MOVIE REVIEW & INTERVIEW / Locked (a film by David Yarovesky)

From producer Sam Raimi, this horror-thriller follows a petty thief (Bill Skarsgård) who breaks into the wrong car and becomes prey to its vengeful owner (Anthony Hopkins). Eddie faces a deadly game of survival, where escape is an illusion, and justice shifts into high gear.

Jenny sits down with the director of Locked, David Yarovesky to chat about horror icons, closed spaces and embracing the inspiring challenges of independent movies. Join the conversation in the comments and on social media.

For audio, please check out the Atomic Geekdom Podcast to listen in.

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By Jenny Robinson

We are in a splendid time for indie movies right now. When movies like Anora can take home the Oscar, and historic art house theaters are becoming the hot spot for entertainment.

Locked (released in theaters March 21st, 2025 ) hasn’t seen a lot of hype on socials despite having two of the most acclaimed horror actors today. So far it has been a quiet backseat thriller, hidden behind the hype of the larger budget Steven Soderbergh Black Bag and the family friendly live-action, Snow White. Regardless of the constantly unpredictable market, this movie has the potential to out shine them all.

The direction style of Yarovesky works seamlessly with this story. Many times, as a theatergoer, I felt as if I was apart of this horror, a spectator on the outside, looking in. This feeling is driven home by how each camera and angle is applied. It holds our hand in how we view both inside and outside of the Dolus (the weaponized luxury SUV), by adding a layer of claustrophobic anxiety.

Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of the central character Eddie, allows the audience to both feel annoyed with and identify you’re also on his side . Even his pink hoodie has costume design importance. A hoodie is synonymous in security cam footages to burglars and thieves. Having his shirt be pink to soften away from the black, makes him feel more amateur, a screw up. Every scene is master class in acting for a character full of stubbornness, determination, and atonement.

The movie brings you in full force, once William’s (Sir Anthony Hopkins) voice is audible in the car. Flashbacks of Hopkin’s calm, soothing and unsettling voice from his vast portfolio of films, took this role up an impressive notch. The way he can deliver lines that make you feel both empathy for the antagonist and fear is an example of his excellence.

The scenes when both of them are together, are exemplary, with the plot blurred between necessity, remorse, justice, revenge, all told through a clever lens torture. Where the rich can eat the poor, but the less advantage has street smarts the privileged could never understand.

This movie was one hell of a ride. Open the door, and see it on a big screen.

Queen Mary Dark Harbor 2024

So excited to share the return of the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor! It’s been four years since we last stepped foot on the legendary haunted ship. It has been said that the ship and it’s hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in the country, but the event had to take a pause during Covid and allow some time to do repairs to the ship. But 2024 they are back and better than ever!

What makes this such a go-to attraction during the halloween season is the simple coolness of the environment. You’re on a haunted ship for Pete’s sake! A marine layer adds some additional natural fog on certain nights that make any fog machines secondary. Walking through the deepness of the boiler room, or down the service hallways (usually without a lot of lights) is pretty darn creepy.

What sets Dark Harbor out from the other haunts is 100% the cast of characters. The event does an absolute fabulous job in casting every member of the event. Lady Mabel, Samuel the Savage, Graceful Gale, every Slider. bartender, food vendor and of course The Ringmaster makes the experience feel intimate no matter how crowded it can get on a sold out night. Add in the opportunity to score a coin from one of them that allows access to hidden speakeasy’s through the event makes this top notch fun in our book.

“The Spirit Rise Once Again” is the perfect welcome back. Catch an epic night to get in the Halloween spirt! Running from September 20th through November 2nd, 2024 at 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach CA 90802.

CONLIFE / SDCC 2024 Recap with Jenny and Kyle

By Jenny Robinson

SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2024

July 24th - July 28th / San Diego, CA

My first San Diego Comic Con was 2009. For 2024, it was an absolute blast to ride along on Kyle’s first attendance, and seeing things through a newbie’s eyes. He embraced the mayhem in stride and taught this veteran a few things as well.

Wednesday started off with the hellacious drive from Los Angeles to San Diego. As we say around here “Took THE 134, to the THE 5, to THE 805….” We made it just in time for Kyle to run at Olympic Speed onto the floor to the Hasbro booth to snag his Preview Night Exclusive of Star Wars Black Series - Darth Maul with Sith Speeder. Preview nights have even gotten bigger over the years! But no SDCC is complete w/o a trip to Tivoli’s (the oldest bar in Downtown SD) once the floor closes. A great place to meet back up with old pals and new friends. This has been a tradition I follow, as they have stiff drinks, affordable prices and a great neighborhood vibe. There has been many hours in the past at these tables, excitedly recapping the day, formulating game plans and catching up with colleagues. This year did not disappoint.

Kyle outside of Tivoli’s with his Preview Night Haul.

On Thursday, Kyle truly impressed me by being up before the sun to run down to the Marriott Marquis to get in line for the Dragon Ball Z exclusive pass. I lagged but met up with him later to snag our “I PLAYED DRAGON BALL: SPARKING! ZERO” lanyard (and I was reminded how very VERY bad I am at video games - and how good he is). The Dragon Ball Z activation is an awesome family friendly (no badge needed) activity. They do such a great job with the various elements to make them feel obtainable and in turn - incredibly enjoyable.
In addition, Kyle officially gained the name “KING OF THE FLOOR!”. He ran back into the mayhem to snag his exclusives he woke up so early for.

Kyle & Jenny’s silly photo op & Kyle’s swag

Thursday was a blast and possibly the busiest of our days! We continued over at Social Tap (fond memories of the 2013 Black Sails party at same location came flooding back to me) for The Op Games Party Games & Whiskey party! This event encompassed everything I love about SDCC. We were welcomed with Whistle Pig cocktails as we bounced around various game tables meeting new people. There were so many laughs as a bunch of us (some we knew, some were new) played TAPPLE AFTER DARK or attempted new languages with for DADADA. Having 10 seconds to come up with a word for “Sexual Positions” that starts with a specific letter in TAPPLE AFTER DARK…let’s just say, PG ratings were not met. The OP Games nailed it by making an event that became an easy ice breaker for attendees to meet and become new fans of their games (the games are so fun!!).

The Op Games - Party Games & Whiskey

Thursday wrapped up with dancing to Jason Deluo at the Fandom Party. The expanse that is SDCC has no limits. Cosplayers dancing to songs like Wiggle was quite the sight! And the audience was an interesting mix of attendees that were dressed to the nines while the other half was trying to figure out how not to crush their swag bags. It was a surreal experience but proved why so many, try so hard, to attend. I’ll note that I do appreciate the passes are handled by accumulating points to be entered to win, but did notice most attendees appeared to be industry guests. Aside from that, DAMN GREAT SHOW at a wonderful location at the Float in the Hard Rock. I was so caught up in dancing, I sadly totally missed the Deadpool drone show that night (Link HERE).
The only true disappointment of the day was the Focus Features Shaun of the Dead Experience. It was pretty sad. They ran out of all the exclusive branded cans of beer ridiculously early (which you also couldn’t drink because they didn’t get a liqueur license). So most attendees just received a non-branded can of local beer. To add to the frustration, they also sold out of most of the merch, leaving just a couple t-shirts in size small or 3X, a Foree Electric Trucker hat (which I couldn’t figure out why a trucker hat?) and a pair of socks. All overpriced. The line to get in was also chaos, making the online RSVP a bit of a waste of time. Do better Focus Features, I hope you learned from this failure. And high five’s to everyone with early reservations that had the opportunity to score a better experience earlier in the day.

