There are two movies of this title, the original was filmed in 2008 in French, the new American version, which was filmed in 2015 was a remake of the French version. The reason I decided to watch the American version is that the French version is difficult to find in America due to the level of violence. The American version is supposedly not as violent, although there are very violent and graphic scenes in this movie.

The plot is a little convoluted. It seems to involve some sort of doomsday cult looking for the answer to what is out there in the afterlife. They are searching for a woman or girl who can sustain and survive what others cannot. They torture young girls and women and hope that they see something to tell them after the torture. They take it so far that most of the girls and young women die. Lucie is one of these girls, she escaped as a young girl and when she is older and in her twenties she goes in search of the people who hurt her in hopes to stop the thing that is haunting her. Lucie's best friend, Anna, promises to keep her safe, but doesn't necessarily believe that she is being haunted, or that she was tortures as a child.

After Anna meets Lucie at a house where she has killed someone she claims to have been in on the torture of her as a child. Anna cannot believe what has happened. She thinks that Lucie has finally gone insane and she goes outside in an attempt to find help. Lucie follows her asking her to help dispose of the bodies so that she might finally be safe. Anna doesn't know what to do to help her and is conflicted.

There are a lot of things that happen between this and the end of the movie, including the deaths of innocent victims, the skinning of a girl's back in graphic detail, and scenes which make one wonder what the hell is going on and who are these people and are all girls/young women in movies total idiots who don't know how to preserve their own lives since they always get shot, stabbed, or murdered because they aren't playing attention to their surroundings.

This movie is not what I expected, and I would like to watch the French version to compare the violence levels. It didn't provide enough back story to be interesting, for example I didn't get to know enough about the young girls to care about what happened to them. It also didn't create enough of a feel of evil to the cult as it could have, so I didn't get the chance to dislike or like them as much as I would have liked. There has to be someone to root for, even if it is the antagonist, if there isn't someone to root for then there isn't any point in watching a movie. If there isn't someone to root for, then there should be something to root for and there wasn't that either. If it had been to learn what the cult was seeking and to find out what Lucie saw at then end of the movie it would have been more interesting.

I personally do not like watching a movie just for the gore of watching a horror movie. While I don't have a problem with gore or violence, I don't want to watch a movie that involves a lot of gore and violence with not enough story to back it up. The violence was only added to point out that these girls and young women had to go through all of this to see what they needed to see, and this is why they are called Martyrs.

While I do have my complaints about the lack of plot in this movie, and yes I know some will argue with me about this movie having a plot as some believe that it is about women finding themselves and building a relationship that takes them through the good and bad and strengthens their resolve to be who or what they are, I didn't feel that it was about that at all. And, before anyone says I am hating on this movie, I didn't hate it, I enjoyed it. Seeing Troian Bellisario in something other than PRETTY LITTLE LIARS was delightful as it showed her differing acting skills and she isn't just a melodramatic/soap opera actress.

So, I don't know if I would tell others to watch this or not as I am not sure where I am on it. Did I enjoy it because of Bellisario or did I enjoy it because it didn't end in a way that was expected. I can tell you I didn't like part of the ending as I don't like unanswered questions, especially if the movie makes the ENTIRE movie about the one question that you are expecting the answer to.

This is a quite mystery thriller that is slow to burn and I'm betting that many people haven't heard of it. MATCH POINT was released in 2005, and was directed by Woody Allen. It has a stellar cast with Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Emily Mortimer, and Scarlett Johansson. The movie follows tennis pro, Chris, as he tries to get back into things and figure out what he wants. He meet a young man, Tom Hewett, who introduces him to his family, and his fiance. Chris becomes intimate with Chloe Hewett and eventually marries her. While Tom and Nola have their ups and downs and eventually they break up. Chris is very fascinated by Nola and eventually begins an extramarital affair with her. Things come to a head and Chris finds himself in a predicament that he eventually only sees one solution to.

This movie was a little slow, and after a certain point there are no character to like. The only character who seems promising is Tom, but after the marriage of Chris and Chloe there isn't much of Tom in it. He actually seems to disappear, and is not further developed, which he should have been. At first, Johannson's character Nola, is very intriguing, but then Allen creates a whiny woman who the audience just sees as a brat. She isn't interesting, and just seems like a bratty, whiny character who feels that she is entitled to things she doesn't deserve. This was not the best character Johannson has played.

Chloe has only one concern, almost as soon as her and Chris are married, and that is to be pregnant. This, along with Chloe's mother harping on Chris as to when he is going to give her a grandchild, makes both Chloe and her mother annoying and cliche. I wanted to strangle her and her mother, not only does Chloe seem mousy and unsophisticated, but she doesn't stand up for herself against her mother when she should. And the mother is just not nice throughout the entire movie. She doesn't approve of Nola because she is an American and a struggling actress. She only approves of Chris because he is better than the man her daughter was having a brief fling with.

