Reviews of IMAGINARY FRIENDS 95

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  It's A Small World Afterall
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by bloodmeridian2004 on 03/14/2008
  First off, brilliant work. This was a highly ambitious shot at full-blown animation and I could see this working best as a computer-animated feature like THE INCREDIBLES. A lot of good craftsmanship was on display: setups were paid off; action went beyond stilted visual exposition and implied the emotional state of the characters, a sympathetic lead with a clear goal, clear... First off, brilliant work.
  
  This was a highly ambitious shot at full-blown animation and I could see this working best as a computer-animated feature like THE INCREDIBLES.
  
  A lot of good craftsmanship was on display: setups were paid off; action went beyond stilted visual exposition and implied the emotional state of the characters, a sympathetic lead with a clear goal, clear obstacles, and a clear enemy.
  
  READING NOTES:
  
  p1 omit “a game of” before “baseball”
  
  p2 I like the emotional perception of the character implied here such as “It’s the best game ever.”
  
  Wonderful character introduction for Luke
  
  p8 pop-ball/pop fly
  
  p15 nice progressive use of parenthetical (funny bit)
  
  p40 cool bit about the red hourglass being like the mark on a black widow spider
  
  p41 I think imaginary world needs to be capped because it sounds like a specific place that is at war with Nightmare Forest (like Man U vs Liverpool.)
  
  p75 Nice payoff with the furnace
  
  p97 Okay, I was going to address this later, because it’s a bit of a concern, but if Tiny Tarantulus is inside this robot, is this overall plot a bit too much like THE WIZARD OF OZ?
  
  p98 Should Merlin freak out more? “Everyone out!”
  
  OVERALL: Not a lot of notes, really, because this was smooth and the only real concern I have is that it felt too much like THE WIZARD OF OZ.
  
  And that could be a problem, but I’m not sure.
  
  Off the top of my head: Luke is in another world; he teams up with three oddballs on a path to the bad guy’s castle, and when the bad guy is defeated, it’s revealed that he’s this tiny little being behind a big façade.
  
  I wonder at what point a story becomes so similar that the writer has to acknowledge it.
  
  And I also wonder if the story is such a template that one could argue that almost every story is David vs Goliath on some level.
  
  I really don’t know.
  
  However, it probably doesn’t matter that much, because if I really looked at it, THE WIZARD OF OZ has probably been the template for most animated features and I just didn’t read any of their scripts before they were produced.
  
  I hope that my concern is unfounded because this was very entertaining and I wish you the best of luck with it.
  
  Paul read
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  A little scary but a lot of fun
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by jinglebat on 03/10/2008
  It took me awhile to get into the story at the beginning, but one the imaginary friends showed up I got into it and I even laughed out loud a couple of times. I think I was feeling Luke a little “too pathetic” for me to like but one he started interacting with the other characters I really liked him. I am really curious to what the characters will look like, the whole story... It took me awhile to get into the story at the beginning, but one the imaginary friends showed up I got into it and I even laughed out loud a couple of times. I think I was feeling Luke a little “too pathetic” for me to like but one he started interacting with the other characters I really liked him. I am really curious to what the characters will look like, the whole story has great potential to be visually stunning. I loved the House traps and Peekaboos are one of the best scary monsters I have ever heard of. I wonder if some parts might be too scary for younger kinds, but those were my favorite parts. The Friends seemed a bit interchangeable at times, and there was a few instances I confused Fizzit and Blast. I at first I thought they could be combined into one but later in the script I realized it works much better that there are three so that Luke gets three different times that he gets someone to get over their fears, so I would just say just a little more definition on each of the friends. The Famous Friends are also never described, and I kept waiting for that. I really enjoyed the implied twist at the end too. read
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  Loved it.
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by kigen01 on 03/09/2008
  Great read! I enjoyed every page of this script. I thought that the concept was strong and very well executed. I thought the characters were great, although at first I was a bit put off by the descriptions of the imaginary friends. However, I totally got over that. I thought the characters developed nicely and in unexpected ways. Perhaps a tiny bit more lead-in could have... Great read!
  I enjoyed every page of this script. I thought that the concept was strong and very well executed. I thought the characters were great, although at first I was a bit put off by the descriptions of the imaginary friends. However, I totally got over that.
  
