Thursday Movie Review ~ Mannequin #moviereview @meganslayer #movie #review

This week, I thought I’d talk about a movie I’d long wanted to see, but hadn’t had the chance. Mannequin.  There are certain movies that are revered as being an everyone’s seen this kind of movie. To me, Mannequin was one of those movies. I hadn’t seen it and I was missing out.

I have to admit, I’m a sucker for Andrew McCarthy movies. I don’t know. I guess it’s his special mix of silliness and nerdiness, while still being handsome that does something for me. This one didn’t disappoint.

Andrew McCarthy plays an artist-slash-window dresser who happens to lose his job (one of a hundred so it seems) and by coincidence, ends up at the store where Emmy happens to be. I loved Estelle Getty in this flick. She’s not Sophia from the Golden Girls and it’s refreshing. She’s got great comic timing. James Spader plays the baddie, yet again, quite well. I almost have a hard time liking him as a character when he’s NOT playing the bad guy. He does smarmy so well.  Meshach Taylor does a great star turn as McCarthy’s side-kick. He has the flair and was funny. A tad dated, but I could overlook it.

I’ll admit one must suspend their disbelief a lot for this movie. The premise is almost laughable, but I wanted escapism. I wanted a happy ending, too, and wasn’t in the mood for a Hallmark flick. I had a pretty good idea what I was getting when I started this film and I wasn’t disappointed. If you want something fluffy and a little ridiculous, but fun, then this might be the film for you.

A Menage Because…Why Not? #ASinfulTune by @WendiZwaduk #menage #romance #mfm #erotic #hotrockers

A Sinful Tune by Wendi Zwaduk 

From the Three’s a Charm Anthology

Short Story

Totally Bound

M/F/M, M/F, Menage, Anal Sex

Contemporary

Two hot rockers and one girl…what could go wrong?

Robbie thought when he formed his band he’d get the girls, the gigs and the money. He’s got the gigs, but the money is a little slower in coming. He’s also got more than a few secrets. He wants the band to succeed, but even more, he wants to find the one woman who can accept him—warts and all, but also with his best friend Dillon involved.

Dillon loves Robbie like a brother. Robbie’s his other half in the music world. He handles the words while Robbie writes the music for the band. But all the music in the world isn’t enough if they don’t have their perfect third—Jess. She hits all the right notes for him and Robbie. The only issue? She may not accept their love in return.

Jess has followed the band for years and worked her way up to selling their merchandise. She knows their music almost as well as they do, but doubts they’d want to be with her. She’s so unlike the other women they’ve had—she’s short, curvy and a purple-haired Goth. When Robbie and Dillon hang out with her after one of the gigs, she has a choice to make. Either head home and wonder or let go of her fears and give the two men of her dreams the chance to make her fantasies come to life.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of double penetration.

Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released as part of the Three’s a Charm anthology with Totally Bound Publishing.

Only $.99 !

Available from Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/book/a-sinful-tune

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mZ5wEe

Amazon.com.au: https://www.amazon.com.au/Sinful-Tune-Wendi-Zwaduk-ebook/dp/B073WFGMDL/

Amazon.jp:  https://www.amazon.co.jp/Sinful-Tune-English-Wendi-Zwaduk-ebook/dp/B073WFGMDL/

Amazon.co.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sinful-Tune-Wendi-Zwaduk-ebook/dp/B073WFGMDL/

Amazon.de: https://www.amazon.de/Sinful-Tune-English-Wendi-Zwaduk-ebook/dp/B073WFGMDL/

Now for An Excerpt!!

©Wendi Zwaduk, 2017 All Rights Reserved

“What if we asked her out? We’ve been dancing around it forever. You want her. I do. She likes hanging out with us and she never shies away when we kiss her.” He met Robbie’s gaze. “I’m serious. What if we were the ones who took the first step?”

“And say what?” Robbie frowned. “I like her and would love to snag her between us, but what do we say? ‘Hey, babe. We’ve chosen you. How about it? Do you want to be with us?’ She’d laugh and walk out. What about saying she’d be better off with us on either side? She’d think we were going to use her. She deserves better than a couple of rock and roll wannabes.”

“Well, yeah.” Dillon snorted. “If we approach her like that, then I’d be shocked if she didn’t run away. Finesse would be good.” He rested his arm on Robbie’s shoulder. “Think about it. She’s got that Goth, funky but beautiful look to her. She’s never balked at our behavior, either. She’s a little rough, but dependable.”

