Reel Quick Movie Reviews
by John Lizzi
Price: Free! 5670 words.
Published on December 30, 2012. Nonfiction.
So if you like to sit home and watch movies in your PJ’s with a reasonably priced giant bag of popcorn and your favorite beverage, and dislike long reviews that analyze the entire plot when all you wanted to know was whether the movie was good or not, then here are my “reel” quick movie reviews, so hang on to your popcorn because here we go!
Location: United States
Member Since: Aug. 20, 2012
John Lizzi
Biography
John Lizzi is an American freelance actor in film, television and stage, a member of Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) since 1978.
Born in Syracuse, New York, Lizzi graduated from West Genesee High School and received his Associates Degree in Drama from Onondaga Community College. He knocked around New York acting in small theatres and working temporary jobs until he was drafted into the military. Lizzi served in the army from 1971-73 and received an honorable discharge as a Vietnam Era veteran.
After completing his military service, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Lizzi also went back to school and earned his Bachelor's degree in Theatre from California State University at Northridge. To sustain himself while establishing an acting career, Lizzi worked as a community college counseling aide, a Los Angeles elections deputy and a manufacturer’s sales representative.
In the film "Trevor", directed by Peggy Rajski, Lizzi co-starred as Trevor’s Dad. This was the first film to address the issues and concerns of LGBTQ youth. It won an Academy Award® for Best Live Action Short film in 1995.
On "Seinfeld" (NBC) Lizzi guest starred as the Other Guy in the episode “The Doll”. He was the famous third tenor whose name Jerry and Elaine could never remember, yet Elaine wanted an autograph poster from him for her boyfriend, the “Maestro”.
On "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (NBC) he was the Robert Shapiro character in all the O.J. Simpson trial comedy skits.
Lizzi appeared in the films "The November Men" as an undercover CIA agent and "Mirage" as the skeptical business investor both directed by Paul Williams and written by James Andronica and as the armored car driver in "Too Fast, Too Young" directed by Tim Everitt. He also worked with avant-garde underground film maker and author Barry Swink, co-starring in three of his films, “He Digs Da Nang”, "A Savior on Sidney Street” and “Stuck Up”.
Lizzi also appeared in various TV series including "FBI: The Untold Stories" as mob boss Thomas Petrizzo, the French soap opera "Le destin du docteur Calvet" as mob boss Michael Lomardi, "Middle Ages" as the heart attack man, "A Current Affair" as Attorney Robert Shapiro, "Babylon 5" as the TechnoMage, "Days of Our Lives" as the cook, "Pickett Fences" as the jury gospel singer and "Coach" as the waiter. He also co-starred in the Kidsongs PBS series and music videos as the Italian chef in "Funiculi, Funicula" and the mailman in "Mail Myself to You".
Early in his career, Lizzi worked as a double for Robert Blake in the NBC TV series "Joe Dancer" and for Charles Bronson in "Death Wish II".
Other accomplishments
Certificate of Appreciation – “Good News! Good Kids!”
Senator John A. DeFrancisco - New York State Senate
Lizzi wrote and directed "Respect & Responsibility" skit for school district.
Certificate of Appreciation – “Summer Youth Opportunity Program”
Major General John C. Bennett - United States Army
As a youth counselor, Lizzi produced and directed variety shows for children of low income families.
Reviews
"...plays his role with professionalism and utter conviction." Alan Raeburn, TEMPO, Los Angeles
"...is hysterical and proves to be a great comedic talent." Lynn Christiansen, THE VALLEY VANTAGE, Los Angeles
"...is more than equal to his physically-demanding role." Ruth E. Maier, GRANADA HILLS NEIGHBOR, Los Angeles
"...is skillful as he protests his friend's observations while in the process of demonstrating their accuracy." Mary Cogswell Baum, SIERRA MADRE NEWS, Los Angeles
"...treads a neat balance of emotionalism and machismo." Frances Baum Nicholson, STAR NEWS, Los Angeles
"...makes the most of his comedy skills." Alan Raeburn, TEMPO, Los Angeles
"...as Luther Billis, he really excells." Ruth Maier, GRANADA HILLS NEIGHBOR, Los Angeles
"...delivers charm and fun." Karen Chagi, THE NEWS CHRONICLE, Los Angeles
"...is terrific in a play where the acting is the strongest point of the production." Lynn Christiansen, THE VALLEY VANTAGE, Los Angeles
"...is excellent... his speech about the value of life is a high point, as is his dignified exit." E.L. Selover, THE DAILY SUNDIAL, Los Angeles
"...his menace gives rise to vigorous physical action, pepping things up." Polly Warfield, DRAMA-LOGUE (Back Stage West), Los Angeles
"...is fun as the con man's outside sidekick." Frances Baum Nicholson, STAR NEWS, Los Angeles
Born in Syracuse, New York, Lizzi graduated from West Genesee High School and received his Associates Degree in Drama from Onondaga Community College. He knocked around New York acting in small theatres and working temporary jobs until he was drafted into the military. Lizzi served in the army from 1971-73 and received an honorable discharge as a Vietnam Era veteran.
