A Very Gerry/"Dracula 2000" Friday

AUTHORS & BOOKS

Tomorrow is the last day to enter my contest for books by Larissa Ione, Carolyn Jewell and Eve Silver.

Next week I hope to have Caridad Pineiro visiting and a contest for one of her hot and vampy The Calling novels.

Read five chapters of Jim Butcher's eleventh Harry Dresden novel, Turn Coat (April 2009 release). "The summer sun was busy broiling the asphalt from Chicago's streets, the agony in my head had kept me horizontal for half a day, and some idiot was pounding on my apartment door."

Read a description of and excerpt from Jennifer St. Giles' May release, Bride of the Wolf. "Injured Blood Hunter Navarre is kidnapped along with oil heiress Marissa Vasquez. Their bid for freedom, puts them into a deadly race for their lives as the become the hunted prey of two Vladarian Vampires and the evil Dr. Cinatas."

Rachel Vincent, author of Stray, Rogue, and the brand new Pride, is the guest at Midnight Brew. "As for the world-building, there could be no story without it. Until I know what kind of world my characters inhabit, I can’t truly know who they are, because I don’t know what kinds of problems they’re dealing with."

Amanda Ashby Update: authoress Amanda Ashby (doesn't that sound as if she wears glasses on a pearl string?) had expressed a desire to have her name forever partnered with Naked David Boreanaz, formerly Angel of "Buffy" and "Angel." To date, a Google search for "naked David Boreanaz Amanda Ashby" yeilds 1550 results. A search without the "naked" yeilds 5,880 results. I shall keep you posted on further developments.

Read Kimberly Swan's review of Amber Benson's Death's Daughter. "Having turned away from the family business in favor of a what she thought of as a normal life, Calliope Reaper-Jones is rather put-out when she’s summoned home. It seems that her father, Death, has been kidnapped along with his key Executives." (Darque Reviews)




MOVIES & DVDS


I've got a minor (and self-diagnosed) case of OCD, so themes work well for me. Vampire Wire continues paying homage to the best bad vampire movie ever, "Dracula 2000," starring Gerard Butler. This film was also marketed as "Dracula 2001" as if that made a difference.

I have incorrectly stated that GB had the best wig in the history of vampire movies, but I have been informed by reliable sources that his long hair in this movie is not a wig. It is Gerry's real hair. That's the sort of authenticity and dedication to detail that you get from "Dracula 2000."

Sadly, this movie couldn't be made today since Virgin Megastores, the location of many of the essential scenes of Dracula walking around all cool in a long black coat, are all closing by summer.

Herewith are some of my favorite video tributes to this opus magnificus.







Okay, I'm probably going to stop now. For a while. But with the OCD and all, it's a challenge.


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

This is sort of redundant since the entire blog is gratuitous today. However, I have to give props to Gerard Butler, not just because his acting range is so versatile, spanning the entire range of characters from vampire to cartoon pirate. I think you'll enjoy this video, made by Bordellobadgirl.

Dracula 2000: Sexy, Cheesy and GERARD BUTLER HELLO!

AUTHORS & BOOKS

Bookworm Extraodinaire posts a great new review of my first novel, Happy Hour at Casa Dracula. "It's sexy, smart and sassy. This is really more of a romantic comedy type of book than a true vampire classic. And I think that's why I like it. " Yep, that made my day!

Read a description and a sneak peak of Jory Strong's steamy paranormal Ghostland (April 2009 release). "In a post-Apocalyptic world where supernaturals have emerged from hiding, wealthy humans delight in decadence while the religious gain power through temptation. For the masses, fear reigns from birth to death, and the afterlife holds beings that only the bravest can summon—or dare to desire…" I love the cover, the concept, and I'm always interested in books set in the East Bay. (Jory, if you happen upon this and want to do a Q&A with me, email me!)

Kerrelyn Sparks is giving away a mess o' prizes, including cover flats, in a contest celebrating the upcoming release of Secret Life of a Vampire. You just have to answer a question after reading an excerpt. "It had seemed like a great idea when he’d reserved an Edwardian suite at the Plaza on Fifth Avenue to celebrate Ian MacPhie’s last night as a bachelor. But now he realized the hotel’s housekeeping service would wonder how an innocent party could produce so many blood stains."

Read a summary and excerpt from Ilona Andrews' new release, Magic Strikes. "...But when Kate's werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games - an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament."

Vampire Wire's Down Under amiga Tez Miller reports that the Swedish vamp film, "Let the Right One In" totally rocks. That's high praise since she also saw the book. I saw it, too, and thought it was great: eerie, creepy, touching.