Friday. Oh Friday.
Kyle continued to walk the floor noting “The sheer size of some of the booths was just unbelievable. The Marvel and DC booths were among the booths that were needed to visit while I was there. The Marvel booth had cosplay competitions and costumes set up from Deadpool and Wolverine and Captain America: New World Order!” And I hit the streets to stand in line at the Paramount Lodge. Without the tickets, I waited in stand by. This worked because I got in line early, and was prepared to wait. I ended up waiting about 2 hours. Because I was in line, had some wonderful conversations with others and a man who had done it before gave me some valuable tricks (“Go to the Star Trek area first to get a ticket for a t-shirt, then pizza, then drinks - or they’ll run out”). So I did exactly that! The cosplayers there were mind-blowingly awesome!

Jenny with @waltimusprime Marvel Cosplayers at the Paramount Lodge

Continuing Friday, I was excited to attend the FROM (streaming on MGM/Amazon) panel on the IMDB boat. Season 3 looks so creepy good (check it out - premiering 9.22) while Kyle continued to master the floor and tribbles, “The Star Trek booth was a mini zoo of aliens all centered around an episode of Lower Decks, The Menagerie. At the end of that experience you can take your photo in one of the displays and act like you were being attacked by one of the inhabitants.”

Kyle's Star Trek booth experience.

Then wrapping up the day with FX photo ops and XLE PartyPocalypse. XLE had multiple themed nights of parties (Legends of Fantasy, Anti-Hero, etc) that you could purchase tickets through Eventbrite. At $35 a head, it was an affordable and exciting way to continue the evening! The dance floor was jumping with cosplayers decked out in the theme, and a live band playing all the hits. Special shout out to some amazing cosplayers for the introduction to these long standing parties (for fun photos - check out cosplayer @sierramm on instagram).

XLE PartyPocalypse SDCC 2024

Saturday we were loosing steam and caffeine was a #1 necessity. I started the day with Kyle back on the floor. Per Kyle, a standout was “The Star Wars booth. It housed many costumes and props from The Acolyte and was playing scenes on a giant screen from different movies and shows.”
We jumped on the IMDB Boat and did the Rings of Power photo op before I ran to the Wynonna Earp panel. That was one of my favorite highlights this year. I fell in love with the show back in 2017 after SDCC introduced me to the wonderfulness of that silly SyFy show. After it’s final season on SyFy a few years back, fans are now SUPER excited for it’s return on Tubi with the 90 minute Vengeance special. We all have high hopes this will mean more seasons to come.

Wynonna Earp panel

Saturday wrapped at The Penguin Lounge. Boy O Boy did Max do well with this off site. I was truly impressed by the amount of detail both in the location, as in the staff/actors. Every step inside felt like you were deep in the underground trying to snag drugs to get invited into the “secret lair” of criminals. The actors embraced their rolls, interacted with the attendees and provided a fabulous time.

Inside the Penguin Lounge - MAX

We wrapped up the con Sunday by revisiting booths on the convention floor, grabbing lunch at one of our favorite spots, and braving Sunday traffic back up north. Sunday’s are always the best “Chill” day to just take in the sights. I loved having the time to actually pay attention to the elevators, walls and buildings. It’s also a wonderful day for families to just walk around and admire those monsterous building wraps, store fronts and local shops. We walked away from SDCC2024 very VERY happy geeks indeed.

We hope all our followers have the opportunity to visit. The outside stuff takes work but with some good sleuthing, socials media follows and alerts, emails, memberships, etc. all is possible.
With hard work, comes a full 4 day geek love schedule. Long live the CON-LIFE!

BOOK REVIEW + INTERVIEW / Empire of the Damned (Empire of the Vampire Volume 2)

Jenny sits down with fantasy & science fiction author Jay Kristoff to discuss his March 12th, 2024 release of his 2nd book in the Empire of the Vampire series . Watch/Listen to our interview to get an inside look at what to expect next for Gabriel de León.

Join the conversation in the comments and on social media.

For audio, please check out the Atomic Geekdom Podcast to listen in.

INTERVIEW / Empire of the Damned - Jay Kristoff

Empire of the Damned - Empire of the Vampire (Volume 2) by Jay Kristoff

Release Date: 03/12/2024

Published by St.Martin’s Press/ Macmillan

By Jenny Robinson

A lot happened at the end of Empire of the Vampire (Book 1). A LOT.

In a world that has not seen a sunrise for decades, vampires are set to destroy humanity. Our protagonist (or in some cases, our antagonist), Gabriel de León tells his story as the last of the Silver Saints (protectors against the vampires).

The first book in this series sets up a colorful cast of characters. The story is told through Gabe’s perspective but includes such insight to those we meet through it’s pages. In attempt to avoid spoilers in both books, I’ll generically say that Empire of the Vampire has a WTF?!? OH NO!!! traumatic ending.

Empire of the Damned dives quickly into the aftermath of the brutality found in the first volume. Gabriel is still imprisoned, reluctantly (and drunkenly) continuing his tale to the vampire Jean-François. In this, we are starting to really see the toll Gabe has paid in this war. His character is becoming a noteworthy study of endurance despite all of his blatant flaws. The pipe and bottle are becoming more frequent in both his stories and present situation. His love and loyalty constantly being tested.

I had struggled with the writing style a bit during the first book. The story Gabe is telling Jean-François is written as if it is happening right then, instead of in the past. There are moments when mid-story, Jean-François taps into the conversation with a critique or question. This felt very abrupt as I was getting to know the characters and the plot. By the time I got a few chapter into this new book, the relationship between the two made those time line jumps feel more naturally. I began to really enjoy Jean-François’s interruptions. It feels a bit like breaking the fourth wall in cinematography. I was surprised how much I looked forward to those moments in this book.

This volume of the series also added a lot of context towards the vampires. I was delighted to learn more about the various histories, beliefs and abilities of each. Belief is a prominent word for this series as a whole. It’s a tale of faith, regret, worship, hope and sacrifice. It allows this second chapter in the series to grow and find it’s footing that was only beginning to take shape in it’s predecessor.

I am not going to lie, this is a beefy read. It’s violent, traumatic, and an exciting chase to see where Gabriel and Dior’s travels lead them. Clocking in at 752 pages, it’s easy to miss place a few hours (days, months) of your life as you speed through page by page. And I gasped a bit at the last sentence. Book 3 is set up spectacularly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JAY KRISTOFF is a #1 international, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction, including Empire of the Vampire. He is the winner of eight Aurealis Awards, an ABIA, has over half a million books in print and is published in over thirty five countries, most of which he has never visited. He is as surprised about all of this as you are. He is 6’7 and has approximately 11,500 days to live.

