Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 27

January 4, 2024: The Saturday Report!

Our Outer Limits rewatch resumes Monday, January 6th with Season 2, Episode 1 “Soldier”!

Will season 2 be superior to season 1?  Or will the quality drop off?  Let’s find out!

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Back when the JLA were a bunch of squares…

What was the episode where one of your favorite shows jumped the shark? I ask because I just watched The Office’s season 5 dance-off episode…

Back in Montreal, my mother, who has trouble walking, is climbing stairs against my sister’s advice.  The other day, sis caught her climbing down the stairs…carrying her walker!  As a result, my sister no longer feels comfortable leaving her alone at home in the event she takes a bad fall.  My mother, on the other hand, feels we’re being too negative by focusing on worst-case scenarios.  Hmmmmmm.  Guess I’ll be heading back for another stay before our Japan trip.

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My Top 10 Horror Movies of 2024 (and four Honorable Mentions)!

I watched roughly 60 horror movies this year and these were my Top 10 favorites.

Let’s start with the Honorable Mentions…

Chime (Japan)

Kyoshi Kurosawa, who wrote and directed one of my favorite Japanese horror films, Kairo, delivers an equally unnerving tale here about an auditory virus that compels those infected to carry out violent acts.  It’s a terrific set-up that, at a run time of a little over an hour, is not fully explored.  Instead, we are left with what feels like an unfinished macabre masterpiece.

Sleep (South Korea)

Jason Yu’s directorial debut (based on his own original script) is suspenseful, well-paced story about a woman struggling to address her husband’s spooky late-night sleepwalking who begins to suspect the somnambulism may be supernatural in origin.  Great build-up and some memorable scenes (including the wife laying out her theory of ghostly possession via a powerpoint presentation), but the ending feels too pat.  Also, had to dock this movie marks for killing off not one, but two dogs.

Milk & Serial

Purportedly made for $800 and then uploaded to youtube for free where it has garnered, at last check, 1.4 million views, Curry Baker’s found footage horror film punches well above its weight class in its exploration of online prank culture.  There are a few instances that stretch credulity but at about an hour long, it was a quick and entertaining watch.

Rita (Gautemala)

Wow.  This is a tough one to rank, both for its troubling subject matter and out-there execution of the bizarre world it crafts, yet the fact that its more fantasy than horror places it just outside of the Top 10.  The titular character, Rita, is a 13-year-old transferred to a prison run by witches and demons, its inmates a mix of angels and supernatural beings.  The fact that writer-director Jayro Bustamante found inspiration from true events made this one a sad, at times difficult, but ultimately rewarding watch.

And now, on to the Top 10…

10  Infested (France)

Basically a French version of Arachnophobia minus the goofy comedy but with an undercurrent of subtle humor that never undermines the horror.  A Parisian tenement is infested with killer spiders when one of the residents makes an ill-advised purchase from a backroom exotic animal dealer.  If Jaws made you afraid of the water, this movie will make you think twice about putting on your shoes without checking inside first.

9  The First Omen (United States)

I’m usually not a big fan of prequels, but this turned out to be a worthy companion to the classic original.  Delightfully sinister, it delivers the carnage and ecclesiastical conspiracy in equal measure.

8  Exhuman (South Korea)

A modern-day shaman and her team attempt to save a cursed newborn from a vengeful spirit.  While not all that scary and far too long at 2+ hours, it’s a compelling supernatural tale with some great characters and suspenseful storytelling.

7  Double Blind (Ireland)

I would consider this a worst case scenario for clinical trials.  A group of volunteers testing a new drug exhibit a lethal side effect: if they fall asleep, they die.  As the facility goes under lockdown, the group struggles to stay awake as paranoia grows.  A terrific set-up that pays off nicely in the form of a suspenseful and engrossing narrative.  I was initially put off by what I felt were plot holes in the ending but, after giving it some thought, I was able to address said plot holes to my satisfaction and so, this movie finds itself into my top 10.

6  Longlegs (United States)

An investigation into a string of murder-suicides leads an FBI agent to an occult conspiracy, and a deranged individual known as Longlegs. The narrative pieces don’t fully come together in a heavily telegraphed ending that fails to deliver in either surprising or satisfying fashion but, boy oh boy, does Nic Cage deliver one unnervingly weird performance as the titular character. That alone is worth your time.

5  MadS (France)

A one-take descent into grisly, visceral madness that sees a teenager pick up a seemingly injured stranger on the way to a party.  This one never lets up on its frenzied pace.  A wild, wild ride.

4  Alien: Romulus (United States)

A group of young scavengers board a derelict and doomed space station only to discover…they are not alone.  Boy, if you thought the Alien franchise had run out of steam, check out this latest installment which I think is the third best in the series (After Alien and Aliens).  Visually stunning.  If the Production Designer doesn’t get an Oscar nomination, I’ll be outraged.

