Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 192

August 7, 2020: Fruit Loop doughnuts, great comedians who are no longer with us, and the Crime Club reconvenes to discuss Reservoir Dogs.

Well, today’s the day of our big group zoom chat.  Because all four participants are in four different time zones, looks like we’ll be kicking things off at 9:00 p.m. my time.  Yes, we’ll be eating into my bedtime, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it!

This morning, Akemi was incensed to learn that despite the fact that it IS, technically, “cold” “slaw” it is actually pronounced “cole slaw”.

It’s like that time she found it wasn’t “Happy Delayted Birthday” but “Happy Belated Birthday”.  She argued that “delayted” was superior because you were delayed in your well-wishes.

Today’s Culinary Yes/No…

Fruit Loop Doughnuts? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/xtDmSD6qSu

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 7, 2020

And our film-themed question…

Who is a comedian you dearly miss?
Answer with a gif. pic.twitter.com/Ay0dkw9WB1

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 6, 2020

Some great answers for on twitter – and a lot of love for the great Robin Williams.

Okay, convening our Crime Club.  What did you all think of our third movie: Reservoir Dogs?

Quentin Tarantino’s first and, arguably, best film is atypical of the heist genre, totally skipping over the heist itself in favor of a focus on its aftermath. It almost unfurls like a stage play, jumping backwards and forwards in time to fill in the backstory gaps. A tight script, inspired direction, and stand-out performances establish it as a seminal work, but it’s Tarantino’s pop-infused dialogue that really breaks the mold.

This movie stands the test of time, proving just as great today as it was eighteen years ago when I first saw it on the big screen.  Another Highly Recommended entry.

Tomorrow, we’ll check out something a little different – a 2012 Hindi movie called Kahaani…

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August 6, 2020: Hostage messages, floral doughnuts, and the Crime Club convenes to discuss Green Room!

Hey, I volunteered to babysit my friend's kids today! We're eating fresh fruit, watching musicals and talent shows. Later, I'm going to watch the Oscars because I feel awards are an apolitical and objective measure of an artist's talent and worth. Can't wait for the singing! https://t.co/6E25RQQRIC

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 6, 2020

So, what’s your secret hostage message?

Received word today on one of the pitches.  We’re graduating to full take (!) meaning I’ll be fleshing out that original 5 page summary into a full 12-15 page overview covering the pilot, the series, the world and its characters, and, of course, my vision for season 1 and beyond.  Should be fun because this was one of my funnier pitches – always the most fun to write.  Now, well, I just have to write it.  And I’ll get on that right away.  Next week.

But first, I have to finish this brief overview of that fantasy series adaptation.  This one would be a blast (in more ways than one), but it’s still very early going so I’m going to stay focused, and will be tempering expectations.

And tonight, I have a late night conference call to discuss another near/far future sci-fi project.  This one will be tricky, but a lot of fun…provided I can pull it off.

Floral Doughnuts? Yes/No
Best doughnuts in Tokyo? Sweet floral creations cause a stir on social media https://t.co/6Sv4SXl8rO via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 6, 2020

Normally I would say no, but if it’s a Japanese bakery, I’d be willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Okay, our Crime Club convenes to discuss…

Spoilers abound!

This one is a terrific thriller headlined by Patrick Stewart as the leader of a neo-Nazi group, and the late Anton Yelchin as a musician in the wrong place at the wrong time.  It’s a simple premise (The members of an independent punk band become loose ends after witnessing a murder at a remote skinhead venue). but it’s executed to perfection.  The movie ratchets up the suspense to 11 and doesn’t release until the film’s closing moments.  It’s visceral and downright terrifying at times, but never strays from its character-driven grounding – which is what makes Green Room so memorable.  You care about these kids, so their seemingly hopeless and horrifying predicament hits all that much harder.

Patrick Stewart is brilliant as the ruthless Darcy and the rest of the cast proves equally great.  Macon Blair (who starred in Blue Ruin, writer-director Jeremy Saulnier’s previous feature) is fantastic as the conflicted Gabe.  And it’s heartbreaking to consider what a career the talented Anton Yelchin could have had if not for the tragic accident that ended his life at an all too young 27.

No quibbles or questions, minor or otherwise, with this one.  Green Room was a true edge-of-your seat thrill-ride.  But not for the squeamish!

