Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 442

October 31, 2013: Big Cookie Alert! Monster Alert! Tinned sardines packed in olive oil alert!

I like it when Akemi bakes, but I LOVE it when she “experimental bakes”.  By that, I mean when she decides to try out a new recipe or compare slightly different versions of the same dish.  This morning, for instance, she made three different types of cookies: white sugar and whole egg chocolate chip cookies, white and brown sugar and egg yolk chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate and peanut butter cookies.  The verdict?  While all three were very tasty, I informed her I would require a bigger testing sample in order to complete a more thorough study and arrive at a scientifically sound conclusion.  Unable (unwilling?) to recreate the conditions of the first experiment, she made me a BIG cookie instead.  Verdict?  Delicious!

Speaking of Cookies, look at who I spotted crossing the street this afternoon at Granville and 10th:

Yeah, it’s our resident film critic, Cookie Monster, who requested some time off from move reviewing duties in order to take care of his ailing aunt Myrtle in Schenectady. So what the hell is he doing strolling around Vancouver?  Good question.  Anyway, for what it’s worth, that P90X workout has worked wonders for him.  He looks great!

So, how go your respective Halloweens?   I was out early today, decorating the house in preparation for the big night.  Check out all my hard work…

I carried it all the way over from the garage to the front porch.  There’s a power cord that plugs into the back and lights it up but I was too tired to make a return trip.

Anyway, it’s past 6:00 p.m. and so far, no kids.  I wonder if word got out that I was handing out healthy alternatives last years: fresh fruit, vegetables, and tins of sardines packed in olive oil

October 30, 2013: Funny girl! Weird Japanese McDonalds! Mailbag!

Funny girl

Today, while cleaning out one of the kitchen drawers, Akemi came across a photo of a young boy.  ”It’s you,”she said.

“That isn’t me,”I corrected her.  It was, in fact, a photo of my ex’s nephew.

“Of course,”she said, apparently realizing her mistake.  ”Yours are black and white.”

Hey, check it out.  Perfect timing!  Our trip to Tokyo happens to coincide with the release of this seasonal McDonalds menu item which is, as far as I can tell, a deep-fried mac and cheese and bechamel burger:

Also, I’m not completely sold on this Japanese McDonalds campaign (the jingle translates to: McDonalds is always here):

Mailbag:

Fagate One writes: “An announcement before month’s end = tomorrow !”

Answer: Damnit.  I thought we were already in November.  Announcement next month.  If all goes according to plan.  I wouldn’t it?

Mike A. writes: “I’m curious, I don’t remember if you ever put Continuum on your watch list last year or not.”

Answer: Nope.  Did watch the first episode though and thought it looked pretty good.

Sparrow_hawk writes: “Also, a friend’s son is getting married in Tokyo next year. In July. How is the weather in Tokyo in July. Hot? Humid? Rainy?”

Answer: Hot and incredibly humid.  Apparently, air-conditioning is a must.

mark writes: “was there any plans for characters such as Cameron Mitchell, John Sheppard or Teal’c to appear on stargate universe in a later season?”

Answer: There were no concrete plans, but the door was always open.  After receiving word of the SGU cancellation, we even toyed with the idea of a wrap-up movie that would have seen a rescue op launched from Earth to Destiny, made up of characters  from both SG-1 and SGA.

astrumporta writes: “Oh, I don’t know about a mole in TWD, but I think the little blonde girl is up to no good. In fact I think she was faking being sick to get put in the isolation wing and do something bad – maybe just start killing? She’s mental, I think.”

Answer: Interesting theory.  Or maybe you’re just an untrusting person.  Poor blondie.  :(

astrumporta also writes: “I heard Hello Ladies was rather derivative but based on your rec I’ll watch for sure when it gets to Netflix.”

Answer: As I said, it’s from the Larry David/Ricky Gervais School of Uncomfortable Humor, but it’s far and away the funniest of the new fall shows – and probably the funniest of any of the show currently airing.  Unless someone has a better candidate?  Careful now.

Nola Shingledecker writes: “Did you ever decide on attire for the Tokyo wedding? I’m still hoping for the full samuri regalia – complete with swords (short and long).”

