermath of the previous night, the town soon comes to grips with the devastation of losing loved ones by sources unknown and it is here that the remaining members of the town band together to attempt to track and rescue them. So their quest begins.

Overall, the film delivered exactly what its prescribed premise appears to be: Cowboys and Aliens. Though the acting at times was somewhat lackluster, I do want to point out that Daniel Craig made up for it. Not only can he act, his physique offered believability to some very entertaining fight action sequences. There are tons of explosions, a few laughs, a few more poignant moments, and in the end, a fun story that thoroughly entertained our viewing group. (Noe loved it!)

If you are looking to analyze plot holes, and the actuality that most antiquated rifles are no match for the superiority of alien weaponry: You need not see this film. But if you are looking to have a good time with a fun film that was pretty solid from the beginning to the end, than you must definitely check it out. Cowboys & Aliens is playing in theatres now and I say totally check it out! How can you not?

Cast and Credit:
Directed by John Favreau
Daniel Craig-Jake
Harrison Ford-Woodrow
Olivia Wilde-Ella
Paul Dano-Percy

Books Making It To The Big Screen! Paradise Lost by John Milton

Last year I became really obsessed with novels that focused on Angels or had a religious aspect to them. I ran out and purchased Paradise Lost, Dante's Inferno, The Book of Enoch, and The Book of Adam and Eve, along with countless others. I started to read them and essentially, became even more fascinated: call me an Angelologist, if you will.

Well much to my shock, Paradise Lost is being adapted for the big screen with Alex Proyas (I, Robot) set to direct and Bradley Cooper confirming the role of Lucifer.

According to Cooper, filming will start in January and we should see a premiere release sometime late in 2013 (though IMDb has 2012 as the release year).

I just have to say, if cast right and adapted eloquently, this film will be epic! Recently Cooper spoke with BleedingCool.com and gave us a little more info on this amazing project.

We’ve been doing motion capture tests all of this week. It’s full on, the deals are done. We’re testing out different rigs. We did this one scene where Lucifer lands and talks to the minions. Alex Proyas is wonderful… it’s exciting. We start shooting in January. I can’t wait. It’s been such a long time… I remember on the A-Team tour we were here and met Ralph Fiennes. We were talking and he said “Want do you want to do?” and I said “There’s this project, Paradise Lost, and all I want to do is play the devil” and he said to me “You’re going to do it.”

Can't you just picture Bradley Cooper playing the most hated character in all of mankind? Ah, yes. He has the looks, the charisma and the charm. Just look at those eyes! Evil, I tell you. Evilally delicious!!! (Is Evilally even a word?) 

So, if you love Paradise Lost, or even adore religious books -- Put this project on your radar!! And if you are looking for great films that feature Satan or fallen Angels, might I suggest a few? I really enjoyed Book of Eli with Denzel Washington. In fact, I will be recommending two films that he has starred in that have devilish overtones. 

Book of Eli is an excellent film. Starring Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman and Mila Kunis; it is about a post-apocalyptic world in which the past has been long forgotten and we are living in times very similar to the days of the wild west. Yet, one man has been called upon a mission in which he is to bring the only surviving bible to the coast-he walks on faith. And thus begins his adventure. 

Fallen is another excellent film. Starring Denzel Washington, John Goodman and Donald Sutherman; it is about a detective who witnesses a serial killer's execution. Yet, the crimes begin again and very similar to the ones committed by the deceased. The detective begins to unravel the mystery surround the crimes and what he discovers is truly ominous and haunting; an ancient being called forth when God made light and day: Azazel the fallen angel. This movie ruined the Rolling Stones song "Time is on my side" for me. It creeps me out to this day!!