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.

The post August 6, 2020: Hostage messages, floral doughnuts, and the Crime Club convenes to discuss Green Room! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.