Answer: I decided to go with the dark suit, white shirt and tie.  But will get a perm and don sunglasses for that perfect yakuza touch.

gforce writes: “I wouldn’t worry about that phone call – if it was important they would have at least left a message for you to call back.”

Answer: That’s what I assumed.  And they never did, so it couldn’t have been THAT important.  Unless, of course, some terrible fate befell the caller in the interim.

shinyhula writes: “The project sounds interesting!”

Answer: Oh, you’re all gonna love it.

bambamfans writes: “Hey Joe – Have you seen this film review of The Counsellor? I think it’s hilarious, the review reminded me of you and Ivon. Do you dare watch it?”

Answer: It’s too bad Paul and I retired our weekly Bad Movie Night.  This one sounds like it could be just as worthy a candidate as Battlefield Earth and Boxing Helena.

October 29, 2013: Show our friends some support!

Artist John Picacio, who joined us for an edifying Q&A back in July of 2008 (July 25, 2008: With Special Guest – Award-Winning Artist/Illustrator/Designer John Picacio) has been busy: last month scoring his second Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist AND winning two Chelsea Awards in the same weekend for Best Paperback Cover Illustration and Best Product Illustration.  He is presently Kickstarting a 2014 Calendar featuring the first twelve artworks of a planned 54 card deck and game. According to John, he is creating a modern re-engineering of Loteria: “It’s a Mexican game of chance that I played as a kid with my mother and my grandma. I’m re-envisioning it via my artwork, and my version will be unlike anything seen before.”

Gorgeous, no?

Included amongst the rewards are special-edition Grande Loteria cards. They’re big, deluxe Mexican Tarot cards featuring the new art and backers collect them toward an eventual full deluxe deck. Every time the campaign hits a stretch goal, backers get a free Grande card.

Here’s the link to the Kickstarter campaign: The 2014 John Picacio Calendar

And check out all the latest Picacio-related updates here: http://picacio.blogspot.ca/2013/10/score-free-el-arpa-grande-card.html

Meanwhile…

Ming-Na has found her way onto the preliminary list of nominees for this year’s People’s Choice Award as “Favorite Actress on a New Series”!  As most of you know Ming, played Camile Wray on Stargate: Universe, is presently starring on ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.LD.

So do our friend a solid by heading over and voting – early and often – and getting your friends and family to vote as well: http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/nominations/vote.jsp?pollId=130023

Finally – those conference calls I mentioned the other day went swimmingly.  In the case of one: some solid notes as we move forward on the outline (which I hope to deliver and get notes on before I leave for Tokyo next week – although that’s highly unlikely).  In the case of the other: if the individual I spoke to is able to follow through on my suggestion (and he seemed quite excited by the idea) then we could have an announcement before month’s end.

Still pretty cryptic, no?

October 28, 2013: What I AM Watching!

I missed a phone call this morning.  Actually, two successive calls from the same number.  As a rule, I refuse to answer my phone before 9:00 a.m. so I let it go to voice mail.  And, of course, the caller didn’t leave a message.  Presumably the reason for the call was important enough to warrant a redial, but not important enough to leave me a message.  Curious, I phoned the number on my call display and was greeted by the automated switchboard of Vancouver Coastal Health that informed me: “Unfortunately, we are unable to identify the party that called you.”

Now why the hell would Vancouver Coastal Health be calling me?  The only thing I could think of was that x-ray I got the other week.  But my doctor already reviewed the results and gave me a thumbs up and, if it WAS x-ray-related, her office would be the ones calling me back.  No?  My creative mind ran through a host of possible scenarios.  In the most unnerving, my x-ray got forwarded to VCH as a matter of procedure where their experts studied the results and marvelled “Holy shit!  How did his doctor miss THIS?!”.

Is it x-ray-related?  Are they going to call me back?  If so, when?  What’s the deal with my x-ray?!!

Lesson learned.  If somebody phones you before 9:00 a.m., assume it’s important!

