Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 188

August 21, 2020: From the Stargate: Universe vault! The Crime Club convenes to discuss Marathon Man!

More from the Stargate vault…

Icarus Base – Stargate: Universe “Air Part 1”

Grizz Salzi, Andy Mikita, Mark Savela, Ryan Purcell, and Shannon Gurney reviewing the action – Stargate: Universe “Air Part 1”

Director Andy Mikita calling the shots on Stargate: Universe – “Air Part 1”.

The Crime Club convenes to discuss Marathon Man.

Aside from the ludicrous road rage incident that opens this movie (That “climactic explosion”?  Oooh), Marathon Man holds up surprisingly well some 44 years after its initial release. Although a little confusing in the early goings it isn’t long before the suspense ramps up in intensity. The home invasion sequence is harrowing, from the uneasy moments when Babe, lying his bathtub, hears a noise in the other room to the terrifying moments of him locked in his bathroom while the intruders attempts to break down the door.  But it’s the iconic “Is it safe?” dentistry scenes that had me squirming.

Hoffman and Olivier are at the top of their game here and their final showdown at film’s end is an unforgettable payoff to Babe and Szell’s protected game of cat and mouse. I winced every time a handful of diamonds hit the floor, scattering and slipping through the grate.

An undeniable classic of the thriller genre.

What did you think?

Tomorrow’s Crime Club selection is something a little more contemporary, the 2017 thriller Berlin Syndrome.

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August 20, 2020: More from the Stargate vault! And our Crime Club convenes to discuss American Gangster!

More from the Stargate vault…

Will Waring directs from his mobile throne (Stargate: Atlantis – “The Seed”)

Down time on the Destiny set (Stargate: Universe – “Air Part 2”

“Wait.  That can’t be right.  Can it?”  Checking the script on Stargate: Atlantis – “Search and Rescue”

At the SGC with two of my favorite people: Robert Picardo and Amanda Tapping.

Wardrobe touch-up on Paul McGillion courtesy of Barry Peters.  Stargate: Atlantis – “The Seed”.

David Hewlett, Linda Ko, and Paul McGillion on the set of Stargate: Atlantis – “The Seed”.

The Crime Club convenes to discuss American Gangster.

Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe deliver powerhouse performances as two deeply flawed yet driven men on opposite sides of the law.

The set-up is great and, while this movie has all the hallmarks of a crime classic, it ultimately falls short. Despite the almost 3 hour run time, the Frank Lucas character fails to reach the iconic heights of a Michael Corleone or Henry Hill

All the standard gangster film beats are there, but the script brings nothing unique to their realization – which is a shame because the real Frank Lucas’s story is a fascinating one.  Curiously, one of the biggest elements I was really missing was the colorful supporting characters that typify these types of movies, the Sonny Corleones and Fredos and Luca Brasis who add so much depth and realism to these underworlds and their power players.

Overall a fine if fairly unremarkable movie.

Tomorrow’s Crime Club selection is the William Goldman and John Schlesinger suspense-thriller Marathon Man.

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August 19, 2020: Stargate BTS video! Mountain Dew Doritos Cupcakes! And the Crime Club convenes to discuss Mother!

Behind the scenes on Stargate: Universe, “Water”.

What do you think?  Yes/No

Mountain Dew Doritos Cupcakes? Yes/No
Mountain Dew Doritos cupcakes are the cheesy, citrus dessert we didn't know we needed https://t.co/Yr0dd7pUba

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 19, 2020

The Crime Club convenes to discuss the South Korean thriller Mother.

In a word – Wow!

Director Bong Joon-ho is known for movies like Parasite, Snowpiercer, and The Host, but it seems like everyone (including yours truly) has slept on this one.  It’s a terrific thriller that follows a distraught mother’s attempts to prove the innocence of her son, a young man with mental disabilities charged with murder.  It’s also a fascinating exploration of the depths of a mother’s love.

It culminates in a Holy Shit turn I did not see coming.  The viewer’s blindspots parallel those of the mother’s who pursues her investigation with single focus and dogged determination.    

Finally, the mother’s meeting with Crazy JP has to be one of the most heartbreaking moments ever committed to film.  

My favorite #CrimeClub selection to date.

What did you think?

Tomorrow’s Crime Club selection is American Gangster…

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August 18, 2020: Locking down my writing schedule! The Crime Club convenes to discuss Once Upon a Time in America!

Alrighty, time to lock down my writing schedule for the next few months.  Yesterday, I delivered the series overview for that fantasy book adaptation.  This week, I finish off the pitch for the out-there hero.  I’m dedicating all of September to the pilot and overview for that far-future series that will combine my love of science fiction with my love of kpop.  And then October will be dedicated to the pilot and overview for that near-future sci-fi mystery-thriller.  I am always loathe to turn down work, but I’m not going to have a choice.  The next 70+ days promise to be very busy.