“She’s a good worker, sure, but you make her sound like a set of tires.” Robbie shrugged. “I’d love to ask her out, but I’m afraid she’d turn me down. You know me and my life. I’m no good for her. Besides, if she said yes, then how can I be sure she’d consider both of us? I’m not in the mood to put myself out there only to be turned down again. I’d rather be alone.”

“We won’t know until we try.” Dillon hadn’t realized how deep Elaine’s leaving had messed with Robbie until that moment. He hadn’t thought Robbie and Elaine were going to go the distance, but he hadn’t expected her to be so rotten. He’d never heard Robbie mention being happier alone. Robbie was a relationship kind of guy. Then again, so was he. Hell, for all he knew, she could be the one. A vision of her snuggled up between them came to mind. He longed to run his fingers through her purple hair and kiss her breathless. Tingles surged through his body—the thrill of playing music mixed with his desire for Jess. Oh, shit. He only felt that way when he picked up his guitar. Yeah, it was time to speak up.

“Then why don’t we talk to her and try to figure this out…after we play music?”

This post also is featured over at the Dirty Birdies Blog: http://wp.me/p6bvcM-1J3

Cover Reveal ~ Soldier Boy by @meganslayer #interracial #romance #bwwm

Coming this January from Megan Slayer!

Plenty of surprises in store when the party goes from costumes and fright to sexy delight.

Vada hadn’t planned on finding a man at the Halloween party. No, she came to hang out with her best friend, Maya. She’s not there to snag a date, especially not since she’s sworn off men. When a handsome man wearing an Army uniform shows up, Vada begins to rethink her decision. Halloween is a time for rebirth and change. Maybe change—in the form of the blue-eyed, handsome man—is just what she needs.

Features Maya and Levi from Guarding Me

My Top 10 (okay, maybe Top 13) #Binge-Worthy #Movie List…For #Writing with @MeganSlayer #gayromance #wildcard

Many authors have certain things they binge on. Certain things that are necessary for writing to take place. When I write, I need noise. Yes, noise. I’ve been like this ever since I was a kid. I used to drive my mother crazy because I’d have a book open and reading it, while working on my homework and listening to the television.

For some authors, noise is a distraction. For me? It’s imperative. I’ll listen to music, television or movies. I’m not above listening to those Time-Life infomercials for boxed sets of music.

My favorite go-to noise while I’m writing is my binge-worthy list of movies. I listen to the dialogue and flip back to the movie when a favorite part comes on or I’m stuck in my story. It’s a good distraction and keeps me moving. Most of the movies on my list are ones I know the length of and I use them as timers. If I can get so many words done by the end of the movie, I’m happy.

My list probably won’t be binge-worthy to too many people, but I’m okay with that. There’s nothing wrong with individuality. Then what are these fantastic movies? Let me tell you. Oh, and they’re in no particular order. I’m random that way. Grin.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron – I like the noise and the explosions…and Captain America. Hey, Chris Evans…can’t beat that.

The A-Team – You know, the one with Lian Neeson. Love it. The play of the actors together is fantastic. Plus, Murdoch makes me laugh every time.

Captain America: the First Avenger – Chris Evans shirtless. Plus the storyline is good.

X-Men: First Class – James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender using suggestive lines and looking really hot. I’m a visual girl. What can I say?

Guardian’s of the Galaxy, Volume 2 – I laughed, I cried and I had a great time. #Starlord Plus, Drax cracked me up. #nipples

The Avengers – Good storytelling, great interplay of the actors and Chris Evans punching things. I might have a teensy obsession.

Robin Hood – not the one with Kevin Costner or the one with the tight tights. Nope. My go to Robin Hood is the animated Disney version. I love the songs and the cheery overall feel. Plus, the songs are good for earworms.

X-Men: Days of Future Past – I might be among the few, but I thought the plot was interesting. It kept my attention. Plus I liked the internal struggle in Charles Xavier. Also, James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Enough said.