Over the last little while, I’ve listed off the shows I checked out and stopped watching.  Today, I’d like to turn to more positive territory and discuss some of the shows I actually watch on a regular basis:

TOP CHEF NEW ORLEANS

Ah, a show that combines two of my favorite things: food and New Orleans.  It’s been years since I last visited the Big Easy, but every time I glimpse Bourbon Street or hear mention of Arnaud’s, Galatoire’s, or The Commander’s Palace, the happy memories return.  It was a truly memorable trip highlighted by my traveling companion, a girl I fell into conversation with at the library one day.  She mentioned she wanted to go to Cuba but couldn’t find a friend to go with.  I told her: “Make it New Orleans, and I’ll go with you.”  And she did.  And I did.  I remember checking into our hotel and cutting through the courtyard toward Bourbon Street.  I heard something and happened to glance over my shoulder, catching a young woman out on her balcony, stretching – stark naked.  She smiled, gave me a wave, and ducked back inside.  Ah, good times.

Anyway, the show!  Sure, there are many competitive cooking shows out there, but none are anywhere near as good.  Great judges, great personalities, and, always, some great-looking food.  I wasn’t a big fan of Last Chance Kitchen when it first aired, the internet-only appendage to the show that allows eliminated contestants to cook their way back into the competition, but have grown to accept it.  I’m less forgiving of the decision to make last season’s finale a “live” event that ended up forced and awkward, lacking the suspense and drama that typified previous finales.

THE WALKING DEAD

Unlike my fellows writer-producer, Carl Binder, I DO possess the zombie gene and so I do enjoy a good undead outing.  Granted, in the past, I have criticized this show for its sometimes slow progression and stealthy zombies who shamble around noisily unless you happen to back up against a chain-link fence at which point they can sneak up on you like ninjas.  But this season, the show is firing on all cylinders as the survivors of the zombie apocalypse battle the undead, internal division, AND unseen threats within their camp: a deadly flu and a potential mole within their ranks.  Will Glenn survive the flu?  Will Daryl’s group get to those much-needed meds?  Is someone responsible for spreading the virus within the prison?

In the case of the latter, I’m going to say “Yes!” and offer up my number one suspect:

 But why?  What’s his motive?  Well, I believe he’s working for this guy:

No spoiler alert because there is not a shred of evidence backing up my claim.  Just writerly instinct.

HELLO LADIES

The one new fall show I am still watching is this HBO comedy created by and starring Stephen Merchant, one half the talented duo that brought us The Office (the UK original and, by extension, the U.S. version as well).  It’s humour in the vein of Larry David and Ricky Gervaise as our hero attempts to navigate the oft-treacherous waters of the L.A. dating scene.  Merchant is brilliant and he’s backed up by a terrific cast of supporting players including Christine Woods as a struggling actress, Nate Torrence as his recently divorced buddy, and Ken Wiseman (formerly Marshall Flinkman of Alias) who plays a physically disabled Lothario with a mean streak. Wonderfully, uncomfortably hilarious.

SURVIVOR: BLOOD VS. WATER

I know, I know.  It’s admittedly a guilty pleasure.  I wasn’t all that enthusiastic about this season’s Blood vs. Water set-up which sees former contestants competing with/against loved ones – and am still not convinced.   Still, I love the human dynamics – the alliances, the shifting loyalties and, best of all, the blindsides!

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN

I’m watching this one with Akemi because she wanted to watch something scary, but not as scary as The Walking Dead.  This show is perfect because it vacillates so wildly between visceral horror and over-the-top silliness as each episode attempts to cram in as many horror movie tropes as possible into its twisting and turning narrative.  I object on the grounds that it doesn’t make a jot of sense, but it’s immensely entertaining for those who don’t get  hung up on traditional storytelling rules like logic and plausibility.

Today’s entry is dedicated to blog regular Das!

October 27, 2013: Just like Zelenka used to bake!

It was an up and down day for my Snow Monkeys in fantasy football league play today (thanks for asking).  On the one hand, my Snow Monkeys #2 fell to a record of 2-6 in Stargate league play, meaning they’ll have to sweep their final five games to have any hope of making the playoffs.  On the other hand, my Snow Monkeys #1 won handily in my original league, climbing to 5-3 and looking very good for post-season play.  And while I was busy coaching my teams to a weekend split, Akemi was equally busy baking cookies.  And not just any cookies.  Check ‘em out. Stargate cookies!