  I thought the characters developed nicely and in unexpected ways. Perhaps a tiny bit more lead-in could have been presented for the personal weaknesses/issues that the I.F.s had to overcome. Loved the way you introduced and concluded Luke’s fear, aka the furnace (I still live in holy terror of mine).
  
  The way that Luke meets the I.F.s and the way they find their way back to the Imagine-Nation was wonderful. Your dialogue is seamless and clever…you totally had me.
  
  I loved the allegorical aspects of the story…different lessons for different viewers.
  
  I should probably try to make a few minor criticisms, which you can/should take or leave.
  
  1) At the end…the very predictable return of Luke to help his friends in the Spider castle…could it seem more like Luke really isn’t going to come back? Some twist in there to make us really believe that Luke really left.
  
  2) The only other concern I had was making the Imaginary world. I had trouble visualizing a world where every imagined thought becomes a reality; whew…I pity the animators if this ever gets made.
  
  I think this is a super story…worth making.
  Great Job! read
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  WHY KIDS DON'T LIKE SPIDERS
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by AugustBB on 03/08/2008
  IMAGINARY FRIENDS I take nieces and nephews to movies a lot so I’m really into good kids’ movies. This beginning is interesting with the strange vinelike arm putting something into the mailbox. Page 6. Luke says he doesn’t want to go outside. I thought he was sick or something and that’s why he couldn’t play. But later on, he seems okay and his father wants him to play, so... IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  I take nieces and nephews to movies a lot so I’m really into good kids’ movies.
  This beginning is interesting with the strange vinelike arm putting something into the mailbox.
  Page 6. Luke says he doesn’t want to go outside. I thought he was sick or something and that’s why he couldn’t play. But later on, he seems okay and his father wants him to play, so why is he just pretending instead of really playing? He’s too shy? Or doesn’t think he’s good enough? Maybe just explain this better.
  Page 7. The scary furnace. A lot of kids will relate to that. Good scene.
  Page 10. Clare is directing a fashion show for pretend people. The names Doctor Gross, Frizzit and Blast seem more like names a boy would use, but okay.
  Page 16. Luke meets the Blast and Gross and Fizzit. Good scene. When he runs into the closet it’s funny.
  Page 26. Luke tries to lose the imaginary friends but they keep hanging around. And now they’re off to another world. The phone bit, “Can you hear me now?” is funny.
  Page 30. The Friends are deciding what to do. I’m wishing that there was more reason for them to be in the Imagination City than just being recalled. That doesn’t really give them a purpose for being here or a problem they need to solve.
  Page 43. The attack of the spider plants. Clever.
  Page 46. The Friends and Luke are blasted into the Nightmare Forest. I’m disappointed that Clare isn’t part of the story. Don’t more girls come to see this type of movie than guys? Shouldn’t you include a girl character so girls have a character to which they can relate?
  Page 56. The tree house collapsing problem. Good. Kids love tree houses.
  Page 72. Luke has to learn the Spider Dance. This would be better if you showed in the beginning of the story when Luke is back in the real world that he can’t dance.
  Page 80. Luke defeats the furnace. Good scene.
  Page 97. I don’t understand why breaking the hourglass killed the robot, but okay.
  Page 105. You lost me at the end. Tarantulus is now in the real world? And Clare is going to have to defeat him this time?
  CHARACTERS: You have good characters in Fizzit, Blast, Dr. Gross and Luke but as I said above, I think you need a girl as a main character. Clare isn’t in the story enough to count. I was disappointed in the end that Luke didn’t accept Tarantulus as a friend – which would have solved everything because the reason Tarantulus was causing so much trouble was because no one wanted him to be their imaginary friend, right? And that would also add a nice note that kids should be open about accepting all kinds of people as friends.
  SETTING: This is animation so all settings are possible.
  DIALOGUE: I got tired of Dr. Gross saying, “Enlightening”. Otherwise, dialogue was good.
  Overall, this is a good script. The spider is VERY SCARY, another reason you might think of turning him into a good guy at the end by becoming Luke’s imaginary friend. read
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  Entertaining Tale
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by T Ridley on 03/07/2008
  The story is entertaining and fun. The action flows well and events are clearly explained. The characters are interesting and invite sympathy. The imaginary friends are particularly likeable and caring. The dialogue is impressive. The themes in the tale are commendable, for example, the power of the imagination and the value of friendship. The themes are cleverly illustrated... The story is entertaining and fun. The action flows well and events are clearly explained. The characters are interesting and invite sympathy. The imaginary friends are particularly likeable and caring. The dialogue is impressive. The themes in the tale are commendable, for example, the power of the imagination and the value of friendship. The themes are cleverly illustrated in the script. It is interesting to observe Luke improve as he changes from being unfriendly and unhappy to being friendly and happy. The story is a feel good one and has a heart. The script is visually impressive and the film should be stimulating to watch. Children and adults should both enjoy this story. read
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  PIXAR TAKE NOTE
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by goaliedad on 03/07/2008
  IMAGINARY FRIENDS paints a world of lush, detailed visual images, that evoke in one's mind the best of PIXAR or DISNEY. The story evolves around shy, diminutive Luke, our little hero, who enters the world of all children's imaginations. He's escorted there by three likeable "friends", Blast, Dr. Gross and Fizzit. Once they enter the magical world of imagination, things take... IMAGINARY FRIENDS paints a world of lush, detailed visual images, that evoke in one's mind the best of PIXAR or DISNEY. The story evolves around shy, diminutive Luke, our little hero, who enters the world of all children's imaginations. He's escorted there by three likeable "friends", Blast, Dr. Gross and Fizzit. Once they enter the magical world of imagination, things take off on a nonstop rollercoaster ride of battles and fun obstacles. The tale culminates in an epique battle where Luke discovers the inner strength and confidence that he lacked prior to his journey through this imaginary land. All in all, well done and a nice arc for Luke to experience.
  