Guardians of the Galaxy – I love snappy characters and sappy situations. Guardians has both. Groot is my favorite because he might not say much, but he’s got a huge heart. Plus I love the way Chris Pratt and Bradley Cooper play off each other.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier – Chris Evans kicking butts and taking names. Plus, he’s more human in this story. Oh, and it was shot in Cleveland, so I recognize the landmarks. #CLEPride

X-Men: Apocalypse – I’m not wild about Olivia Wilde, but I did enjoy seeing Prof. X and Moira together again. And Quicksilver…he’s the best, even if he’s damaged. Once I started watching this one, like the other X-Men movies and the Marvel Avengers universe, I’m sucked in.

Captain America : Civil War – Maybe some of the angst in this one isn’t up everyone’s alley, but it’s up mine. Besides…Bucky!

The Normal Heart – Okay, so this movie is filled with heart, but can be depressing. I love the way Mark Ruffalo and Matt Bomer play off each other. The love and desire are palpable. Plus, the story is engrossing.

Are there movies you think I should watch? Maybe add to the list? Let me know! While you’re at it, check out my newest release, What’s His Passion? Wild Card? 

 

Following his heart and passion will be his biggest role of all.  

Kris Hunter wants out. He’s done pornographic films for the last six years. The pay’s been good, but his creativity is nearly dead. His passion is to act and to be a star on the big screen in mainstream films. When he auditions for famed casting director, Zayn Mason, he’s convinced he’s on the right path. He doesn’t want to take the casting couch route to success, but he certainly wants Zayn in his bed. Can he follow his dreams and the man he desires or will forces beyond his control derail his progress?

Zayn Mason sees the potential in Kris. As a casting director, he looks for the right actor to fill the roles in movies. He’s seen plenty of talent come and go, but no one stirs his soul both creatively and physically like Kris. But Zayn knows the pitfalls of the movie industry. Crossing over from porn isn’t easy and Hollywood isn’t always forgiving. Besides, he’s got demons of his own. Can these men get beyond their pasts and find a future together under the bright lights of the silver screen?

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of voyeurism and intimacy with multiple partners.

Available From Pride Publishing: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/wild-card

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzp86n

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CGCVVL6/

Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B01CGCVVL6/

Amazon FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01CGCVVL6/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/Wild-Card-Whats-Passion-English-ebook/dp/B01CGCVVL6/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Wild-Card-Whats-His-Passion-Megan-Slayer/dp/B01CGCVVL6/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Wild-Card-Whats-His-Passion-ebook/dp/B01CGCVVL6/

This post can also be found at The Romance Studio Blog: https://wp.me/p8f7P3-1ZmAnal Sex, Binge, Contemporary, erotic romance, gay romance, LGBTQ, List, Megan Slayer, MM, Movies, Novel, Porn Stars, Pride Publishing, Romance, Top 10

Tuesday Teaser ~ Blurred Reality by @meganslayer #gayromance #kindleworld #DFRKW #nathaliahotel

It’s time for the Tuesday Teaser. I love these. This week I’m featuring Blurred Reality, my contribution to the Dallas Fire and Rescue Kindle World. Enjoy!

Blurred Reality By Megan Slayer 

A Dallas Fire and Rescue Kindle World Story

Contemporary

Novella

M/M, Anal Sex, Masturbation

Cover art by WZDesigns

Edited by Kris Jacen

When the band takes a hiatus, the boys will play…

When Jacen Goodwin’s band, Disaster Transport, crashed in Dallas and ended up at the Nathalia Hotel, he never expected to find his heart’s desire. He wants to stay in his adopted home city, but he loves the roar of the crowd as well as their adoration. Can the star drummer step away from the buzz of fame long enough to grab what he needs with both hands or will the lure of the crowd be too much?

Matt Walker knew from the moment he got involved with Jacen that their relationship was temporary. Jacen’s a celebrity and he holds the position of the sexiest eligible bachelor of the band. Even if Matt saw a future for him and Jacen, the odds aren’t in their favor. But he can hope, right? He’s been head over heels in love with Jacen since the moment they met.

Can these two opposites make a go of their fledgling relationship or will celebrity and the challenges of fame keep them apart?

Available for Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZB96WU/

Now for an excerpt:

©MeganSlayer, 2017, All Rights Reserved

Matt busied himself with straightening the counter space and trying not to watch Jacen. Fuck. How could he not? The man featured in his dreams and had become his favorite spank bank material. He swept his gaze over Jacen. The denim shorts hugged his hips and accentuated the strength in his legs. Jacen rubbed the back of his neck with his fingers and flexed his upper body.