So, anyone else check it out?  If so, what were your thoughts?

Tomorrow, the Crime Club reconvenes to discuss our next selection: Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs.

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August 5, 2020: Checking in with Robert Picardo. And our Crime Club convenes to discuss The Invisible Guest!

Cheetos Mac and Cheese? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/yccd1rvFTT

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 5, 2020

I come firmly down on the side of maybe.  Seems more of a side dish to be enjoyed with a good smashburger which is, by the way, my latest food craze.  I flatten the burgers with a heavy saucepan, then pinch the edges (as per the advice garnered from the internet) and fry them up in butter and a touch of oil before topping with cheese.  The edges come out nice a crispy.  Serve on a potato bun and, as they say, Bob’s your uncle.

Speaking of Bob, check out Robert Picardo’s new youtube channel for inspiring music videos…

And the exploits of his alter-ego, Alphonso…

“Y’know, these meatballs are made of turkey.  You’d never know it, right?”  I was on the floor.

Okay, so, who’s joining our Crime Club?  Did you get a chance to watch our first movie…

The Invisible Guest

SPOILERS ABOUND!

Well, what a great start to our Crime Club.

I have to admit, I guessed the twist some ten minutes in.  More specifically, as the first ten minutes unfolded I thought to myself “Hey, you know what would be a fantastic twist?” and filed it away in the hopes that, if the movie didn’t go there, then I could in a future script.  But, of course, it did.  And it was no less great.

I’m not usually a fan of the unreliable narrator as I find the blurring of the line between truth and fiction can sometimes be a little too convenient, resulting in clumsily manipulative misdirects or frustrating (in hindsight) withholding of key facts, but I thought it really worked well here.  As the movie progresses, we peel back the layers on the various narratives to reveal the a few surprises – on the way to the big surprise at movie’s end.

Some really great suspenseful sequences, my favorite being the moment Laura realizes she is being hosted by the dead kid’s parents…and still has his cell phone in her possession.

There were a couple of things I didn’t quite understand.  The first was the significance of the fake newspaper photo.  Not sure what purpose it served (so, if you know, please enlighten me).  The second was Adrian’s eleventh hour admission to the lakeside murder of Daniel, his sealing of the trunk to ensure his victim’s drowning.  While I liked the twist, I didn’t buy he would reveal the truth, even to his lawyer.  If it had been a guilt-wracked Laura, I would have more readily bought in, but Adrian, especially in the late goings, seemed pretty indifferent, even callous, to what had transpired.

But these were minor quibbles.  Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and would love to hear your thoughts.

This one gets a Highly Recommended from me.  If you haven’t seen it, there’s still time.  Watch and leave a comment in the comments section of this entry.

Or, if you want to look ahead, tomorrow’s #CrimeClub movie will be Green Room, starring Patrick Stewart and the late Anton Yelchin.

 

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Welcome to the Joseph Mallozzi Crime Club!

So, yesterday, I posted the following film-themed question to twitter:

Your Top 3 Favorites – Crime Film Edition!
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/d7grwOPrsM

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 3, 2020

The responses I received were so great that it has inspired me to start The Joseph Mallozzi Crime Club!

Moving forward (for as long as I’m able to maintain my viewing discipline)  I’ll be announcing a new crime-themed movie every blog entry covering everything from the black and white classics to contemporary foreign cinema.  I’ll watch and then weigh in with my thoughts the following day.  Yes, that’s a movie day for the foreseeable future.  You’re all free to join me in screening whichever of the movies I announce happen to catch your interest, hopping on and off this crime train as you see fit and joining in any discussion.

So we’ll kick things off with the Spanish thriller Contratiempo (The Invisible Guest).  Check out the trailer to gauge your interest…

“A young businessman wakes up in a locked hotel room next to the body of his dead lover. He hires a prestigious lawyer to defend him, and over the course of one night, they work together to find out what happened.”

It’s available on Netflix (in my region of Canada).  If you can track it down, great!  I look forward to hearing your thoughts.  If you’re unable to source it, fear not.  Plenty more movies to come!

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August 3, 2020: Ugly Mugs, Rom Coms, and Suji celebrity impressions!

I do love me a good midday dark cloud heavy rainstorm!

