In 2050 Tokyo, a mysterious American with a strange gift must venture into a life-like Dreamworld in search of... more
Jagehalperin
member since 05/27/2008 |
last login 01/01/2013
An aspiring 27-year-old screenwriter....
Bio
An aspiring 27-year-old screenwriter.
Submissions by Jagehalperin
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a screenplay by Jagehalperin
Reviews by Jagehalperin 27
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A review of Tough Timesby Jagehalperin on 07/09/2010The archetypes of the Demon and the Angel, tormented by boredom and impotence in the face of human nihilism, and finding ironic solace only in each other's company, make this one an authentic delight. There is nothing in here that is merely ornamental, and each sentence generally serves the telling. I enjoyed the conversations, especially the Demon's confounding attempt at... The archetypes of the Demon and the Angel, tormented by boredom and impotence in the face of human nihilism, and finding ironic solace only in each other's company, make this one an authentic delight. There is nothing in here that is merely ornamental, and each sentence generally serves the telling. I enjoyed the conversations, especially the Demon's confounding attempt at coercing the 89-year old rational atheist, which not only provides a delightful reversal, but also succeeds at painting the Demon as a being more human than inhuman. I admit to rolling my eyes (just a little) at the "Drain the Lizard" pun, but they were soon once again riveted to the page by the Lizard's clever name. All in all, a clever diversion. read
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A review of WHISPERSby Jagehalperin on 01/09/2010Congrats on this subtle, well-shaded portrait of a story. As someone who suffers from mental illness, and who has spent brief snippets of my life in hospitals, this really grabbed my spirit. Fortunately for me, and kudos for it to you, you grabbed my spirit like a firm handshake, neither limp nor overwhelming. It was "just right." The rape was vicious and unexpected, and a... Congrats on this subtle, well-shaded portrait of a story. As someone who suffers from mental illness, and who has spent brief snippets of my life in hospitals, this really grabbed my spirit. Fortunately for me, and kudos for it to you, you grabbed my spirit like a firm handshake, neither limp nor overwhelming. It was "just right." The rape was vicious and unexpected, and a perfect catalyst for narrative momentum. The "identity twist" at the end was not AS unexpecte, I knew something like it would happen, or rather, hoped. But it was executed with such brazen softness as to be truly poetic. It wasn't a big IN YOUR FACE reveal, but like all good Shayamalan double-whammy's, it was set up, and not a cheat. Bravo, The protagoist, Amina, is an interesting case, not overly forward moving, as most screenplay gurus demand, but definitely arresting. There is a nice legato sway to the story's narrative, the scenes are neither rapid-fire frenetic fireworks, nor overlong. I would hesitate to call this Sci-Fi, as it promises to be in both genre and logline, but rather postmodern fable. It is truly and lusciously romantic, and definitely deserving of admiration.
I wouldn't presume to advise you on major improvements, just a couple small ones:
!. A little, and I mean, just a little, of the dialogue, especially the romantic speeches of Amina to Kayleigh, seem a little schmaltzy.
2. You might want to "cut to the chase" a little quicker ,in regards to the rape, as the opening is a little ordinary, and I'd hate to see a potential bidder put this script away before it ups the octane.
That's really it. God bless, and good luck! read -
A review of Soul's Crossingby Jagehalperin on 01/09/2010First off, thank you dearly for a thoughtful, never sentimental portrayal of youth; at times virtuosic display of writing ability, and an overall delight of a read. Just a couple quick notes, and off you go! FIrst, and most glaringly, and thankfully easiest to fix -- get rid of the scene numbers. They have no place in a spec script, such as this. That is strictly the realm... First off, thank you dearly for a thoughtful, never sentimental portrayal of youth; at times virtuosic display of writing ability, and an overall delight of a read.
Just a couple quick notes, and off you go!
FIrst, and most glaringly, and thankfully easiest to fix -- get rid of the scene numbers. They have no place in a spec script, such as this. That is strictly the realm of shooting script, which, hopefully this script will one day become, but is obviously not yet.
Next, and possibly more tricky to remedy, is the possible need of one dominant, single protagonist. This is obviously an ensemble piece, focusing evenly on a tight-knit gang of young friends, but even in such pieces (I feel) ONE needs to stand out, and sort-of be the leader. Just my opinion.
I liked the staccato rhythm of the scenes and pacing, and the sense of symmetry to the telling, which is impressive because of the multi-threaded nature of the narrative (the kids; the denizens of the Devil's Patch; the adults, etc.)