Jesus. Was Jacen trying to turn him on? If so, he’d accomplished his mission. Matt plopped onto the stool and pressed his knees together. Blood rushed to his cock and his mouth watered. Just a few touches. Kisses. He didn’t want much. Really.

“Mother fucker.” Jacen whipped around and held his phone in a white-knuckled grasp as he strode back to the desk. “He’s a piece of shit. Where are those peas?”

Matt offered up the bag. “Whoever it is, I hope you lit into him.” He shut the laptop down, then moved the device to the lower portion of the counter. “Better pick up your key before you forget.” He slid the card across to Jacen. “Have a good night…well, a better one than you’ve had so far.”

“Huh?” Jacen glared at Matt and plunked the bag back onto his bruise. “Are you here all night? I thought Cady hired on people to work the desk so you and her weren’t stuck.”

“She did, but this is my night. I have to earn my keep somehow.” He grinned to hide his displeasure. “I can’t feed my music and running habits without some source of income.”

Jacen tucked his phone into his pocket and lingered at the counter. “Want some company? I came here to work on music, yeah, but that wasn’t the only reason.” He offered up the bag. “I’ve melted this.”

“I’ll stick it back in the freezer. No problem.” He gripped the melting frozen food. “Stick around a moment in case anyone comes in and I’ll put it back.” He left Jacen alone long enough to put the peas in the fridge. He’d probably make them for lunch the next day instead of wasting them. When he returned, Jacen had rounded the counter.

“All good?” Jacen asked.

“I’ve got lunch for tomorrow.” He tensed. “Thanks for holding down the fort.” He expected Jacen to leave, but instead, he crept closer to Matt.

“I didn’t just return for Rory and the music. I came here for you, too.”

“Me?” He frowned. “What?” He had to be hearing Jacen wrong. No way Jacen meant that.

“Uh, yeah. You.”

Monday Morning Armchair Quarterback, Preseason Week 3 #football #funny @meganslayer

It’s high time the season gets started. I’m all for preseason, but come on. I need the regular season to get here! It’s time.  Until I get my way, it’s time for the preseason quotes. There were a few goodies from the second week that didn’t quite make the cut last time around, but they’re here now! Let’s get started.

“Looks more powerful coming forward.” 

Is that like 3-D…it’s coming right at you?

“Shootin’ the gaps.”

Better to aim at them, than around them.

“I see more of his power.”

Now that he’s here, yep, you can see more of his…er…power.

“Check the release times.”

He’s on a timer? Interesting. Or very BDSM-y. 🙂

“A lot to clean up.”

Well, if he’s all messy, then it goes without saying.

Now for those wonderful quotes this week from the various preseason games. You won’t want to miss these.

“Get deep because they can see more.”

Better than shallow and unsatisfied.

“Powerful lower body.”

If he’s going to get deep, then he’d better be powerful.

“He didn’t get as much as he wants.”

I’m sure he can find satisfaction.

“Will give him as much as he can handle.”

See? They’re pacing him.

“Short underneath.”

Nope. Just a bad camera angle.

“Sack Master.”

See? I told you it was just a bad camera angle.

And now for the Doozy of the Week…this is the one that had me scratching my head the longest or was just so far out there…I couldn’t believe it. Ready?

“Take a little bit and drop it in over the top.”

Sounds like a puppy pile to me, but might be fun.

~ ~ ~

Well, those are the quotes from the third week of the madness.

Here’s to a good season, less CTE, more great plays and lots of fun! Oh, and WHO DEY!

Andy Dalton, #14, Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals

By Melissa Batson (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0

 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D

Anniversary Party with Long and Short Reviews! With @meganslayer and @wendizwaduk

Check out my post today at 5pm!! http://wp.me/p2ZcT9-hO0 Prizes, books and fun! I hope to see you there!

Friday Flirt ~ Constant by @MeganSlayer #gayromance #erotic #romance #LGBT

Time for the Friday Flirt. This week I’m featuring Constant. I love my newsroom characters and their antics. There’s so much angst and craziness in the newsroom. Here’s my take. Enjoy the flirt!

Constant 

Megan Slayer

M/M, Anal Sex, Spanking, Knife Play, BDSM, Bondage

Novella

Pride Publishing

He demands his submissive’s body and soul…but can he accept his sub’s heart?