He does not believe in happy endings.

INTERVIEW / Jason Aydelotte aka "Mr. Miracle"

Interviewed by: Matt Spaulding & Jenny Robinson

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Written By Jenny Robinson

We’re excited to have “the scariest man you never heard of” as a guest this week. We welcome Jason Aydelotte who was tuckerized as the main super villain in the recent Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International novel Cave 13 by Jonathan Maberry. A writer himself (pen name Jason Kristopher), he has nine novels published by Grey Gecko Press including the bestselling series The Dying of the Light.

Matt and I had an absolute blast chatting about geek interests (Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings and more), the process of writing, good story telling, and all of our favorite authors. Jason also has some awesome book suggestions.

We hope you enjoy this Atomic Geekdom “Book Club” chat and we can’t wait to welcome Jason back on again.

MOVIE REVIEW / Kali Karate: The 2nd Beginning

By Anita Wills

From The Blair Witch Project to Best in Show, independent filmmakers have excelled in the genre of Mockumentary film for quite some time. Sean Russel Herman’s experimental mockumentary film Kali Karate: The 2nd Beginning is complete chaos, in a good way. In his feature debut, Herman tells the story of Sensai Houston, a very bizarre martial arts enthusiast who manages to ruin the lives of everyone around him while on his journey to get his ex wife back. 

Not only did Herman write, direct, produce and edit the film, he also took on the lead role as Sensai Houston, a character he created himself that came from his own personal passion for martial arts and comedy. Fans of the Eric Andre Show will appreciate the film’s determination to make the audience uncomfortable and as well as question their own moral compass for laughing. 

Kali Karate is overflowing with different editing and cinematography styles, as well as a comic book transition drawn just for the film. On top of that, there is impressive stunt work and an original “rap” score. That being said, there is little room for the comedy to breathe. Many jokes fell flat due to the fact that there was not enough time to process them before the next one. Several small characters were introduced, but never reached any character development that helped move the story along. 

What really carried the film was the comedic chemistry between Sensai Houston and his roommate Shu played by comedic genius Shu Lan Tuan, as well as the gorgeous but sparse HBO Boxing’s 24/7 inspired shots which was interesting to see in a mockumentary film. 

The artsy dark comedy leaves you wondering, is Kali Karate a love letter to filmmaking, an overflowing introduction of Herman’s talents, or a farewell eulogy to the comedic avant garde?   

Kali Karate: The 2nd Beginning is available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. 

Long Beach Comic Con 2023

By Anita Wills

High quality amateur cosplayers and talented original artists helped brighten up a some-what dull Long Beach Comic Con at the Long Beach Convention Center held on September 2nd and 3rd, 2023. This year's con was in a small room smashed in between two other events which made finding the entrance very confusing. The attendees consisted of mostly families with young children, which unfortunately did not benefit the provocative professional cosplayers who acquired a booth for selling pics and making fans. 

Among the vendors selling superheroes' faces on t-shirts and stickers sat the stand out original artist Karina Gazizova. With the clever use of markers on watercolor paper, Karina creates peculiar female characters against a stark white background, “It is important for me to do monthly art challenges to push myself. A strict personal goal of mine is to support myself using only my artistic talents, so far I have been successful.” 

Notable eye-catching cosplays included a spot on Weird Barbie from the recent blockbuster film, a detailed Star Fire from DC’s Teen Titans, and a very fitting Crowley from the fantasy novel turned TV series Good Omens. Star Fire commented that she had been cosplaying for five years and also cosplays as crime fighter Black Canary, whose first appearance was in a 1947 Flash comic book. Crowley stated that they relate to the character’s backstory of a falling from grace in their own personal way.  

It’s unfortunate that the talent who made the con worthwhile had to pay out of pocket. Perhaps one day the cosplayers will unionize. What do you think? Leave a comment to join the conversation.

BOOK REVIEW + INTERVIEW / Cave 13 (A Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International Novel) by Jonathan Maberry

Matt and Jenny were joined again by one of Atomic Geekdom’s favorite authors Jonathan Maberry to discuss his August 29th, 2023 release of his 3rd book in the Rogue Team International series (15th novel for Joe Ledger and even more additional short stories) . Watch/Listen to our interview to get an inside look at the trouble RTI has gotten themselves into this time.

Join the conversation in the comments and on social media.

For a recap of our previous coverage of Joe Ledger, visit our AG Book Club post of the second book in the series: Book Review / Relentless By Jonathan Maberry

For audio, please check out the Atomic Geekdom Podcast to listen in.

INTERVIEW / Cave 13 - Jonathan Maberry

CAVE 13 - A Joe Ledger and Rogue Team International Novel (Vol. 3) by Jonathan Maberry

Release Date: 08/29/2023

Published by St.Martin’s Press/ Macmillan

By Jenny Robinson

** POTIENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD FOR THE ROGUE TEAM INTERNATIONAL SERIES **

It is no secret that we are huge fans of the Joe Ledger world here at Atomic Geekdom, the series (both DMS and RTI) have some of the best heroes and villains that can be found in an action/thriller story. We’ve followed Joe and his teams through some of the most terrifying missions that feel as if they can come to life in the here and now. This makes us fall in love with these figures and constantly mourn those we’ve lost along the way. Before we even cracked the spine, we knew that Cave 13 was not letting everyone out alive.

The prologue to Cave 13 is one of the most frightening starts in Joe’s book career. We are introduced to the BIG BAD, the antagonist with the contradictory name of Mr. Miracle (aka Jason Aydelotte - who is named after a fan and charity auction winner) and who looks like Santa Claus. Joe and Ghost are trapped, hurt, beaten, and time was running out. This may be the best and frustratingly great way to start a book. Every chapter you know you’re going to come to this point where Joe is compromised. You KNOW that nothing can end well with that much stacked against them. Yet we continue to turn the page as it gets darker and darker. The RTI series is pushing to be some of the finest sinister plot and character development to date.

Being the third volume in the RTI series, the first two (Rage & Relentless) not only linger but shape this world. Most of the DMS stories (Patient Zero on through Deep Silence) can easily stand as individual stories, where RTI continues as more of a serial. Yes, you can pick up Relentless without having read Rage. Same with Cave 13. Maberry does a splendid job adding enough background of the previous events for new comers while also not exasperating life long fans. Honestly, it’s a beautiful example of balance that a lot of authors can get wrong (for example, do we really need to see Bruce Wayne’s origin story again?). This is where Maberry excels. For RTI though, the more you know of the scars the characters all carry from Rage and Relentless, the more the reader is invited to walk in the valley along side them.

Doing the opposite of what I said above, let’s dive into Rage/Relentless a touch before proceeding.