Chris isn't much better. He is an annoying self-entitled a-hole, who begins an affair with Nola as many men do, selfish motives because he can't communicate with his wife. I hated him, and not just because he was a cheating a-hole, but because he wasn't interesting. There was nothing about him to like or enjoy, he wasn't an interesting character. This was disappointing since I know Rhys Meyers has quite the acting skill, having seen him in VELVET UNDERGROUND and THE TUDORS his range is exceptional. I don't think he was used well in this and everything seemed lazy. In fact all of the acting seemed lazy and half-assed.

There are people who either like or dislike Woody Allen, and I think I may just be in the latter group as I haven't found a movie by him that I truly enjoy. Most of his movies are so slow to come to a point that I end up losing interest.

The ending of this is unexpected, and yet it is also unsatisfactory and doesn't make me like the characters any more. I appreciated the surprise ending, but it was anticlimactic after watching 2 hours of build up.

So, I don't recommend this movie, unless you are a Woody Allen fan, then you might like this. Personally, I just don't get it, I don't get him, nor do I get the appeal of his movies.

Recently I had the pleasure to interview author Shirley B. Garrett. Dr. Garrett has published several novels, a self-help and several in the mystery/chick lit genre. Information about her books, social media and website, and upcoming events will be at the end of this interview.

So, let's get to know Dr. Garrett!

What sets your books apart from others?
     Strong characterization helps to make my books unique. Because I have a doctorate in psychology and over twenty-six years of experience providing mental health and substance abuse treatment, I'm good at writing. I try to help my readers understand what drives each of my characters. (I know this makes me sound as old as Zombie, cemetery dirt. Not true).

Why do you write in the genres that you do?
     I write self-help because I'm still trying to save the world. (I know it's corny, but I can't help myself.) I'm planning a series of short 99-cent eBooks on different topics like confidence and boundaries. I want them to be affordable to the people who need them. I'm writing the gritty, Charlie Stone, crime thriller series because as a therapist, I understand the dark underside of the driving forces of the human psyche. After I write a chapter about the antagonist in this series, I often feel the need to take a break and wash my hands. The Hot Flash series is fun to write, and the four Divas, Phoenix, Gina, Latishia, and Kat practically explode onto the screen while I'm writing them. Any woman who goes through this difficult period of life needs to be able to laugh about the challenges it presents. The interesting thing about Hot Flash Divas is both the guys and gals in my critique groups loved it.

If you could write in any genre what would you write and why?
     Interesting that you should ask this question. I completed the first chapter of a cozy mystery that will have a paranormal flavor. That's all I'm revealing at this point.

How many hours a day do you write?
     Four to six hours a day.
     Most people who run a successful business must learn to manage their time in an effective way. In general, I write daily and to some degree on weekends. If I'm not having lunch with friends, grocery shopping, doing laundry, or attending an art class, I'm writing. I schedule activities each day to get out of the house and away from the computer for a few hours. Unless my husband is busy with a project, I stop when he arrives home and spend quality time with him. Writing is my profession, not a hobby.

Do you have a set place where you write? Can you describe it if you do?
     When I closed my four-room therapy office, I compressed my office into an extra bedroom in my house. I have a large double window that faces the front lawn and flowerbeds. I use a MAC desktop with a large monitor, an ergonomic keyboard, and wireless mouse to reduce the strain of long hours of writing. My chair is adjustable and supports my lower back. On the desk area to my left, which is in front of the window sits Pookie's basket. She's my bibliocat and makes sure I take breaks by standing in front of my monitor, purring.
     I don't go to coffee shops to write. Hunching over over a laptop while I try to tune out a plethora of sounds and distractions isn't conducive to my writing. I like my comfortable, quiet, ergonomic office, with the great view. I do take an iPad Mini and a small keyboard with me when I travel. I wrote many of the Florida scenes in Hot Flash Divas on location.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?
     Writing is an energy that excites me. It almost flows like a force, unless I've been at it for too many hours or I've forgotten to eat. Editing is more exhausting. (Personally I agree with Shirley here. I think writing is easier than editing and I often feel exhausted after editing. The only reason way I am tired after writing is if I am emotionally exhausted).

What is the best money you have spent as a writer?
     I hired a professional editor. I'd edited my first book so many times; I couldn't have seen a mistake if it had been in bold print. My beta readers caught some problems. After all that, my publisher corrected more mistakes. Even best-selling authors hire editors. Using an editor may give a writer the advantage of catching an agent or publisher's interest. If self-publishing—it's a must. Poorly written self-published books make it hard on the authors who produce quality work to be taken seriously in the world of publishing.