She also baked up a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Earlier in the day, Rob Cooper hosted our Sunday afternoon football gathering.  In honor of this season’s Top Chef New Orleans, he served up home made gumbo:

Meanwhile, all I did was show up.  And eat of course.

A little something from the folks at Deadspin: The Great American Menu: Foods Of The States, Ranked And Mapped.  What is your fair state’s signature dish? Everything from Illinois’ Chicago style deep-dish pizza to Ohio’s “horrifying diarrhea sludge” Cincinnati chili.

Two big calls tomorrow to discuss two different projects!

Tagged: SG-1. SGU, SGA, Stargate

October 26, 2013: An intriguing email! And an alarming phone call!

Late Friday afternoon, I received a very interesting email.  It was from someone who works with someone who knows someone I worked with in the past (Let’s leave it at that for now) who, apparently, had positive things to say about me (Go figure).  As a result, the individual sending the email wanted to inquire about my interest in writing for an upcoming project.  Now, to be fair, I have fielded similar offers in the past but have turned them down for several reasons, the chiefest being timing – not just so far as I was concerned but as regarded the property as well.  Initially, I was going to politely decline the offer but, as I began to mull things over, I started to realize what a great opportunity this could be.   And then, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that this opportunity wouldn’t merely be great.  It would be downright fantastic – and not just for yours truly.  Alas, I can’t say anymore as things are very hush-hush, but if my conversation with this individual goes well on Monday, he gets on board with my idea, and the rest of the pieces fall into place, we could look forward to an awesome announcement before year’s end.

Pretty cryptic, no?

But trust me.  You’re gonna love it!

To those of you who don’t read the comments section of this blog (for shame!) and may have missed it…

I’m not sure if my lower back pain is actually better or if it’s simply a matter of my getting fed up and choosing to ignore it, but I haven’t given it much thought lately. It’s still there to a certain degree but I’ve elected to ignore it, chiefly because I had a hip x-ray done last week and I assumed that, if there was a problem, the doctor would have contacted me when she received the results.  I mean, if the situation was dire, someone would have gotten back to me, right?  Well, that was my thinking and I had all but put it out of my mind when – I received a phone call last night.  It was the local clinic.  The doctor wanted me to go in and discuss the results of my x-ray.  They could make room for me immediately.

Immediately?  Holy shit!

I threw on a sweater, jumped into my car, and drove over.  I checked in and the receptionist informed me the doctor would be right with me.  I didn’t have to wait long.  Within five minutes, I was directed into the office where I sat and considered every worst-case scenario.  Finally, the doctor walked in, file in hand.  I was ready for the bad news.  What she said next was the last thing I expected to hear:

“What can I do for you?”she asked.

I stared back uncertainly.  ”Uh, you asked me to come in.”  Then, off her blank look: “For my x-ray results?”

She seemed genuinely surprised and immediately consulted my file.  A quick perusal and she informed me: “Oh, these look great.  You’re fine.”

Far be it for me to complain about receiving good news but COME ON!  Imagine if they weren’t able to squeeze me in and, instead, scheduled me to come in sometime next week!  Hell, by Monday most of you would have been the proud owners of all of my worldly possessions.

 

 

October 25, 2013: My trip!

I never sleep well the night before I travel.  Even though I set my alarm clock, and the back-up alarm on my cell phone just to be sure, I always sleep fitfully and awaken at least an hour early.  Such was the case on Wednesday when I was out of bed two full hours before the taxi was scheduled to pick me up and take me to the airport.  Plenty of time to shower, shave, have some breakfast and, most importantly, upload an extra early blog entry.  The dogs sensed something was up, especially my eldest pug, Jelly, who followed me around, from room to room, despite her hip dysplasia and arthritic shoulders.  As I dropped by carry-on bag next to the front door, she stood in the hall giving me that “You’re not leaving without me, are you?” look.  

Yep, that’s the look.