At the end of Rage, Santoro murders Joe’s entire family. Only he, Ghost and Junie make it out (barely) alive. Over the years and books, we have come to know and love Joe’s family. This loss hit hard and was such a painful shock right out of the gates for RTI. This continues as a sense of reprisal in Relentless by the addition of Joe’s fourth head companion, The Darkness. The Darkness was the most horror-struck one dancing inside his brain (which may or may not have originated by Nicodemus - I still ponder that). If the Warrior/Killer is afraid of you, then of corse the Cop/Modern man may want to run and hide. Joe has had the original three riding around in his head due to some serious childhood PTSD. Joe’s scars run deep. That mindset, emotion and accountability from all of his horrors has put a lot of hesitation in the thoughts of Joe’s closes allies (like Tops and Rudy).

Cave 13 carries some of that uncertainty. Is it safe to have Joe in field?

This chapter in RTI originates with the discovery of a 13th cave containing additional Dead Sea Scrolls. And they bring a bit of history, politics, religion and war. The world is unknowingly on the brink of an interesting arms race that is set to launch catastrophic wars throughout the already troubled Middle East. Those scrolls bring a sense of magic and mayhem, sparking confusion. The best description would be a World War while high on violent hallucinogens.

A prize for the readers in this book would be the multiple teams. Not only do we follow Joe’s Havoc team, but they are working along side two additional and surprisingly awesome crews. Mr. Church has compiled a pack including himself, Sergeant Brick Anderson and Repairman Jack (yes, THAT Jack, the character from the F. Paul Wilson novels). The second team must be hands-down the favorite surprise. Lead by the one and only Alexander “Toys” Chismer, this ragtag group seeking redemption has banded together to form THE WILD HUNT. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we get more stories from this point of view. Having Toys lead missions similar (yet different ) to Joe’s but in a more devious manor, is absolutely fantastic. Because of these groups, we get to participate in the growth of these characters by thier unlikely partnerships. The growth of Toy’s relationship with Joe alone has matured so well and this volume has expanded their characters in a very unexpected and welcoming way.

The Aydelote villain, Mr.Sunday (Nicodemus), terrorist organizations and magical illusions keep you on the edge of your seat from literally the beginning to end. I’ll shy away of talking about who we lost. There are some pretty horrible losses in this book. The way we loose those friends is even rougher than anyone could have guessed. Those losses are sure to impact how RTI moves ahead. And since this book ends with so many unanswered questions, BURN TO SHINE (Volume 4 expected out next year) will definitely provide all the anxiety we love as readers. “The war is the war.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JONATHAN MABERRY is a New York Times best-seller, five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, anthology editor, comic book writer, executive producer, magazine feature writer, playwright, and writing teacher/lecturer. He is the editor of Weird Tales Magazine and president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He is the recipient of the Inkpot Award, three Scribe Awards, and was named one of the Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers. His books have been sold to more than thirty countries. He writes in several genres including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery; and he writes for adults, middle grade, and young adult.

SOPHIA'S SECOND LOOK: Drop Dead Fred

By Sophia Anita Reyes ( @sophia_toto_girlpower )

I recently rewatched Drop Dead Fred, the 1991 dark comedy/fantasy film for the first time since I was about 11 years old. I am unsure why I had such fond happy memories of this misunderstood box office flop. After watching the film as a 34 year old woman, I was in an immobile physical state of shock. I sat there for about 10 mins alternating from sobbing my eyes out, to staring at the wall with my mouth wide open thinking “What the hell did I just watch?” and “What are these feelings I am feeling?!” 

Drop Dead Fred is about a grown woman named Elizabth whose agent of chaos, childhood imaginary friend Fred, comes back to help her take control of her life. Her life that is very much in the hands of her ultra dominant, power tripping mother who Fred likes to call “the Mega bitch”, and her manipulative weasel like fiancé. The film has many flashbacks of the destruction and ruin that Fred and Elizabth caused, which drove her mother to insanity. 

Drop Dead Fred (Rik Mayall) and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Phoebe Cates) in Drop Dead Fred.

I have this gut feeling that there is one important question that no one asked on set or during production, not the producers, the actors, or even the director. The question is, who is this movie for? Is it for kids? The whole family? Or the scariest answer.. is it for me? After I was able to come out of my immobile state of shock, I realized that the film is a grotesque but beautiful guide on how to love your younger self by battling your childhood trauma. That’s when I also realized that yes, this film is for me, someone who has had trouble challenging authority since a young age and staying away from manipulative weasels. Along with being a movie that will completely just fuck with your un-dealt emotions, it is kind of a cinematic masterpiece in itself. The story progression, character development, set design, special effects makeup, et cetera, are all flawless. There are no holes in this film, no dull moments. The most powerful scene is at the very end when Elizabeth becomes so overwhelmed with her trauma that she passes out and takes a trip into her imagination and back to her childhood home with Fred, where it is time to face her biggest fears.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Phoebe Cates) and Drop Dead Fred (Rik Mayall) in Drop Dead Fred.

The inside of the immaculate house is enormous and dark. Menacing shadows looming everywhere and furniture with edges so sharp they look like they could cut you. Elizabeth uses her imagination to navigate the intimidating home. Standing there as a grown woman she puts her hands on her temples, shuts her eyes. Suddenly a giant beautiful tree grows in the middle of the foyer. This particular moment really gutted me. Seeing a grown woman confidently tap into her imagination to solve a problem was a shocking sight to see. Using your imagination is what children do, not adults. We grew up, we are not allowed to be silly or fantastical anymore. Fred and Elizabeth climb the tree, but unfortunately her mother is waiting at the top of the stairs, guarding Elizabeth's childhood bedroom door, not allowing them to pass. 

Elizabeth fearlessly screams “I’m not afraid of you!” in her mother’s face and after hearing this, the mother bursts into epic flames. At this point, my face is soaked with tears, how could this film get under my skin any deeper than it already has? Well you just wait. 

 In the beginning of the film, Elizabeth's mother has had enough of her tiny daughter’s rebellion and duct tapes Fred back into his jack in the box so he can never escape again. When grown up Elizabth opens the bedroom door that her mother was guarding, she finds her childhood self duct taped to the bed. Elizabeth tears the duct tape away and gives her younger self a big hug, telling her “we don’t have to be afraid anymore”. The duct tape represents the constricting restraint that the mother had over Elizabeth, and the tearing represents Elizabeth using her voice and taking the power back.  Do you understand now why I was in such a state of vulnerability and shock?

Drop Dead Fred (Rik Mayall) and Elizabeth’s mother Polly (Marsha Mason) in Drop Dead Fred.

To be honest, I’m not surprised that his film was a giant flop. No one understood it, but most importantly, no one cared to try and understand it. If they did, they would see that it is a beautifully dark film that challenges its audience to be vulnerable, and to not be ashamed of using your imagination. 

BOOK REVIEW / Antimatter Blues By Edward Ashton (A Mickey 7 Novel)

Antimatter Blues: A Mickey 7 Novel by Edward Ashton

Release Date: 03/14/23

Published by St.Martin’s Press/ Macmillan

By Jenny Robinson

** POTENTIAL MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD **

Last year, I had the opportunity to read and review Mickey 7, the first book in this series (you can find my review of that first book HERE). Mickey had quite the adventure communicating with the local “Creepers” while trying (and failing) to stay off Commander Marshall’s radar. As we have learned, Mickey doesn’t always think through his actions before it lands him in some interesting positions.