The Crime Club convenes to discuss Once Upon a Time in America.

Sergio Leone’s epic crime drama is a masterpiece of the genre, a magnificent film about friendship, loyalty, and betrayal.

The most compelling part of the movie, for me, were the early years that spotlight the formation of the gang in the 30’s, their struggle for survival, and the bonds formed in the face of that adversity.  The performances by the child actors were exceptional, with the possible single exception of the “Noodles, I slipped line” which was given so much import but, in my opinion, felt very similar in delivery to Ralphie from A Christmas Story’s dramatic reveal of “Soap poisoning!”.

The camaraderie at the heart of this movie is terrific; the supporting female characters less so.  Deborah had flashes of promise only to end up little more than a double victim when all was said and done.

Overall, however, it’s a classic that holds up pretty well up – until the final twist that is not so much shocking as it is bewildering. I mean, if you’re going to fake your own death, why would you then pursue a career in the public eye? And how fortuitous that, in the intervening years, Noodles never caught a glimpse of Senator Bailey. Was he living in a cave for three decades?

The movie’s final moments are much discussed and the subject of varied theories.  Was that Max we glimpsed stepping out of the gated entrance?  Does he commit suicide off-screen?  One of the things I haven’t seen discussed is the parallel between this final beat of the truck briefly obscuring Max/Bailey only to drive by and reveal him…no longer there (!), with Noodles’ first interaction with young Max, his plot to use the passing wagon to obscure his crime, only to have Max screw it up.  Is this a call back to that moment?  Is this Max effectively pulling off the same deception, demonstrating to Noodles that he is, and has always been, the superior hustler?

What do you think?

Tomorrow’s Crime Club selection is the South Korean thrilled Mother by the director of Parasite, Bong Joon-ho.

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August 17, 2020: On breakfast, brunches, and late dinners! The Crime Club convenes to discuss A Touch of Sin!

Akemi is genuinely lack toast intolerant.  If she doesn’t get to eat her toast in the morning, she can get downright cranky.  I, on the other hand, never eat breakfast.  I’m never particularly hungry in the morning and I always like to work up a good appetite before lunch which is always my biggest meal of the day.  I’ve also never been a big fan of breakfast foods.  Growing up, I’d always eschew the eggs, cereals, and pancakes in favor of dinner leftovers (steak and pizza were my favorites) or powered donuts in milk.  And don’t get me started on brunch.  My buddy Robbie loves a good brunch.  Me?  Not so much.  I’d rather wait the extra hour and grab a proper burger.

Of course, the fact that I skip breakfast probably explains my appreciation for a good early lunch (usually around 11:00.  11:30 at the latest).  And my early lunches also explains my preference for an early dinner  – say 5:30, 6:00 at the latest.  Whereas Robbie can enjoy dinners that may run as late as 10:00 p.m., I will simply skip dinner parties that start after 7:00.  Or, if I really have to go, will actually eat before I go.  Not snack.  Actually have dinner.

There are many heinous social transgressions in my books – not wearing a mask inside a shop, talking during a movie, insisting Return of the Jedi was better than The Empire Strikes Back – but top of the list is making me wait for dinner.  It’s an offense punishable by me never again taking you up on a dinner invitation – or inviting you to dinner if you show up late.

Just something to consider if we have ever make lunch or dinner plans.

Our Crime Club convenes to discuss 2013 Palme d’Or nominee A Touch of Sin.

Wow. What an indictment of the corruption prevalent in contemporary China, where the connected prosper while everyone else is left to fend for themselves. Driven by desperation, a few respond in violent fashion.

Invariably, in a movie made-up of multiple standalone stories, some will resonate more than others.  I quite enjoyed the first story about the villager fighting valiantly for his community in the face of a stagnant and uncompromising ruling structure.  His eventual outburst, while not justified, was certainly understandable given the circumstances.  The second story was my least favorite as I found it difficult to muster up much sympathy for the main character.  The third story was my favorite however.  Here, in the character of Vivien, we have a woman with whom we can truly sympathize, someone pushed to the edge both mentally and physically, forced to respond for her very survival.  It’s interesting to note that this story (like all the stories featured in the movie) are drawn from actual events, and that this woman was arrested for murder – but following a groundswell of public support, was eventually released.  Finally, the fourth story, apparently inspired the Foxconn suicides, is a sad and shocking glimpse of the hopelessness faced by even the youngest of citizens.  Ultimately, all offer sobering insights into the inequalities inherent in a system built on the very principle of equality.