Roddy Green never planned to fall in love and certainly not with his Dom, but every time he goes into Darkness, a fetish club, he falls for Vegas all over again. Being in love isn’t the same as being loved in return. Vegas is there to do a job—not to build a romance. But what if the main constant in Roddy’s life is also the one person he can’t live without?

Andrew Vegas knows his job. He’s a Dom. But there is more than one side to him and he’s tired of keeping the other parts of him hidden. One man makes him feel safe and comfortable enough to open up—his pet, Roddy. But will Roddy, the producer of a local news broadcast, want to be with a man with secrets?

Reader Advisory: This book contains references to light knifeplay.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains characters who also appear in Permanent.

General Release Date: 21st July 2015

Available from these fine retailers:

Pride Publishing: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/constant

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Constant-Megan-Slayer-ebook/dp/B011IWL8TK/

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Constant-Megan-Slayer-ebook/dp/B011IWL8TK/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/Constant-Megan-Slayer-ebook/dp/B011IWL8TK/

Amazon JP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/Constant-Megan-Slayer-ebook/dp/B011IWL8TK/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Constant-Megan-Slayer-ebook/dp/B011IWL8TK/

Amazon AU:  https://www.amazon.com.au/Constant-Megan-Slayer/dp/B011IWL8TK/

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/constant-megan-slayer/1122296329?ean=9781784306380

Now for the White Hot Flirt!!

©Megan Slayer, 2015, All Rights Reserved

“You’re ready for this form of play.” He slapped Roddy hard on the ass with his bare hand. He slid his middle finger between Roddy’s ass cheeks. “Who does this belong to?”

“You, Sir,” Roddy answered. He held his reservations in check. Master Vegas had said the word play. Not love, not romance or desire. Just play. He shouldn’t have hinged his hopes on Master Vegas wanting him in a romantic way.

“You belong to me. Say it again.” Master Vegas punctuated his words with flat-handed spanks on Roddy’s butt. He tapped Roddy’s asshole on the last word.

“You, Sir.” He flexed his hole, ready to allow Master Vegas into his body. The toys and masturbation weren’t enough. He needed a real man.

“Good, pet.” Master Vegas dribbled chilly lube down the crack of Roddy’s butt. He continued tapping Roddy’s hole. “How much do you want me here?”

“I crave you, Sir.” At least he’d been honest. He pressed his face into the warm leather. “Please, Sir? Fuck me.” He wanted his Sir in his ass right now. Needed him. Couldn’t wait another minute.

“You expect a lot.” Master Vegas caressed his middle finger over Roddy’s hole, then eased inside. He pushed past the tight ring of muscle until he buried himself two knuckles deep.

Holy shit. Roddy wanted to thrust. Every instinct told him to ride Master Vegas’ middle finger. Instead, he held back. He wasn’t in control.

“Good, pet. You’re withholding for me. Pleasing me.”

This post also appears over at The Romance Studio: https://wp.me/p8f7P3-1XL

That Wonderful Urge with @MeganSlayer – #Writing while the #Idea Strikes ~ #writing #inspiration #dirtybirdies @madisonsevier

I recently went to a local aviation museum. I wanted to branch out and see some of the sights close to home that weren’t the usual tourist locations. There are lots of places

By Bill Larkins (C-46OHIOang) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

around that have some awesome exhibits and are just begging for visitors. So, we went to the aviation one. It was a blast. Planes, planes and more planes. There was also a medical tent set up like ones used in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. You could not only look into the planes, but climb in a few, too. There was even a cabin of a blimp! There was a section on Rosie the Riveter and a Hall of Heroes. I’m glad I visited.

But this post isn’t just about the planes or Rosie. It’s about how the visuals inspired my writing. I’ve got new story ideas for a few different series and one I’m co-authoring. It’s fantastic. I love going places with no plan to use the visit as a story inspiration and having one land in my lap.

By Tech. Sgt. Matt Hecht [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The planes got me thinking about my Air National Guard guys. They need more stories. I’ve got two men who’ve shown up and are talking.  I won’t go into details, but there will be angst, love and fun. I promise. Oh, and maybe a separation that will require the heart to grow fonder. Hey, you’ve got to do what they military tells you to. Besides, a little angst is worth it.

