A psycho in a ghost costume is killing off paranormal investigators around the city with the help of a ghostly... more
Phantom Writer
I write screenplays.Like a dreamer,I dream. Like a critic,I scrutinize. The end result should be a screenplay worth reading. Here's to hoping...
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I write screenplays.Like a dreamer,I dream. Like a critic,I scrutinize. The end result should be a screenplay worth reading. Here's to hoping
Submissions by Phantom Writer
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a screenplay by Phantom WriterGenres: horror, mystery/suspense
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a screenplay by Phantom Writer
Travis Marshal owns a failing Karate studio. His wife Tina had her self-defense class cut from the school budget... more
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a screenplay by Phantom WriterGenres: action, sci-fi/fantasy
Machines weren't meant to have feelings.
Reviews by Phantom Writer 19
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A review of Meeting Canoby Phantom Writer on 01/19/2011This was the story about the author(Right?)remembering his days as a child. His memories of living on a horse Ranch with his three brothers was described perfectly. I could picture the family dynamic. Lot's of emphasis on the "memories" aspect of the piece. The boy in the story is given a horse for his birthday by his dad. It made a lasting impression on the author and feel... This was the story about the author(Right?)remembering his days as a child. His memories of living on a horse Ranch with his three brothers was described perfectly. I could picture the family dynamic. Lot's of emphasis on the "memories" aspect of the piece.
The boy in the story is given a horse for his birthday by his dad. It made a lasting impression on the author and feel that this might even be a recap of an actual event that took place in his(or someones) child hood? The story is good, especially the part at the end where the horse takes off, being rescued by Grandpa Franf and finally deciding that maybe this horse is okay size after all. he names it Cano-as in only half a volcano because he's fiesty but small for a horse. it felt good but i wanted more. I was strating to like this kid and sort of, out of place horse meeting the little boy.
If this continued with a dual perspective of the little horse trying to get along with the other animals as well as the little boy getting to know the horse and growing up on a ranch, of course there would need to be more conflict but you get the idea, it would be great too. Animated? I don't kmow but as far as keeping it to five pages and making any improvements i would say eliminate some of the "lifestyle" descriptions and focus more on a better ending for the cool little kid and his wild new birthday present of a horse.
I really did enjoy it. You have a good narrative, i was routing for the little kid and the little horse, smaller than all the rest, coming to a strange place, has something to prove because he's so small, maybe he has something to prove too.
Thanks for the read. read -
A review of The Wishby Phantom Writer on 01/19/2011This reminds me of the story where the two old people get three wishes and wish for a sausage, the wife gets angry because the husband squandered the wish and wishes the sausage stuck on the husbands nose--wish number two. the husband wishes it away--wishes wasted. This seemed to be the theme her. A tale of a miserable guy who got the opportunity of a free wish and he accidentally... This reminds me of the story where the two old people get three wishes and wish for a sausage, the wife gets angry because the husband squandered the wish and wishes the sausage stuck on the husbands nose--wish number two. the husband wishes it away--wishes wasted.
This seemed to be the theme her. A tale of a miserable guy who got the opportunity of a free wish and he accidentally wasted it.
It seemed empty though. Like, was there a lesson to be learned? The fact that we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the homeless or deeper still, don't judge a book by its cover?
If that was the feeling you were trying to convey, its the feeling I had at the end of page three. read -
A review of Year of the Snakeby Phantom Writer on 01/13/2011***CAUTION-SPOILER ALERT*** I reveal everything so be prepared to hear it all, including that cool twist that no one saw coming. YEAR OF THE SNAKE is a wartime story with a deeper, historical lesson that I think was meant to show the audience how it was in that dark part of history. The French occupation of Vietnam before the U.S. got involved was the back drop to the story... ***CAUTION-SPOILER ALERT***
I reveal everything so be prepared to hear it all, including that cool twist that no one saw coming.
YEAR OF THE SNAKE is a wartime story with a deeper, historical lesson that I think was meant to show the audience how it was in that dark part of history. The French occupation of Vietnam before the U.S. got involved was the back drop to the story telling of what seemed like two completely unrelated storylines.
ON ONE SIDE-Two foreign legionnaire friends, Rob, a hot headed Irishman and George, a German who constantly take slack for his nationality, end up in a hospital after being wounded in combat. This is where they meet Alice, a nurse who catches both of their eyes but plays hard to get throughout much of the story. This side of the story was reaching to be a Romantic comedy, in what felt like a M.A.S.H. set up. These two guys complain, and argue, and try to get this girl into bed while being sent off to war in scenes that were average war scenes that felt like it almost didn’t belong. In one instance, George sticks up for her because he might have strong feelings for her. This back and forth rivalry goes on throughout the screenplay. She goes back and forth, finally deciding on Rob, because she’s sensitive to the back ground of the German officer(Nazi). In the end, she’s flown to a hospital in the battle field not far from where these love interests are fighting, but not before five or six pages of press coverage and training advice from unknown characters. In the end, Rob dies from a war wound and Alice, George and some other unmentionables fly off into the sunset in an airplane and out of the war ravaged country.
ON THE OTHER SIDE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY-Fong is beautiful Vietnamese woman who’s also a spy. She follows orders from Tinh, her superior field officer who will do everything, up and including selling this woman to a sleezebag Frenchman named Felix. Drugs, weapons, military secrets are all in the works and Fong is basically pimped out to this loser for all of the above. She works at the hospital where Alice is. This was basically the only connections the two stories had with one another. She’s stealing morphine and replacing it with morphine. The discovery of this was never found out in the story which was a disappointment. She’s offered a job by a colonel to be a nanny for him and his children. This part played out like “ The Sound of Music” but with a darker edge. The cheating colonel likes her and then when his wife dies, confesses his dying love and asks her to marry him. She wants to leave her tattered life behind but is ordered to kill this man with no regard for the children and she finally stands up for herself. The only way out id to plant a bomb and blow up her superior and the scummy French guy Felix.
STORY-I think that the Fong storyline is the better one. These two stories, unless really blended together, don’t work together. Their moods are different. I’m not sure if the author intended there to be that contrast. One side is the prospect of love, the heroes side. Unity against opposition. And on the other, the other side of the tracks. Drugs, prostitution, espionage and a women who tries to free herself from these forces in order to live a better life. The Rom-com side was not well executed although Fong’s story had the most conflict, the better arc, and the higher stakes with an enemy that seemed more dangerous than a waiting army in the jungle. There were MANY new characters towards the end that gave me the sort of play-by-play as to what military action was taking place and the results of those actions. I felt this element could be eliminated as well. I had no real attachment to these characters and their decisions could have been shown as more conflict to our main characters. I felt Fongs ending came earlier than was supposed to. If the soldier story disappeared, she would maybe meet with the colonel and love happily ever after. Suggestions- Pick one or the other of the storylines and go with it OR combine these two together better, have them interact more, or each one being more vital to the other in order to move the story forward.
CHARATCERS-It felt like the two soldiers were identical. Just two, horny soldiers looking for a lay. They had no real aspirations, other than the obvious of not wanting to be at war but it was a dating, chase the girl flick for them. There were MANY characters that could be cut from this screenplay. The Generals and military men both sides can be trimmed in order to make room for the main characters adventures. I thought that if you trimmed some of these scenes from the story, it wouldn’t matter. We already know that war is coming. There isn’t a need to show the military’s side of it because I, as the watcher, want to see the main characters side of it more.
Fong was the strongest, showed her true self more and was the one who ultimately sacrificed all to fulfill her dreams. It was a good story and would have been content with a story of her alone. They were believable so for that, good marks there.
DIALOGUE-The dialogue was fair for the main characters but loaded with exposition with the military officers at the end. For that, good marks there.
STRUCTURE-It was both weak and strong. Each story, in its own right, flowed well but the two of them felt like they were hammered together with nine inch nails and sheet metal. They didn’t mesh, different moods slung together in the same scene or in the very next scene was a series of dramatic hits that threw me off the horse a few times. The screenwriter has good formatting skills and the beginning was great but whent south a little at a time. It didn’t work for me and for that low scores there.
I always do a page by page analysis, writing down my thoughts as I go. As an objective reader, my eyes can hopefully spot any flaws in real time. It really helps as far as making sure the thoughts you’re trying to convey come across correctly and at the right time. I’ll poke fun, ask questions, yell at the screen but only because I plan on loosing myself in your story.
Page-5 This is good. It has a rhythm to it. The characters are great. You move the pace right along. To me, with some other writers, these blocks of description could be its downfall, but not with this. The passages include description but also action in a combination that’s as natural as peanut butter and jelly.
Page-6 He should say “Where is it” instead of “Where’s my cocaine”. Felix should just rip it open and test it without announcing that he’s doing it. This will send an aire of suspicion between them without saying a word.
Page 8-Felix is a filthy French pig huh? In other cultures, even in this situation, I would believe that if she was told to screw this guy, she would. Good tension. Little wordy for my taste and wondering what the history is, if any between Felix and Fong. He seems to target her right away…or is he a filthy womanizer all the time. Also, wondering how this will tie into the first plot line of Alice, George and Rob.
Page 11-So they’re competing for the attention of Alice? Is that all? Hmmm. Is this a Rom-Com? And Fong pulls information out of them to kind of show us…where she stands in regards to the war, and that she’s constantly the center of people’s ignorant bigotry and chauvinism? George and Robs roles are equal so far. Both soldiers. Both wise guys. Both competing for the same girl. Alice. So…is Fong the main character because she’s involved with both plot lines and seems to be experiencing the most conflict? I thought it was George at first because he was the first person on screen and had a great scene where he fights, looses, escapes and ends up in the hospital. Reading on….
Page-13 Evil plan. Addicting everyone and taking the morphine…how diabolical! The dialogue seems a little choppy here. Make him force her to sleep with him with less dialogue, it will mean more.
Page 15-The crowd doesn’t let him chase the guy who just blew up a military truck? That would have been great. See, anyone would try to push another human being out of the way of an exploding grenade. To me, that’s not what would have won her over. Him pushing through a crowd of ( Were they prejudice because he was a German? Is that why they wouldn’t let him through the human barricade?) hpeople to chase the man who committed this cowardly act would have been a more convincing argument as to why she might change her mind about this guy. I can only assume that because of this act, that this might be the guy she falls for and not Rob.