Tez blogs that the author, John Ajvide Lindqvist, has a second book about zombies, Handling the Undead, so I had to look that up. It's not available in the U.S. except as an import so far.

Here's a description: "Something very peculiar is happening in Stockholm. There's a heatwave on and people cannot turn their lights out or switch their appliances off. Then the terrible news breaks. In the city morgue, the dead are waking up...What do they want? What everybody wants: to come home. 'Handling the Undead' is a story about our greatest fear and about a love that defies death. Following his success with 'Let the Right One In', this novel too has been a bestseller in his native Sweden." (Fantastic Fiction)




MOVIES & DVDS
So yesterday I promised to quote reviews of the unwatchable and yet completely addictive "Dracula 2000" starring Gerard Butler in the best vampire wig in the history of the world. The story is how he stalks girls who work in the Virgin Records Megastore, I kid you not. At least that's what I got out of it by watching ten minute segments of delicious badness.

Here area few comments from Amazon reviews by those who actually sat through it.

"Well, let's not forget that these vampires are ninjas too or karate freaks or whatever they trying to be. Honestly, karate vampires???" HorrorMan

"the acting is about as emotional as chuk norris on sleeping pills avoid this movie its a real stinker it has no beautiful set pieces no killer effects no good acting no good cast." Mike G

"I shouldnt be the only poor schmuk who had to sit through it!" Jason

"a very wise man told me it was a very stupd movie. i agree tottally. ." Justin

What do these reviewers have in common? Yes, they are all dudes.

So what do the chicks have to say about "Dracula 2000"? Here are some comments from Five Star reviews.

"i liked this movie plain and simple... its sexy, cheesy and GERARD BUTLER HELLO!"

"With his incredible finess, Gerard Butler's brilliant acting and unique intensity takes you inside the character's mind and soul. Gerard's Dracula has the ability to be commanding and yet calm. In a word he is "INTOXICATING"! When you gaze into his amazing eyes they are hypnotic and enticing, he is Dracula! He can bite me anytime!" Cari

"...the casting punched this movie up to my top ten 'girls night in' flicks...When this vampire says, 'come to me' it never occurs to you to do anything else. Girls, check it out!"

"Gerard Butler is an excellent choice in portraying Dracula. He is young, sexy, seductive, gorgeous, & scary, all at the same time."

"Gerard Butler is sexy as hell and I never understood why his name is not mentioned on the cover of the DVD! I mean, he IS Dracula after all. check it out if you like vampire movies." Penny

"This movie is pretty cool, but the one thing that sticks out for me is this man candy (gerard butler) he is super gorgeous! "

"I thought the vampire/silver connection was a little far fetched...as was the biblical connection...but heck, who cares when you can look at the most handsone guy in the world!" Sharon

"Gerard Butler plays the blood sucking and enticing vampire in this movie. This Irish actor steams up the screen with his sexiness and sly ways of making women come to him...I highly recommend this movie if you are into the whole vampire thing or even if you just like the sexy men with dark hair and blue eyes."


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

Since my contest (see right sidebar) asks for mashup ideas, here's a freaky one of "True Blood" and "Twilight." Gotta love that Rob Zombie soundtrack. Nice editing job by 8JadedAngel8, who can make even guys in baseball uniforms scary.



I really cannot get enough of "Dracula 2000" videos, especially when set to songs with really cornball lyrics.

Excerpts from NICE GIRLS DON'T HAVE FANGS and NEW BLOOD & "Twilight" News

AUTHORS & BOOKS

Enter my current contest by clicking on the link in the right sidebar. Books by Larissa Ione and more, thanks to Hachette Books.

Read a description of an an excerpt from Molly Harper's new Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs (release date March 31). "When children’s librarian and self-professed nice girl Jane Jameson is fired by her beastly boss and handed $25 in potato skins instead of a severance check, she goes on a bender that’s sure to become Half-Moon Hollow legend. On her way home, she’s mistaken for a deer, shot and left for dead. And thanks to the mysterious stranger she met while chugging neon-colored cocktails, she wakes up with a decidedly unladylike thirst for blood."

Read a description of and an excerpt from Gail Dayton's New Blood. "In 1636, the last blood sorceress was burned at the stake. More than two hundred years later, her blood servant Jax has found her successor."

Kimberly Swan reviews Hunted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. "Zoey Redbird and her friends are trying to stay safe as winged beasts watch their every move." (Darque Reviews)

SciFi Guy reviews Animal Attraction by Charlene Teglia. "Last year I reviewed her paranormal Wicked Hot which I characterized as – “… a scorcher so put on your asbestos gloves before reading.” Animal Attraction is even better – sexier and smarter."