Have you ever had writer's block?
     No. There are several reasons why. First, I write almost every day, so I don't stop the creative flow. Second, as I go about I watch people, listen to conversations, and check out places to use in my stories. The third way I avoid this curse is by writing two to four books at one time. (Yep, I know that sounds insane.) When I hit a place where my path isn't clear in one book, I switch to another one. (She is one lucky lady here)

What about reader's block?
     I've never had it and pray I never do. I love to read and tend to have a print book and an audiobook going at the same time. I always make sure the books are by different authors, so I don't mingle the plots.

What other writer's are you friends with and how have they helped you become a better writer?
     I'm a member of Sister's in Crime—Atlanta Chapter, North Alabama Mystery Writers (NAMW), Huntsville Literary Association (HLA) Critique Group, Coffee and Critique, and Coffee Tree Writers. I learn by doing critiques as well as receiving the feedback from these talented writers. The two most well- known authors who have helped me with their advice are Baron Birtcher, who writes the Mike Travis series and John DeDakis, who writes the Lark Chadwick Mystery series.

What was an early experience where you learned language had power?
     As a counselor, I had many patients tell me when they were about to relapse on alcohol or drugs, reenter a bad relationship, or needed to make a major decision, that they would hear my voice in their heads reminding them of something I told them in a therapy session. Some would think, "What would Dr. Garrett do?" That was when I realized the power of words and tried to use them wisely.

How did publishing your first novel change your process of writing? Or did it?
     My first book was a self-help book titled Stop the Craziness: Simple Life Solutions. I used a conversational style similar to the way I spoke to people during therapy sessions. Remembering my patient's frustrations with self-help books that go on and on about the problems, I made mine a solution-oriented book that got to the point. I used call-out boxes to emphasize the most important points and cartoons to give a visual of each chapter topic. Also, I provided a simple intervention at the end of each chapter to help the reader improve his or her life.
     Fiction is entirely different. My writing style in Deadly Compulsion, a crime thriller, is graphic and intense. In Hot Flash Divas, a chick lit novel, my style is poignant and humorous.

For aspiring writers what information or advice would you give them?
     Write first, edit second. Some folks are plotters and write a detailed outline. Others write by the seat of their pants and let the story take them where it will. I'm a bit of both. I do a loose plot to make sure I hit the correct story arc to avoid a saggy middle, but I still let the story and the characters take me where they choose.

In your opinion, what are the most important magazines for aspiring writers to subscribe to?
     Writer's Digest and Poets and Writers.

What is your favorite under-appreciated novel?
     Dollface, a thriller written by J.D. Frost, which was published by Ardent Writer Press. James is a member of North Alabama Mystery Writers, and he can write a chase scene that puts you in the vehicle.

If you could tell your younger aspiring writer self anything, what would it be?
     The same things I told myself when I closed my private counseling practice in 2014 and started writing full-time. I was a neophyte. I knew how to run my business and how to use my knowledge and skills to help people get better. I knew nothing about the publishing business. Here's the plan that I used.
     Commit to go to my home office and write every day.
     Learn my craft. Read books and attend webinars about my new profession.
     Take an online college course on writing fiction.
     I used three different critique groups, and eventually started my own, North Alabama Mystery Writers (NAMW) to hone my skills and to give and receive valuable feedback.
     Visit writer's conferences and book fairs to learn more about writing, meet authors, agents, and publishers. Pitch my books.
     Attend Toastmasters to become a proficient speaker. I needed to communicate well while pitching a book, speaking on a panel, doing an interview, or giving a keynote address.
     Never give up.
     Accept rejection as part of the process.
     Keep writing while querying agents, especially if it's a series. Don't let the momentum stop.

About Dr. Garrett's books:

Stop the Craziness: Simple Life Solutions is a fun to read toolbox of 50 simple solutions to help you improve your life.
 
Deadly Compulsion is the first in the Charlie Stone crime thriller series.
     Dr. Charlene Stone, Ph.D., is called in for her first psychological profile consultation for the Huntsville, Alabama Police Department. Middle-aged, alcoholic men are being seduced in nightclubs and lured to their deaths. They are found naked, beaten, and mutilated in their beds. The crime scenes are neat and organized. Within weeks, the police discover a second and then a third victim. The killer's time between murders is shortening. To complicate matters, Charlie is suffering from insomnia, nightmares and sleepwalking episodes.  Her attraction to Detective Ryan Roberts adds to her emotional turmoil.
Due to mounting circumstantial evidence, Charlie finds she is a suspect and banned from the investigation. She puts her life in danger during an unsanctioned attempt to clear her name and to stop the brutal murders. Will Charlie catch the killer or discover her worst fear?
 