Page 16-FINALLY. I’m so glad Tinh stuck up for her. It puts a sense of realism. Yes, she would have to obey these kinds of orders but when Felix abuses the privilege, Tinh shows some muscle, a secret sign of respect for his uncomfortable comrade.
Page 17-was there someone important in the exploding car? Or are you just showing me that this is a war torn region?
Page 18-You didn’t have to create the bomb scene in order to make them having been pulled away more realistic and convincing. This a time of war and I would accept that this would happen without the exploding car scene…that is…if I’m not being pretentious by thinking that this was the reason for that scene.
Page 19-Now the plot focuses on these two guys. Wonder if fate crosses their paths with Fong or Tinh. As it stands, the stories seem completely separate, as if two screenplays were going on. A Rom-Com-and a war story. Do their paths intersect?
Careful, the cache might be booby trapped! Seems clever that he would booby the weapons but I’m pretty sure they would destroy, or confiscate the weapons.
Page 23 At the end of this scene I’m wondering what’s the conflict here? Obviously the Vietnamese but I mean for our main characters(I think-Rob and George) this scene was intended to show that these two guys have a heart right?. So much so, they question their superior and talk about it after. I notice that they’re exactly the same. Only difference is an accent. Why have two guys? Just eliminate one of them. In my opinion, the fact that Alice is prejudice toward the German is obstacle enough. Reason enough for her not to want to go out with him.
Page 23-Rob-Those damn boats better be at the river. Cut this and let me keep guessing how they’re going to get out of the shit.
Page 24-This is just a suggestion, but I would have loved if you cut this a little closer. The troops running, firing behind them in a dramatic escape. Just something to consider. Suddenly, they’re boarding the boat.
Page 25. That’s cool. Fong gets a break. So she’s the main character?
Page 26 Okay. All new characters of an under ground communist party. A police raid—Lui Ping’s captured and hauled off. Wondering how he’s going to fit into the story.
Lui Ping guy escapes. Wondering if the explosion was a diversionary tactic to allow him to escape, or a botched assassination attempt. Either way, the informer got what he deserved and Lui Ping is on the lamb…now…if I only knew how he plays into the story.
Pages 27-28 back to the Rom-com. Alice is flirting with Rob. George see’s tosses the flowers. She obviously feels bad. Where is this going?
Page 30 They’re arguing about Alice and a bomb rips the place apart. George stands and grabs a drink from the bar? While there’s dead people everywhere and seconds after a mjor explosion a few feet away. That’s one thirsty dude!
Page 33 it’s as if you have three completely separate story lines going here. The hidden communist party and the escaped Lui Ping, Fong the agent who’s forced into sexual acts in the name of her country by a “pimp’ who doubles as a weapons/drug dealer and the love triangle Rom-com of Alice the nurse, and our two foreign legionnaires Rob and George. I mostly care about Fong. The love triangle at first was interesting but it’s now much more shallow than it was. Two soldiers having a conversation about who wants the nurse mixed in with a little heroism in combat isn’t really jumping off the page here. What are their hopes? Their dreams? Other than the obvious which would be to not be at war? To me they seem like just horny soldiers who dabble in warfare and avoid being assassinated or blown up because they’re foreign legionnaires. I think they could use a bigger goal. It would make for better tension and I would want to route for them more if it wasn’t just a piece of ass they were after. Sometimes that’s good, but here, there’s no romance. No comedy, which lightens the feel of two men trying to woo the same women.
Page 36-Fong goes on a rant after she’s busted stealing morphine, isn’t reported by Alice, then, right after that, My mood is forced to this light hearted courting of Alice by George, the desperately horny soldier. It’s like milk and pepsi here. The flavors are so different that it’s almost uncomfortable. There are definitely two, unique(so far) story lines going on here but it feels forced. Maybe the author intended on there being both sides in the mix. As if I’m supposed to see the contrast of how each side lived but it just seems like two stories were written, dissected and sewn together in a way that would messh.
Page 37 georgy boys turn to take a crack at nurse ratchet. She’s a tough nut to take. The things on my mind right now are A) I hope there isn’t another bomb waiting for our poor foreign legionnaire and B) I’m really thinking about Fong. She couldn’t get the drugs. Tinh will beat her up, maybe make her sleep with Felix the fat guy. At least she didn’t get reported to the police, which by the way, were only right down the hall. I would think for a crime of that nature they would be called but oh well. So here a dinner scene. I haven’t read it yet but I assume it will be George trying to be quick witted and seduce this prude. It will probably be boring as these type of scenes aren’t my favorite but I will give you my word that I will take the scene for what it was meant to be…a courting by a tough foreign legionnaire. Here goes….
Page 38-She brought up Rob…ugh…mood killer there but our persistent German keeps going.
Page 40-George got the can. Later George. Learned a little about George’s past. Maybe poured on a little thick for the “Feel bad for me angle” but ultimately…George isn’t getting laid tonight.
Page 41-Tinh and Lui Ping are in cahoots. Now he’s still on the run right? Now we learn our main character9 I think) has to kill the nice guy who offered her a secure job? She kinda blew her future at the hospital so she kinda has no choice.
Another new character—general Van Tong-Is this guy in touch with Lui Ping or Tinh? Is he here to inform me that our soldiers will be called to action soon or what. Seems like I got side railed here.
Reminds me of The Sound of Music with the Nanny of a family in war times. Except I know she has two things to do that Julie Andrews would never do---either screw this guy---or kill him---or both. This is the best part of the story for sure. Some real tension, with sexual tension thrown in there because we know she hates considering herself a whore, even for her country.
I have certain needs….SCUMBAG! She takes one for the team…again. I sense a Vietnames woman on the edge man! She’s gonna’ snap soon(I hope)
Page 45 Re-enter the fat slob Felix. He’s gonna’ blow her cover? That’s what the impact of this scene was supposed to be right?
Page 46-They fight over the woman again. Boring here. This part of the story seems boring and inconsequential. These guys are so…guys…with nothing going for them except their blindness to a prudish nurse who hardly seems like she wants to give either of them the time of day.
Page 47-Now it’s Rob’s turn to try and get down her pants…I want something better than this. There should something more important for them to do. Save her? Hide her? Give her refuge? She’s a secret agent? Something more than this…dating game during wartime scenario. Wonder what Fong’s up too?
She agrees to have “something” between them? Poor George. He’s gonna’ be bummed. This might mean the end of their friendship.
Page 51- Okay, van Tong’s on the move, ready to attack a French fortress…MEANWHILE..george and his good buddy George have a falling out about the girl. I’m gonna’ fuck her. No, I’m gonna’ fuck her. Blah, blah, blah, a fight, they’re arrested. Then it’s Every Which Way but loose with Clint Eastwood. I was waiting to see the Orangutan nearby.
Their fight’s a draw? Waste!
Page 52-The prude gave both of them the boot, I would think for whining like babies in front of a pretty, educated woman. He hit me first-It’s best if you don’t know.
Page 53-Why the scene where they capture the two legionnaires, then stage it as an accident? I mean, if you cut this out, it wouldn’t change the story a bit. We already know he has the place staked out and no tactical advantage was ever gained because of. In fact, it almost blew their cover. Conflict, against the bad guy? You want me to route for them now, or was I supposed to say, “Yes, get caught, get caught”?
Page 54-Impending attack on the French, got it. This little, tiny, completely separate and almost irrelevant piece of plot line. George and Rob wait to go into battle, give each other the silent treatment…over a woman.
Page 55-In the face of war, the two long time pals burry the hatchet regarding the nurse and agree to seal the deal over a drink- then it’s back to Fong. Such a weird structure to this story. These two plot lines weave in and out but really have only the briefest moment where their paths cross. I’m not crazy about the Love triangle aspect of the story. It’s just…not interesting. Skirt chasers with Florence Nightingale syndrome vie for the same nurse for half the movie, eventually giving up, with friendship and a cocktail at the root of their pact to wipe the slate clean.
Page 56 Felix is slithering around out front. New he was gonna’ be trouble.
Page 58 Alice’s call to action? She has to fly to help the wounded in the field?
Page 60-Boy, Felix sure is horny, and really has it out for this lady.
Hope she’s waiting with a bullet for Felix. This girl needs some justice.
Page 61-Rob and George realize this may be their last mission alive, against insurmountable odds.
Page 64-Another character. General Neri. Alice is on her way. Lot’s of pages for this set up-the press—why? I’m not feeling for her. I’m wondering what impression this was supposed to make on me. She’ll get to see them once more before they die, and she’ll forever be remembered through news reports and photographs?
Page 65-A few strategic rants from Van Tong and friends. Cut this. I already know he’s coming. It seems like he’s just here to add some more tension but it’s false tension because you keep showing it over and over again.
Oh C,mon…a knife? He lives and she takes off? Damn, I was hoping she’d finish this guy off. Now he’s gonna’ tell, or worse follow her home where the kids are…the fat slob that he is.
Page 66-Touchdown. Japan had Godzilla…Vietnam now has---Nurse ratchet! Welcome to Vietnam lady!
Page 67-he’s a free agent now. But what happens when he finds out what she’s really all about.
Rob saves George…again. Will they meet at the battlefield hospital with Alice…again?
Page 70-Yup. They meet, and now Van Tong is announcing his future victory over some loudspeakers…would be a good time, since his location is being broadcast through the jungle, to throw some artillery his way? A bomb, a grenade, maybe some machine gun fire, since, again, they’re broadcasting his future victory plans and location over a loudspeaker in the jungle. Weird.
Page 73. He agrees to sell her for top secret information? This guy Felix sure is obsessed. I hate him.
Page 75-Fong has a story book ending waiting for her. Good. She deserves it. Still have Felix and Tinh hanging around. Wonder what they’re gonna’ do about her decision. Hope nothing happens to the colonel.
Page 76-george gets some play, but only because of their impending doom? In her eyes I mean. Hmmmm
Page 78 of “The war room” with forgettable characters and military, strategic dialogue that I didn’t understand. Where’s my main characters? Cut this scene. I would leave it on the editing room floor.
Page 80-Role reversal. Rob is wounded and Alice is there too, talking about him being wounded.
Page 81-Four new characters, with quick blurbs about them in an action scene that doesn’t involve our heroes, or are they our heroes. I’m wondering what’s happening with Fong.
