J.L. CarrozzaFrom Saperstein to Saban: Hollywood Allies of Japanese Special Effects CinemaIn LA’s Hollywood circles, the general attitude towards tokusatsu (Japanese special effects) cinema and television has been one of…20 min read·Sep 7, 2022----
J.L. CarrozzaTHE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) or How a Superhero Movie Foresaw America’s FallThough Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008) is regarded as a classic in ways its sequel is not, many images in The Dark Knight Rises…13 min read·Aug 10, 2021----
J.L. CarrozzaThe Unsung Heroes of Japanese Special Effects CinemaThe story of 20 unsung heroes of Japanese tokusatsu (special effects) cinema who built monster suits, crafted miniatures and painted sets.21 min read·Mar 22, 2021----
J.L. CarrozzaDays of Renewal: COVID-19 and VIRUS (1980)This article contains candid discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic that may be difficult to read for those personally effected by it.18 min read·Jan 7, 2021----
J.L. CarrozzaCampy Silver Age: Godzilla in the 1970sDestroy All Monsters (1968) had been intended to be the last Godzilla movie. Its box office was profitable enough that Toho decided to…25 min read·Dec 31, 2020----
J.L. CarrozzaThe Greater Asian Japanese Monster InvasionThe giant monster and tokusatsu (SFX film and television) boom didn’t just hit Japan. Its neighbors observed the success of such films…22 min read·Dec 28, 2020----
J.L. CarrozzaA Phantasmagorical NO EXIT: MATANGO (1963)A former university professor named Kenji Murai (Akira Kubo) is committed to a mental institution. He tells his story to the hospital’s…13 min read·Dec 21, 2020----
J.L. CarrozzaWestern Greed and Nature’s Wrath: MOTHRA (1961)Mothra is one of Ishiro Honda and Eiji Tsuburaya’s finest monster films alongside Godzilla. Produced in Toho’s heyday, it boasts a…17 min read·Dec 17, 2020----
J.L. CarrozzaWar Scars and World Renewal: GODZILLA (1954)Haunting footfalls are heard against a black screen before an iconic roar cuts through the sound mix. Then driving music starts playing…26 min read·Dec 14, 2020----