Today’s burning question…

What is the worst mug you own? That mug that’s so ugly or ill-designed you keep it in the back of the cupboard for dire emergencies only? Check out this cumbersome monstrosity.

Its forward-weighted for easy tipping and the lip is concave so as to ensure consistent dribbling.  The sloth’s head is just big enough to prevent satisfactory sipping.  It’s also just slightly too big for the dish washer top rack and too shallow for the bottom.  Otherwise – great!

Well, heard back from Line Noise and am now in the process of scheduling our group zoom.  A little trickier this one as all four participants are from different time zones: EST, CST, PST, and AMT (Australian Melboune Time).  Luckily, I came across this terrific site…

Meeting Planner – Find best times across time zones

Just input your city or time zone and it will automatically generate a list of times.

One step closer to zoom chatting!

My most recent film-themed question…

Your Top 3 Favorites – Romantic Comedy Edition!
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/yhxhbauTqI

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 2, 2020

Over on instagram, Suji has been offering up her daily lucky number and colors.  Lately, she has also been included a daily celebrity impression.  Two days ago, it was Nic Cage as Captain Morelli in Captain Morelli’s Mandolin…

Yesterday, it was Harrison Ford as Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back…

Today, it was Brad Pitt as Tyler Durden in Fight Club…

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August 2, 2020: Suji Sunday!

Poised to pounce.

She loves her banana chips.

Pizza Party!  Pizza Party!

After party.

So tired she fell asleep before she was halfway on her bed.

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August 1, 2020: Wow. This year is just speeding by!

Yesterday, I sent off emails to all three zoom chat winners in order to arrange a good time to convene, but only heard back from two.  Line Noise, where’re you at?

This pandemic has eroded my patience with people.

Either that, or I’ve come to the revelatory realization that I don’t care for them.

Yesterday’s film-themed question…

Your Top 3 Favorites – Science Fiction Film Edition!
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/EKOl19o0iz

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 31, 2020

Amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Richard Hudolin was the Production Designer on the first five seasons of #Stargate #SG1, establishing the look of the series – and the frame for future spinoffs. pic.twitter.com/ZBqGcDcfQ9

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Martin Wood (@realmartinwood) directed almost eighty episodes of the #Stargate franchise across #SG1 and #Atlantis. He'a A fast and efficient shooter, and a terrific guy. pic.twitter.com/fIatJnsPqv

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 29, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Leah Ehman was a makeup artist and makeup department head over five seasons of #Stargate #Atlantis. Hard working, great at what she does, and delightful on set.
You can check out her most recent work on #See. pic.twitter.com/h1KkCk2sAz

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Actor Josh Blacker (@JoshBlacker) played the role of the tormented Sgt. Spencer on #Stargate #Universe. Thoughtful and big-hearted, he is a total pro, wholly committed to his craft. pic.twitter.com/SOjCyrZvB1

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 31, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Actress Julia Benson played the part of 2nd Lieutenant Vanessa James in #Stargate #Universe. Hard-working, every-busy, and a complete sweetheart. pic.twitter.com/9Kyd6GNbm2

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) August 1, 2020

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July 31, 2020: Zoom Chat Winners Announced!

Funazushi Ice Cream? Yes/No
Stinkiest sushi in the world is now an ice cream flavour in Japan https://t.co/wQQkgczRCq via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 31, 2020

I mean, I’m a pretty adventurous eater but I would probably draw the line here.

Things still simmering away on the projects front.  Positive baby steps with my sci-fi series, TimEscape, which is currently in network hands while another time travel-themed series overview was delivered to a different broadcaster.  Finally finished up and delivered four pitches to that comic book company.  As I stated in the email I sent them: “Hopefully one of these pops for you.  If so, let’s discuss.  If not, let’s discuss.”  I’ll be consulting on what I’ve been told will be a big budget foreign sci-fi series this summer and very much looking forward to checking out that first script.  In the meantime, I’m re-reading the first book in a fantasy series I will, hopefully, be adapting to the small screen.  Eventually.  For now, I’m putting together a brief overview for the producer who secured the film and television rights.  And there are a couple of other promising things in the works including a near future murder mystery and a near-to-far-future Seoul-specific series that will finally allow me to combine two of the things I love most: science fiction and Kpop.  No kidding.

Okay, time to select the three lucky participants in our next zoom chat.

