Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 117
September 18, 2022
September 18, 2022: Suji Sunday!
Rosie the Wheeler.
Nap position.
Out and about.
Puppuccino
Daddy’s girl.
The post September 18, 2022: Suji Sunday! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 17, 2022
September 17, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues!
Rare Exports (2010)
In the depths of the Korvatunturi mountains, 486 meters deep, lies the closest ever guarded secret of Christmas. The time has come to dig it up.
Thoughts: A good-looking production that isn’t really an effective horror movie and yet, at the same time, isn’t a very successful kids’ movie either. All the ingredients are there for one or the other, but the movie fails to live up to either potential.
3/5
She Dies Tomorrow (2020)
Amy thinks she’s dying tomorrow…and it’s contagious.
Thoughts: I enjoyed the understated dark humor but it all too often feels like an overly long SNL skit.
3.5/5
Titane (2021)
Following a series of unexplained crimes, a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for 10 years.
Thoughts: Ultimately, ridiculous. But you do you.
3/5
Today’s not-so-horrific Yes/No…
Sweet Potato Ice Cream? Yes/No
Häagen-Dazs’ Japan’s new sweet potato ice cream disappoints AND completely satisfies us https://t.co/FoFd8pyoVH via @RocketNews24En
— Joseph Mallozzi
(@BaronDestructo) September 17, 2022
The post September 17, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 16, 2022
September 16, 2022: Akemi going bake-crazy!
Akemi made focaccia today: garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Delicious.
She also made this ultra-dense, ultra bittersweet matcha cake with custard cream. Also delicious.
Came across this marvelous concept art from SG-1’s pilot episode, “Children of the Gods”. How come we never saw more of the Jaffa bands jammin’ to the oldies? Cartego Choo Choo. Jebanna 6-5000. Mak’tal the Knife.
What nonsense is this? Oh, it’s today’s Yes/No…
Corn Glizzy? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/YJ73exFJxs
— Joseph Mallozzi
Man, this one’s reach.
I've cancelled all my subscriptions. Will resubscribe once they either pick up a show from me OR start offering an alphabetical listing by category. One or the other. They can choose.
Absolutely no pressure. https://t.co/bPVfbvpuoV
— Joseph Mallozzi
Seriously…
Everyone else: "I'm watching season 3 of CSI: New Guinea, the third season of The Good Accountant, the last season of Horny Surgeons, and that new sci-fi series on Mediocrity Plus."
Me: "I…haven't heard of any of these shows."
— Joseph Mallozzi
Just came back from a very interesting discussion concerning a time travel project. Let’s call this one…Project Time Travel! Finished the first draft of Project Wolf. Taking a few days away from it, then will give it a re-read this weekend with a mind to punching up it up before sending it to my agents next week. Also next week – a zoom call to discuss the outline for Project Androids. Meanwhile, I await further word on Project Sci-fi/Kpop, Project Big Ship, and Project Gunpowder.
Pleased to report that my Snow Monkeys have kicked off the new fantasy football season with wins across both leagues. Is this the year they go both go undefeated? Probably.
The post September 16, 2022: Akemi going bake-crazy! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 15, 2022
September 15, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai!
Kamaitachi are whirlwind-riding weasels that knock men (and only men) down, slashing their ankles with their sickle-like claws that injure yet, at the same time, temporarily anaesthetize the wounds. Beware the wind!
The Nurikabe is an invisible yokai with a tendency to block roads. And there is no way around it, thus providing the perfect excuse for times when you’re running late. Although imperceptible to the naked eye, artists of the Edo period still managed to detail its true form.
The Abumiguchi is a lonely stirrup, abandoned on the field of battle. Forlorn, it awaits the return of its owner – a fallen warrior who will, sadly, never come back for it.
Have you noticed mysterious child-like footprints getting tracked through the ash or soap powder of your home? If so, then your household may be haunted by Zakishi Warashi, spirits that take the form of child ghosts. Drive them away and you risk cursing your home with bad luck.
Once a year, on the night of the Lunar New Year, the Apposha, a big-headed red demon, crawls out of the Sea of Japan. It wanders through towns, banging on a tea kettle, going from house to house requesting food and the odd mischievous child it can drag back to the sea with it.
The post September 15, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 14, 2022
September 14, 2022: Amazing Covers!
A few that caught my eye this week…
Batman Vs. Robin #1 – cover art by Joshua Middleton
Harley Quinn: 30th Anniversary Special #1 – cover art by Adam Hughes
Harley Quinn: 30th Anniversary Special #1 – cover art by Stjepan Sejic
The Human Target Book 1 – cover art by Greg Smallwood
Immortal Red Sonja #6 – cover art by Lesley “Leirix” Li
So, which were YOUR favorites?
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September 13, 2022
September 13, 2022: Projects on deck!