Page 85-George and Alice kiss.
Page 87 george is in the hospital again. This guy’s got nine lives huh?
Page 91-Fong’s in the shit now. She has to blow up the sweet colonel and who cares about the kids. Wonder how she’s gonna’ get out of this? Stage an explosion and come clean with him that way they can run away with each other and be safe, sacrificing her family for her dreams?
Boom, she got the last laugh. I’m SOOOO glad you didn’t show Fong planting the device. First good piece of subtext in the whole sp.
Page 93-Lots of military banter that has nothing to do with our main characters. Except that the enemy is closing in. Just let the enemy close in and I’ll get it. More focus on our main characters.
Page 94-Rob dies.
Page 95-george and Alice ride off into the sunset—with a narrator conveying a history lesson about Vietnam at the end.
My comments above speak for themselves and I thank you for the read. The escape was nice and hopefully some of these comment are helpful, informative and taken as just opinion from a guy who wants a story to succeed. If you have any questions about my review or anything you want to tell me about your sp, please feel free to send me a message.
Thanks for the read-Phantom Writer read
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Submissions by Phantom Writer
-
a screenplay by Phantom WriterGenres: horror, mystery/suspense
A psycho in a ghost costume is killing off paranormal investigators around the city with the help of a ghostly... more
-
a screenplay by Phantom Writer
Travis Marshal owns a failing Karate studio. His wife Tina had her self-defense class cut from the school budget... more
-
a screenplay by Phantom WriterGenres: action, sci-fi/fantasy
Machines weren't meant to have feelings.
Reviews by Phantom Writer 19
-
A review of Meeting Canoby Phantom Writer on 01/19/2011This was the story about the author(Right?)remembering his days as a child. His memories of living on a horse Ranch with his three brothers was described perfectly. I could picture the family dynamic. Lot's of emphasis on the "memories" aspect of the piece. The boy in the story is given a horse for his birthday by his dad. It made a lasting impression on the author and feel... This was the story about the author(Right?)remembering his days as a child. His memories of living on a horse Ranch with his three brothers was described perfectly. I could picture the family dynamic. Lot's of emphasis on the "memories" aspect of the piece.
The boy in the story is given a horse for his birthday by his dad. It made a lasting impression on the author and feel that this might even be a recap of an actual event that took place in his(or someones) child hood? The story is good, especially the part at the end where the horse takes off, being rescued by Grandpa Franf and finally deciding that maybe this horse is okay size after all. he names it Cano-as in only half a volcano because he's fiesty but small for a horse. it felt good but i wanted more. I was strating to like this kid and sort of, out of place horse meeting the little boy.
If this continued with a dual perspective of the little horse trying to get along with the other animals as well as the little boy getting to know the horse and growing up on a ranch, of course there would need to be more conflict but you get the idea, it would be great too. Animated? I don't kmow but as far as keeping it to five pages and making any improvements i would say eliminate some of the "lifestyle" descriptions and focus more on a better ending for the cool little kid and his wild new birthday present of a horse.
I really did enjoy it. You have a good narrative, i was routing for the little kid and the little horse, smaller than all the rest, coming to a strange place, has something to prove because he's so small, maybe he has something to prove too.
Thanks for the read. read -
A review of The Wishby Phantom Writer on 01/19/2011This reminds me of the story where the two old people get three wishes and wish for a sausage, the wife gets angry because the husband squandered the wish and wishes the sausage stuck on the husbands nose--wish number two. the husband wishes it away--wishes wasted. This seemed to be the theme her. A tale of a miserable guy who got the opportunity of a free wish and he accidentally... This reminds me of the story where the two old people get three wishes and wish for a sausage, the wife gets angry because the husband squandered the wish and wishes the sausage stuck on the husbands nose--wish number two. the husband wishes it away--wishes wasted.
This seemed to be the theme her. A tale of a miserable guy who got the opportunity of a free wish and he accidentally wasted it.
It seemed empty though. Like, was there a lesson to be learned? The fact that we shouldn't be so quick to dismiss the homeless or deeper still, don't judge a book by its cover?
If that was the feeling you were trying to convey, its the feeling I had at the end of page three. read -
A review of Year of the Snakeby Phantom Writer on 01/13/2011***CAUTION-SPOILER ALERT*** I reveal everything so be prepared to hear it all, including that cool twist that no one saw coming. YEAR OF THE SNAKE is a wartime story with a deeper, historical lesson that I think was meant to show the audience how it was in that dark part of history. The French occupation of Vietnam before the U.S. got involved was the back drop to the story... ***CAUTION-SPOILER ALERT***
I reveal everything so be prepared to hear it all, including that cool twist that no one saw coming.
YEAR OF THE SNAKE is a wartime story with a deeper, historical lesson that I think was meant to show the audience how it was in that dark part of history. The French occupation of Vietnam before the U.S. got involved was the back drop to the story telling of what seemed like two completely unrelated storylines.
ON ONE SIDE-Two foreign legionnaire friends, Rob, a hot headed Irishman and George, a German who constantly take slack for his nationality, end up in a hospital after being wounded in combat. This is where they meet Alice, a nurse who catches both of their eyes but plays hard to get throughout much of the story. This side of the story was reaching to be a Romantic comedy, in what felt like a M.A.S.H. set up. These two guys complain, and argue, and try to get this girl into bed while being sent off to war in scenes that were average war scenes that felt like it almost didn’t belong. In one instance, George sticks up for her because he might have strong feelings for her. This back and forth rivalry goes on throughout the screenplay. She goes back and forth, finally deciding on Rob, because she’s sensitive to the back ground of the German officer(Nazi). In the end, she’s flown to a hospital in the battle field not far from where these love interests are fighting, but not before five or six pages of press coverage and training advice from unknown characters. In the end, Rob dies from a war wound and Alice, George and some other unmentionables fly off into the sunset in an airplane and out of the war ravaged country.
ON THE OTHER SIDE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY-Fong is beautiful Vietnamese woman who’s also a spy. She follows orders from Tinh, her superior field officer who will do everything, up and including selling this woman to a sleezebag Frenchman named Felix. Drugs, weapons, military secrets are all in the works and Fong is basically pimped out to this loser for all of the above. She works at the hospital where Alice is. This was basically the only connections the two stories had with one another. She’s stealing morphine and replacing it with morphine. The discovery of this was never found out in the story which was a disappointment. She’s offered a job by a colonel to be a nanny for him and his children. This part played out like “ The Sound of Music” but with a darker edge. The cheating colonel likes her and then when his wife dies, confesses his dying love and asks her to marry him. She wants to leave her tattered life behind but is ordered to kill this man with no regard for the children and she finally stands up for herself. The only way out id to plant a bomb and blow up her superior and the scummy French guy Felix.
STORY-I think that the Fong storyline is the better one. These two stories, unless really blended together, don’t work together. Their moods are different. I’m not sure if the author intended there to be that contrast. One side is the prospect of love, the heroes side. Unity against opposition. And on the other, the other side of the tracks. Drugs, prostitution, espionage and a women who tries to free herself from these forces in order to live a better life. The Rom-com side was not well executed although Fong’s story had the most conflict, the better arc, and the higher stakes with an enemy that seemed more dangerous than a waiting army in the jungle. There were MANY new characters towards the end that gave me the sort of play-by-play as to what military action was taking place and the results of those actions. I felt this element could be eliminated as well. I had no real attachment to these characters and their decisions could have been shown as more conflict to our main characters. I felt Fongs ending came earlier than was supposed to. If the soldier story disappeared, she would maybe meet with the colonel and love happily ever after. Suggestions- Pick one or the other of the storylines and go with it OR combine these two together better, have them interact more, or each one being more vital to the other in order to move the story forward.
CHARATCERS-It felt like the two soldiers were identical. Just two, horny soldiers looking for a lay. They had no real aspirations, other than the obvious of not wanting to be at war but it was a dating, chase the girl flick for them. There were MANY characters that could be cut from this screenplay. The Generals and military men both sides can be trimmed in order to make room for the main characters adventures. I thought that if you trimmed some of these scenes from the story, it wouldn’t matter. We already know that war is coming. There isn’t a need to show the military’s side of it because I, as the watcher, want to see the main characters side of it more.
Fong was the strongest, showed her true self more and was the one who ultimately sacrificed all to fulfill her dreams. It was a good story and would have been content with a story of her alone. They were believable so for that, good marks there.
DIALOGUE-The dialogue was fair for the main characters but loaded with exposition with the military officers at the end. For that, good marks there.
STRUCTURE-It was both weak and strong. Each story, in its own right, flowed well but the two of them felt like they were hammered together with nine inch nails and sheet metal. They didn’t mesh, different moods slung together in the same scene or in the very next scene was a series of dramatic hits that threw me off the horse a few times. The screenwriter has good formatting skills and the beginning was great but whent south a little at a time. It didn’t work for me and for that low scores there.
I always do a page by page analysis, writing down my thoughts as I go. As an objective reader, my eyes can hopefully spot any flaws in real time. It really helps as far as making sure the thoughts you’re trying to convey come across correctly and at the right time. I’ll poke fun, ask questions, yell at the screen but only because I plan on loosing myself in your story.
Page-5 This is good. It has a rhythm to it. The characters are great. You move the pace right along. To me, with some other writers, these blocks of description could be its downfall, but not with this. The passages include description but also action in a combination that’s as natural as peanut butter and jelly.
Page-6 He should say “Where is it” instead of “Where’s my cocaine”. Felix should just rip it open and test it without announcing that he’s doing it. This will send an aire of suspicion between them without saying a word.
Page 8-Felix is a filthy French pig huh? In other cultures, even in this situation, I would believe that if she was told to screw this guy, she would. Good tension. Little wordy for my taste and wondering what the history is, if any between Felix and Fong. He seems to target her right away…or is he a filthy womanizer all the time. Also, wondering how this will tie into the first plot line of Alice, George and Rob.
Page 11-So they’re competing for the attention of Alice? Is that all? Hmmm. Is this a Rom-Com? And Fong pulls information out of them to kind of show us…where she stands in regards to the war, and that she’s constantly the center of people’s ignorant bigotry and chauvinism? George and Robs roles are equal so far. Both soldiers. Both wise guys. Both competing for the same girl. Alice. So…is Fong the main character because she’s involved with both plot lines and seems to be experiencing the most conflict? I thought it was George at first because he was the first person on screen and had a great scene where he fights, looses, escapes and ends up in the hospital. Reading on….
