coffee drinkers

++ Eliza Dushku has graduated with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling! I'm so proud of her, and I wish her the best with her newfound career path and journey. She deserves the best in the world.

++ A trailer for Zhu Yilong's new movie, Dongji Rescue, dropped the other day. I wasn't even aware that he had something new coming out, so I was caught be surprise, and just seeing the images before watching the trailer I was like, whoa, and then after watching the trailer I got further intrigued. It looks action-packed and intense. Zhu Yilong has been quite busy, and I'm happy for him.

++ It's been officially announced that, after thirty-eight years, Spaceballs is getting a sequel.

I have to admit, when I first heard about this my immediate response was to go, "ugh, why?", because I think we can all agree we're tired of the constant sequels/prequel/franchising of IPs, and sequels from something after so long, while a good idea in theory, doesn't always deliver what was promised. But then I watched the announcement trailer, done in the only way Spaceballs should do announcements, and I could feel that apprehension draining away. It's still there of course, but I am curious to see what they do with it. Besides, we need more smart and clever parody movies that are genuinely funny. Spaceballs was always in on the joke and being quite meta and breaking that fourth wall (ex: Spaceballs 2: The Search For More Money already a joke made in the first movie, now becoming a reality), so I want to see what they'll bring this time. And seeing as how Mel Brooks is getting as much of the original cast as they can to be onboard with this, it's going to be very interesting.

++ The murder of indigenous actor Jonathan Joss (King of the Hill, Parks and Recreation) is absolutely tragic and devastating, but even more so is the aftermath of the police outright denying that it was a hate crime despite eyewitnesses and his own husband saying so from the homophobic threats and attacks sent to them. Fortunately, in a surprising turn of events they have recently backtracked on this statement have apologized for making such a rushed conclusion without a proper formal investigation, which accountability by the police is very rare to come by. However, to be honest the pessimistic side of me knows that if this had just been a random person they wouldn't have bothered to care, but since this was someone in the entertainment industry and has been gaining a lot of public attention and outrage so quickly they had to admit fault to prevent further backlash. Regardless though, it's still horrible and I hope the murderer (who admitted to the crime, though released on bail) get severely punished and his husband and family get justice.

++ While I haven't been watching Doctor Who, hearing what happened in the latest season finale really confirmed by concerns about RTD returning as showrunner. Overall, I just feel sad for Ncuti Gatwa.

++ Blumhouse Productions acquires rights to the Saw franchise from Twisted Pictures.

Earlier it was reported that the production into Saw XI, which was supposed to have been released later in the year, was halted due to inter-conflict between creators about the future of the franchise, leaving an indefinite question mark. It seems that this was the reason and result of whatever behind-the-scenes disagreements and negotiations were happening. The series is now back under James Wan, as well. Whether or not he'll be directing is unknown, but he'll no doubt be part of the creative process. Although reports claim that there's no movie in production yet, I highly suspect that whatever was planned for Saw XI will resume shortly. I do want it to be a continuation from Saw X since while it did conclude nicely, there were a few loose ends that can be explored, but if nothing else having Tobin Bell continue to reprise his role will always be a treat. Plus, I would love for there to be movies similar to that of Spiral, where John Kramer isn't directly involved but is still a huge influence to other characters and events.