A little over a year and a half ago, I was asked to put together a pitch for an I.P. I gave it some thought, put together three solid pitches, sent them away…and never heard back. Until six months later when I was asked to put send in some original pitches completely unconnected to the previous batch. Again, I set aside a few days, came up with three pitches, and sent them away. Success! Of sorts. One pitch was developed for a few months and subsequently shelved before discussion moved on to another I.P. A few back and forth emails and then this prod co. went radio silent on me (It’s been about five months and counting). I’m done with them, but that’s not the point of this story. One of the three original pitches on the second round was, I thought, an ideal candidate for a comic book series, so I pitched it to a publisher who liked it, asked me to develop it a little further, and then ultimately passed. It couldn’t have worked out any better. These failed starts have convinced me that this idea is destined to succeed for the simple reason that, when it does get produced, I can go on record and talk about the the places that missed out. Like HBO passing on Mad Men or or FOX passing on the Sopranos. To a much lesser extent of course.
Next to a deadline, revenge is my greatest motivation. And so, fueled by this experience, I started work on the pilot last week. I am now 45 pages in and closing in on the end of the fourth act. I hope to have a solid draft to send to my reps by early next week – one pilot to pick into the maelstrom! I’ve often said that the ones that get green lit are the ones you least expect, and I couldn’t imagine a more improbable candidate than this one. Let’s call it…Project Wolf!
Article 3 of the Student Constitution clearly states that if a teacher is more than 10 minutes late, class is cancelled. Every high school kid knows this.
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 13, 2022
I recall accepting this as fact back in high school, like it was a fact, marked by legal precedent, agreed upon by all parties.
This one’s evergreen…
Painter Berthold Woltze's The Irritating Gentleman, 1874
Private Collection pic.twitter.com/Z16SGpZKus
— History Defined (@historydefined) September 12, 2022
I need one of these…
17th century Emerald cup made of 252 carats of pure emerald with Persian verses inscribed on it. It belonged to Emperor Jehangir of Mughal India. pic.twitter.com/wxn4Z6D5d2
— History Defined (@historydefined) September 11, 2022
Today’s Yes/No…
Grilled Sweet Potato Brûlée Frappuccino? Yes/No
Starbucks New "Baked Sweet Potato Brulee Frappuccino" – Savory and Creamy! Also, the autumnal "Pumpkin Spice Latte" is also available! https://t.co/YBqLWUhCUq via @entabecom
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 13, 2022
Wish we had this in North America!
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September 12, 2022
Septemer 12, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues with ghosts, zombies, and banana-curry pizza!
The Night House (2020)
A widow begins to uncover her recently deceased husband’s disturbing secrets.
Thoughts: Some pretty good jumps scares spice up this lethargically paced horror film that is, paradoxically both confusing and annoyingly expository. Great performance by Rebecca Hall, but the script is hampered by classic B-horror movie logic.
3/5
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
Things go badly for a hack director and film crew shooting a low budget zombie movie in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility, when they are attacked by real zombies.
Thoughts: 30 minutes in, I was dubious – and then it all comes together in surprisingly clever fashion. I laughed out loud several times. Loads of fun.
5/5
Paranormal Activity (2007)
After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.
Thoughts: It’s slow off the top and the characters are annoyingly slow to react to the mounting weirdness, but the movie makes the most of its documentary conceit, building suspense towards its eerie conclusion. This one will sit with you long after it’s over.
4/5
Today’s Yes/No…
Banana Curry Pizza? Yes/No
We Tried The Banana Pizza That's Freaking People Out https://t.co/wcUcBxNAlr via @kassy
— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) September 12, 2022
Nah, didn’t think so either.
The post Septemer 12, 2022: The Horror Marathon continues with ghosts, zombies, and banana-curry pizza! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 11, 2022
September 11, 2022: Suji Sunday!
Urban sprawl.
Toronto Film Festival celebrity sighting.
Out and about.
Unimpressed.
Checking on her tomatoes.
Egg face.
How we got there…
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Yozo
I'm Suji
すじ子
(@newoldpugsuji)
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September 10, 2022
September 10, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai!
After about 100 years, an umbrella may become a Kasa Obake, one of countless Tsukumogami, household objects, imbued with a spirit. More of nuisance than a threat, it hops around the house, tracking mud all over the place, and proves itself especially elusive on rainy days.
The Wa-nyudo is a demonic giant head trapped in the spokes of a flaming wheel that rolls along country roads at night in search of victims. The mere sight of one will damn you to Hell so if you hear one rolling up on you, draw the curtains or run and DON’T LOOK BACK!
You’re walking alone at night when you hear someone call out to you. A faceless man steps out of the shadows and, before you can react, drops his kimono and bends over to reveal the giant eyeball in his butt. If this has ever happened to you, then you have most likely encountered a shirime.