Page-13 Evil plan. Addicting everyone and taking the morphine…how diabolical! The dialogue seems a little choppy here. Make him force her to sleep with him with less dialogue, it will mean more.
Page 15-The crowd doesn’t let him chase the guy who just blew up a military truck? That would have been great. See, anyone would try to push another human being out of the way of an exploding grenade. To me, that’s not what would have won her over. Him pushing through a crowd of ( Were they prejudice because he was a German? Is that why they wouldn’t let him through the human barricade?) hpeople to chase the man who committed this cowardly act would have been a more convincing argument as to why she might change her mind about this guy. I can only assume that because of this act, that this might be the guy she falls for and not Rob.
Page 16-FINALLY. I’m so glad Tinh stuck up for her. It puts a sense of realism. Yes, she would have to obey these kinds of orders but when Felix abuses the privilege, Tinh shows some muscle, a secret sign of respect for his uncomfortable comrade.
Page 17-was there someone important in the exploding car? Or are you just showing me that this is a war torn region?
Page 18-You didn’t have to create the bomb scene in order to make them having been pulled away more realistic and convincing. This a time of war and I would accept that this would happen without the exploding car scene…that is…if I’m not being pretentious by thinking that this was the reason for that scene.
Page 19-Now the plot focuses on these two guys. Wonder if fate crosses their paths with Fong or Tinh. As it stands, the stories seem completely separate, as if two screenplays were going on. A Rom-Com-and a war story. Do their paths intersect?
Careful, the cache might be booby trapped! Seems clever that he would booby the weapons but I’m pretty sure they would destroy, or confiscate the weapons.
Page 23 At the end of this scene I’m wondering what’s the conflict here? Obviously the Vietnamese but I mean for our main characters(I think-Rob and George) this scene was intended to show that these two guys have a heart right?. So much so, they question their superior and talk about it after. I notice that they’re exactly the same. Only difference is an accent. Why have two guys? Just eliminate one of them. In my opinion, the fact that Alice is prejudice toward the German is obstacle enough. Reason enough for her not to want to go out with him.
Page 23-Rob-Those damn boats better be at the river. Cut this and let me keep guessing how they’re going to get out of the shit.
Page 24-This is just a suggestion, but I would have loved if you cut this a little closer. The troops running, firing behind them in a dramatic escape. Just something to consider. Suddenly, they’re boarding the boat.
Page 25. That’s cool. Fong gets a break. So she’s the main character?
Page 26 Okay. All new characters of an under ground communist party. A police raid—Lui Ping’s captured and hauled off. Wondering how he’s going to fit into the story.
Lui Ping guy escapes. Wondering if the explosion was a diversionary tactic to allow him to escape, or a botched assassination attempt. Either way, the informer got what he deserved and Lui Ping is on the lamb…now…if I only knew how he plays into the story.
Pages 27-28 back to the Rom-com. Alice is flirting with Rob. George see’s tosses the flowers. She obviously feels bad. Where is this going?
Page 30 They’re arguing about Alice and a bomb rips the place apart. George stands and grabs a drink from the bar? While there’s dead people everywhere and seconds after a mjor explosion a few feet away. That’s one thirsty dude!
Page 33 it’s as if you have three completely separate story lines going here. The hidden communist party and the escaped Lui Ping, Fong the agent who’s forced into sexual acts in the name of her country by a “pimp’ who doubles as a weapons/drug dealer and the love triangle Rom-com of Alice the nurse, and our two foreign legionnaires Rob and George. I mostly care about Fong. The love triangle at first was interesting but it’s now much more shallow than it was. Two soldiers having a conversation about who wants the nurse mixed in with a little heroism in combat isn’t really jumping off the page here. What are their hopes? Their dreams? Other than the obvious which would be to not be at war? To me they seem like just horny soldiers who dabble in warfare and avoid being assassinated or blown up because they’re foreign legionnaires. I think they could use a bigger goal. It would make for better tension and I would want to route for them more if it wasn’t just a piece of ass they were after. Sometimes that’s good, but here, there’s no romance. No comedy, which lightens the feel of two men trying to woo the same women.
Page 36-Fong goes on a rant after she’s busted stealing morphine, isn’t reported by Alice, then, right after that, My mood is forced to this light hearted courting of Alice by George, the desperately horny soldier. It’s like milk and pepsi here. The flavors are so different that it’s almost uncomfortable. There are definitely two, unique(so far) story lines going on here but it feels forced. Maybe the author intended on there being both sides in the mix. As if I’m supposed to see the contrast of how each side lived but it just seems like two stories were written, dissected and sewn together in a way that would messh.
Page 37 georgy boys turn to take a crack at nurse ratchet. She’s a tough nut to take. The things on my mind right now are A) I hope there isn’t another bomb waiting for our poor foreign legionnaire and B) I’m really thinking about Fong. She couldn’t get the drugs. Tinh will beat her up, maybe make her sleep with Felix the fat guy. At least she didn’t get reported to the police, which by the way, were only right down the hall. I would think for a crime of that nature they would be called but oh well. So here a dinner scene. I haven’t read it yet but I assume it will be George trying to be quick witted and seduce this prude. It will probably be boring as these type of scenes aren’t my favorite but I will give you my word that I will take the scene for what it was meant to be…a courting by a tough foreign legionnaire. Here goes….
Page 38-She brought up Rob…ugh…mood killer there but our persistent German keeps going.
Page 40-George got the can. Later George. Learned a little about George’s past. Maybe poured on a little thick for the “Feel bad for me angle” but ultimately…George isn’t getting laid tonight.
Page 41-Tinh and Lui Ping are in cahoots. Now he’s still on the run right? Now we learn our main character9 I think) has to kill the nice guy who offered her a secure job? She kinda blew her future at the hospital so she kinda has no choice.
Another new character—general Van Tong-Is this guy in touch with Lui Ping or Tinh? Is he here to inform me that our soldiers will be called to action soon or what. Seems like I got side railed here.
Reminds me of The Sound of Music with the Nanny of a family in war times. Except I know she has two things to do that Julie Andrews would never do---either screw this guy---or kill him---or both. This is the best part of the story for sure. Some real tension, with sexual tension thrown in there because we know she hates considering herself a whore, even for her country.
I have certain needs….SCUMBAG! She takes one for the team…again. I sense a Vietnames woman on the edge man! She’s gonna’ snap soon(I hope)
Page 45 Re-enter the fat slob Felix. He’s gonna’ blow her cover? That’s what the impact of this scene was supposed to be right?
Page 46-They fight over the woman again. Boring here. This part of the story seems boring and inconsequential. These guys are so…guys…with nothing going for them except their blindness to a prudish nurse who hardly seems like she wants to give either of them the time of day.
Page 47-Now it’s Rob’s turn to try and get down her pants…I want something better than this. There should something more important for them to do. Save her? Hide her? Give her refuge? She’s a secret agent? Something more than this…dating game during wartime scenario. Wonder what Fong’s up too?
She agrees to have “something” between them? Poor George. He’s gonna’ be bummed. This might mean the end of their friendship.
Page 51- Okay, van Tong’s on the move, ready to attack a French fortress…MEANWHILE..george and his good buddy George have a falling out about the girl. I’m gonna’ fuck her. No, I’m gonna’ fuck her. Blah, blah, blah, a fight, they’re arrested. Then it’s Every Which Way but loose with Clint Eastwood. I was waiting to see the Orangutan nearby.
Their fight’s a draw? Waste!
Page 52-The prude gave both of them the boot, I would think for whining like babies in front of a pretty, educated woman. He hit me first-It’s best if you don’t know.
Page 53-Why the scene where they capture the two legionnaires, then stage it as an accident? I mean, if you cut this out, it wouldn’t change the story a bit. We already know he has the place staked out and no tactical advantage was ever gained because of. In fact, it almost blew their cover. Conflict, against the bad guy? You want me to route for them now, or was I supposed to say, “Yes, get caught, get caught”?
Page 54-Impending attack on the French, got it. This little, tiny, completely separate and almost irrelevant piece of plot line. George and Rob wait to go into battle, give each other the silent treatment…over a woman.
Page 55-In the face of war, the two long time pals burry the hatchet regarding the nurse and agree to seal the deal over a drink- then it’s back to Fong. Such a weird structure to this story. These two plot lines weave in and out but really have only the briefest moment where their paths cross. I’m not crazy about the Love triangle aspect of the story. It’s just…not interesting. Skirt chasers with Florence Nightingale syndrome vie for the same nurse for half the movie, eventually giving up, with friendship and a cocktail at the root of their pact to wipe the slate clean.
Page 56 Felix is slithering around out front. New he was gonna’ be trouble.
Page 58 Alice’s call to action? She has to fly to help the wounded in the field?
Page 60-Boy, Felix sure is horny, and really has it out for this lady.
Hope she’s waiting with a bullet for Felix. This girl needs some justice.
Page 61-Rob and George realize this may be their last mission alive, against insurmountable odds.
Page 64-Another character. General Neri. Alice is on her way. Lot’s of pages for this set up-the press—why? I’m not feeling for her. I’m wondering what impression this was supposed to make on me. She’ll get to see them once more before they die, and she’ll forever be remembered through news reports and photographs?
Page 65-A few strategic rants from Van Tong and friends. Cut this. I already know he’s coming. It seems like he’s just here to add some more tension but it’s false tension because you keep showing it over and over again.
Oh C,mon…a knife? He lives and she takes off? Damn, I was hoping she’d finish this guy off. Now he’s gonna’ tell, or worse follow her home where the kids are…the fat slob that he is.
Page 66-Touchdown. Japan had Godzilla…Vietnam now has---Nurse ratchet! Welcome to Vietnam lady!
Page 67-he’s a free agent now. But what happens when he finds out what she’s really all about.
Rob saves George…again. Will they meet at the battlefield hospital with Alice…again?