MOVIES & DVDS

Watch a scene that was deleted from "Twilight." "In this racy deleted scene from “Twilight,” Edward (Robert Pattinson) sneaks into Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) bedroom for a make-out session — but is it all just a dream?" (Access Hollywood)

Great pictures and an article on a road trip to Forks, Washington to check out the home of "Twilight." "It was pouring when we stopped in the Forks Visitor Center. Bella’s orange truck was parked outside. We were handed a map with various Twilight destinations to visit." (Taylor Olsen, The Spectator)

Drew Barrymore has been passed over as director of "Eclipse," the third movie in the "Twilight" franchise. "...new reports have come out that Paul Weitz has gotten the job. His brother, Chris Weitz is currently about to start filming New Moon." (Buddy TV) And, thus, the torch of nepotism continues. Barrymore got her first jobs as heir to the Barrymore acting family, and Chris's brother is chosen over all the directors in the known universe.


TELEVISION & THE INTERNETS

Nina Dobrev has been cast to star as Elena in "The Vampire Diaries." "The Bulgarian born actress currently lives in Canada and will take on the role of Elena who is caught between two vampire brothers that fall passionately in love with her. " (Cinema Blend)

Interview with Misha Collins, who plays the angel Castiel in "Supernatural." "The Supernatural star revealed in an exclusive interview with BuddyTV that Castiel will not only play a big role in the final eight episodes of this season, but he is also in the final stages of signing on as a series regular for Supernatural season 5." (Buddy TV)

Review of "Reaper," starring Bret Harrison and Ray Wise, as it now stands. "Will it continue to push out entertaining (albeit) repetitive iterations of its 'Soul of the Week' standard, or will it push into something more? Tonight’s episode demonstrated that the show might be aware of its own mortality, and rather than simply trod along the same path, is striving the take the load less…um, reaped.' (Zap2It)

Summary of "Reaper," with Ray Wise as Satan and Bret Harrison as his minion. "Before he was born, Sam Oliver's (Bret Harrison) parents sold his soul to the devil. Let's not quibble over the theological minutiae here, just accept the premise and move on." (Northwest Arkansas News Source)

Tyler Labine, who plays Sock on "Reaper," claims that this season's episodes are "dripping in sex." "I committed some things to film this year that I never thought you could do on a network television show." (TV Guide)

Sarah Michelle Geller, aka Buffy Summers in "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" has been cast in a new comedy series, "The Wonderful Maladys." "The show centers around three adult siblings who lead rather dysfunctional lives after their parents die when they’re very young."

Here's another article on the new series with Sarah Michelle Geller. (Entertainment Weekly)


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

Enjoy the "Dracula 2000" of it all! I do hope that someday we will see Gerard Butler in another unwatchable, but stylish vampire movie. Tomorrow I will feature some particularly insightful reviewer comments about my favorite GVD movie.

SECOND SKIN, IMMORTAL HUNTER, "New Moon" News

AUTHORS & BOOKS

Read an excerpt from Caitlin Kittredge's Second Skin, the new release in the Nocturne City series. "No one could help the jumper on the ledge. You get a sense for these things, after a few months of listening to people scream 'I’m gonna do it, man–I mean it!'"

Caitlin Kittredge, author of the Nocturne City series, is also a part of the Paranormal Bender Tour with Mario Acevedo, Mark Henry, Cherie Priest and others.


Read a summary and an excerpt from Lyndsay Sands upcoming release, Immortal Hunter. "Even vampires need a vacation. But Decker Argeneau's ends abruptly when he's asked to help hunt the group of rogue vampires targeting mortals -- one that might include a defector in his own family."


MOVIES & DVDS

Interview with Taylor Lautner, who plays Jacob Black in "Twilight" and the upcoming "New Moon." "He agrees with Kristen Stewart's prediction that the fourth and the last in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, will get the go-ahead from the movie studio." (E! Online)

Dakota Fanning has been cast in "New Moon," the sequel to "Twilight." "The actress will play Jane, a member of Italy's evil Volturi, in the anticipated movie, which opens in November." (Entertainment Weekly)

Drew Barrymore in discussions about directing "Eclipse," the third in the "Twilight" movie franchise. "I'm one of the directors that is being talked about, which is great, because I'm a director now." (Morning Call)

Article on locations and storyline of "New Moon," the sequel to "Twilight." "The werewolves, who can transform from human form to their ferocious state in the blink of an eye, are residents of La Push, and they are young. We met a few of them in Twilight, but mostly Jacob Black. We get to know more about Sam, Quill, and Embry in this sequel." (Examiner)


TELEVISION & DVDS

Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" improving and working out the plot problems. "But why on earth would anyone hire Eliza Dushku with the transplanted brain of a bodyguard or hostage negotiator when they could simply hire a regular bodyguard or hostage negotiator? Thankfully, Friday's episode addressed this problem, sort of." (New York Magazine)


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

Here's a "Moonlight" GVD for LadyTink. My minor issue: anyone who's ever ridden in a convertible knows that your hair blows forward when you drive.