The dialogue was sharp, but it is, to me, the scene descriptions that stood out. There are several wonderful nuggets here, my favorites including (pg. 79) "The beasts ache to feed. The Worm is about to give his assent when a strange look passes over his face; the look of someone being distracted by something highly annoying." Wonderful senses of sight and sense there. There are many such examples.
It wasn't perhaps overly spooky, at least to me, but there is a very adult, mature sensibility to these kids that really smolders. It's definitely more "Stand By Me" than "It", which is more what I expected from your logline, but that's A-okay by me. Keep it up! This script is a worthy one, and is definitely worthy of using as your Handle on triggerstreet. I hope to see more soon!
. read
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Submissions by Jagehalperin
-
a screenplay by Jagehalperin
In 2050 Tokyo, a mysterious American with a strange gift must venture into a life-like Dreamworld in search of... more
Reviews by Jagehalperin 27
-
A review of Tough Timesby Jagehalperin on 07/09/2010The archetypes of the Demon and the Angel, tormented by boredom and impotence in the face of human nihilism, and finding ironic solace only in each other's company, make this one an authentic delight. There is nothing in here that is merely ornamental, and each sentence generally serves the telling. I enjoyed the conversations, especially the Demon's confounding attempt at... The archetypes of the Demon and the Angel, tormented by boredom and impotence in the face of human nihilism, and finding ironic solace only in each other's company, make this one an authentic delight. There is nothing in here that is merely ornamental, and each sentence generally serves the telling. I enjoyed the conversations, especially the Demon's confounding attempt at coercing the 89-year old rational atheist, which not only provides a delightful reversal, but also succeeds at painting the Demon as a being more human than inhuman. I admit to rolling my eyes (just a little) at the "Drain the Lizard" pun, but they were soon once again riveted to the page by the Lizard's clever name. All in all, a clever diversion. read
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A review of WHISPERSby Jagehalperin on 01/09/2010Congrats on this subtle, well-shaded portrait of a story. As someone who suffers from mental illness, and who has spent brief snippets of my life in hospitals, this really grabbed my spirit. Fortunately for me, and kudos for it to you, you grabbed my spirit like a firm handshake, neither limp nor overwhelming. It was "just right." The rape was vicious and unexpected, and a... Congrats on this subtle, well-shaded portrait of a story. As someone who suffers from mental illness, and who has spent brief snippets of my life in hospitals, this really grabbed my spirit. Fortunately for me, and kudos for it to you, you grabbed my spirit like a firm handshake, neither limp nor overwhelming. It was "just right." The rape was vicious and unexpected, and a perfect catalyst for narrative momentum. The "identity twist" at the end was not AS unexpecte, I knew something like it would happen, or rather, hoped. But it was executed with such brazen softness as to be truly poetic. It wasn't a big IN YOUR FACE reveal, but like all good Shayamalan double-whammy's, it was set up, and not a cheat. Bravo, The protagoist, Amina, is an interesting case, not overly forward moving, as most screenplay gurus demand, but definitely arresting. There is a nice legato sway to the story's narrative, the scenes are neither rapid-fire frenetic fireworks, nor overlong. I would hesitate to call this Sci-Fi, as it promises to be in both genre and logline, but rather postmodern fable. It is truly and lusciously romantic, and definitely deserving of admiration.
I wouldn't presume to advise you on major improvements, just a couple small ones:
!. A little, and I mean, just a little, of the dialogue, especially the romantic speeches of Amina to Kayleigh, seem a little schmaltzy.
2. You might want to "cut to the chase" a little quicker ,in regards to the rape, as the opening is a little ordinary, and I'd hate to see a potential bidder put this script away before it ups the octane.
That's really it. God bless, and good luck! read -
A review of Soul's Crossingby Jagehalperin on 01/09/2010First off, thank you dearly for a thoughtful, never sentimental portrayal of youth; at times virtuosic display of writing ability, and an overall delight of a read. Just a couple quick notes, and off you go! FIrst, and most glaringly, and thankfully easiest to fix -- get rid of the scene numbers. They have no place in a spec script, such as this. That is strictly the realm... First off, thank you dearly for a thoughtful, never sentimental portrayal of youth; at times virtuosic display of writing ability, and an overall delight of a read.
Just a couple quick notes, and off you go!
FIrst, and most glaringly, and thankfully easiest to fix -- get rid of the scene numbers. They have no place in a spec script, such as this. That is strictly the realm of shooting script, which, hopefully this script will one day become, but is obviously not yet.