At the start of this book, Mickey is now a retired Expendable because Commander Marshall believes Mickey is the only one that can prevent the natives in using the bomb left behind in the first book. No more being killed and remade for this guy! Life has became pretty quiet. That is until the Dome he resides in needs the bomb back. The bomb is made from Antimatter and their small colony is in dire need of that fuel. If Mickey gives it back, there will be no reason to keep him alive. If he doesn’t, then everyone dies.

The first book was an epitome sci-fi about clones. Mickey being an Expendable, has had many clones, and our favorite protagonist, Mickey 7 made it through to the end of the first story. The moral aspect of cloning a person brings up some intriguing debates in Mickey 7, and a reason why Marshal is not a big fan of our lead character. Antimatter Blues has whispers of that original concept but switches gears to revolve more around military and diplomacy. Mickey is not proficient in either.

Although I enjoyed Mickey 7, I found Antimatter Blues to be way more engaging. I was no longer following to see Mickey (which ever rendition) sneak by while screwing something up. He has learned a lot, and his decisions are more conscious of the risks than before. Life almost has more meaning. His community has become important. I appreciate the great deal of attention some of the secondary characters received. All through the first story, I was convinced that Berto was not a stalwart supporter of Mickey. Now we are able to learn a bit more about him, and help explain his missing background. Same can be said of Nasha and Cat. This book has a more ensemble of cast than the first and adds spice where it once felt missing.

Without spoiling too much, I must say that the Niflheim natives (Creepers) made this book incredibly enjoyable. Being the first contact of communication with an alien race, I appreciated the fumbles and triumph that Mickey’s crew encountered. We are able to leave the dome and explore the planet where Edward Ashton excels in his world building.

Knowing that Mickey 7 will soon be a motion picture, I do hope that it merges both books. Mickey 7 now feels as if it was a great set up with Antimatter Blues being the exciting climax. It’ll be thrilling to see the native creatures and “Speaker” on the big screen!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edward Ashton (Photo Credit: JustTeeJay (JustTeeJay.com)

Edward Ashton (he/him) is the author of the novels Three Days in April, The End of Ordinary, and Mickey7, as well as of short stories which have appeared in venues ranging from the newsletter of an Italian sausage company to Escape Pod, Analog, and Fireside Fiction. He lives in upstate New York in a cabin in the woods (not that cabin in the woods) with his wife, a variable number of daughters, and an adorably mopey dog named Max. In his free time, he enjoys cancer research, teaching quantum physics to sullen graduate students, and whittling. You can find him online at edwardashton.com or on Twitter @edashtonwriting.

MOVIE REVIEW / Cocaine Bear

By DeeDee Baldwin

** This article contains mild spoilers. **

There is a scene at the beginning of director Elizabeth Banks’ Cocaine Bear when a hiker’s bitten-off lower leg is flung into frame, and the viewer thinks, “Should I be laughing at this?” It’s the first of many such moments to come.

Horror-comedy is, of course, nothing new. Cocaine Bear follows in the bloody footsteps of cult classics like the Evil Dead series, Tucker and Dale vs Evil, and even, in some respects, Fargo. “What is it in the human condition,” asks author Bruce G. Hallenbeck in Comedy-Horror Films: A Chronological History, 1914-2008, “that makes us want to laugh at the darkness around us?” If we laugh in horror at a woman’s foot sticking out of a woodchipper or at a man’s dismembered body falling from a tree, is something wrong with us?

Sari (Keri Russell) in Cocaine Bear.

Not at all. "The common misconception about laughter is that laughter is, for the most part, a response to humor," researcher Diana Mahony told ABC’s Joseph Brownstein in 2008. Rather, laughter is more like “a steam gauge, where a buildup of feelings prompts an outburst.” This is why some people smile or laugh at funerals or when they’re around a friend who is crying. They aren’t sadistic, and they don’t suffer from antisocial personality disorder. In the perceived absence of other outlets—especially because so many people are extremely uncomfortable crying around others—laughter might be all they have left. Most of us have watched horror movies, even ones that are meant to be totally serious, and laughed at an intense death scene. Did young people in your movie theater laugh when Boromir wept in Fellowship of the Ring or when Katniss sobbed and screamed at her sister’s cat in Mockingjay – Part 2? Intense emotions like grief and fear can be too overwhelming for some people to process. The more effectively such intensity is conveyed, the more likely you are to hear giggles in your theater.

But laughter in movies like Cocaine Bear or Tucker and Dale isn’t only an outlet for big feelings. It is the intended response. There is obvious humor like Margo Martindale’s “dusty beaver,” the billboard advertising a glory hole, and the coked-out bear collapsing, exhausted, on top of a man. There is an ambulance sequence that ratchets up both tension and absurdity until the viewer is simultaneously hiding her eyes and laughing like a valve releasing steam. In one wry scene, a character mentions his two friends (both dead, unknown to him), and Banks cuts to a shot of their corpses that looks like a macabre Halloween yard display. 

Stache (Aaron Holiday) and Jr. (O’Shea Jackson) in Cocaine Bear.

While most of the movie’s deaths are comedic in their horror, not all are played for laughs. One character’s death is quiet, dignified, and poignant – and it is well-earned. For another towards the end, Banks goes all-in on the gore, but there’s more schadenfreude than humor in it.

Cocaine Bear is a comedy in the most classical definition of the term: a humorous take on flawed humans—Aristotle’s “inferior people”—and their foibles, with the requisite happy ending. It is also a morality play in which each of our heroes must fall and be redeemed. I use the term “heroes” lightly; one of them is, after all, a hired gun for a drug lord. Children learn not to skip school and do drugs, and career criminals ride off with a cute little dog. If it took some decapitations, stray body parts from legs to fingers, and a disemboweling, isn’t the most important thing that we’re all better humans in the end? Dante would say yes.

Oh, and I’m forgetting the most important part of this comedic, horrific morality play: it will leave you cheering for a coked-up bear family. And that’s the best part of all.

BOOK REVIEW + INTERVIEW / Son of the Poison Rose by Jonathan Maberry

Matt and Jenny were joined again by author Jonathan Maberry to discuss his January 10th, 2023 release of his 2nd book in the Kagen the Damned Trilogy - Son of the Poison Rose. Watch/Listen to our interview and get an inside look at the continuation of the story, characters and future conclusion of the series.

Join the conversation in the comments and on social media.

For a recap of our previous coverage of Kagen the Damned, visit our AG Book Club post of the first book in the series: BOOK REVIEW + INTERVIEW / Kagen The Damned By Jonathan Maberry

For audio, please check out the Atomic Geekdom Podcast to listen in.

INTERVIEW / Son of the Poison Rose - Jonathan Maberry

Son of the Poison Rose by Jonathan Maberry

Release Date: 01/10/2023

Published by St.Martin’s Press/ Macmillan

By Jenny Robinson

** POTIENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD FOR BOOK 1: KAGEN THE DAMNED **

In the world of geek culture, sometimes the second act out ranks the first. It can be argued that Star Wars: Empire Strikes back is better than New Hope, or that LOTR: Two Towers is superior to Fellowship of the Ring, etc. Would the second book in the Kagen Trilogy live up to those examples? I am here to tell you simply, YES.

