Author Archives: Sarah Sommer

About Sarah Sommer

Sarah is a journalist and an artist who lives in the city. She loves movies and television. She reads early and often. Sarah also helps out over at BSCkids.com and our other sites!

Exclusive Game of Thrones Philosophy Book Giveaway

Optionated is incredibly excited to offer our readers a chance to win this fantastic companion book to the “Game of Thrones” television series and book series. If you are a fan of either you do not want to be without a copy of Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series.)

The book is an in-depth look at the philosophical issues behind HBO’s Game of Thrones television series and the books that inspired it.

What You Get:

5 winners will receive a free copy of Game of Thrones and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords (The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series).

About the Book:

George R.R. Martin’s New York Times bestselling epic fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, and the HBO television show adapted from it, have earned critical acclaim and inspired fanatic devotion. This book delves into the many philosophical questions that arise in this complex, character-driven series, including: Is it right for a “good” king to usurp the throne of a “bad” one and murder his family? How far should you go to protect your family and its secrets? In a fantasy universe with medieval mores and ethics, can female characters reflect modern feminist ideals?

Timed for the premiere of the second season of the HBO Game of Thrones series
Gives new perspectives on the characters, storylines, and themes of Game of Thrones
Draws on great philosophers from ancient Greece to modern America to explore intriguing topics such as the strange creatures of Westeros, the incestuous relationship of Jaime and Cersei Lannister, and what the kings of Westeros can show us about virtue and honor (or the lack thereof) as they play their game of thrones

Essential reading for fans, Game of Thrones and Philosophy will enrich your experience of your favorite medieval fantasy series.

How To Enter:

Please send an email with your name and shipping information to contest@bsckids.com with the subject stating Game of Thrones. If you follow us on Twitter (@optionated_) or like us on Facebook, you get two entries to win! Winners will be announced on March 26^th, just in time for the premiere of season 2!

Good Luck!

Giveaway items provided by Wiley Publishing

The Walking Dead Facebook Game Almost Here

The hit AMC television series, “The Walking Dead” is invading Facebook. It was recently revealed that Eyes Wide Games, AMC, and Rock You have teamed up to create a new social based Facebook game based on the series. The game is set to arrive net month. (You can see screenshots from the game below)

The objective is pretty simple given it is a game about zombies. Stay Alive. The game makes you team up with Facebook friends to establish a camp and defend it from the Walkers. You will also have to scavenge for resources, complete missions, and meet characters from the actual television show.

“AMC’s The Walking Dead Social Game is a next generation game for social networks,” Eye Wides Games CEO Stephen Griffin told G4. “It’s got deep playability. It’s got drama, and it’s still approachable for the casual audience. However, if you’re a gamer and you’ve been looking for a deeper game to play and to experience on social networks then this is it.”

Even more is that this isn’t the first video game tie-in that has been announced for the television series. Telltale Game is also creating an episodic adventure game that is based on the comics. The first episode in that game is expected to be available sometime this spring.

“The Walking Dead” is based on the comic book series, The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. It is currently in the middle of its second season. AMC announced in October 2011 that the show would be renewed for a third season due to the fact the premiere of season 2 broke cable records in their demographic. On January 14, 2012, AMC announced that the third season will contain an extended episode order of 16 episodes.

The Walking Dead tells the story of a small group of survivors living in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Most of the story takes place in the Atlanta metropolitan area, as the survivors search for a haven away from the shuffling hordes of predatory “walkers” who devour and infect any living thing they catch. The plot is focused primarily on the dilemmas the group face as they struggle to balance their humanity with their survival.

The group is led by Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln (You can see an interview with Lincoln here), who was a sheriff’s deputy in a small Georgian town before the zombie outbreak. At every turn they are faced with the horror of the dead walking again, the changing dynamic of their group, and hostility from the scattered remains of a struggling human populace who are focused on their own survival now that the structures of society have collapsed.

You can sign up for the Walking Dead Social Game by liking its fan page. You’ll be notified when it launches in April.

You can also see some screenshots from the new Facebook game below:

Critics and Celebs Tweet Love For Hunger Games Film

The official Hunger Games film premiered last night, and to ease the worries of many fans, critics and celebs alike have been tweeting their love and support for the highly anticipated adaptation. While there are not many full reviews out (those will come later) we do have a collection of tweets from those at the premiere last night.