Edited to add this Joseph/Jason Dohring/"Moonlight" tribute.

New Contest, Stakes & Stilettos, Demon King

AUTHORS & BOOKS

I have all these nice new books, courtesy of Hachette Books, so I may as well share them. The prizes in this week's contest are:

Larissa Ione's Desire Unchained, a Demonica Novel
Carolyn Jewel's My Wicked Enemy
Eve Silver's Demon's Hunger

To enter, leave a comment on what two stories you'd like to see mashed up together. I'd like to see "Supernatural" mashed up with "Burn Notice," so there would be double the number of cool people having car chases, shooting up stuff, and fighting demons, all to rockin music.

But it could be a book mashed up with a movie, or two books, or whatever. You know, the Black Dagger Brotherhood meets "The Brady Bunch" and hijinks ensue. The contest runs through Saturday night and the winner will be chosen by random.

Big changes at Darque Reviews! Reviewer Kimberly Swan has gone from a blog to a website and a new layout. Looks as if one of my favorite sites will be expanding, but still be easy to navigate. Good luck with the new site, Kimberly! Yes, you should bookmark Kimberley's site.

Review of Stakes & Stilettos by Michelle Rowen. "Stakes & Stilettos is narrated in first person by Sarah. Her voice is by turns comic and sarcastic but considering that she is a major trouble magnet she has plenty to bitch about. Her sharp wit and her reactions to some of the strange situations that she finds herself in are truly funny, so be warned if reading public that outbreaks of spontaneous laughter are likely." (Love Vampires)

Review of Amanda Ashley's Night's Master. "Kathy McKenna has had enough of the war between the vampires and werewolves, so she has moved to a small town in the Midwest called Oak Hollow. She bought a log house and opened a used and new bookstore that she runs all by herself." (Fresh Fiction)

Read chapter one of Amanda Ashby's Night's Master. "Mankind had been heading for this showdown ever since the preternatural creatures decided that, although they were small in number when compared to humans, they possessed the strength and the Supernatural power to pretty much run the planet any way they saw fit."

Patricia Altner reviews Sharon Ashwood's Ravenous. "Holly Carver is a witch hired to rid a sentient house of its malevolence. this is a particularly difficult job, but take it she must because she needs the money." (Patricia's Vampire Notes)

Review of Kresley Cole's Kiss of a Demon King. "I also gradually became more and more invested in the story. I've always had a soft sport for Rydstrom - I mean, who wouldn't feel sympathy for a king who has been trying to reclaim his throne for centuries?" (The Good, The Bad, The Unread)

Read an excerpt from Kresley Cole's Kiss of a Demon King. "'Whenever you have a sorcerer betwixt your thighs, your powers tend to disappear,' Sabine told her sister as she scanned the faces of the frenzied, caged humans. 'It's merely a fact of life.'"


MOVIES & DVDS

Author Catherine Karp has a trailer in English of "Blood, the Last Vampire." (Suburban Vampire)


GRATUITOUS VIDEO OF THE DAY

I know I said it was the end of Naked David Boreanaz Week, my tribute to author Amanda Ashby, but he's wearing clothes in this one!

We now have the winners of the random drawings for last week's contests.

The winner of Amanda Ashby's fun new Zombie Queen of Newbury High is:

TINA WERNER

I am very grateful to Tina for sharing a very personal, weird, and fascinating comment: "Naked David Boreanaz makes my teeth sweat!"

The winner of Theresa Meyers' contest for steamy Salvation of the Damned is:

BARB P.

Barb P., like all sane people, will always see Sean Connery as 007.

Weiners, please email your mailing address to me (marta AT martaacosta DOT com) so your prizes can be sent.

Also, Saphyress, if you're out there, I still need your address so you can get your prize from Mario Acevedo's contest for Jailbait Zombie.

More contests tomorrow, so please subscribe to Vampire Wire to get the details.