The first book, Kagen the Damned was released in May of 2022. We were left with a cliff hanger after Kagen discovers that the nefarious Witch-King was none other than his beloved brother Herepath. We learn that Miri is gone, Ryssa is alone, sorcery is at play, and some of the Gods are awake and ready. I recall being very curious of how some of the characters would continue as the story expanded into this second book. More importantly, I became both concerned and excited that magic was back.

Unlike its predecessor, this story took some time at the start to consider the emotional toll each character now carries and where they may go in order to find either solace or vengeance. Kagen is no longer the wallowing drunk we met after the fall of the Empire. He’s becoming more calculated, and determined. His oath is reinstated when he realizes the Princess’s children, Alleyn and Desalyn by some miracle are alive. With his renewed commitment, he must save them despite their odd unexplainable alter egos with the Witch-King. With Tuke and Filia at his side, Kagen devises a plan. Even Tuke (one of my personal favorites), is less rambunctious in his support of Kagen’s goal to kill the Witch-King. He proves to be a more level-headed and confident co-advisor with Filia.

My best-loved contrivance in Maberry’s writing is how the characters come off the page and are relatable. His heroes have dark flaws and the villains have captivating nobility. This rings true to most all, but one. The Prince of Games, or as Joe Ledger fans call him - Nicodemus. His introduction in the Kagen saga is such a gift to the readers, including surprising mention of him also being called “Flagg” (for those King fans). I knew before starting that trickster would make an appearance but honestly, I was startled by how large of a roll he played in this tale. The Witch-King expected and welcomed his counsel within many of the chapters. True to his nature, he added dreadful manipulations not only for Kagen’s journey, but for the Witch-King as well.

This book is rooted in love. It poses the same question to all it’s characters. What would they do for love? Kagen has the most branches rooting from that question. He spends this book plotting his revenge for the death of his beloved family, seeking retribution for the betrayal of his once loved brother, all while also embracing his infatuation with the faerie, Lady Maralina (whom we met in the first book at the Tower of Sarsis). Tuke and Filia form a deeper and inestimable bond throughout the book, making the stakes of this journey with Kagen more uncompromising. As we follow Ryssa through the chapters, we are embraced by her grief of loosing Miri. Her heartbreak transforming her each chapter as she becomes “The Widow”. The biggest revelation of the heart I found was with Herepath. Throughout, we learn mostly about him from Kagen’s dreams and memories. We puzzle over the events of what could drive a man to this extent. This book dives into that tragedy and suggests that love may have been what changed Herepath from the man Kagen once admired to the man he now strains to kill.

Son of the Poison Rose has an incredible climax in the last chapters. A lot of the conundrums I carried over from from the first book begin to come together in a scenery of violence and epic sorcery. I want to leave the rest vague as to avoid any spoilers but Razor Knights, the Undead, The Bloody Bastards, and so much more make the last 100 pages fly by. I am left with even more anticipation for the next installment than I had after the first. This is no longer a simple revenge tale. Kagen the Damned has layers that are yet to be exposed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JONATHAN MABERRY is a New York Times best-seller, five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, anthology editor, comic book writer, executive producer, magazine feature writer, playwright, and writing teacher/lecturer. He is the editor of Weird Tales Magazine and president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He is the recipient of the Inkpot Award, three Scribe Awards, and was named one of the Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers. His books have been sold to more than thirty countries. He writes in several genres including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery; and he writes for adults, middle grade, and young adult.

Book Review / All Hallows by Christopher Golden

ATOMIC GEEKDOM | Book Review Interview / All Hallows by Christopher Golden

Atomic Geekdom / Jenny Robinson

ALL HALLOWS by Christopher Golden

Release Date: 01/24/2023

Published by St.Martin’s Press/ Macmillan

By Jenny Robinson

All Hallows brings Halloween out early this year and will be a must reread as we get closer to October. It is a story centered around Halloween night in a small Massachusetts neighborhood and written in a style where each chapter changes character point-of-view. It quickly dives into the inner workings and dynamics between all the neighbors while hinting at a bigger and more supernatural element that lurks in the shadows.

Set in 1984, it captures such a honest nostalgia for the time. In the early 80’s when blockbusters (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Terminator, Ghostbusters, The Karate Kid, etc), were a social badge of honor, your pals were always just a bike ride and a street away. As a kid of the 80’s, I can confirm that this book captures what it felt like to be dressed and ready to scream “TRICK OR TREAT” at every door you could reach.

We are introduced to each of the residents chapter by chapter. The narrative is voiced by Tony (a struggling father who’s love for the holiday is locally famous), his wife Alison, 13 year old son Rick (with his best friend Billie) and his 17 year old daughter Chloe. We dive into Barb (a beguiled wife), her jack-ass of a husband Donnie, 17 year old daughter Julia and 11 year old son Charlie. We get the teenage point-of-view from the local goth Vanessa and a twisted perspective from the mind of Ruth (the very questionable next-door neighbor). Although there are more characters, these specific portrayals bring the street to life. There are a lot of people to follow, yet surprisingly the tale reads as if each are the lead to the story. It’s very easy to link the houses within the cul-de-sac and surrounding streets.

A good portion in the beginning of this book is just learning about all those back stories of each family and how they overlap. You learn a lot from the local gossip of who’s parents are set to get divorce, who may be cheating and with whom, and who has a crush on someone else. There were moments during the first quarter of the book that I felt as if a few of the characters may actually develop into real monsters. What I genuinely loved in the storytelling is that the voices of each felt honest to their age. The kids did not seem childish but real to the fears, hesitations and excitement within their view-point (which felt very familiar). The adults never seem to stand on firm ground, always second-guessing life’s decisions (which as an adult, I can relate to).

BUT… that was just the base of this horror map.

Enter…. THE CUNNING MAN.

Random new children start appearing in Tony’s haunted maze. They seek refugee with Barb and the neighborhood kids. All the new kids seem to be afraid of “The Cunning Man” yet the residents are so distracted by their own personal issues that a lot of the strangeness is passed over until it’s too late. Each supernatural event seems to get realistically lost in the drama flowing from house to house. Disguised in crowds of masked trick-or-treaters, the book picks up speed by keeping you guessing. Who is the “Cunning Man”? How do you get away? Where is he? While each character deals with personal conflicts, it’s easy to miss the odd creepiness building from house to house and especially within the forest.

I want to leave this review open ended (I know, I know. But wait…).

There is a formula a lot of scary tales take. I do not believe that this book is one of those. All Hallows twists your expectations, and punches you while you’re absorbed into the interesting lives of the nearby residents. I feel it makes the reader sad, angry, and creeped out in moments that are really unexpected. For me, the characters are immensely relatable. I don’t want to ruin that for anyone. Now… GO READ! Just beware of the time, and any new-comers in your party. This time, there really is something hiding in the shadows!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christopher Golden is the New York Times bestselling and Bram Stoker award-winning author of Ararat, Snowblind, Dead Ringers, Of Saints and Shadows, among many other novels. With Mike Mignola, he is the co-creator of two cult favorite comic book series, Baltimore and Joe Golem: Occult Detective. Golden is also the editor of such anthologies as Seize the Night, The New Dead, and Dark Cities, and the co-host of the popular podcast "Three Guys with Beards." He lives in Massachusetts.