3  Late Night with the Devil (United States)

A late night host’s live broadcast on Halloween of 1977 takes a terrifying turn. Loved the 70’s aesthetic and the movie’s first two acts, but Late Night with the Devil’s final act falls short, fumbling a nonsensical hypnosis sequence and tacking on a conspiracy angle that was done much better in The Conspiracy (2012).  Still, this one really stands out amongst the 2024 offerings.

2  Strange Darling (United States)

A deadly cat-and-mouse game ensues following a midnight stand.  Even though I guessed the twist early on, it in no way lessened my enjoyment of this dark and twisted non-linear narrative.  I’m not going to spoil it for you, so go check it out.

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1  Oddity (Ireland)

Writer-Director Damian Mc Carthy’s first feature, Caveat, made my Horror Marathon Top 10 a few years back and his second feature, Oddity, proves an equally diabolical descent into Irish horror.   A woman seeks to avenger her sister’s murder through supernatural means.  Calculated and creepy in its slow burn suspense-filled unfurling.

So, what were your favorite horror movies of 2024?

The post My Top 10 Horror Movies of 2024 (and four Honorable Mentions)! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

January 2, 2024: Four Fantastic International Crime Shows I absolutely loved!

These shows premiered in 2023 in their home countries (but released in North America in 2024)  and were technically ineligible for my 2024 Top 10 ranking.  Which is a shame because all four are great and the last two would have definitely made the Top 10.

A Bloody Lucky Day/Woonsoo Ojin Nal – South Korea

An ordinary taxi driver becomes entangled with a customer who turns out to be a serial killer.

South Korean crime shows have a tendency to veer into the comedic, thereby undermining the suspense, but this one plays it pretty straight and delivers one of the best SK thrillers in recent memory.

Ferry: The Series/Ferry: De Serie – Belgium, Netherlands

Before “Undercover’s” Ferry Bouman became a notorious drug lord, he had to rise from obscurity by ascending the ranks of Brabant’s criminal underbelly.

The spinoff prequel of the Belgium crime series Undercover explores the backstory of the colorful titular character.  Love me some Ferry Bouman.

Community Squad/Division Palermo – Argentina

A ragtag civilian patrol squad created to improve the image of the police inadvertently put their lives at risk when confronting some strange criminals.

The funniest comedy series I’ve watched in years.  Totally fell in love with this show and am really looking forward to its second season.

The Boy’s Word: Blood on the Asphalt/Slovo patsana. Krov na asfalte – Russia

The late 1980s. While parents fight for survival in a changing world, children fight for territory. Two 14-year-old boys, Andrey and Marat, seek protection and support amid violence and poverty – and find it on the streets.

This one was apparently a huge hit in Russia in 2023, and with good reason.  Of the 650 or so crime shows I’ve watched on this crime binge, this one is easily Top 50, maybe even Top 25.

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January 1, 2024: Amazing Covers!

A few that caught my eye this week…

What If?…Galactus Transformed the Incredible Hulk #1 – cover art by Ryan Brown

What If?…Galactus Transformed the Incredible Hulk #1 – cover art by Stephen Platt

Absolute Superman #3 – cover art by Christian Ward

Poison Ivy #9 – cover art by Jenny Frison

Shazam! #19 – cover art by Mark Spears

Knights vs Samurai – cover art by Bjorn Barends

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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The Top 10 Crime Shows of 2024!

10   The Bequeathed – South Korea

After the death of an unknown uncle, a woman inherits a burial ground and finds herself in the centre of a string of murders and dark secrets.

Like most South Korean thrillers, this one can get a little crazy and, to be honest, I was really on the fence partway through, but this one really comes together in the end with a wild final twist.

9   The Asunta Case – Spain

After two parents report that their 12-year-old daughter Asunta is missing, the investigation soon turns against them. 

I’m not usually a fan of “based on a true crime” shows, but this one was pretty gripping and the case lingered with me long after the closing credits.

8   Only Murders in the Building (season 4) – United States

Three strangers share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one.

I know, I know.  It can be silly, over-the-top and, at times, a little nonsensical, but Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are an absolute blast to watch in this rapid-fire crime-comedy.

7   Crooks (season 1) – Germany

Charly’s quiet family life in Berlin is disrupted when he is tasked with steaing a valuablel coin. When things go wrong,, Charly must join forces with a driver named Joseph to save his wife and son.

It’s a 4 Blocks reunion in this admittedly flawed but incredibly fun caper series headlined by its two colorful leads.

6   Tokyo Swindlers – Japan

This series avoids the over-the-top silliness of many Japanese crime shows and delivers a straight, edge-of-your-seat heist story…centered on the real estate market no less!  Compulsively watchable.