Page 70-Yup. They meet, and now Van Tong is announcing his future victory over some loudspeakers…would be a good time, since his location is being broadcast through the jungle, to throw some artillery his way? A bomb, a grenade, maybe some machine gun fire, since, again, they’re broadcasting his future victory plans and location over a loudspeaker in the jungle. Weird.
Page 73. He agrees to sell her for top secret information? This guy Felix sure is obsessed. I hate him.
Page 75-Fong has a story book ending waiting for her. Good. She deserves it. Still have Felix and Tinh hanging around. Wonder what they’re gonna’ do about her decision. Hope nothing happens to the colonel.
Page 76-george gets some play, but only because of their impending doom? In her eyes I mean. Hmmmm
Page 78 of “The war room” with forgettable characters and military, strategic dialogue that I didn’t understand. Where’s my main characters? Cut this scene. I would leave it on the editing room floor.
Page 80-Role reversal. Rob is wounded and Alice is there too, talking about him being wounded.
Page 81-Four new characters, with quick blurbs about them in an action scene that doesn’t involve our heroes, or are they our heroes. I’m wondering what’s happening with Fong.
Page 85-George and Alice kiss.
Page 87 george is in the hospital again. This guy’s got nine lives huh?
Page 91-Fong’s in the shit now. She has to blow up the sweet colonel and who cares about the kids. Wonder how she’s gonna’ get out of this? Stage an explosion and come clean with him that way they can run away with each other and be safe, sacrificing her family for her dreams?
Boom, she got the last laugh. I’m SOOOO glad you didn’t show Fong planting the device. First good piece of subtext in the whole sp.
Page 93-Lots of military banter that has nothing to do with our main characters. Except that the enemy is closing in. Just let the enemy close in and I’ll get it. More focus on our main characters.
Page 94-Rob dies.
Page 95-george and Alice ride off into the sunset—with a narrator conveying a history lesson about Vietnam at the end.
My comments above speak for themselves and I thank you for the read. The escape was nice and hopefully some of these comment are helpful, informative and taken as just opinion from a guy who wants a story to succeed. If you have any questions about my review or anything you want to tell me about your sp, please feel free to send me a message.
Thanks for the read-Phantom Writer read -
A review of Isabelle's Rainbowby Phantom Writer on 03/13/2010This was a fast read that started off great. It was imaginitive and fresh with lovable characters that jumped off the page. They were unique, as was the strange world in which the story took place. However, I felt the second act was filled with a main character who just rides the wave of strange meetings with other characters that fill many pages and leave only trifle, insignificant... This was a fast read that started off great. It was imaginitive and fresh with lovable characters that jumped off the page. They were unique, as was the strange world in which the story took place. However, I felt the second act was filled with a main character who just rides the wave of strange meetings with other characters that fill many pages and leave only trifle, insignificant pieces of information stuck in my mind.
The third act was fitting for the story and I was releived that ghost was indeed the one she ended up with and the reasons for that were acceptable in my mind.
Story review:
This is the story of Isabelle and her imaginary friend, ghost. They live in a fantasy world reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland where nothing makes sense and anything goes.
She’s the only woman on a planet of men and feels that because she is eighteen, she needs to be married as soon as possible. Her adventures take her on a journey where she meets four, very interesting men that court her. A baffoon named Norman who wants to be her husband to show off to all the men on the internet that he can get a wife. A dragon/man who wants to use her for procreation only and to live a zillion, billion years by her side without ever experiencing real love. A cult leader of an ass spanking cult who worship the “great baby” which is god from what I gather. And a stereo typical, egomaniac named prince who seems to be the epitome of selfishness and materialism who only wants her as a trophy and is more interested in tough guy cop shows than any real feelings toward her.
From her quaint coconut to a giant pot of gold complete with attached rainbow where she uses her magic lasso to climb to heaven and talk to god, who gave her the rope to begin with, to slide down the other side of the rainbow to meet with ghost, the person, who was meant to be her love from the beginning.
I felt that the story had a lot of pages of un-necessary back story that had no real bearing on the main character. Yes, it was information that a curious person of that world might like to know but if you took those pieces of story out, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference. None of the characters were realized. No ancient dragons. No fish and cats. No great baby or action man. They were just fly by night, so none were memorable, or had any bearing on the story other than information for Isabelle.
It seemed that the main character just moved along with whatever was happening without questioning any of it.
As far as screenwriting goes, the writer has a good style and knows how to create unique characters that have their own voice. Good job there.
I feel that if there was more conflict in the story, more against her, more stress holding her back, to get to that ultimate goal of true love, even in this fantastic world, I would accept it for the fairy tale that I believe it was meant to be.
Here is my page by page breakdown.
Page 6 Feeling it out. Where do I stand? I think it’s a comedy, with a Mel brooks/Pee-Wee Herman type feel. Post man’s fun. She picks up the teeth, such a sweet girl.
Page two Okay, I’m interested. Reminds me of the type of narration you saw in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach(Both by Tim Burton by the way).
I’m suspending my disbelief to come into your world Mr. Screenwriter. My initial thoughts so far…I like the girls character, as described by the ghost. Won’t make any comments on the fact that she’s the only girl in the world or that she has no parents as I haven’t made it far yet. But you have me asking these questions so to me, that means well done so far. Reading on…
Page Page 7 Who’s the present from?
Page 8. Okay. I can live with ghost, but I wish I could see him. In the movie, she would be talking to herself, right? Maybe a white mist, or something because it seems that it’s already a visual spectacle (Great so far by the way, carrots by the sea, a giant coconut, super speedy mailman whose teeth fall out) and you should give him an image. He’s obviously an important part of the story and I long to see what he looks like. Big? Small? Fat? Thin? Eerie or graceful or maybe a dark mist?
Page 10 Love the letter in the Rainbow Rope box. I like how you’re not taking this story to a serious level, it makes it so much easier for me to read along. It’s fun, and yet I still feel bad for your main character. Nice job. (Shorten the soap opera scene on the tv)
Page 12 I have to admit, I’m having a good laugh. The ninja guy, ass crack showing, shouting the commands before he does them(Grapple launch!) Good stuff.
Page 16 How does ghost know he’s not the one? Is it because Norman’s an obvious buffoon? Or does ghost know something? Reading on…
He used her to become popular on this make believe lands internet account? Hmmm. Guess ghost was right. Disappointed. Wanted him to be the guy she went on an adventure with. He’s a jerk anyway. Reading on…
Page 22 Awwww c’mon. The Norman guy is bugging me. I want her to dump him and the story to move on. I hope it’s coming because I’m losing interest here Mr. Screenwriter. I’m holding on for the fact that she got a note from the sky that says ‘Boo”. From Ghost maybe? Ease up on the “!” marks.
Page 24 Hundreds? She’s the only girl on the planet.
Page 24 End of act One. It’s clear and the good beginnings of a fairy tale. I’ve found the mood of the story, which makes it easier for me to read. Why do I think Ghost knows more than he’s telling? Butt crack was funny, and wondering what happens next. Good so far.
Page 25 Ground littered in skeletons. Dragon: Beware. Is it that she’s totally oblivious that makes it funny? I hope so.
Page 27 So, this scene didn’t make sense to me. A deep voice says don’t worry go to sleep? She’s okay with it and ghost never says a word? Is he a figment of her imagination? Even so, I think I’m going to try limiting the play by play to major incidents or comments because as it goes right now, it’s WAY out there, in terms of plausibility and rationale, even for a fairy tale. Soooooooo here I go.
Page 29 trim the fat off these passages.
Page 30. That’s cool. A dragon/guy type thing. I picture it in my head. Like paper mache looking, long tail scratching the ground. Reminds me of tea with Mr. Tumnus from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Page 32 So he DOES have a mask on? I couldn’t tell because she seems to just roll with everything else, why not marry a dragon guy?
Page 42 Is this animated?
Page 43 I’ll have to google “Cot Church”. I‘ve never heard of that.
Page 47 …Or is this a porn?
Descriptive passages are long. I notice the tendency to show the story, then tell it in some manner, like through long, drawn out dialogue. Although it seems her goal is to try and find true love, the way the story is unfolding, I just can’t feel for her. The circumstances she falls under are unique, but they’re so off the wall, I can’t take the story seriously.
If you ever have an opportunity, have a woman sit with you, and read the lines together. You’ll see that they are LONG, and I don’t see the importance behind these interactions that they should take up twenty or so pages. I’ll keep reading and forgive my candor. I’m just telling my thoughts as I go.
I think I caught a religious undertone there. The Great Baby. Go to “Dreamland” when you die. He can see everything from his home in the clouds?
Heaven(Dreamland) Evil mice(Evil spirits) Sacred texts(Bible) such deliberate cloaking of religious beliefs, is it deliberate? They’re obvious and I feel like you’re trying to pitch God to me, like a vet. pill thrown into my dog dish, and a can of Alpo thrown on top, to hope I didn’t notice.
Page 57 Dressed in baby grows(What’s that)?
Page 86. Who is this prince guy? Like this was all part of the plan? He happens to have a dress made for the only girl in the world and what impact of the story does the pot of gold thing effect? I’m not getting the story. She doesn’t know who he is, but she goes with it?
Page 89 She tells Ghost to leave? She’s listened to everything he’s said so far. Maybe have her complain a lot more that way this means more, like she can’t take it anymore.
Page 90 If I were a woman, I’d be pretty nervous by now. A slap on the ass, a crowd of drooling men, the only woman on earth? I’d be nervous
Page 93 Trying to see a deeper message here. There’s the prince. He’s fake, materialistic and egotistical. There’s Johnny, the super holy roller with a fetish for spanking who wants complete loyalty and obedience and then there’s dragon, who only wishes to use her for procreation purposes, then she gets to live a million, billion years as his wife with no love at all. Different men to choose from and a nerdy guy named Norman.
A good effort but a definite rewrite would make it better. Also, cut down on the descriptive passages and story reading lines of Isabelle.
Overall, I would give it a pass, but would read a re-write because of the freshness of the idea which really got me excited at the beginning. read -
A review of Exit Strategiesby Phantom Writer on 03/04/2010I ALWAYS try to be as honest as I can. Please understand there is no conceit, or malice behind this review, it is what it is. Straight forward and raw so please take it as such Mr. screenwriter. Everyone needs to know what's wrong so that it can be fixed so here goes. X is an assassin who decides that he doesn't want to do this kind of work anymore. Although he is the main...