  My only issue with this well written and formatted piece is its similarity to another classic animated film, Monsters Inc. As I'm sure you're aware, your use of the imagination "energy" concept is almost identical to the scream "energy" in Monsters Inc. I'm afraid this might be an issue you need to address for this to go much further. If I found it to be a distraction, those in the industry will surely notice it.
  
  Thanks for the read and well done! read
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  Saturated in Imagnation.Good understanding of animated convention, physical movement, cuts and sets, joke timing. Range of maturity level in jokes, prop jokes.
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by CLTownsend on 03/05/2008
  Upon reading Imaginary Friends it becomes immediately apparent that the writer has a clear understanding of the genre and has a very precise target audience in mind. There is an outstanding and well researched application of the animation convention, physical movements, set's and cuts are spot on. The physical comedy and timing of jokes is very apt, and would all be at home... Upon reading Imaginary Friends it becomes immediately apparent that the writer has a clear understanding of the genre and has a very precise target audience in mind.
  
  There is an outstanding and well researched application of the animation convention, physical movements, set's and cuts are spot on. The physical comedy and timing of jokes is very apt, and would all be at home in any recent childrens movie of the last five years. Also, the themes and jokes range over different levels of maturity, which is essential to attract a family audience. I particularly enjoyed the use of props, such as Dr. Gross' watch and inventions, the Boomerings and sand timer motif.
  
  There were solid rules regarding mechanics of Imaginary Friends and their interactions with humans, which allows for a consistent and non-threatening narrative which a child could easily enjoy.
  
  The characters are good with internal conflict between Luke and the Friends developing naturally a solid friendship based on trust. Dr Gross was by far my favourite, with his cry of Enlightening!, quoting the Imagination articles and his penchant for latin. Also, the various poses the friends strike to sell themselves is an endearing touch. I loved the shoelace gag, and the closet gag too.
  Elsie Dee is a nice creation, and bring a very modern twist to the idea of Imaginary Friends. The Peek-A-Boos were brilliant also. Naming Mount NeverReest was a stroke of Genius.
  