5   Who Killed Him?

Recounts the events surrounding the murder of television host Paco Stanley, telling the story before and after one of the most media events of the late 90s.

I found this dramatization of the murder of a popular Mexican t.v. host well-told and incredibly compelling.

4   Squid Game (season 2) – South Korea

Set three years after the first season, the story focuses on Seong Gi-hun‘s life after winning the Squid Game, giving up on going to the United States and returning to the games with a new resolution in mind.

I honestly didn’t think they could pull it off, but they did, striking a perfect balance between the comfort of a familiar story foundation and the thrill of new narrative elements.  I dock it a spot for only giving us what amounts to half a season.

3   Women in Blue (season 1 ) – Mexico

Follows four women who join Mexico’s first female police force. They will defy the ultra-conservative norms of the time only to discover that their squad is a publicity stunt to distract the media from a brutal serial killer.

This one was this year’s biggest surprise, a feminist story that eschews heavy-handed messaging in favor of wonderful characters and an engaging and provocative storyline.

2   Slow Horses (season 4) – United Kingdom

A dysfunctional team of MI5 agents and their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb, navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.

I’m not a huge fan of espionage shows but this one is an absolute standout, a perfect mix of character drama, suspense, and humor.

The Diplomat (season 2) – United States

Amid an international crisis, a career diplomat juggles her new high-profile job as ambassador to the United Kingdom and her turbulent marriage to a political star.

Yes, a crime on the international stage is the event that kicks things off in the pilot episode and this is politics, so activities both criminal and unethical abound in this brilliant series I binged over the course of two days.

Honorable Mentions: The Believers (Thailand), Say Nothing (U.S.), The Absent Voice (Argentina), Past Lies (Spain), Deception (Finland), The Law According to Lidia Poet season 2 (Italy), Pyramid Game (South Korea), A Shop for Killers (South Korea), Wisting season 5 (Norway).

So, which of your favorites failed to make my list?

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December 30, 2024: Recent Yes/No’s – Best and Worst!

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Reindeer with spicy cranberry chutney…

BEST: Crispy Parmesan Harissa Potatoes

WORST: Peppermint Stick Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake

And you?

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December 29, 2024: Sharky Sunday!

Sometimes, mom is just a bit too much for Sharky…

Sneaky Sharky…

Dancing the night away….

Montreal-bound…

Soaking up the sun…

Expressive…

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December 28, 2024: The Saturday Report!

Sharky portrait c/o @sweetclaireart on Instagram

Star Wars Sharky gif c/o @JBLOODonly1 on X.

Captain America Sharky also c/o @JBLOODonly1 on X [image error] Our imaginations are amazing!Two-thirds of the way through our Montreal stay.  Pleased to report I’ve been eating a lot of cookies.  Heading back late Tuesday and I fear I may regret the decision to fly out New Year’s Eve.

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December 27, 2024: The Friday Report!

The results are in!

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Who’d have thought so many people didn’t like oranges!

I asked Grok to generate some Christmas-themed episodes for some classic shows.  I would watch the hell out of all of these…

Columbo…

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Murder, She Wrote…

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Stargate: SG-1…

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Since Tam Dixon asked, here is an ongoing list of my recommended Crime Show recommendations.  That’s 141 out of the 650 shows I’ve checked out to date…

Recommended crime shows

Had lunch with about 15 relatives I haven’t seen in years.  We talked politics.  Hooboy.  Has the pendulum swung!

 

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December 26, 2024: Orange polls and crime shows!

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X doesn’t allow for more than four choices for their polls so I went with the four most popular  ones.  Unfortunately, the rind didn’t make the cut.

Head on over and make your voices heard: Vote!

Putting together a list of my Top 10 Best Crime Shows of 2024 and catching up with some old favorites…some of which have disappointed.

The Law According to Lidia Poët (season 2) – I enjoyed the first season and liked the first episode the new season enough but, inexplicably, I can only find the ensuing season 2 episodes dubbed.  So, until I can find them subtitled, I’ve put this rewatch on hold.

Wisting (season 5) – Another solid season for this Nordic crime series.

Last King of the Cross (season 2) – Season was a pleasant surprise and I very much enjoyed the first episode of season 2.  Then, in episode 2, they shoot a dog in a completely unnecessary scene and I lost any desire to continue watching this series.

Dalgliesh (season 3) – You have to be in the right frame of mind to watch this somewhat staid mystery series but I found this new season even more staid than even I can handle.

The Green Glove Gang (season 2) – Season one was a lot of fun but with the raising of stakes in season 2 comes a required increased suspension of disbelief and some pretty silly plotting.  Sadly, season 2 is not for me.

So, what were YOUR favorite crime shows of 2024?

 

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