Alas, on this day, my traveling companion would not be Jelly but my writing partner Paul.  We were headed cross-country to pitch our take on a scifi novel were hired to develop for television, essentially our plan for a potential t.v. series that included a series overview, character synopses, and story arcs for the first season and beyond. Science fiction is tricky to pitch, especially when you’re talking Hard SF.  Sadly, most broadcasters shy away from ship-based shows on the grounds that their appeal is too narrow, preferring instead what they see as more accessible scifi.  In other words, more Revolution and Under the Dome and less, well, Stargate.  Fortunately for all involved, the project we were pitching, with its near future setting and topical themes, falls into the latter category.  Scifi fans – and, apparently, viewers who run screaming at the mere mention of hyperspace and warp engines.  

The flight was relatively uneventful.  I was wedged in between a heavy set fellow in the aisle seat and septuagenerian by the window who insisted on flossing his teeth at take-off and landing.  At one point, he indicated a desire to use the bathroom so my neighbor and I got up to let him through.  Some five minutes later, he returned and, rather than wait for us to get up, attempted to squeeze in between us.  At one point, he was practically sitting in my lap as he scrambled to negotiate the three inches of space between my knees and the seat in front of us.  He eventually got there, but it was touch and go.  For a while there, I thought we’d be sharing a seat for the remainder our trip.

Once he’d finally settled back in, I was free to check out the lunch menu.  This is what I ordered:

Mmm. Looks tasty, doesn’t it?

And this is what I received:

Mmmm. Chilly AND soggy.

We touched down in Toronto some three hours later at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time.  I figured the timing was perfect.  We’d catch a cab back to the hotel, relax, and then catch a cab to Buca, my favorite restaurant in  - well, North America, where we’d be meeting someone for dinner.  Two hours.  Plenty of time, right?  

We waited twenty minutes for a cab and, by the time it wound its way through the congested highway and street, we were checking into our hotel and hour and forty-five minutes later.  We hurried up to our rooms, dropped off our luggage, and caught a taxi to Buca where we finally arrived, only ten minutes.

Dinner was fantastic.  You’ll have to take my word for it because, sadly, my cell phone battery died as we were seated so I have no photographic proof.  We had home made bread with rosemary, olive oil, and sea salt, crispy pig ear, duck egg yolk and truffle bruschetta, two kinds pasta, two types of pizza, and a duck sausage plate. And a tiramisu for dessert – split three ways because, at that point, we were past done.  Oh, and I had a couple of Manhattans.  By the time I staggered back to my hotel room at just after 11:00 p.m., I was thoroughly exhausted and looking forward to a good night’s rest.  Unfortunately, I was still on west coast time so I lay awake in bed for another three hours before finally falling sleep.

I was hoping to sleep in, but no amount of blanket burrowing would shield me from the sunlight that made its way through and around the window blinds, so I was up at 7:30 a.m.  But really tired.  So I lay in bed for another three hours.  I decided to skip breakfast and just help myself to an orange juice from the mini-bar.  Well, there was no orange juice in the mini-bar.  Or grapefruit juice.  Or bottled water.  Instead, these were my choices:

I think I’ll go with the absolutely nothing.

We had two pitch meetings, back to back, and both went very well.  Or, at least they seemed to go very well.  In both meetings, the people we were pitching to took assiduous notes throughout, presumably on the presentation but, in all fairness, they could well have been jotting together their shopping list or seizing the opportunity to work on their novel.  

Following a quick post-mortem and late lunch, I caught a cab to the airport where I arrived three hours early for my flight.  Akemi texted to inform me that Jelly had, as usual, been acting strangely since I’d left: quiet, moping about, not eating.  When I got home, she was back to her old self,  barking, bouncing around and begging for treats.  According to Akemi, she was completely changed dog.  Which is touching, but a little worrisome given that I’ll be going away to Tokyo for two weeks in November.    

So, that’s that.  Hopefully, we’ll hear good news back from the broadcasters in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, it’s full steam ahead on that other project we have in development (big conference call on Monday) and preparations for that Tokyo trip.    

What have you all been up to while I was away?

October 24, 2013: Upcoming Under the Radar Movies to look Forward to! Or not!

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB

Release Date: November 1, 2013

What it’s about: The true story of Texas cowboy Ron Woodrof who, after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1985, decided to take matters into his own hands and track down treatments for his condition.

