We received a nice shout-out on Friday night from Patrick Read Johnson, whose film 5-25-77 (2022) spurred many fond recollections of our own formative years as amateur filmmakers. Like Johnson, we were beguiled by the modern sci-fi renaissance, exemplified by boundary-pushing films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Planet of the Apes.” It was an era that reached its glorious apotheosis with the release of “Star Wars” on May 25, 1977 – hence, the title of Johnson’s film – and later that same year, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”
We all had the calling, but Johnson had the talent, the drive, and the good fortune to make it all the way to Devil’s Tower, so to speak. If you’re a lover of film, a sci-fi geek, a child of the ‘70s, or just a sucker for coming-of-age stories, do make it a point to check out “5-25-77.” There’s probably a lot in it that you’ll be able to relate to.
Then eavesdrop on Roy and my Friday night conversation, in which we were joined by fellow amateur filmmaker-of-yore Joe Metz, with added observations from some of our former cast members. To the rest of the world, it may come across as so much navel-gazing and so many inside jokes, but for us, it was a very special Roy’s Tie-Dye Sci-Fi Corner. Feel free to listen in at the link.
We hope to see you in the comments section for the next installment, and a return to form, when we livestream on Facebook, YouTube, etc., this weekend, with time and topic (Friday or Sunday evening at 7:00 or 7:30 EST) to be determined!