Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 190

August 25, 2020: International Pug of Mystery, Beer and Doughnuts, Favorite Director, and Amazing People With Whom I Have Worked!

Happy, International Dog Day from Suji, International Pug of Mystery!

At first I was like “YES!”

Doughnut-Infused Beer?
Harpoon, Dunkin' Team Up to Launch Coffee- and Donut-Infused Beers https://t.co/R004WE1pES

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 26, 2020

And then I realized it was the other way around.

Today’s movie-themed question…

Your favorite big screen director?
Answer with a gif. pic.twitter.com/hjLnUbR95u

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 26, 2020

Amazing People With Whom I Have Worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Terry J. Murray served as series script supervisor on #Stargates #SG1, #Atlantis, and #Universe. A colorful on-set personality and always fun to work with. pic.twitter.com/pjeAzx6Bjy

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 12, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Paul Weber was our US casting director over all three #Stargate series. We could always count on him to generate great talent lists for specific roles, and secure those more elusive guest stars. pic.twitter.com/DP5vbiU9fb

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 13, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Seth Molson (@sethmolson) was our motion graphics artist on #DarkMatter and playbacks graphic designer on #StargateUniverse, responsible for a lot of those gorgeous onscreen elements. pic.twitter.com/KHOKh0zqPZ

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 14, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Alice Wickwire Foster was our production coordinator on #DarkMatter. She juggled everything from travel, pick-ups and accommodations to the #DarkMatter cookie exchange. She was the equivalent of Siri – ever cheerful and full of answers. pic.twitter.com/6xIwDGv5Za

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 15, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Tom Bjelic (owner of Urban Post) was my incredible sound editor on both #DarkMatter and #UtopiaFalls. He has received 3 Emmy nominations for his work as well as an Emmy award for Outstanding Sound Editing. pic.twitter.com/IAowqpUiJ8

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 16, 2020

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August 25, 2020: On writing, Transpecos, and amazing people with whom I have worked!

My thoughts on writing, feeling guilty, and that sense of accomplishment…

The Crime Club reconvenes to discuss Transpecos…

For a small movie, Transpecos accomplishes a lot, crafting an engaging story about three border guards and the bloody encounter with a drug smuggler that forever changes their lives.  It gets off to a slow start as it establishes our players and the bleak desert backdrop before suddenly shifting into high gear with a stunning revelation that sets the story off in a completely unexpected direction.  All well and good but then, somehow, inexplicably, the movie downshifts and gets stuck in neutral for the rest of the narrative ride.  The action and emotion feel strangely muted.  While I felt for one border guard’s seemingly insurmountable dilemma, I had a harder time getting on board his co-worker’s crusade to solve a clearly unsolvable issue.  This is a personal pet peeve, but I find it hard to muster up much enthusiasm for hopeless plights.  You know at the start of the journey that a happy ending is out of the question, so it’s hard to emotionally commit.  Then again, I had the same problem with The Usual Suspects, and I seem to be of the minority on that particular movie.

Still, this film is peppered with great moments, from the post traffic stop reveal to the conversation with the late Julio Oscar Mechoso’s Miguel Hernandez who absolutely steals his only scene.  It’s a testament to the art of craft of low-budget filmmaking.

I”m going to slow down the pace of our Crime Club and suggest we convene 3 days from now (this Friday) to discuss our next selection, the psychological thriller The Gift:

 

Amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Bill Dow played the role of Dr. Bill Lee for ever ten years of the #Stargate franchise, starting on #SG1 and eventually crossing over onto #Atlantis. An accomplished actor and fan favorite. pic.twitter.com/AwLD4ChhXm

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 7, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Haig Sutherland played the role of Sgt. Hunter Riley on #Stargate #Universe. His performance was sympathetic, humorous, heartfelt and, ultimately, heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/HYSAPaOlkB

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 8, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Drew Cohoe was a production assistant on #DarkMatter and the assistant production coordinator on #UtopiaFalls, a co-architect (along with Naomi Ward) of everything from Robbie's birthday extravaganza to the John Wick Garden Party High Tea. pic.twitter.com/7aVD44CxRq

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 9, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Actress Genelle Williams (@OriGenelle) is consistently terrific in every show she does, whether it's #DarkMatter, #TheExpanse, or #UtopiaFalls (among many others).
An incredible talent who is always on my radar. pic.twitter.com/udncWmvcLs

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 10, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Steve Bacic played the role of the goa'uld system lord Camulus on #Stargate #SG1. A hard-working actor and a good guy. pic.twitter.com/suql9LCyeD

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 11, 2020

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August 24, 2020: 2 steps forward; 1 step back! Amazing people with whom I have worked!

Well, I’ve had better days.  While, on the one hand, I just closed a deal to develop two new sci-fi shows, another project was dealt a serious blow with the departure of one of my favorite executives down south.  Meanwhile, things remain quiet as I await word on some other projects in play.