Next, and possibly more tricky to remedy, is the possible need of one dominant, single protagonist. This is obviously an ensemble piece, focusing evenly on a tight-knit gang of young friends, but even in such pieces (I feel) ONE needs to stand out, and sort-of be the leader. Just my opinion.
I liked the staccato rhythm of the scenes and pacing, and the sense of symmetry to the telling, which is impressive because of the multi-threaded nature of the narrative (the kids; the denizens of the Devil's Patch; the adults, etc.)
The dialogue was sharp, but it is, to me, the scene descriptions that stood out. There are several wonderful nuggets here, my favorites including (pg. 79) "The beasts ache to feed. The Worm is about to give his assent when a strange look passes over his face; the look of someone being distracted by something highly annoying." Wonderful senses of sight and sense there. There are many such examples.
It wasn't perhaps overly spooky, at least to me, but there is a very adult, mature sensibility to these kids that really smolders. It's definitely more "Stand By Me" than "It", which is more what I expected from your logline, but that's A-okay by me. Keep it up! This script is a worthy one, and is definitely worthy of using as your Handle on triggerstreet. I hope to see more soon!
. read -
A review of New Hopeby Jagehalperin on 08/13/2008A sumptuous, evocative effort. Characters with meaningful, extreme challenges, surprising arcs, and full motivations. The dialogue is never (too) flowery, beautiful to speak out loud. The Civil War is an epic epoch (lol) to combat with, so full of dramatic potential, potential very fully realized here. I also liked the pervasive "strangeness" of the piece. Though the characters... A sumptuous, evocative effort. Characters with meaningful, extreme challenges, surprising arcs, and full motivations. The dialogue is never (too) flowery, beautiful to speak out loud. The Civil War is an epic epoch (lol) to combat with, so full of dramatic potential, potential very fully realized here. I also liked the pervasive "strangeness" of the piece. Though the characters border on the archetypical, (Literally black and white) sometimes that is the correct route to take. Those people, after all, are only metaphors for human beings, not living flesh of their own right.
Tone down the dialogue, if you really want to make a splash. Otherwise, (man, I am having difficulty making the minimum word quota) you truly have something, guys. read -
A review of Ben the Barbarian: The Future Kingby Jagehalperin on 08/13/2008Hey! This was hysterical. And that is truly meaningful, as I find comedy (even brilliant comedy) can often be hard to interperet when read off a page. Your tangential comedy that veers from the main story line at first was a concern, but the humor was just too strong. So I say leave it. The comedy has traces of your inspiration in it, everywhere I look. The pace of the story... Hey! This was hysterical. And that is truly meaningful, as I find comedy (even brilliant comedy) can often be hard to interperet when read off a page. Your tangential comedy that veers from the main story line at first was a concern, but the humor was just too strong. So I say leave it. The comedy has traces of your inspiration in it, everywhere I look. The pace of the story is effective for the kind of broad humor you attempt to create, so I also say leave it. As an aside, I would say take out the camera directions. They're not needed, and may even hurt your script. The plot boils down to a sort-of fractured fairy tale, very appealing and one with vast potential.
Your protagonist Ben is so lovable and quixotic, it's hard not to enjoy rooting for him, and laughing both with and at him.As far as your structure is concerned, I thought there were a few problems. The FLASHES were a little repetitive, and through me off at the very start. I would maybe try and find another way to express this information. Your spine also needs a little work. Though your comedic tangents are so very funny, they do hurt the progression of dramatic and even comedic conflict. I would tighten it up. And maybe try using fewer spaces between action lines. Two is not appropriate. Good work! read -
A review of Bedlam (V.3)by Jagehalperin on 08/11/2008This was a grand entertainment. The world is palatable, sinister and real. The writer has a firm knowledge of it, and the rules that guide it. I liked the futuristic-noir feel. The characters have a macabre whimsy about them, though they read a little flat. Perhaps (and I know this script has been posted for a while, I don't know what your plans are with it) if you re-write... This was a grand entertainment. The world is palatable, sinister and real. The writer has a firm knowledge of it, and the rules that guide it. I liked the futuristic-noir feel. The characters have a macabre whimsy about them, though they read a little flat. Perhaps (and I know this script has been posted for a while, I don't know what your plans are with it) if you re-write this you could delve into their wants, needs and motivations a bit more. Your craft is superb, no problems there, though the flashbacks are quite numerous. Look for ways to convery their information in another way, more in the present, with actions and visuals. The dialogue was crisp and even, if uninspiring. But it certainly doesn't drag the script down. The pace was lightning quick, better than most I've read. Overall: thumbs up! read