One critic, Germain Lusser has said that the film was exceptional and that the director had “knocked this movie out of the park.” And many others have claimed it be one of the best adaptations in a long time.

Lussier went on to tweet that,

The Hunger Games – B+. An exciting, emotional adaptation that gets most everything right. Its one flaw is it might be too smart for itself.

Glee star, Darren Criss, took to Twitter last night to also show his love for the film.

In short, The Hunger Games was great. They did an awesome job. Fun at the premiere tonight with @JoeyRichter … http://t.co/3MytBxUg

Joey Richter countered Criss’ tweet with,

The Hunger Games premiere w/ @DarrenCriss was oodles of fun Especially the badassery of @jackie_emerson. Not ashamed to say I sobbed.

Kelly Osbourne gave the film a “must see” rating when she tweeted,

Just got out of seeing #HungerGames all I have to say is wow! It really is a must see!

Steven Weintraub added to the mix by putting the worries of fans to rest with his statement,

If you’re a HUNGER GAMES fan, happy to report the film is great and you’re going to be very happy with Gary Ross’ film.

Todd Gilchrist agreed with the sentiment when he tweeted his approval of the film.

I’m getting in line behind my colleagues to say that The Hunger Games is terrific- thoughtful, thrilling, well-acted & emotionally engaging.

Silas Lesnick wasn’t shy about really loving The Hunger Games. After the premiere he tweeted,

I can now tell you all that I’ve seen — and really loved — THE HUNGER GAMES. It’s not just a great adaptation. It’s a new sci-fi classic.

One of the actresses from the film, Annie Thurman, took to Twitter after the premiere saying,

The Hunger Games premiere was absolutely flawless. Thank you soo much Lionsgate, Gary Ross, Cast and crew, and all you fans that made this..

Jeremy Smith said he was surprised by the film, praising the film and actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Completely surprised by THE HUNGER GAMES. Loved it. Dark, exciting, ambiguous sci-fi allegory. Another amazing performance from J. Lawrence.

The actor who plays Thresh in the film, Dayo Okeniyi, only had one thing to say about the premiere,

What a night, What a night, WHAT A NIGHT!!!

Kimmy West gave the film one of the highest compliments when she said,

Just saw #TheHungerGames. Most faithful adaptation of a book I have EVER seen. Just amazing.

And amazing writer (and twitterer) Neil Gaiman did a “brief” review of the film for his followers:

And brief review: I enjoyed The Hunger Games movie a lot – Donald Sutherland is wonderful. Maddy liked it, but she much preferred the book.

This over pouring over love for the film has definitely settled worries that it may not live up to my expectations. Personally, March 23rd can not get here fast enough. You can watch the trailer below if you need something to hold you over till we can see the film next week.

The Hunger Games is the movie adaptation of the bestselling novel by Suzanne Collins. It is followed by the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

The plot for the film is as follows:Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the governing body, the Capitol, of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her sister from going in to the ghastly arena. She is joined by Peeta Mellark, a boy she knew who once saved her life.You can see the official cast below:

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch Abernathy
Willow Shields as Primrose “Prim” Everdeen
Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne
Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket
Lenny Kravitz as Cinna
Paula Malcomson as Mrs. Everdeen
Amandla Stenberg as Rue
Alexander Ludwig as Cato
Dayo Okeniyi as Thresh
Isabelle Fuhrman as Clove
Jacqueline Emerson as Foxface
Leven Rambin as Glimmer
Jack Quaid as Marvel
Donald Sutherland as President Snow
Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman
Wes Bentley as Seneca Crane
Latarsha Rose as Portia

6th Annual Book Tournament Match-Up: Dark Inside VS Bumped

Round 1 of the 6th Annual BSC Book Tournament begins with match-ups between the Female Leads and the Male Leads brackets. If you missed it, you can see our announcement of the brackets here as well as the unveiling of the full tournament schedule here. But now it is time for the voting to start!

We are keeping each round in its own post, but don’t worry! They will all be linked together to make it easier for you.

8: Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts VS Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Continue on to the next one here!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Female Leads VS The Male Leads bracket. If you experience any technical issues with the polling, please email Sarah@boomtron.com with the problem. Polls will be open until Wednesday night, and results will be announced on Friday, March 16th.