Having close the aforementioned deals for those two new sci-fi shows, I must now actually produce something along the lines of a pilot script and series overview.  Which means that, starting tomorrow, I’m going to have to set aside our Crime Club for the time being – or, at the very least, not make it a daily thing.  My thoughts on on Transpecos coming tomorrow.  Or the day after.

Fried Chicken-scented Candles? Yes/No
Zaxby's is giving away 'relaxation packs' that include a fried chicken-scented candle and more https://t.co/Tn5rk0zZvm

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 22, 2020

Not only do I say Yes to the fried chicken candle, I think they should do a whole food line: pepperoni pizza, barbecued steak, warm chocolat chip cookies!

Amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Matt Purdy worked as a stand-in on all three seasons of #DarkMatter – AND was our blackjack consultant on the casino scene in Episode 4. He also acts and directs! pic.twitter.com/o2noXU5Jf8

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 2, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
The incredible Tanisha Scott was our choreographer on #UtopiaFalls, crafting and guiding all of the show's performances. Supremely talented and always a positive force, she has worked with the likes of Rihanna, Cardi B, and Drake. pic.twitter.com/ASlmfXkSRZ

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 3, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Amanda May Wilson was the assistant choreographer on all performances over all ten episodes of #UtopiaFalls. A talented performer, supportive instructor, and always a positive presence behind the scenes. pic.twitter.com/gqrIv9XsEU

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 4, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Claudia Black (@TheClaudiaBlack) played the part of Vala Mal Doran in #Stargate #SG1. A talented actress with terrific comic timing, she, and Vala, were a pleasure to write for. pic.twitter.com/NblCnzJpfB

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 5, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Rainbow Sun Francks (@RainbowFrancks) played the role of Lieutenant Aiden Ford on #Stargate #Atlantis. Starting his career as a VJ, he vaulted into acting and kept busy ever since, most recently appearing as a series regular on #HighFidelity. pic.twitter.com/ZkVyk3jzQ7

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 6, 2020

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August 23, 2020: Suji Sunday!

The “Just Woke Up!” face.

The (orange) boots are made for walking.

The staredown.

Ice cream picnic!

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August 22, 2020: From the Dark Matter vault! And the Crime Club discusses Berlin Syndrome!

Some pics from the Dark Matter vault.  Fun on set!

Our Crime Club reconvenes to discuss the 2017 thriller Berlin Syndrome.

Hmmmm.  Even though this one is generating a surprising amount of online buzz, it really failed to impress.  It’s a standard thriller in the vein of The Collector (guy kidnaps woman and keeps her locked up as a prisoner) but is buoyed by great direction and strong performances by the two leads, Teresa Palmer and and Max Riemelt.

The script is pretty paint-by-numbers, hitting all the expected beats – failed escape attempts, an almost rescue that ends in murder – before culminating in a chilling climax that works really well provided you can overlook a couple of plot contrivances.  First, the timely dropped photo (an incredibly crucial piece of evidence) that causes Andi to really he’s screwed, setting up the final confrontation.  Second, the decision by the young student to venture over and check things out for herself rather than contact the police.  I mean, she could have done both but the final lingering shot of Andi in his massage chair seems to quash that possibility.

Over all a perfectly fine movie I probably won’t remember a month from now.

Tomorrow, we take the day off to celebrate Suji Sunday!  But our Crime Club returns on Monday to chat about the 2016 border thriller Transpecos.

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August 21, 2020: From the Dark Matter vault! And the Crime Club discusses Berlin Syndrome!

Some pics from the Dark Matter vault.  Fun on set!

Our Crime Club reconvenes to discuss the 2017 thriller Berlin Syndrome.

Hmmmm.  Even though this one is generating a surprising amount of online buzz, it really failed to impress.  It’s a standard thriller in the vein of The Collector (guy kidnaps woman and keeps her locked up as a prisoner) but is buoyed by great direction and strong performances by the two leads, Teresa Palmer and and Max Riemelt.

The script is pretty paint-by-numbers, hitting all the expected beats – failed escape attempts, an almost rescue that ends in murder – before culminating in a chilling climax that works really well provided you can overlook a couple of plot contrivances.  First, the timely dropped photo (an incredibly crucial piece of evidence) that causes Andi to really he’s screwed, setting up the final confrontation.  Second, the decision by the young student to venture over and check things out for herself rather than contact the police.  I mean, she could have done both but the final lingering shot of Andi in his massage chair seems to quash that possibility.

Over all a perfectly fine movie I probably won’t remember a month from now.

Tomorrow, we take the day off to celebrate Suji Sunday!  But our Crime Club returns on Monday to chat about the 2016 border thriller Transpecos.

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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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