Then there was the Rosie exhibit. My connection to Rosie the Riveter is more that my grandmother had a victory garden and sold veggies at a road-side stand to help the war effort.

By The U.S. National Archives (We Can Do It!) [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons

She wasn’t old enough to be a true Rosie, but hey, who is counting?

But Rosie got me thinking about the Faeries book I penned with Madison Sevier. Rosie has a job and does it…kind of like the original Rosies. Of course this Rosie is involved with paranormal creatures, like faeries. Doesn’t matter. She’s dedicated and has a great time with what she’s doing–kind of like our faeries. Rosie is a true hoot and I’m glad I got an idea for the next story in her world. Madison and I can’t wait to bring them to you!

I’m off to get writing — at least the outlines — and until I’m back, here’s a little about Faeries After Dark.

Cordelia by Megan Slayer

Faeries After Dark by Madison Sevier and Megan Slayer

Published by WZD and Coffee Queen Publications

Contemporary, Paranormal, Erotic Romance

M/F pairing

Novella

 

Faeries finding purpose, magic and love…

FIONA

A faerie on the run with a stolen bear. An attraction neither can deny. Magic is the key when these two hearts collide. Fiona Blake has always been the faerie who’s done the right thing. She’s avoided trouble and love her entire life. Now, she’s unemployed and on the run–with a stolen bear. By using her magic, she’s unbalanced the laws of nature and Fiona is in deep scat. She must fix things before she loses her powers and her heart to a sexy stranger who might get her locked up in faerie prison.

Kash Bruin needed a break from his overbearing, matchmaking father. He never imagined he’d wake up in a cage, naked and kidnapped by a crazy, violet-eyed, beautiful woman who believes she’s a faerie. Can a spark of magic bring these two creatures from separate world’s together? Or will the truth be too much to bear and tear them apart fur-ever?

CORDELIA

What’s a love faerie supposed to do without her magic?

Cordelia likes to play fast and loose with the rules. So she’s made a few mistakes with magic along the way? No one got hurt…right? The blue-haired faerie, prone to the occasional blue language and dirty jokes, loses her right to create magic after one goof-up too many. But she’s about to find redemption in the form of a merman named Henry and a human named Jinx. Fix them up and she’ll get her right to create magic back. There’s only one problem…Liam.

Liam could be the right man to help Cordelia rise above her troubles…but first she’s got to make him believe she exists. Not impossible, right?

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mYRjxp

Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1546456066/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1546456066/

Amazon Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B071KLBDFD/

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071KLBDFD/

This post is also available on the Dirty Birdies Blog: http://wp.me/p6bvcM-1IJ 

Thursday Movie Rundown ~ Johnny Apollo #moviereview @meganslayer

I have to admit, I’ve been on a bit of a Tyrone Power bender of late. He’s handsome. Who can deny that? Some of his movies were pure schmaltz, but that’s okay. I wanted something light-ish.

Johnny Apollo isn’t a light movie. Not by a long shot. It’s not super heavy, but it’s not dashing-leading-man-sexy-and-fun fare that I’m used to by Power. Sure, he took a serious turn in Nightmare Alley, Blood and Sand and Witness for the Prosecution, but I guess I wasn’t expecting this story to be quite so dark. Still, I enjoyed the viewing.

Johnny Apollo is definitely a movie of it’s time. The mob was in full force and so was the depression. The notion that crime doesn’t pay is woven throughout the film. Yes the crime happened and Johnny wanted it for the right reasons, not the wrong ones… still it doesn’t pay.

I liked how Power played the character of Bob Cain, aka Johnny Apollo, like George Clooney might play him–dashing and sexy, but stern. He knows he’s doing bad things, but he makes it look…good. There’s a certain naivete in his performance that shows through the film. His heart is in the right place and he’s trying to earn the love and respect of his father. It’s typical of a young adult or one just out of college to think they know it all and while I agreed with some of Power’s character’s assessments, I could see the father’s side, too.

Power is shot well…almost better than costar Dorthy Lamour. You know he’s the star turn in this film. He’s handsome even in jail after being in solitary confinement for a while. That’s a challenge.

The movie isn’t long and it’s not bubbly fun, but it’s interesting to watch. I recommend Johnny Apollo if you want a crime drama or just another one of Power’s films for a Tyrone Power film fest. You can’t go wrong with Johnny Apollo…even if he’s very wrong.