It’s bleak and provocative and all the more compelling knowing that all four tales were based on actual events that shocked the communist state. A memorable movie.

omorrow, the #CrimeClub reconvenes to discuss Sergio Leone’s 229 minute (Yes, we’re watching the theatrical cut!) epic crime drama Once Upon A Time In America.

BTW – Sourcing some of these movies may be problematic, so I don’t expect everyone to join in for all of our selections – but do join in whenever possible.  If I can’t find the movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Crave (here in Canada), I’ve discovered a surprising number of these movies are actually available through my local library.  Something to consider!

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August 16, 2020: Suji Sunday!

Yearning for the old country.

They call her…The Blue Flame!

Uniquely talented.

The goofy snoozer.

Suji in her natural habitat – her dog beds…

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August 15, 2020: From the Stargate vault – SGU’s “Space”! The Crime Club reconvenes to discuss Bunny Lake is Missing!

Fromt he Stargate vault…

We had the most beautiful sets on Stargate: Universe.  Pictured above, the interior alien vessel from “Space” c/o Production Designer James Robbins and our amazing departments (art, construction, paint, lighting, etc.)

Director Andy Mikita talks shop with actor Louis Ferreira (Stargate Universe – “Space”).

Our resident (motion capture) alien chilling between takes (Stargate: Universe – “Space”).

The Crime Club convenes to discuss Bunny Lake is Missing!

Hmmm. They say they don’t make ’em like they used to and, in some cases, that’s a good thing. Bunny Lake is Missing is a prime example.  It serves up a great missing child premise but immediately flounders in a dubious investigation and a distraught mother’s bizarrely imbecilic behavior.  The fact that she believes the mere existence of a doll she dropped off for repairs will somehow convince the police is beyond bizarre.  And speaking of bizarre…

The final twist comes so out of left field that it borders on ludicrous. It honestly felt like they were nearing the end of the movie and the director wondered: “How are we going to get out of this one?”. The writer replied: “I dunno. How about this?”. To which the director shrugged and decided “Well, guess it’s better than nothing.”, and went ahead and shot it.

I mean, how long was the kid lying unconscious in that car trunk?  And given that Ann is not at all surprised by brother Steven’s unhinged turn, how could she NOT have suspected he might be the culprit? I mean, is she a total idiot?  Or, more likely, she’s just a convenient idiot who only puts together the pieces when the plot requires it?

I thought the direction by notorious on-set jackass Otto Preminger was pretty solid, but I found the heavy score annoyingly whimsical and distracting at times.  The performances were all pretty great, but special mention must go to Noel Coward who exquisitely chews up the scenery as the creepy, chihuahua-petting landlord.  Also, bonus marks for the out there title of this movie.

Overall, however, it’s a thumbs down from me.

Tomorrow, we take day off to focus on Suji Sunday, but our Crime Club returns on Monday to discuss Palme d’Or nominee and winner for Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival: A Touch of Sin.

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August 14, 2020: This bodes ill! Cake shake! The Crime Club convenes to discuss 36th Precinct!

I woke up this morning with a dark sense of foreboding, I assumed, logically, as a result of some unremembered nightmare I’d had the night before.  But, as it turns out, it was prescience.  I turned on my laptop and brought up the overview I’ve been working on – only to discover the work I’d completed over the last couple of days was gone.  Yes, I saved (I always save!).  I have no idea what happened.  After half a morning spent unsuccessfully attempting to locate previous drafts, I gave up and moved on.  It’s disheartening because, following an initial strong start on this project, my progress has ground to a crawl.  The work accomplished over the last two days wasn’t considerable, but it was significant.  Alas, nothing there was nothing to do about it but forge ahead.  I ended up completing another character breakdown (Two down; two to go!) and, even though I’m running behind on my (self-imposed) timetable, I’m hoping I’ll be able to start tackling the pilot episode by top of next week.

Cake Shake?  Yes/No

Absolutely!

The Crime Club convenes to discuss 36th Precinct (36 Quai de Orfèvres)

Reminiscent of movies like Serpico and Infernal Affairs, 36th Precinct examines the corruption, code of silence, and internal politics that plague a Parisian police station. Daniel Auteuil (as Léo Vrinks) and Gérard Depardieu ( Denis Klein) are terrific as rival cops determined to bring down a gang of armored car robbers at all costs.

It’s smart and well-paced, but there were a few questionable plot developments that gave me pause.  The first was Denis’s disciplinary hearing hinging on Léo’s statement despite the fact that at least a dozen other cops were present to witness his insubordination.  Presumably, any of them could have corroborated the account.  The second was Léo’s condemnation on the strength of a witness of dubious character.  The third was Léo’s willingness to believe Denis about Camille’s fate.