Google’s handy random number generator has offered up the following winners…

Kevin Clawson

Line Noise

Lori Steinle

I have fired off emails to all three of you so that we can coordinate a suitable time for us to chat.

As for everyone else – Take heart!  We’ll do it all over again soon.  Thinking of maybe expanding these zoom chats to twice a month.

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July 30, 2020: Blog #5030

This is it!  Last day to leave a comment in my July 28th blog entry for a chance to win a zoom chat with yours truly and two other blog readers.  The three randomly selected winners will be announced in tomorrow’s blog entry!

Getting a lot of push back on this one.  What say you?

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza? Yes/No https://t.co/ufVz6K972k

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2020

Almost all are objecting to the use of sliced processed cheese.  While I agree, I have also heard that the processed cheese actually melts better and provides a superior consistency.  Experts weigh in!

Yesterday’s film-themed question…

Your Top 3 Favorites – Western Edition
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/OGur3D8pCK

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 29, 2020

Tonight’s film-themed question…

Your Top 3 Favorites – Animated Film Edition
Answer in the form of movie posters! pic.twitter.com/FM3YtwjGcj

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 30, 2020

More amazing people with whom I have worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Alyssa Pawlak worked as a stand-in on #DarkMatter (and #LostGirl) before transitioning to yoga, leading classes during lunch for interested cast and crew members. A lovely person. pic.twitter.com/RnzhOHlGXX

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 23, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Craig Tovell was Head Carpenter on #DarkMatter, overseeing construction of everything from our ship The Raza to the Ferrous Corp shipyard in our final episode. A terrific guy who does great work. pic.twitter.com/MDTdQ0P1pp

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 24, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
The stylish Judith Ann Clancy was the costume set supervisor and wardrobe assistant on #DarkMatter, and the costume buyer on #UtopiaFalls. Most recently, she was Costume Designer on #HardyBoys. pic.twitter.com/w6fdyQTanY

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 25, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Sterling Thomas was second assistant director on #UtopiaFalls. A terrific guy, a pleasure to work with, AND he plays a mean cosmic piano. pic.twitter.com/Xr0Rk7RgBd

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 26, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
The fashionable and fantastic Patricia Cuthbert was key hair on #UtopiaFalls. Pictured here after winning her Emmy for Outstanding Hairstyling. pic.twitter.com/Q2HgUrpn50

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 27, 2020

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July 29, 2020: It takes me three times as long to come up with a blog entry title as it does to write the actual damn entry!

Akemi: How do people get superpowers?  Do they inherit them from their parents?

Me: Usually, superpowers are the result of an accident.

Akemi: So, more clumsy people are superheroes?

Me:  I…guess so.

Dunkin' Caffeinated Cereal? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/xWZKtGMkbe

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 29, 2020

Start your kid’s day off right.  This cereal will give them the energy they need to power through to recess!

Yesterday’s film-themed question…

Best movie musical.
Answer with a gif. pic.twitter.com/yl8vz1WI3y

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 28, 2020

 

Amazing People With Whom I Have Worked…

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
A fantastic actor with a vast filmography, Ronny Cox played the role of the nefarious Senator Kinsey on #Stargate.
I ran into him a couple of years ago while in LA, and he still speaks fondly of his time with franchise.
Always nice to hear. pic.twitter.com/X7x9Jvh0EF

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 18, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Most know him best as #XFiles' Walter Skinner but, to many, Mitch Pileggi will always be #Stargate's Colonel Steven Cauldwell.
A wonderful actor and a hell of a great guy. pic.twitter.com/uiepJFjMZF

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 19, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
David Blue (@DavidBlue) played the part of young genius Eli Wallace on #StargateUniverse. He's a talented actor wholly committed to his craft. pic.twitter.com/nRZ96GECuT

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 20, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Alaina Huffman (@AlainaHuffman) played the role of Lt. Tamara Johansen on #StargateUniverse.
A fabulous actress who never fails to impressive. #Stargate pic.twitter.com/7rArcLLQHR

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 21, 2020

#AmazingPeopleWithWhomIHaveWorked
Mairzee Almas directed one of my favorite episodes of #DarkMatter ("Wish I'd Spaced You When I Had The Chance"). An amazing talent, terrific to work with, and, best of all, a huge animal advocate. pic.twitter.com/YrNqtMnekP

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) July 22, 2020

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