What it’s got working for it: A fascinating true-life account.

What’s it’s got going against it: Matthew McConaughy is an acquired taste.

DIANA

Release Date: November 1, 2013

What it’s about: Diana’s romance with a Pakistani heart surgeon.

What it’s got working for it: My buddy Cas Anvar stars as Dodi Fayed.

What’s it’s got going against it: The subject matter may not have wide-ranging appeal.

MR. NOBODY

Release Date: November 1, 2013

What it’s about: A movie that uses a non-linear narrative and many worlds interpretation to tell the story of 118 year old Nemo Nobody.

What it’s got working for it: It’s certainly looks unique.

What’s it’s got going against it: Or, potentially, just annoyingly weird. According to wikipedia, the movie was shot four years ago and is just now being released.  Not a good sign.

ASS BACKWARDS

Release Date: November 8, 2013

What it’s about: Two childhood friends return to their hometown and a shot at redemption in the local beauty pageant.

What it’s got working for it: There’s a real dearth of truly funny female buddy movies.

What’s it’s got going against it: And, judging from the trailer, this movie may not change things.

BEST MAN DOWN

Release Date: November 8, 2013

What it’s about: When their obnoxious best man dies at their wedding, a couple must cancel their honeymoon in order to plan his funeral.

What it’s got working for it: The premise looks hilarious.

What’s it’s got going against it: The trailer does not.

THE BOOK THIEF

Release Date: November 8, 2013

What it’s about: A courageous young girl transforms lives during WWII.

What it’s got working for it: Based on the New York Times best-selling novel.

What’s it’s got going against it: The movies are never as good as the book.

HOW I LIVE

Release Date: November 8, 2013

What it’s about: In a near-future U.K., an American teenager finds romance amidst the backdrop of a global apocalypse.

What it’s got working for it:  The SF elements look interesting.

What’s it’s got going against it: The romantic elements less so.

DEAR MR. WATTERSON

Release Date: November 15, 2013

What it’s about: Calvin & Hobbes, the comic strip.

What it’s got working for it: Calvin & Hobbes!

What’s it’s got going against it: How interesting could a documentary about a comic strip be?  Let’s find out!

BETTY PAGE REVEALS ALL

Release Date: November 29, 2013

What it’s about: The story of famed pin-up model Betty Page, narrated by Betty Page.

What it’s got working for it: A potentially fascinating study of a pop icon and our culture.

What’s it’s got going against it: The subject matter may not be to everyone’s tastes.

MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

Release Date: November 29, 2013

What it’s about: Nelson Mandela.

What it’s got working for it: Powerful subject matter.  The wonderful Idris Elba.

What’s it’s got going against it: An honest or idealized account of Mandela’s life?

Tagged: Ass Backwards, Best Man Down, Betty Page Reveals All, Dallas Buyers Club, Dear Mr. Watterson, Diana, How I Live Now, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Mr. Nobody, The Book Thief

October 23, 2013: Upcoming Movie Releases to Look Forward to! Or not!

ABOUT TIME

Release Date: November 1, 2013

What it’s about: A guy travels through time in search of the perfect relationship.

What it’s got working for it: It’s a comedy!

What’s it’s got going against it:  A romantic comedy.

ENDER’S GAME

Release Date: November 1, 2013

What it’s about: Young Ender Wiggin enters Battle School to train and prepare for conflict against an alien threat.

What it’s got working for it: Looks great.  And it’s based on a great book.

What’s it’s got going against it: Not to give away a huge spoiler, but the revelation that makes this book so great would undermine a big screen treatment.

FREE BIRDS

Release Date: November 1, 2013

What it’s about: Two turkeys travel back in time to get turkey taken off the Thanksgiving menu.

What it’s got working for it: A mighty off-the-wall premise.

What’s it’s got going against it: A run-of-the-mill trailer that does it no favors.

LAST VEGAS

Release Date: November 1, 2013

What it’s about: Four old friends return to Vegas to relive their glory days.

What it’s got working for it:  Solid cast.

What’s it’s got going against it: The gags look as old as the characters. The Hangover on downers?