If you enter a third-floor girls’ school bathroom, step up to the third stall, knock three times and ask for “Hanako”, the stall door will open and you’ll be greeted by Hanako-san, the ghost of a young child – who will promptly drag you into the toilet and down to Hell.The post September 10, 2022: Your Handy Guide to Weird Yokai! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
September 9, 2022
September 9, 2022: The Stargate Update is that there is no update which, indirectly, may be an update.
The guys at The Popcast dropped the following Stargate-related video today.
So I thought I’d address it.
Now I want to preface this blog entry by making it clear that the topic of discussion is Stargate, and Stargate alone. Although the new Lord of Rings series is referenced in the video, I am in no position to comment on it given that I haven’t watched the show.
Also, before we get started, I want to give a shout out to the Popcast channel that does a fantastic job of covering science fiction in general, but also produces Stargate-focused videos that are as entertaining as they are insightful. Give them a follow and subscribe at The Popcast.
Alright. A little background first –
Stargate aired its final television episode in May of 2011 with Stargate: Universe’s “Gauntlet”. At the time of its production, we were operating under the likelihood that we would receive an order for a third and final season – but that ended up going away like the Stargate: Extinction Atlantis movie and that 11th season of SG-1 for Apple before it. The franchise had produced three movies and 17 seasons of television (over 300+ episodes!) over its 14+ year run, making it one of MGM’s most valuable I.P.’s. And, even though the consecutive production run had ended, we all knew it was only a matter of time before Stargate came back, in one form or other. I assumed sooner than later. That was over eleven years ago. So let’s go with later.
One thing that has become very clear in that time is the resilience and enduring spirit of the existing fanbase. Over a decade since its last episode aired, Stargate continues to regularly trend on social media (as most recently as last week, in fact). The fandom is still very much out there, still very much eagerly – somewhat wearily after all this time – awaiting the franchise’s return. I can’t help but point out what a wonderful thing this is – to have an existing worldwide fanbase ready and willing to not only watch your new show, but support it online, ready to make tremendous noise in the lead-up to launch.
But – eleven years. I suppose it’s not that surprising it’s taken this long. And I’m sure the existing fandom had something to do with it given a creative misstep could risk alienating and losing them, turning passionate vocal supporters into equally passionate and vocal detractors. But I’ve always held that problem is easily addressed by offering viewers the best of both worlds – for new fans who know nothing about Stargate, a fresh start series that is simple to jump aboard and watch without being privy to past shows; for the existing fanbase, an in-canon series that offers the prospect of Easter eggs and guest spots from familiar faces. Guys, they’re the same show! And who knows. Maybe there’s even the option of going the new Star Trek route and offering multiple Stargate shows. Something for everyone.
I was heartened, back in 2018, to hear that SG-1. Atlantis and Universe co-creator Brad Wright was in discussions with MGM about a franchise relaunch. I wasn’t privy to the details of the development, but I do know that a deal was finally closed and Brad did write a pilot script. The script was written for a specific potential home, went through a couple of drafts – and then, as so often happens in Hollywood, personnel changed and things went radio silent. Understand that, in this business, radio silence is never a good sign.
Eventually, the MGM sale to Amazon was finalized and Brad’s script, I assumed, made its way there. Months ago. And still, radio silence.
All three shows are now available on Amazon Prime as of September, and that’s a very good sign. An even better sign would be for Amazon to reach out to Brad and either move forward on his pilot or scrap it and ask him to come up with something else. As I mentioned, the pilot I read was written for a specific potential home – but now, Amazon is the NEW potential home. If they’re not feeling the existing script, I’m sure Brad would have no problem hearing them out and going back to the drawing board for a new take. Which is what I hope will happen. Eventually.
Of course, there is the possibility that Amazon decides to go another way. Yes, Brad Wright was instrumental in turning the Stargate into MGM’s most successful television franchise and having him at the helm would ensure a series that would appeal to new viewers while delighting longtime fans. Like I said, the best of both worlds. But executives don’t always proceed along a logical path. All too often, the flashiness of a hot commodity (the YouTuber with 10 million followers! The writer who wrote that blockbuster!) is simply too hard to resist. Other times, it’s a desire to ensure a show’s tone and themes are attuned to the prevailing zeitgeist, thereby crafting a series that merely echoes the ideas of every other show rather than standing apart. It rarely ends well and I’m hoping Hollywood comes to that realization. Again, hopefully sooner than later. In the meantime…
I’m not privy to any of the internal decision-making, but I am disappointed its taken this long for Brad to hear word. Still, it could just be a matter of the studio’s go-slow approach. Maybe logical heads will ultimately prevail. Nothing is for certain. Except for one thing of course. Whatever form the new Stargate show takes, whoever is behind it, fandom will let their voices be heard LOUD and LONG.
The post September 9, 2022: The Stargate Update is that there is no update which, indirectly, may be an update. appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.
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