HALLOWEN HAUNTS 2022

HAUNT # 1 - The Hill Has Eyes - Franklin, WI

HAUNT #2 - Cemetery Lane - Los Angeles, CA

HAUNT #3 - Shaqtoberfest - Long Beach, CA

HAUNT #4 - Knotts Scary Farm - Buena Park, CA

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS 2022 / Knotts Scary Farm - Buena Park, CA

Knotts Berry Farm is the gentler of the Southern California theme parks. Charlie Brown and his Peanuts gang welcome kids of all ages. BUT after dark during the Halloween Season, the Berry becomes Scary.
We have done a lot of haunts this year (some recorded and some not). Knotts is contender of being one of the best. They really upped their game this year. Legit jump scares and beautifully freighting props. The atmosphere can make the hairs on the stand on the back of your neck. Some walkways were so creepy in the way they were lit, it felt that average guests were zombies in front of you.
Big thumbs up for a great event this year.

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS 2022 / Shaqtoberfest - Long Beach, CA

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Atomic Geekdom returned to the Queen Mary this year but was greeted by Shaqtoberfest instead of the familiar Dark Harbor extravaganza. When we arrived, we walked under the huge inflatable Shaquille O’Neal walkway, loaded with skulls and smoke machines. Keeping with the nautical theme of the Queen Mary, the mazes were set up for Pirates and Monsters alike. A carnival was awaiting, equipped with the Gravitron, a carousel, and even a fun house. At 8pm, the spooky characters emerge and the event takes on a more adult theme. For example, you can purchase a glowing necklace that scores you a shot of rum in the Pirate’s Cove. Before 8pm, families are encouraged to trick-o-treat and enjoy the rides which also include bouncy houses and slides.

This was a lot smaller than the older Dark Harbor because everything was on land since the boat is under construction. This did not take away from the fun though. It felt very much like small town community carnival despite being set in the busy Downtown Long Beach area. It brought back all those memories of county fairs growing up but also a bit of scariness.

The cast of characters (ghouls) were the stars of this event. You never knew when one would come up behind you or jump in your way. This added to that crazy fun haunt mentality.

It’s so awesome that Shaqtoberfest kept the location alive this halloween with their mazes, walking through a monster, grabbing a drink near a paddy wagon and realizing the Gravitron is pretty intense the older you get. Totally worth the ride.

HALLOWEEN HAUNTS 2022 / Cemetery Lane - Los Angeles, CA

Cemetery Lane is not like Atomic Geekdom’s normal haunts BUT has so much charming spookiness. Nothing is more fun than kids of all ages dressed in their favorite costume having a candy rush.

Located in Heritage Square (a “gated, safe and secure” historical mock neighborhood), Cemetery Lane feels like you stepped back into a time where the original Twilight Zone aired. Each of the historical houses are decked out in Halloween scenes that are kid-friendly creepy.

This may be one of the best family-friendly events out there. The cast of characters worked so well with the young children to make sure they were not scared. For example, the “Spider” house had large robotic spiders that would lunge at you when you walked up. The “Sisters” who worked that house would introduce the spiders to the young kids and let them pet them (as if they were just like a cat or dog). As an adult, the props were so cool and detailed that it was a WIN for all ages.

If you do not have kids, don’t worry. This is a spectacular location for a Halloween Date-Night. Grab a taco or hot dog from one of the vendors and sit at the many picnic tables to watch the various costumes pass by.

This is a must add to your halloween event list (and the haul of candy you receive doesn’t hurt too).

SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2022

By Jenny Robinson

We finally made it back!!!

July 20th - July 24th, SDCC returned to the San Diego Convention center after being postponed for two years due to Covid. It was hard to know what to expect. The world is slowly coming out of a pandemic so crowds and events are still a bit iffy. I debated whether it would be mellow due to society’s “social distancing” habits or absolute mayhem because we’ve been shut in too long. Well, it was a bit of both.

The great thing is that those participating were in high spirits. Everyone I encountered has prepared to be patient, excited for all the new exclusives and delighted to chat about all the geeky things they saw. SDCC has always been one of the best communities I have seen. This year was no different. It was also a strange year where Hall H was only partially packed on a Friday afternoon but packed late on Sunday. The lines were long but worth the wait. It’s an unwritten rule that you need to go into this convention with the understanding that it will be impossible to do and see everything.

This year had Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Netflix, HBO, FX, SyFy, and others all participating in exclusive parties and/or off-site events. You could walk through the House of the Dragon and sit on the Iron Throne. You could participate in new employee orientation at Luman Industries through Apple TV'+’s activation from Severance. Attendees grabbed glowing green Dragon’s Brew at the Paramount+ Dungeons and Dragons Tavern. The IMDB boat was in full swing and Amazon released their new trailer for the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power series and threw a special party for the fans. The list goes on and on.

Panels this year saw the likes of Dwayne The Rock Johnson as DCs “Black Adam”, the last “Walking Dead” panel, the “What We Do in the Shadows” cast and crew, AND THE MIGHTY RETURN OF MARVEL TO HALL H! They came in swinging with not only the announcement of the end of Phase 4, but Phase 5 and 6 as well! As I said earlier, there was just too much to take it all in.

WELCOME BACK!!!

Watch our “recap” video to get a quick view of Jenny’s weekend HERE.

To revisit Atomic Geekdom’s daily coverage, check out our links below.

WEDNESDAY - Preview Night

THURSDAY 7/21

FRIDAY 7/22

SATURDAY 7/23

COUNT DOWN #34: If He Be Worthy

By Brandon T. McClure (@btmcclure @fakenerdpodcast)

The MCU, specifically the Infinity Saga (2008-2019) has meant a great deal to me, as I am sure it has for many people. What first started as a book pitch is now a series of essays of mine that will be (hopefully) published every week. The goal is to pick a specific moment within The Infinity Saga and share with you why I believe it’s a defining moment. To revisit previous posts, visit our site HERE.

Enjoy the ride as we count down from 50 of the most defining moments and share your thoughts in the comments. 

• If He Be Worthy •

MOMENT# 34

MOVIE: Thor

DIRECTORS: Kenneth Branagh

WRITERS: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz & Don Payne

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Thor.

“Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.” These are the words inscribed on the side of the mighty hammer Mjolnir by the All-father Odin. While they do appear in Norse mythologies, they play a large role in the MCU’s 4th film, 2011’s Thor. This film would introduce the famous Norse god to mainstream audiences and pave the way for his future adventures with his fellow Avengers.