After completing his military service, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Lizzi also went back to school and earned his Bachelor's degree in Theatre from California State University at Northridge. To sustain himself while establishing an acting career, Lizzi worked as a community college counseling aide, a Los Angeles elections deputy and a manufacturer’s sales representative.
In the film "Trevor", directed by Peggy Rajski, Lizzi co-starred as Trevor’s Dad. This was the first film to address the issues and concerns of LGBTQ youth. It won an Academy Award® for Best Live Action Short film in 1995.
On "Seinfeld" (NBC) Lizzi guest starred as the Other Guy in the episode “The Doll”. He was the famous third tenor whose name Jerry and Elaine could never remember, yet Elaine wanted an autograph poster from him for her boyfriend, the “Maestro”.
On "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (NBC) he was the Robert Shapiro character in all the O.J. Simpson trial comedy skits.
Lizzi appeared in the films "The November Men" as an undercover CIA agent and "Mirage" as the skeptical business investor both directed by Paul Williams and written by James Andronica and as the armored car driver in "Too Fast, Too Young" directed by Tim Everitt. He also worked with avant-garde underground film maker and author Barry Swink, co-starring in three of his films, “He Digs Da Nang”, "A Savior on Sidney Street” and “Stuck Up”.
Lizzi also appeared in various TV series including "FBI: The Untold Stories" as mob boss Thomas Petrizzo, the French soap opera "Le destin du docteur Calvet" as mob boss Michael Lomardi, "Middle Ages" as the heart attack man, "A Current Affair" as Attorney Robert Shapiro, "Babylon 5" as the TechnoMage, "Days of Our Lives" as the cook, "Pickett Fences" as the jury gospel singer and "Coach" as the waiter. He also co-starred in the Kidsongs PBS series and music videos as the Italian chef in "Funiculi, Funicula" and the mailman in "Mail Myself to You".
Early in his career, Lizzi worked as a double for Robert Blake in the NBC TV series "Joe Dancer" and for Charles Bronson in "Death Wish II".
Other accomplishments
Certificate of Appreciation – “Good News! Good Kids!”
Senator John A. DeFrancisco - New York State Senate
Lizzi wrote and directed "Respect & Responsibility" skit for school district.
Certificate of Appreciation – “Summer Youth Opportunity Program”
Major General John C. Bennett - United States Army
As a youth counselor, Lizzi produced and directed variety shows for children of low income families.
Reviews
"...plays his role with professionalism and utter conviction." Alan Raeburn, TEMPO, Los Angeles
"...is hysterical and proves to be a great comedic talent." Lynn Christiansen, THE VALLEY VANTAGE, Los Angeles
"...is more than equal to his physically-demanding role." Ruth E. Maier, GRANADA HILLS NEIGHBOR, Los Angeles
"...is skillful as he protests his friend's observations while in the process of demonstrating their accuracy." Mary Cogswell Baum, SIERRA MADRE NEWS, Los Angeles
"...treads a neat balance of emotionalism and machismo." Frances Baum Nicholson, STAR NEWS, Los Angeles
"...makes the most of his comedy skills." Alan Raeburn, TEMPO, Los Angeles
"...as Luther Billis, he really excells." Ruth Maier, GRANADA HILLS NEIGHBOR, Los Angeles
"...delivers charm and fun." Karen Chagi, THE NEWS CHRONICLE, Los Angeles
"...is terrific in a play where the acting is the strongest point of the production." Lynn Christiansen, THE VALLEY VANTAGE, Los Angeles
"...is excellent... his speech about the value of life is a high point, as is his dignified exit." E.L. Selover, THE DAILY SUNDIAL, Los Angeles
"...his menace gives rise to vigorous physical action, pepping things up." Polly Warfield, DRAMA-LOGUE (Back Stage West), Los Angeles
"...is fun as the con man's outside sidekick." Frances Baum Nicholson, STAR NEWS, Los Angeles
Where to find John Lizzi online
Books
Life Is Very Eclectic
by John Lizzi
Price: Free! 3200 words. Published on December 19, 2012. Fiction.
A poetic journey from searching to enlightenment. The issues of each generation may be different but the passions for justice are shared. Know this, you will come out of it for the better, so hang on, enjoy the ride and stand for something lest you fall for anything.
Price: Free! 3200 words. Published on December 19, 2012. Fiction.
A poetic journey from searching to enlightenment. The issues of each generation may be different but the passions for justice are shared. Know this, you will come out of it for the better, so hang on, enjoy the ride and stand for something lest you fall for anything.