I ALWAYS try to be as honest as I can. Please understand there is no conceit, or malice behind this review, it is what it is. Straight forward and raw so please take it as such Mr. screenwriter. Everyone needs to know what's wrong so that it can be fixed so here goes.
X is an assassin who decides that he doesn't want to do this kind of work anymore. Although he is the main character in the story, events surrounding the supporting characters are what makes up this story and X seems like he's simply " Along for the ride" with no real clear goals. His drive is Sydney, who we know little about. She seems to have incriminating info.(Wanted by the army) which she uses as leverage to have him join her in ridding the world of the scumbags. I would have liked to have more info. on her. Where she came from, how she found out about him etc.
Flashback after flashback really convoluted the story. This device took the intensity out because when the time came for those flashbacks to come into real time, I already knew what was going to happen.
Voice over-In the beginning, this took the flow right out of the story. Most of the things he said could have been conveyed through the natural progression of the story.
Believability-This story has some scenes that are really hard to swallow. Characters that walk into the face of certain doom for no other reason but to make the action sequences happen. X talking on the phone to the owner of the stolen car drives him to abandon the mission, and turn over a new leaf. Bazookas and rocket launchers where guns and overpowering vehicles will do. A fake head that convinces a flight attendant-no one notices, no one reports it, just not believeable.
Characters-I loved King. In my opinion, he was the best part of this screenplay. Things he said, things he did, the subtext of the things he set up...the best part of the story. Characters need names, especially ones that are important to the story or have a lot of screen time. The mayor, underling, assistant to King, all need depth, and to generically name them takes away the depth of a their character, making it harder for me, the reader, to appreciate them fully.
I will say that the author knows how to write a screenplay, with the exception of instances where he talks to the reader, or conveys future events. You always need to just SHOW what's going on. Limit these blurbs to instances that require a quip to make the story clearer or when introducing a character.
I need to offer constructive criticism as that what this review is meant to do.
Remember to focus on the MAIN character. What are his goals?
Eliminate flashbacks or limit them to VITAL parts of the story.
Use more character arcs. Characters need to change in a story, or need to realize something about themselves that is clear to the reader. This is what makes a great sp.
I believe this story could be good with a few more re-writes and a much clearer picture of X as a character.
Next is the play by play. I read and write notes as I go. Please take these with a grain of salt but realize that as the reader, these were the thoughts going through my head as I went along. A good key for what doesn't make sense or doesn't ring true.
Okay, page two.
My initial thoughts are this…There’s no need for a voice over here. This is an exciting moment where a mysterious “someone” is breaking into “somewhere”. The v.o. really breaks up the action and in my opinion, taking the mystery out of the story, also, he shatters a huge window in the staff break room, which is probably VERY near to the restaurant itself. It doesn’t seem plausible that no one heard it. Maybe sneak in the window, and catch the waiter off guard?…………..reading on.
Is the “target” male or female?
Page four. The v.o. definitely has to go. Maybe you were using it to build tension, being there, in the characters mind, but it just slows down the action, gives me too much too soon.
Page five-Accurate shooting. No spraying or wasted bullets. This shouldn’t be here. You have to show he’s an expert marksman and you already did that in the previous sentence by telling us he shot the guards in the knees, and why is he so merciful all of a sudden?
Page seven Ughh… Mr. Screenwriter. I can’t see watching this. Right in the middle of his meeting you take us on this huge flashback?
Also, He appears considerably more composed than he will shortly. How can the watcher of this movie SEE this? Just let the action unfold before my eyes, remember, no written cues.
Good line, domestic servitude. Love it.
Page eight Another flashback? When does the movie start?
What do the police do when they burst in, it’s not clear.
Can’t say-Ring is still grinning, at least on the outside. It’s good for the reader, not the viewer.
Page nine. Tech agent may throw in the fact that the world could be rid of the type of people he’s killing, but he wouldn’t really condone it, especially in a meeting, in front of everybody.
Page twelve. Underling should have a name. All characters should have a name except REALLY small characters like, hot dog stand attendant, cab driver, ticket taker, etc.
Angry eyes in the crowd? You didn’t mention a “crowd”. Is it in the restaurant? I would think a crime scene of this magnitude would be sealed off with tape, and the restaurant is on the top of a building right? Maybe..IN THE HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE RESTAURANT A man with a blank stare watches the police with cold intensity.
Page 19 Great description of the club interior, although I find it hard to believe they would invite this guy with them. He’s old, and it’s girls night out right?
Page 22 Okay, his sister was killed by this scummy guy, you got my attention, but my first thought is does this Sydney lady know him and we don’t know? How does she know who his sister is? I really hope this runs deep and isn’t just- she makes a ridiculous proposal and he accepts because the script says so. Plus, I’m wondering that if they met by coincidence, how does she have the backpack filled with stuff? Kitty set him up? That would make sense. Okay Mr. Screenwriter, you got my attention, I’m reading on.
Page 24-Show me how he incapacitates the guards with defensive moves. Remember, this is visual, am I supposed to use my imagination? He throws a fist to one of the guards throat—sends him reeling. He spins around—grabs two drink glasses off the table—smashes them against the last body guards head.
Page 25-I poisoned you. You’re about to die. This is on the nose dialogue. You should have shown Sydney slipping something in his drink, then when he gets wobbly on his feet, have some snappy line for her to say like, things aren’t always what they seem, or something that will really emphasize her treachery which would turn it into subtext.
I like how the ticking of the clock is in tune with his fading consciousness.
Page 27 I’m sorry for beating you up Mr. Screenwriter. I want to suspend my belief but it’s hard. So he’s okay with everything that happened? A friendly, quaint little conversation with this lady? She poisoned him! He didn’t get the money, and is lying in the morgue. A professional killer would be pissed! This ultimate betrayal, to me, would deserve a vice grip hand around this lady’s throat! I dunno’, reading on…
Page 28. Again, people need names. Mayor who? What’s the associates name again?
Page 32 King made up this footage? And the Mayor bought it? I dunno’ doesn’t seem believable. I would have went with it if he said he had people in high places that got the footage of a real affair, because I’m really interested in what King has going on.
Page 33 and 34 I can’t believe he’s just going along with this! “My family and friends”? “You don’t have any” And the scene ends with him contemplating this offer? I want to see how he reacts. He’s the most passive assassin I’ve ever seen. Get some balls dude….stand up to this bitch who has you backed into a corner.
Page 36 Cat’s out of the bag. It was a set up but I still can’t believe he’s going along with it. Reading on…
Page 37. Is this whole thing a flashback? Like when he got started? It’s confusing. This is obviously referring to a spot earlier where the cop was talking about the guy shot in the elevator and they couldn’t figure out how he did it right?
Page 44 did they get the target? Who were they going for with this crazy suicide mission?
It’s not clear, so they ditched the gas masks and are heading up the elevator, meanwhile, there was a western shootout downstairs and the security guard wasn’t informed and is getting a blowjob? I guess nobody bothered to tell him.
Page 49 Sorry Mr. Screenwriter, not buying it. King needs something HUGE to put these guys in their place, to get them on his side. Some info., maybe? Some more drugs for them because they’re out right? I mean, that’s the shit he was throwing to the mayors office…drugs right? Cutting a chickens head off in front of drug dealers and thugs, you might as well have had someone sell popcorn. They might have thought it was strange, which was what you conveyed, but certainly not make them obey him and automatically make him their leader.
Page 50 another flashback. I’m still trying to figure out if what I’m reading is a flashback and here comes another one.
Take out the sentence in parenthesis regarding the scientists description. The audience can’t get this by watching
Page 51 X says “Let me tell you that was absolutely awful. This would come from an uptight englishman, I can see Hugh Grant saying this with a whiny tone in his voice. Ughh-sorry.
Page 52 and 53 another flashback? That’s like five or six so far And why would he take explosives through the x-ray machine if it wasn’t going to work?
Not believable or maybe he’s the most passive, idiotic assassin that ever lived? Like a Peter Sellers is to a detective as this x guy is to assassins. Seems like the story should be about Sydney, at least she has clear goals, convincing X and all that, he just seems like he’s……unconvincingly along for the ride.
Page 53 he’s convinced the alarm will go off and still he just keeps on walking…why!?
Page 54 The V.O….are they off screen saying this while the shot is of the Indonesian security looking at the head?
Page 55 Suicide is an acceptable risk? I don’t get it but I’m reading on. I get that this is the other flashback from earlier. There’s no suspense because I already know what’s going to happen. Chaos, the interior of the plane is ripped open, debris flies everywhere.
Page 56 What! She simply holds up a fake head and the attendant is fooled? State police officers bag people riding with dummies in the HOV lane from fifty yards away and this attendant doesn’t get suspicious? I’ve been on many flights and CAN’T swallow this, it’s ridiculous.
Page 57 What are the items he’s assembling? This a key moment here that will at least show the dexterity and resourcefulness of x and you skip over it. You’ve put more thought into and gave names too by the way, to the insignificant ladies who chatter aimlessly at X.
There’s NO WAY she could sneak into the cargo hold of an aircraft. I’m choking down this scene like a bad sandwich.
Page 59 I just got a blackeye. Let me get this straight, he feels bad that the little fat lady had a heart attack and died? And then, Sydney says that by going over there would be suicide?
Page 62 There’s some good writing here. You can write a SP, but man….this needs work.
Page 65 Got it….what happened at the table during the opening scene.
Page 66. King was the angry eyed guy in the crowd right?
Page 68 The best pages, so far, lie right here. Max is convincing, the dialogue rings true and King is just enough of a wise ass to make it totally believable. Nice job.
Page 71 I’m sorry but I love king. I wish this story was about him. He has great dialogue and the way you write, you are a good writer, I can feel and see him on the page.
Page 75 If it was so dangerous, and the fact that a huge posse of guards, cars etc. is necessary, why didn’t she just call him? Or him her?
Page 77 A bazooka? A bazooka? No trying to shoot the car tires out, or one of the hummers running the car off the road? Very well then, a bazooka, because it’s an action movie. Oh good, another flashback. I was starting to worry, I hadn’t seen one in a while.