Thor is a relatively simple film when you strip it back to its bones. Thor has been raised to be the greatest warrior in all of Asgard and will soon take up his father's role as king. But a group of Frost Giants ruin Thor’s big day and he seeks revenge with his brother Loki, and his friends Sif, Vostag, Hogan, and Fandral. The six of them go to Joutenheim and accidentally spark the fires of war between Asgard and the Frost Giants, something which Odin wished to avoid. After a heated argument between the God of Thunder and the All-Father, Odin strips Thor of his power and banishes him to Earth, to seemingly live the rest of his life as a mortal. 

What does it really mean to be worthy of the hammer? When Odin strips Thor of his godliness, he calls him a vain, greedy, and cruel boy and laments that Thor's warrior heart has blinded him to what Odin had taught him. Thor needed to learn humility and to think with his head and not his heart. He wanted glory and to be feared and worshipped throughout the nine realms, but that is not how a king, or a god, should behave.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Thor.

As a film, Thor is very lean, it has very little fat. Thor needed to learn a certain lesson and he does, very quickly after arriving on Earth. When he couldn’t pick up his hammer again, he realized he was no longer worthy and what that truly meant after he saw the words inscribed on the side of his former weapon. No more will he soar through the skies as the God of Thunder or dine in the banquet halls of Asgard. Now he will be forced to live out a mortal life on Earth. But it’s not all bad, he’s grown to love a woman named Jane Foster and has grown fond of the people he’s met.

Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Thor.

Now it’s time for one more test, however, in the form of the Destroyer. Loki, afraid that Thor will return to Asgard, sends Asgard's greatest weapon, the Destroyer to Earth to kill his adoptive brother once and for all. As the Destroyer lays waste to the town, Sif, and the Warriors Three, Thor attempts to do the unexpected, and apologize. He approaches the Destroyer, apologizing to his brother for all the wrongs he had caused all his life, knowing that his life could very well end. Thor knew the battle could not be won with strength, but with words of compassion. Through his sacrifice, he finally became worthy. Mjolnir exploded out of the ground and charged toward its former and future wielder and in one of the greatest moments in the first Thor film and the MCU, he caught it and reclaimed his mantle as the God of Thunder.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Thor.

Thor grabbing the hammer out of the air is a good old-fashioned fist-pumping moment. An early moment in the history of the MCU where the audience could cheer for the hero. The character of Thor has seen a lot of changes over the years, but the first film stands as a solid foundation to build up the God of Thunder. The one thing that needed to work in the film was Thor's redemption and, thankfully, by the time that hammer shoots up from the ground, audiences were reassured that it did.

BOOK REVIEW + INTERVIEW / Upgrade By Blake Crouch

Jenny had a Fan-tastic opportunity to sit down with bestselling author, Blake Crouch. Atomic Geekdom’s friend Nicole Reid joined the Q&A as they discussed his July 12th, 2022 release UPGRADE. Check out the full interview below or on YouTube (HERE) and the AG podcast (HERE).

Join the conversation in the comments and on social media.

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301 BOOK REVIEW + INTERVIEW / Upgrade By Blake Crouch

Atomic Geekdom

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UPGRADE by Blake Crouch

Release Date: 07/12/2022

Published by Penguin Random House

By Jenny Robinson

What happens when a cure becomes a plague? When can you forgive yourself of your inadvertent crimes against nature? How do you survive in the ripples of the disaster? And what would happen if your DNA was highjacked? UPGRADE is a fast paced story that follows Logan Ramsey. He is a family man confronting each those questions.

The storyline takes place in a world recovering from a famine. Due to gene editing, much of the world’s crops were destroyed by science gone wrong. Already, I began to have that sense of storytelling anxiety that oddly makes me love suspense books. Logan’s mother was the prestigious gene-editing biologist behind this disaster. She was a force to be reckoned with. Her scientific creations were meant to help save the planet, but instead backfired and killed millions. Logan had worked along side his mother and carried the weight of regret from that mistake. To atone, he then became a federal agent once he was released from prison. He began working to put a stop to the outlaw geneticist popping up after the disaster and who were using his mother’s science.

The plot picks up quickly during a raid that leaves Logan suspiciously injured. During and after the recovery, he begins to notice changes in his thoughts and reflexes. The realization hits hard when he understands that he also has been exposed to his mother’s science. His progression begins to move faster. He has been upgraded. I raced through those chapters as Logan ran from authorities while searching for who was responsible for this conspiracy. This is where I truly loved the character development. Friends from his work were now his foe, family becomes endangered and questionable. Those questions kept piling up. The plot is intense.

There is a lot to unpack as we learn about these characters. Layer upon layer of moral dilemmas for everyone involved. It made for a riveting story. The tough and moral life questions are another reason why I loved this book. The idea of attempting something that could make the world dramatically better, while running the risk of destroying it, make for an exciting read. Logan’s mental scars and guilt from his past endeavors drive home a since of humanity as he struggles through those risks. Logan is the star of the story (obviously). Sub-characters like his mother Miriam, sister Kara, and partner Nadine fell a little flat in comparison but their stories were crucial to establishing the fine line between the heroes and villains. Those characters highlighted the reasons why Logan Ramsey is such an important protagonist.

It’s true that my favorite stories are those that wrap themselves in reality, where the fiction feels plausible. Upgrade, for example feels a lot like what we are currently seeing with CRISPR technology. We may realistically be able to start editing our genes to enhance ourselves but the questions remains…should we, and at what cost? Crouch writes in a way that you do not need to know the science to understand the plot, and I appreciate that. The research and terminology are quite impressing and encouraged me to reach towards Google to dive more into that science I enjoy that in his writing, you can understand the science simply by the “good vs evil” in the uses. He also successfully overlays the protagonists righteous ambition to those facts. It’s a common trend in his books to guide the reader through complex theories that makes sense due to the character’s journeys. As a reader, you struggle with the “rights and wrongs” of the events along side Logan, page by page.

Crouch’s UPGRADE is a legit, hard hitting sci-fi thriller that teeters on dystopian. UPGRADE has a ton of suspense, intrigue, and characters that will draw the reader in and make them question their own beliefs.

As I finish each Blake Crouch book, I am left anxiously awaiting what next gripping scenario he’s cooking up next. From my love of the parallel universes of Dark Matter, mind-bending memories in Recursion, and moral dilemmas of Upgrade, I am sure I’ll be mentally and morally tested. In my book, that’s a win.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BLAKE CROUCH is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of a dozen novels, most recently, Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade, for which he is also writing the movie for Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners. His international-bestselling Wayward Pines trilogy was adapted into a television series for FOX, executive produced by M. Night Shyamalan, that was Summer 2015’s #1 show. With Chad Hodge, Crouch also created Good Behavior, the TNT show starring Michelle Dockery based on his Letty Dobesh novellas. His novel, Recursion, is currently being developed as a Netflix series by Shonda Rhimes and Matt Reeves, and Skydance is developing a film adaptation of his novella, Summer Frost, based on Crouch’s script. His novels have been translated into forty languages and his short fiction has appeared in numerous publications including Ellery Queen, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, and Cemetery Dance. At the moment, Crouch is writing a new book and creating a nine-episode adaptation of his novel Dark Matter, for Apple TV+. Blake lives in Colorado.

The best way to stay apprised of new releases is to follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.