Monday, September 22, 2014

Underrated Treasures

Today I'm participating in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Underrated Treasures Blogfest where I get to share the movie, band, TV show, and book that I love, but for one reason or another seems to stay under the radar. Here goes:


The Maze Runner (movie)

I know what you're thinking...this movie isn't exactly under the radar. In fact, it secured the number one spot this past weekend in the box office, and rightly so. But I wanted to spotlight it because it's based on the novel by fellow YA author, James Dashner--and I got to watch it with him along with my family and other writer friends (you might recognize a few pictured here)! How cool is that?


I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, my teenagers next to me constantly grabbing my arm and gasping during the non-stop action and surprises. I loved it...highly recommended! The second film is already underway, and the September 18th, 2015 release was just announced. I can't wait!



Chelsea Lankes

I'm constantly on the search for new music to write to, and lately I seem to be tuning into Chelsea Lankes. All of her songs definitely fall in the pop range (which isn't my usual thing) but with enough synth influence to make me an instant fan. Her debut album releases soon, and I have a feeling she's one to look out for.



The Killing

It's a dark crime drama that lasted three seasons on AMC and was recently revived for six more episodes on Netflix. I admit the Netflix versions were too dark for me and I didn't make it past the first of those episodes. The first two seasons cover just one murder investigation, but right down to the last thirty seconds of the last episode of season two, my jaw hit the floor. I have never been so shocked to find out who the real killer was in any story ever. My husband and I still talk about it. Also, Joel Kinnaman's character Stephen Holder is my #1 favorite character of all time. I'm talking books, movies, you name it. He's the winner. I want to write an entire novel just based around a character like that. I LOVE him.



Dreamhunter/Dreamquake

This is a fantasy duet by New Zealand author Elizabeth Knox. It takes place in an alternate universe Edwardian version of New Zealand where you can visit the Rainbow Opera and while you sleep, have your dreams guided by a professional dreamhunter. One of the most original stories I've ever read. As soon as I finished the second book I went straight to the first to read the whole thing again. It also has one of my favorite (non-human) characters of all time.























There you have it...my underrated treasures. What movie, band, TV show, or book do you feel is underrated?

19 comments:

Kyra Lennon said...

You have spectacular taste in music, so I will be checking that out!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your picks for the Underrated Treasures Blogfest. I'll definitely check out Maze Runner when it comes out on dvd.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

The Maze Runner movie looks like a lot of fun! And I started watching the first season of The Killing back when it first came out - I liked it, but it was too slow moving for me.

Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

Dianne K. Salerni said...

I watched all the seasons of The Killing on Netflix just last month and was bereft when there were no more episodes to watch! Loved the show -- although I liked the later seasons better when the mystery was wrapped up quicker. Two seasons on one murder did drag out a bit.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You got to watch the movie with the author? How wild is that!
Thanks for participating in my blogfest.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

How cool that you got to watch that movie with the author. Enjoyed the music and I watched the Killing too.

Margo Kelly said...

I loved THE MAZER RUNNER! My husband and I saw it on the huge IMAX screen. Just great. And I watched few episodes of THE KILLING but lost interest. Maybe I'll try it again, and at least finish the first two seasons so I can know who the killer was!

Unknown said...

Some great things, I just got the score for the film, it's going to be one of my favorites...

Jeremy [Retro]
Howlin' Wolf Records: On-Line Magazine

S. L. Hennessy said...

I love the Killing. Sad, but terrific show.

Chrys Fey said...

I do want to see The Maze Runner. And I REALLY like the sound of Chelsea Lankes' voice and music. Just like you, I love to find new music to write to, so thanks for sharing!!

Tammy Theriault said...

Any movie is amazing with friends ;) great pic and list!

Cynthia said...

I've heard great things about The Maze Runner. Thanks for sharing your picks.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I'm going to see The Maze Runner tomorrow and I think they did a better book adaptation than Divergent just based off the buzz. So cool you got to see it with the author. The Killing was a really good show, AMC does crazy great shows. The Walking Dead is my fave. Books that make you read over and over again are a blast.

Jack said...

You got to see The Maze Runner with James Dashner?! That is SOOO cool! I am going to try and see it this weekend and I cannot wait. I finished the book and am on the second and love the characters to bits. Especially Newt.

Jessie Humphries said...

Man, I wish I lived in UT sometimes! I still need to see the Maze Runner. I rarely ever go to the movies anymore. :( Hey are you coming to the Vegas Valley Book Festival? Please say yes.

Krista McLaughlin said...

It sounds like you had a great time at the movie! I haven't read the book, but I do plan on reading it. It's on my list! :)

The last books sound really interesting! I'm off to look them up right away!

Loni Townsend said...

I've never heard of Chelsea Lankes, but that's a pretty good song. Nice selections!

Suzi said...

My son got to see the movie for a birthday party on Sunday. I so wanted to stay and watch too, but I'm pretty sure the movie isn't appropriate for my 7 year old daughter.

I'll see it some time.

J Lenni Dorner said...

The Killing was pretty good. Though I didn't care for the final minutes of the final episode. I liked them better as co-workers.

I haven't see The Maze Runner. I'll have to check that out. :)