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A review of Face Your Fearsby Jagehalperin on 08/10/2008Wow! This was very entertaining. I must say that in a story like this , it would have been more of a twist ending NOT to have a twist ending, but I still loved what you did here. Dig deeper, my friend, and you will have something truly market ready. I love so much about this script, so this review is going to be fairly short. These days, people have become so jaded and urbanized,... Wow! This was very entertaining. I must say that in a story like this , it would have been more of a twist ending NOT to have a twist ending, but I still loved what you did here. Dig deeper, my friend, and you will have something truly market ready. I love so much about this script, so this review is going to be fairly short. These days, people have become so jaded and urbanized, they have forgotten just what a truly archetypically terrifying, utterly fascinating place the untapped forest is. Good for you for going there, despite the "deforestation" of so many cynical modern scribes. Just add lines of conflict, more than the obvious one implied by the title. Make even Scarlett's purity a mystery, if you (please do ) attempt another rewrite. I see very good things here. Any story, after all that's been done in the long history of cinema, that can go back to the basics and still pull out something so playful and sinister as this has truly got something. Bravo. read
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A review of The Samaritanby Jagehalperin on 08/08/2008You have a love of writing, a need to see your ideas on celluloid. I believe this to be true. This particular story is an admirable attempt, a striving towards yet untapped potential. You have a voice, now you need to channel it. You have been inspired by many of your favorite films, (Magnolia? Crash?) I can see this, but you need to find a justification for breaking up the... You have a love of writing, a need to see your ideas on celluloid. I believe this to be true. This particular story is an admirable attempt, a striving towards yet untapped potential. You have a voice, now you need to channel it. You have been inspired by many of your favorite films, (Magnolia? Crash?) I can see this, but you need to find a justification for breaking up the narritive like peanut brittle. I always like to see stories like this: and I see them often. Something about this kind of tale is really appealing to newer writers. You have a sense of irony in your telling, a sense of the absurd, but nothing truly cinematic. The dialogue is a source of great trouble for you. You must get this under control in your next rewrite, and then in the rewrite after that. It takes time. Imaginations are sweatshops. Not daydreams. Characters, also, are only what they do. That's it. Action, decisions made under duress, these are the only thigns that make up character. Not dialogue. Especially not this dialogue. Keep writing. Keep dreaming. But never combine the two. This is work.
Also, don't use (CONTINUED) at the end of unfinished scenes. This is only a spec script. For now. Good luck! read -
A review of Grail! (REV.2)by Jagehalperin on 08/07/2008I wasn't able to finish this in one go, but I still liked it. The structure needs tweaking, there is an immensity of ideas on every page, and the dialogue is quite long at points. Put you are a fount of material. I would perhaps save some of the aspects of this film for other scripts, maybe even a sequel, but at the same time make this one much more lean and mean. Set up a...
I wasn't able to finish this in one go, but I still liked it. The structure needs tweaking, there is an immensity of ideas on every page, and the dialogue is quite long at points. Put you are a fount of material. I would perhaps save some of the aspects of this film for other scripts, maybe even a sequel, but at the same time make this one much more lean and mean. Set up a more meaningful set of motivations, trim the dialogue (of course) and clarify each and every sequence. Robert McKee speaks of his "rules" for fantasy genre scripts. You must make a certainb set of physics, metaphysics and rules that cannot at any time be broken at any time in your play, even if the rules are freakish (vampires. demons, grails in American cities). Once you do that, and only then, will the audience be able to suspend its disbelief in watching your or any film. This may sound like a handicap, but its not. It's actually quite liberating. Give it a go, rewrite, and I'll read your next draft freewill. Good luck! read -
A review of Deep In the Woodsby Jagehalperin on 08/07/2008I enjoyed this more than most, so congrats for that. I was wondering, is this based on a short story or novel by someone you know? I just got that impression from the title page. No matter, your craft is impeccable. Perhaps that was why you were chosen/hired to adapt? The stalking of the protagonists begins immediately, and we are drawn in at once. The family of the woods is... I enjoyed this more than most, so congrats for that. I was wondering, is this based on a short story or novel by someone you know? I just got that impression from the title page. No matter, your craft is impeccable. Perhaps that was why you were chosen/hired to adapt? The stalking of the protagonists begins immediately, and we are drawn in at once. The family of the woods is remarkably well-drawn, and despite their common aim, quite diverse. The gore turned me off at points, but that's no reason to down a script. So no problem there. As I said, your formatting and pacing was a real pleasue, the strong point of the script. THe sheriff I thought was a little weak, and the ending left me feeling alienated. The heroics of the family members, while essential and probably natural, are quite inspiring. There is palatable dread here, a very difficult trope to conjure. You handle the form of film scenarios quite nicely, I'd be glad to see more. That said, I would cut almost ALL the flashbacks. They don't give us something that we cannot get any other way, and they aren't interesting in their own right. So that's a minus. Still, strong work! read
Comments About Jagehalperin 13
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EvilSpeakers on 07/20/2010
Hi, Thanks for adding Free Ted's Head to your favorites. A reviewer just pointed out several minor snafus that escaped my proofread. I'm deleting Free Ted's Head V.3 and will be uploading Free Ted's Head V.3.1 in a few days.