Page 81-There HAPPENS to be the owners cell phone in the glove compartment? People carry their cell phones with them. Why would he even bother? In the middle of a chase scene, Sydney needs his assistance and he’s apologizing to the car owner. This seems too convenient. I think I know what you’re trying to do here but it needs to be done better. How bout him happen to end up where he started after the car is totally beat on and as he gets out, turns and sees the owner standing at the curb with mouth open, he wearily steps out, sees her---“Sorry” and walks away? A better twist would have been that it happen to be Kitty’s car, payback. Take out this conversation, it means nothing to the story. It only makes X look like a spineless jellyfish…apologizing to the owner of the car?
Page 83 A wife would tell her husband that their car was stolen. There’s no question of that, also, he’s a new character and needs to be introduced quickly. Hopefully you’ll eliminate this whole scene with the lady on the phone. This is a character that you could just call HUSBAND.
Page 85 The only way I would believe that X would keep up this conversation is if it were his dying mother or his wife is having a baby in the hospital. Why is he still babbling to this lady? Is the phone propped in his ear while this amazing action driving sequence is going on? Our choices and actions define us? Please, please, don’t let this be the person that convinces him to turn over a new leaf. She means absolutely nothing to the story, so far anyway.
Page 86 I knew it and can’t believe it! X runs? Because of this nobody lady and her kind words? How could he even register any of it in the middle of this amazing action sequence? I don’t get it. Why is she going for the Hummer? More suicide, worth the risk stuff.
Page 87 A road rage guy with a baseball bat, inserted here(And I’m making a prediction to see if it comes true) So that A. he can damage the car and X can get pissed, because for some reason he’s attached to this strange lady who he stole the car from and B. more than likely, will show some of X’s fighting skills right? Reading on.
Page 88 You eliminate the exciting scene of Sydney, up against massive odds, taking out a limo for X and the road rager?
Page 92 This scene should have come way earlier. It puts conflict on the X character and would make him going out with kitty more believable. Not to mention, why is his sister so important to him? This would have been a good spot to tell us about it.
Page 93 various places at various angles? Short description is necessary. Write what the watcher of this movie is seeing
Page 98 How did King Know it was them?
Page 99 a waiting cable launcher? Riiiight Soooo King risks getting caught, explosions in a downtown apartment complex so that he doesn’t have to boring?
Page 100 more rocket launchers? A waiting getaway car? Whose car? What kind of car is it? Is it running?
Page 102 Why show us what already happened…twice. Maybe she should have visions of something else. A vital piece of information or a hidden stash of cash for him or something.
Page 103. King and nameless associate see him, he’s limping badly, then it cuts to the streets. King and associate can’t catch up to a wounded, badly limping X? why would Sydney be carrying a bottle of medusa poison?
Page 104 he took X’s body from the scene, a huge muscular guy, brings it to this office building but not before stopping somewhere to grab a shopping cart to stuff his body in? I hope there’s an elevator in this abandoned “disused” office building.
Page 107 Jones was gagged when he entered the room. When did the gag come off for us to understand his “Yes”
Page 108 why didn’t X just play dead? I could see doing it the first time because he would have been examined by a coroner and declared dead but for King, not so.
Don’t need the series of shots. Him holding up the poison in the desperate moment in the doorway conveyed that he was going to take it. That’s called subtext.
Page 108 he climbs out of a shopping cart and they’re standing a few feet away and don’t hear him?
Why did he let go? I think because he saved his life right? read -
A review of Flavor of the Monthby Phantom Writer on 06/06/2008First off...well done. I loved it. The characters. The drama. All great. I would have to say the best I've read so far on TS. Your ability to put story within a story is impressive. I have to jump in because I have questions brother. In fact I want you to e-mail me because I am a bit confused on a few things. I understand that the story started with a screenplay pitch and... First off...well done. I loved it. The characters. The drama. All great. I would have to say the best I've read so far on TS.
Your ability to put story within a story is impressive.
I have to jump in because I have questions brother. In fact I want you to e-mail me because I am a bit confused on a few things.
I understand that the story started with a screenplay pitch and for the most part, that WAS the story but the end freaked me out.
Felix becomes younger? Is Billy Felix and he finally realized that Price and Andrea set him up? Are they his killer, the Felix who washed up on the beach I mean. I can see a studio exec. wanting this but he would bring you in and ask the same questions I am.? The remarks of having to "become" the character, was this a tale of a screenwriter gone mad?
I thought the ending was when Billy was on the couch and Felix and his daughter had the last laugh. It's like a Jacobs ladder but worse because I am still wondering who's who. Who was real and who wasn't
I gave it big numbers on character, story, dialogue and concept but structure I gave average cause' like I said, and I hate to say this but I am still confused. I also must say a little angry because it was so good, I want to walk away with a cler understanding of what happened.
I am dead serious when I say please e-mail me and when I hear from you I'm going to fire some questions your way. If you wanted to save some time and just clarify the ending, it would be most appreciated.
Like I said great script, great format with some errors in tenses, "starts" this and "starts" that. But minor in the big picture.
You obviously have a total grasp on screenplay writing but with this one I'm left a little confused(Damn it!)
Below is a page by page as I was reading.
Advice....be clearer on the ending next time.
You brought me along for the ride...I need to know where I am when you drop me off.
I gave it a reccomend
Flavor
Page 1. Man, The first word in the first sentence isn’t capitalized “Ouch”!
Men should be capped as they are new characters. What is the “man” yelling? Should be in dialogue format.
Page 10. Okay, any concerns I had have been remedied by the great set up and great dialogue(A bit wordy) but telling the story and showing us how it looks in Prices mind is well done and not the least bit confusing. Reading on…
“He wonders how he could forget this”….keep it visual.
Page 12. Is there a padlock or something?
Page13 A show within a show within a show. I’m starting to feel lost.
Page 15 Okay Some thing is bugging me…where is this going and why do we care? A lot of director type camera angles and we see’s and he see’s. You’re experienced but it’s dragging. Took another re-read. Billy bills kills Felix, but then flashes back to Felix locked away typing…right?
Page 16 A little clearer…Felix knows Billy somehow.
Page 43 Really well done-I feel a set up coming. Felix and Billy are always quoting passages from old movies. Are they one and the same maybe? Felix is Billys subconscious or visa-versa? Reading on. No complaints so far. A few minor spelling glitches but who gives a shit.. It’s good so far. “Starts talking to him”? Just get on with the conversation. “Wheels himself down the path and walks with Felix” is a bit contradictory. Just a note(FYI)
Page 45 Very interesting. Felix steals the poor crippled guys screenplay. What a douche! But it just shows his frustration in the biz. He feels guilty. More depth has just been added to Felix with this situation.
Page 47 I’m BLOWN AWAY. What an asshole! The dying guys wish and he still kept the script as his own? He deserves to be locked in a basement. I genuinely hate this fuckin’ guy right now. Reading on… Funny, Felix says what’s happening may be Karma.
Page 49 Throw out the anchor! Angie knows about Felix? How? When? Reading on…
NO! Not a flashback! Before I read one word, if this doesn’t have something HUGE to offer, it just snapped the pace in half. Reading on…
Page 52 AHA. She is in on it and wondering what he did. Could have cut the flashback. Just mentioned where they met. She has a photo of him? I’ll be honest, I love the conspiracy but WAY too many locations and time periods. You do the scene within a scene VERY effectively but too much of a good thing. Reading on…..
Page 57 Here it is again…that creepy involvement of movies…even in sex. I wonder.
Page 59 Here it is again “She starts to put her dress back on” It should be, she scrambles to get dressed-or something-make the actions present tense.
Page 60 Tough and sexy….I think I’m turned on(HA HA)
Page 61 The dick man? I’m loving hating him. Like those commercials you love to hate. Great character depth.
Page 62 I sense character arc. Billy is falling into Print’s footsteps.
Page 70 I have to admit, demons are coming to haunt Billy and I’m loving it, especially bringing Leopold into it.
Page 71 Ooooo. Lesbians. That kinky girl. Now I’m REALLY starting to feel like Felix and Billy are the same person..Felix sense Billy has given up? Too ironic but makes me want to figure it out. Damn you Mr. scriptwriter…where are you taking me?
Page 77 You lost me here. Angie dials the phone with Billy passed out next to her. Suddenly it’s Billy’s apt. and he answers the phone. Is this a transition and it didn’t matter who Angie was calling?
Page 79 Did Felix have the last laugh? A great screenwriter like Felix copied word for word an already written script to get Billy in trouble? Wow. That would be interesting. Reading on…
Page 83 Okay Mr. screenplay writer. I’m fucking impressed here. This is good. I feel Like Wayne and Garth.” I’m not worthy”. It’s jumping off the page and what can I say, good job. Reading on…
Page 84 Man this feels like such a natural conversation. I can’t help but ask…has this happened to you before?.
I read the rest and am a bit lost but satisfied in a weird way. Like when you're starving and you eat chinese food. It tastes so goodbut your hungry an hour later.
I still say good job and would read somethjing else of yours in two seconds.
Kudos! read -
A review of CRYOby Phantom Writer on 03/20/2008Here is the page by page with a final note at the end. Page 9. This is great sci-fi! Believable, likeable characters. ‘Who do I have to fuck to get some clothes. I was laughing outloud. Good stuff so far. Page 10 Wondering who this formidable force “KALI” is. Byrdd is dead, too bad, he was a likeable character. Seemed like he really cared. Page 11. I almost want to say I... Here is the page by page with a final note at the end.
Page 9. This is great sci-fi! Believable, likeable characters. ‘Who do I have to fuck to get some clothes. I was laughing outloud. Good stuff so far.
Page 10 Wondering who this formidable force “KALI” is. Byrdd is dead, too bad, he was a likeable character. Seemed like he really cared.
Page 11. I almost want to say I don’t know if I would be so gung ho like he is, but it’s not stupid. I like the character from that very simple flash back, which was also well done, except I almost missed it because it wasn’t spelled out “FLASHBACK”. Wanna’ see if he escapes. Reading on.
Page 12 Good quick, reference to an old girlfriend. I thought he was gay because of the intimate conversation they shared and Lyle talking to Ruel while he’s in bed.
Page 13. Lyle’s gay. Not Ruel.
Page 14. WOW! Being fat is a crime? New perspective there.
Page 15 Ruel says, I’ll “Port you”. What’s that mean? Guide them. Great side by side dialogue too by the way.