Hot Flash Divas is the first in the Hot Flash Series.
     Phoenix O'Leary faces the worst year of her life as a psychologist. Her father dies of cancer in September. On Christmas Day, her funeral director husband, Todd, asks for a divorce. She knew he was a buffet-loving, recliner slug, but didn't suspect that he was a liar and cheater. Her friends, the Divas sweep in to help Phoenix cope with her grief, reconstruct her life, and learn to have fun as a single lady. Gina Borgiano is her best friend and a single, Italian, Catholic, divorce attorney. She represents Phoenix when Todd files for divorce. Latishia Snide, built like a five-foot basketball with braids, navigates life on three-inch designer heels. A successful loan officer, she helps Phoenix finance a new home in Huntsville. Kat Wang, a Chinese-American nurse, helps Phoenix's see to her medical needs. The mishaps and adventures the Divas encounter along the way produce tears of sadness, hot flashes, laughter that stresses the limits of their cranky bladders and a sprinkling of zesty adult romance.
 
Upcoming news: Thunderchild Publishing has signed a contract to publish the next books in each series: Deadly Lesson and Hot Flash Romance. They will be released in 2017.

Where you can find Dr. Garrett's books:

Website: http://www.ourworlds.net/thunderchild/
Email:  thunderchild38@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thunderchildpublishing

You too can follow Dr. Garrett on these platforms:
Website: http://www.ShirleyBGarrett.com
Email: shirleybgarrett.com.
Facebook.com/ShirleyBGarrett
Twitter.com/ShirleyBGarrett
Author page on goodreads.com

Dr. Garrett is available for interviews, book signings, review copies of her books, and speaking engagements. Check out Dr. Garrett's blog on her website for more insight into her characters. 

Upcoming events where you can meet Dr. Garrett:
     Dr. Garrett will be one of the panelists at the Decatur book fair on Labor Day weekend. Location: The Decatur Library , 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, Georgia. Her books will be available in the Sisters in Crime Bookstore.

Hopefully, I have introduced you to a new author, and if you already knew about Dr. Garrett, hopefully she gave you some helpful and interesting information.

A big thanks to Dr. Shirley Garrett for answering these questions!

Superheros seem to be everywhere, from Batman and Superman, to the Avengers, to the Justice League and Wonder Woman, and while the Guardians of the Galaxy are superheros as well, they aren't really super in the typical sense, they are super in the extraterrestrial sense. I recommend that if you haven't seen the first movie, you do that before seeing this one. It isn't that you won't enjoy it, but you might not get all of the references in this one.

So what is this movie about? What is the plot?

Peter Quill is riding high off of his rescue of the infinity stone, and life. Him and his team go on missions for others planets and species to take part in paid missions which only they can accomplish. His team is like his family and it includes Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and baby Groot. Along the way Quill finds out who his father really is and several interesting and unforeseen facts emerge.

Like the original movie this one continued to have several humorous moments and laughable jokes. Drax as a character seems more developed, and while he still has a somewhat flat demeanor, he has learned about humor and sarcasm. He is one of the standouts in this movie as he frequently has both serious moments but he also breaks up serious moments by adding humor and lightheartedness to these moments. Rocket is still as ornery as he was in the first movie, and continues to push limits of what he can do and what is going to be tolerated by the rest of the guardians. Gamora is a little less angry in this movie, and her heart shows through several times, creating more depth to her character. Poor Groot is still a baby and is growing into his size, very slowly. He will eventually prove to be the same Groot he used to be, but he was delightful and funny, and the young ladies sitting next to me kept commenting on how cute and adorable he was.

So, what is different in this movie that makes it stand out from the first one. For one thing, you already know the characters, and love the humor and the strength of them. There isn't as much action in this one as there was in the first one, but that is okay because the action is replaced by something else I was not expecting... Heart.

I was surprised at how much emotion this movie had. There were several times where I felt bad for the characters, and delighted. This movie is much more than another superhero movie, it is really about what matters, or should matter to everyone. It is a movie about discovering family you thought you had lost and realizing that the family you have created might just be the family you need. In the end, this movie is all about knowing when to stop searching for the things you think you are missing. It is about reconnecting to what really matters and realizing that you don't need what you never had.

I was touched by several scenes in this movie, from Drax describing his daughter to a new character Mantis, and the sadness, regret, and love he talked about his lost child. I was touched by Gamora and Nebula's attempts to be who they needed each other to be, and after seeing some of the trouble in their relationship I wanted to hug my own siblings and let them know how much they mattered to me. So to say this movie is really filled with orphans looking for family is not a far stretch, and they prove that family is the one thing not set in stone, or built in blood. Family is what you create it to be.

This was an excellent movie, deeper than most people probably think when they watch it. Summertime movies are known for being light, something to watch in an air conditioned room, getting away from the heat. This was not a typical summertime movie, it has depth, redemption, action, and it makes one think.

Go, see it.