Thanks again.
Joe
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**DELETED ACCOUNT** on 08/01/2009
Congrats on making the semis in PAGE! -
Keith McGregor on 07/09/2009
Just went to Free Lance Magnum--got it as an assignment.
Couldn't read the PDF, and I haven't had that problem before. I'm working with a PC using Vista. I've downloaded about 30 PDFs from this site over the last few months, and never had one come out like this. The script is there, but the letters are very light and, in places almost invisible. Don't know whether it's just my computer or a problem with the PDF--you may want to look at it. -
moejoe_dreams on 05/04/2009
This is late and a duplicated comment, but I just came to the conclusion that I never made it a habit to thank those who reviewed my script “Ben the Barbarian” so if I didn’t thank you before, here is a big thank you from me to you for the time you put into my script and review. Sorry so late… hopefully you like and agree with the phrase “better late then never.” Or better yet “stupid is what stupid does” -
Ducey on 12/11/2008
I'd like to see that copy of Butter.
Could you send it to robducey@gmail.com
Thanks -
seniormike on 08/10/2008
Hey thanks for your review of Face Your Fears. I'm glad you found it entertaining. It was definitely my goal to bring fear back to the "scary woods" genre. Thanks for your notes and comments as I will use them towards re-writes. Good luck with your script as well!
-Mike -
MikeyMook on 08/10/2008
Thank you for your review of my Screenplay. I am Scottish and the script has always been close to my heart thematically. Your comments about it will certainly help with the next redraft.
All the very best,
Mikey -
BrunoBros on 08/08/2008
Thanks for your review. I really appreaciate you taking the time to read my script and also taking the time to offer valuable criticism. It will help me in my future efforts. -
Brengunner on 07/16/2008
Thanks for your feedback. Glad you enjoyed it.
In many ways this is an experimental piece. And it's in the areas that I broke spec. standard rules that I hear the most criticisms here on Triggerstreet. I.e. the flashbacks, military jargon, and lack of life or death/extreme tension between Bao and Mark in America. Yet, all of these choices were made deliberately, so I'm not surprised by much of the feedback.
I'm not a Vet., I spent almost two years on the research for this screenplay. Much of which was comprised of interviewing Vietnam veterans. Universally, the ones who read it and contributed their experience where extremely pleased at the inclusion of all the jargon and non-linear story-telling. Most expressed that their memories do not come in a linear stream, rather they are triggered by sights, sounds, smells and so on. Additionally, they dislike the majority of Hollywood films on Vietnam because they sacrificed details to reach a larger non-vet audience; in doing so they also sacrificed authenticity. (Imagine if Saving Private Ryan had removed all the historical/military detail?)
Once again thanks for your time and effort. Glad to see your screenplay is moving up in ranking and obviously improving with each new draft.
Cheers, m. -
Brengunner on 07/07/2008
So, hows the freewill's coming? You knock out Jeremy's yet?
Cheers, Brengunner
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Comments About Jagehalperin 13
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Quote
Hi, Thanks for adding Free Ted's Head to your favorites. A reviewer just pointed out several minor snafus that escaped my proofread. I'm deleting Free Ted's Head V.3 and will be uploading Free Ted's Head V.3.1 in a few days.
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Quote
Congrats on making the semis in PAGE!
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Quote
Just went to Free Lance Magnum--got it as an assignment.
+ more commentsEvilSpeakers on 07/20/2010
Thanks again.
Joe
**DELETED ACCOUNT** on 08/01/2009
Keith McGregor on 07/09/2009
Couldn't read the PDF, and I haven't had that problem before. I'm working with a PC using Vista. I've downloaded about 30 PDFs from this site over the last few months, and never had one come out like this. The script is there, but the letters are very light and, in places almost invisible. Don't know whether it's just my computer or a problem with the PDF--you may want to look at it.