THOR: THE DARK WORLD 

Release Date: November 8, 2013

What it’s about: The God of Thunder battles to save Earth and The Nine Realms.

What it’s got working for it: The first movie had potential but never really delivered.  This one seems to have even more going for it including terrific visuals, a promising trailer, and a potential Thor-Loki alliance!

What’s it’s got going against it: I had high hopes for the original but was seriously underwhelmed.  What’s the saying?  Second time’s the charm?

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET

Release Date: November 15, 2013

What it’s about:  Chronicling the rise and fall of Wall Street insider Jordan Belfort.

What it’s got working for it: Directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Terrence Winter, based on the best-selling memoir.

What’s it’s got going against it: Why do I want to see a movie about this douchebag?

DELIVERY MAN

Release Date: November 22, 2013

What it’s about: A man discovers he fathered 533 children through sperm donations and embarks on a journey of self-discovery…and fatherhood.

What it’s got working for it: The premise is certainly original.

What’s it’s got going against it: After a while, all Vince Vaughn comedies into one giant ball of big screen mediocrity.

FROZEN

Release Date: November 22, 2013

What it’s about: A gang of misfits set out on a quest to confront the Snow Queen responsible for trapping their kingdom in eternal winter.

What it’s got working for it: Tangled did well for Disney.

What’s it’s got going against it: As Akemi put it after watching the trailer “It looks very for kids.”.  Seems like a movie an adult would endure instead of enjoy.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

Release Date: November 22, 2013

What it’s about: Katniss Everdeen returns home after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games, but a rebellion is simmering…

What it’s got working for it: Second big screen installment of the hugely popular book series.

What’s it’s got going against it: I preferred the original when it was called Battle Royale.

 OLD BOY

Release Date: November 27, 2013

What it’s about: An advertising executive sets out to find the individual responsible for kidnapping him and keeping him captive for 20 years.

What it’s got working for it: Based on a fantastic South Korean movie by the same name.

What’s it’s got going against it: Hollywood.  Expect a watered down version of the original – and it’s shocking twist.

Tagged: About Time, Delivery Man, Ender's Game, Free Birds, Frozen, Last Vegas, Old Boy, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Wolf of Wall Street, Thor: The Dark World

October 22, 2013: The Pitch!

This morning, I headed downtown for the first of several pitches for this SF series Paul and I are developing for a local production company. In these situations, I like to wear a suit.  It’s smart, professional, and helps people differentiate between me and my writing partner.  You may think it a little ridiculous – after all, we’re two completely different people – but something about being a writing team leads many to inevitably meld us into a single hybrid person, or two interchangeable individuals.  I’m not kidding.  Well into our tenth year on Stargate, co-workers were calling me Paul and him Joe.

Yes, the suit is one way of offering a visual nice contrast – me, looking all business; him, looking like a post-apocalyptic hobo.  There are other far more interesting ways to go but my writing partner is all (whiney): “But I don’t want to wax my eyebrows!” or “Why do I have wear the macrame hat?”.  But I digress.

So I arrived ten minutes early and was about to head inside when I noticed a guy walking by with his french bulldog.  Naturally, I just had top stop and strike up a conversation about the little bruiser who looked like my Lulu if she made the move to the heavyweight division.

Lulu resting up for the big welterweight bout.

I had just leaned in to give the little butterball a pat on the head when he suddenly loosened a hellacious sneeze, blasting the pant leg of my new suit with a frothy dose of dog snot.  The owner was mortified but I shrugged it off.  I know.  It comes with the territory, like sleepless snororous nights and vomit mines.

Rough start aside, the pitch went very well.  Paul took the lead on this one and did most of the talking while I provided a supporting role, standing by in case our guest had any questions or needed someone to spot her on the squat rack.  Next week, I’ll repay the favor when we switch gears – and projects – and I’ll monopolize the conversation with hilarious slice-of-life anecdotes and tales from my days at Camp Kakeka.

I leave you with this, via my sis: The 13 Creepiest Things A Child Has Ever Said To A Parent - http://www.buzzfeed.com/mattbellassai/the-creepiest-things-a-child-has-ever-said-to-a-parent?s=mobile

Adorable little rapscallions.