Those issues aside, I thought this was a crackerjack thriller.

What did you think?

Tomorrow’s #CrimeClub selection is the 1965 black and white classic Bunny Lake is Missing.

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August 13, 2020: Stargate Stuff! And the Crime Club convenes to discuss Caché!

I was going through my old hard drives and came across a slew of Stargate-related photos.  Unfortunately, the cable, as well as the hard drive itself, are a little wonky and I’m only able to snag a handful of photos at a time before the connection is severed.  But this is what I got so far…

Actor Mark Dacascos on the set of Broken Ties (Stargate: Atlantis)

Some wraithy goodness from the same episode.

Stunt Coordinator James Bamford plots his next move while an unknown actor, shrouded in shadow, ices up between takes.

Eli’s desert gate selfie.

Okay, the Crime Club convenes to discuss French psychological thriller: Caché

Occasionally, when a movie is described as a “psychological thriller”, it turns out to be code for “slow”. Such is the case with Caché, a smart, thoughtfully directed film that unwinds at a very deliberate pace, offering great performances, an intriguing mystery, but no definitive answers when all is said and done.

A couple begins to receive strange surveillance videos of their home accompanied by childish drawings.  They point to a dark period in the husband’s life, a period in his childhood where he scuttled his mother’s plans to adopt a young Algerian boy.  The movie, ultimately, does not reveal the identity of whoever sent the tapes, but simple logic dictates that that Algerian boy’s adult son was the driving force behind the deliveries.  And, the film’s final shot, suggests that Pierrot, the targeted couple’s son, played a role.  Why?  Now THAT would have been interesting to learn.

There’s a brilliant allegory here about France’s colonial past in Algeria if you can suffer the excruciatingly extended shots and leisurely narrative.   Like writer-director Michael Haneke’s foray into horror, Funny Games, this is a technically accomplished movie that will thrill film students and cinephiles, but leave most everyone else frustrated.

Okay, tomorrow’s Crime Club selection promises something a little more briskly paced – octuple César Award nominee 36 Quai des Orfèvres (aka The 36th Precinct) starring Daniel Auteuil and Gérard Depardieu.

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August 12, 2020: Not giving up my day job! The Crime Club convenes to discuss Three Kings!

Hey, have you noticed how those financial gurus on youtube all dress like they shop at Goodwill?  Would you take investment advice from someone who looks like your uncle from his vacation photos in Boca Rotan?

No, it would seem the only one you can rely on to make sound financial decisions in your interest is yourself.  And that doesn’t exactly inspire confidence either.  I mean, I actually enjoy statistics, isolating and identifying patterns within the data, but, damn, it’s exhausting.  And it seems that, most of the time, those analysts. indicators, valuation models and formulas contradict each other.  As my former writing partner used to say: “I’m not looking to make a killing.  I just want to not lose the money I have.”  Which is, I feel, a reasonable ambition.

Another thing he used to say is: “The only way I’m going to make money is by earning it.”  And, I suppose you could argue day traders and serious market investors do earn their money, but for every massive success story you hear about there are many modest failures you don’t, because the sad truth is, when it comes to the stock market, for ever winner, there is a corresponding loser.  Or, in the case of a big winner, multiple losers.  It’s a risky game.

Which is why I prefer instead the job security of being a freelance writer, a career where hard work and dedication guarantees absolutely nothing outside of a file to clutter your desktop.  BUT, every so often, like those who bought Tesla stock in late March, you do see moderate success.  This usually takes the form of an option or development work or, if you really luck out, a staff position on some production.  Sometimes, if you’re REALLY lucky, like whoever bet big on Microsoft when it first went public, you can actually land your own show.  And if you’re outrageously lucky, like whoever bought Microsoft and Apple in the early days, you could even land TWO shows!

So that’s where I’m at now, trying to secure Apple stock circa 1980.  Hell, I’d even be happy with January, 2009.

Okay, Crime Club members.  What did you think of Three Kings?

A great premise buffed and polished in typical Hollywood fashion until rendered a standard, easily digestible big screen offering. The movie’s opening moments hold the promise of something quirky and different, but it quickly devolves to formula. The movie progresses in paint by numbers convention, devoid of any surprises or characters to care about. It all culminates in a predictable communal sacrifice predicated on a cringeworthy exchange of knowing nods.

The action pieces are well-executed. The underlying message about the unfairness of war less so. In the end, it’s the filmic equivalent of fast food for the masses – quick, convenient, and totally forgettable.

Tomorrow’s Crime Club selection is the French psychological thriller Caché:

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