Page18 Why can’t they see Kali? The fattys he saved never made a reference to Kali, so right now, she could be in his mind.
Page 19. You bounced out clean-so…Feydo came out of cryogenic stasis ok? I’m getting lost here. Why did Ruel fall over? Kali knocked him out? Effects of his mind being jammed with knowledge? Poped a glamour? Not sure what that means. Might be revealed in a moment, just writing my thoughts as I read.
Page 25. They reveve Ruel with a bit of an explanation. Twins that sense each others death. Interesting
Page 40. Things are moving along nicely. Good so far.
Page 41 Wow. So this “KALI” entity is a newly emerging life form that’s hiding in Ruel’s head and making itself known now. Interested to see what happens.
Page 46 Seems Ruels character may be changing a bit. A combination of Byyrd’s personality blending in?- or becoming a little more light hearted because of his circumstances? By the way, love the script thrown in and the Oscars in his bag which means, as usual, he didn’t get any credit until he was dead. Nice subtext there.
Page 47. Reference to human emotions. Not cliché, no matter how many star trek episodes I watch because that IS what humans are, squishy bags of emotions and another life form trying to comprehend them would be an almost impossible task and a hard concept to grasp.
Page 55 Cloaking devices. Love that and definitely science fact. At this point I’m wishing there was more detail on the origins of KALI and what it means to the story. She obviously enhances Ruels physiology, like a symbiote. Will she be back soon I wonder? Reading on
Page 56 Shouldn’t there be a new slugline INT Fafner Gans’ ship as you have an important piece of action at a different location. I didn’t lose track of where I was but the scene definitely changes. Just wondering. AGAIN. Maybe THROUGH THE WINDOW OF FAFNER GANS’ HOVER DISC. Then he smiles and fades?
Page 60 Question on formatting. Should there be INSERT MONITOR if the scene focuses on images on the screen? Then back to scene?
Page 66 Ritual enslaves, tradition does not. How true and profound.
Page 67. Did an invisible Ruel knock the mask off? It isn’t clear.
Page 69. Make Ruel do the ceremony of tea making. Nice test.
Page 73 androids are in on the rebellion? No mention of that thus far. Maybe this is what I call a “bridge” of sorts. Friends in hidden places. Reading on.
Page 77 You already described fringe town and need to cap PEOPLE
Page 80 shouldn’t director be in caps? It’s a new character right.(Stupid nit picky stuff. Story is holding water so far.
Page 88 Just realizing that the term “glamour” means the ability to shape shift with the help of the vicryl.
Page 87 If Byrrd new cryos could be woken up by simply stopping the flow of vicryl, what was his motivation for continued use of mental powers to wake them up. Something to do with KALI I wonder. Reading on.
Page 90 I think an action line was mistaken for dialogue here, when deacon hugs Ruel. It’s under Ruels’ dialogue.
Love the court room scene. Heroes die. Ruel lives as Freydo. Perhaps a life with deacon on a new earth. I liked it. Good stuff, although I felt there wasn't that "attachment" element. In other words I wasn't ruiting for the main character enough to cheer for him at the end. I can't offer any advice on how to change that but I did like the story. It was epic and had many interesting characters that were unique. The scene breaks were precise and accurate and the visuals would be stunning. I would give it a consider. read -
A review of Zombielandby Phantom Writer on 10/17/2007First off, let me say you hae experience in screenwriting. It was very clean and was easy to follow. In fact, it seemed a little too easy. As much as I liked the way it was written, there wasn't a fresh enough angle to leave me wanting more or really caring about the plot line which seemed to be"Get away" I liked Jim. he reminded me a lot of my father. Tough, edgy, and the... First off, let me say you hae experience in screenwriting. It was very clean and was easy to follow. In fact, it seemed a little too easy. As much as I liked the way it was written, there wasn't a fresh enough angle to leave me wanting more or really caring about the plot line which seemed to be"Get away"
I liked Jim. he reminded me a lot of my father. Tough, edgy, and the leader no matter what anybody said.I wish I knew a little more about him. He seemed mysterious and a natural leader and in the end, a true hero.
Will was a good character. He accepts Jim as a sort of "father figure" by the end of the story and from what I can tell, might resume the role as the leader when he finds out who the hell it is on the other end of that radio.
Claire was a "convenient" love interest/female opposite Jim.
Barry was ok. I had hoped his daughter had more at stake with resolving the story other than him just looking for his long lost daughter.
Some things I found.
Pg. 60" Like the internet, but nerdier" in reference to the ham radio. I didn't understand why it was nerdier but realized it didn't play a big part in the story so I kept reading.
Pg. 61 He looks under the bed and you write-nothing uselful. maybe have the character say that instead of you as the writer.
pg. 75. Thompson could have shot Jim and been done with it. Jim was escaping. That didn't seem realistic, given the desperation of the situation.
Good- I liked the ease of reading. Not a lot of useless description. The characters were believable. The story made sense and the charaters motivation for their actions were all well founded.
Bad- Not too much. Needs originality. seemed very cliche.
I would give it a consider for the clear story and a well written script.
Good job
read -
A review of PARALLELOGRAMby Phantom Writer on 01/29/2007A quick read with some effective screenwritng although I think during the fat trimming session some vital pieces of info. were left out. When Will returns from the island,there is no mention of a trip or traveling.Huge gap in time there with no idea of where Cilla or Ross were.That would have been nice to see what they were up to while Will was flying home.With Jocelyn,her... A quick read with some effective screenwritng although I think during the fat trimming session some vital pieces of info. were left out.
When Will returns from the island,there is no mention of a trip or traveling.Huge gap in time there with no idea of where Cilla or Ross were.That would have been nice to see what they were up to while Will was flying home.With Jocelyn,her packing and the mention of her going to the island worked because she isn't a major character in the story.
Cilla wasn't believable to me.
She reacted so passivly when it was clear Will was up to something.
Right when you think Will and Cilla are going to go at it,the story switches to the security guard.
Some of the scenes weren't established correctly.I found myself saying where am I?
Phone conversation formatting could be improved upon.
Very believable as far as the boating and scuba diving scenes.They were concise and easy to follow.One of the few times in the story I could picture them in my mind.
Also,at the end,Cilla says the treasure money won't be ready for ten months-Will is getting a field position job because he lost his other job.
The next page,they're getting their money in the bank.What happened during that wait?Maybe a superimposed-10 months later would have made a smoother transition.
Finally,were the dreams sent to him by a long lost relative?That was never explained why he had the dreams or where they came from.Why did the boy and girl show up at the end?Sort of a...Will and Cilla are together..like they were back then or something?
Ok story,some effective screenwriting.Needs work on structure. read
Comments About Phantom Writer 12
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capper on 01/17/2011
Thanks for the review of Thrice. I appreciate your time and I'm glad you enjoyed it. -
Campo on 01/17/2011
Thanks for your comment about why you removed my script. It's decent of you to tell me that. Good luck with your writing.
Campo -
**DELETED ACCOUNT** on 01/16/2011
its in my assignment queue... -
davidmcewing on 01/14/2011
Thanks for your very detailed review of 'Year of the Snake.' This is one of the most extensive reviews I have ever had. It's the first draft, so I expected a lot of flaws and errors to pop up. You did a good job finding them.
I gathered you liked Fong even more than you hated Felix. (She's all yours for a couple bazookas.)
You're right that some of the operational scenes could be eliminated. I was trying to give the audience a little history lesson about a war that cost more French lives than did the later American body count.
Thanks again. You're on your way to Reviewer of the Month.
Dave -
Paul Clarke on 01/12/2011
Thanks for the review. Great insight. Plenty to work on for the next draft.
I'll really have to work on the balance of making the story understandable, but still a little mysterious and twisty. I don't want it to be telegraphed the whole way, but clearly it's a little too tricky at the moment. Glad you like the characters.
Thanks again, really appreciated. -
Cenydd Ros on 01/11/2011
Thanks for the very in depth review. It's a long one! I have a more recent verson of this script posted, but will be leaving the earlier version (that you read) up for a while yet.
All the best,
~ C. Ros -
Nathan on 03/17/2010
Thanks a lot for your thought out review! I've taken your comments seriously and will prepare for a rewrite. I know its walking different ground but the confusion is intended to mirror the confusing place the world really is. We tend to accept it and look for meaning, which most of the characters do (with science, religion or art), or (like Prince) simply make the most of it and pursue money. Norman wants recognition and entertainment, he represents those who simply pass time with contrived challenges and don't really care about bigger things.
Ultimately we won't know entirely and should join ourselves to the voice within that walks through the world with us, and is like us but also leads on us on a path of good. Call it conscience, the Holy Spirit, heart or simply the universe or fate.
But it obviously needs more grounding and brought a little more into a place of sense to get the buy in. The first two people who looked at the script understood it but then they know what I'm like! Most trigger reviews have just gone "eh?".
I think a better intro narration and a bit more explanation would go a long way to bring the audience along with what the story is about.
Thanks again!
Nathan -
Agent Cooper on 03/06/2010
Phantom Writer wrote:Hey Agent Cooper,
I thought you'd be showing up on my doorstep with a loaded twenty two after my review.
Believe me when I tell you, you can write a sp, I just didn't like that one, but hey, who am I?
Looks like a lot of other people enjoyed it so mine is just an opinion.
Thanks for posting your stuff.
PW
Heh, hee. I considered the loaded shotgun...
Seriously though, I can't really complain about an intelligent, well thought out assessment, even if I don't particularly agree with some of the points. It's a big effort to write such a thorough review and I appreciate it.
And it is always nice to hear someone thinks you can write, even if this isn't the one for them.
Thanks again
-
Agent Cooper on 03/05/2010
Thanks for taking the time to review Exit Strategies. I don't agree, but I appreciate you taking the time. -
jwest on 06/23/2008
Sorry Phants - didn't see your thread there in Extended. Have replied to the first one there. :D
Happy writing! :)
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Comments About Phantom Writer 12
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Thanks for the review of Thrice. I appreciate your time and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
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Thanks for your comment about why you removed my script. It's decent of you to tell me that. Good luck with your writing.
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its in my assignment queue...
+ more commentscapper on 01/17/2011
Campo on 01/17/2011
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**DELETED ACCOUNT** on 01/16/2011