Underrated Treasures Blogfest

I was making my way through the blog feeds on my reading list earlier today, when I spotted the ongoing Underrated Treasures Blogfest. Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the blogfest serves as an opportunity to highlight any book, movie, TV series or musician/band you feel hasn't gotten nearly enough recognition. So without further ado, I present one of my favorite, underrated movies.

Mimic

I have chosen to highlight Guillermo Del Toro's 1997 sci-fi/horror film, Mimic. Why? Well, for starters, the movie was met with mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release. Not only that, but it also failed to recoup its $30 million budget during its box office run. But most importantly, it was here that I was first introduced to Del Toro's dark visual style.

The premise of the movie itself was fairly ludicrous. In a not-too-distant (not to mention roach-infested) future, humanity's children are being plagued by a deadly disease. To counter this threat, a group of scientists genetically engineer a new specie of insects called the Judas Breed, which are meant to curb the spread of the disease by feeding on its hosts.

But like most B-grade horror movies, things don't exactly go according to plan. In this case, the Judas Breed live up to their name when they eventually turn on their creators, after evolving into something far more sinister, with an uncanny ability to "mimic" their latest prey, us.

Don't let any of that deter you though. Mimic was packed with some pretty impressive 90s-era special effects, not to mention enough edge-of-your-seat suspense to make the trip seem worthwhile. Plus this is Guillermo Del Toro we're talking about here, a director best known for his ability to make the bizarre and otherworldly look beautiful. So you owe it to yourself to see this movie, if you haven't already.

IWSG: Three-year Anniversary

It's the first Wednesday of the month, and time for members of the Insecure Writer's Support Group to share their writerly insecurities. The group was started by Alex J. Cavanaugh, and those interested in joining in can visit www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com for more information.

And as fate would have it, today just happens to be the group's three-year anniversary. Hard to believe its been that long already. I've only been posting as part of the group for two of those three years, but even that feels just like yesterday. How time flies, huh?

Anyways, to commemorate three years of providing support to one another, all members of the IWSG are being asked to contribute writing, publishing or marketing advice to a writer's guidebook. The book is to be published by the end of the year, and made freely available on online retailers like Amazon.

I have never contributed or taken part in any crowd-sourced projects like this before, which is probably why I am a little bit on the fence at the moment. Plus I've never really considered myself a fountain of knowledge when it comes to writing or marketing. But those that wish to contribute can do so by posting their contribution during next month's round of IWSG posts.

Have you decided to contribute? If so, have you decided exactly what you'd be contributing?