  Imaginary city is a genius idea of essentially being by product of childrens imaginations using historical references and chilrens construction materials. Excellently exucuted and vividly painted.
  
  The film at times was very reminiscent of Monsters Inc, one of my favourite films ever, so not a bad thing. The similarity between the city being powered by imagination rather than screams, is noticable, but given a unique enough twist. Also similar is the initial idea of creatures hiding a child, and having an arachnid enemy. But for a child, bug and creepy crawlies are instantly accepted as being nasty.
  
  My only real problem, is that Merlin seemed slightly out of place amongst all these imaginary critters, as a human, and as an actual mythical figure, he seemed far to grand and mature to be leader of the Imaginary City, and was presented far weaker than one expects Merlin to be.
  
  Overall I found it funny, scary, heartwarming and at times a little sad. All the crucial ingredients needed in a film that defines it's aim so clearly. With good morals to boot, without being too shmultzy.
  
  An excellent piece of work. read
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  IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by taiuk on 03/01/2008
  When Luke is taken to Imaginary City by Blast, Fizzit and Dr Gross they learn that Tarantulus is stealing children’s imagination so he can destroy the city and its inhabitants and take over the real world too. At the end, Luke and his friends defeats Tarantulus with their new found courage and self confidence. Just something I noticed first off is when Luke is delivered a... When Luke is taken to Imaginary City by Blast, Fizzit and Dr Gross they learn that Tarantulus is stealing children’s imagination so he can destroy the city and its inhabitants and take over the real world too. At the end, Luke and his friends defeats Tarantulus with their new found courage and self confidence.
  
  Just something I noticed first off is when Luke is delivered a copy of the DVD why does it seems to take another full day before Clare gets her copy, especially since she lives right next door to him. Why doesn’t Luke watch the DVD when he gets it… he seems too young to get junk mail or not too busy to simply ignore it.
  
  I didn’t find act 1/set up all that exciting. I didn’t believe whole how Clare’s imaginary friends suddenly become Luke friends; it feels force, even with the explanation given. I mean if he’s not her friend and seems afraid to go into her garden then what’s he doing in her house? While I don’t expect it all to make perfect sense I’d still want it to feel natural to some extent. Could use a re-think, maybe.
  
  The script just a bit too long for my taste, expected to be under 100, nearer 90, pages but the jokes seems fine and the ending is to be expected. Good job. read
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  Release your inner child
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by rising flame on 12/11/2007
  An enlightening script with lots of good ideas in it. I could see children really enjoying watching this film. It doesn't belittle the idea of imaginary friends, but instead makes the audience see them as a necessary part of a child growing up. The end scene was mystifying, leaving the audience unsure as to whether the events happen to every child. The script was good... An enlightening script with lots of good ideas in it. I could see children really enjoying watching this film. It doesn't belittle the idea of imaginary friends, but instead makes the audience see them as a necessary part of a child growing up.
  
  The end scene was mystifying, leaving the audience unsure as to whether the events happen to every child.
  The script was good. Well paced and easy to read, and therefore would transfer well onto the big screen.
  I read this initially as a live action rather than an animated script and i think it would actually work well as both.
  read
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  “IMAGINARY FRIENDS” pretty darn imaginative
  A review of IMAGINARY FRIENDS
  by phillil on 11/19/2007
  “Imaginary Friends” is the fresh, original and often hilarious tale of Luke, a shy, diminutive boy with no self-confidence or friends, and the heroes mentioned in the title who lead him on a series of adventures that change his life forever. Dr. Gross, Blast and Fizzit usually “belong” to his neighbor Clare, but when a devilish DVD is delivered that saps her of her imagination,... “Imaginary Friends” is the fresh, original and often hilarious tale of Luke, a shy, diminutive boy with no self-confidence or friends, and the heroes mentioned in the title who lead him on a series of adventures that change his life forever. Dr. Gross, Blast and Fizzit usually “belong” to his neighbor Clare, but when a devilish DVD is delivered that saps her of her imagination, Luke becomes their temporary ward. When he is transported against his will to the Imaginary World, he must face his own demons as well as those supplied by Tarantulus, a “huge” spider intent on destroying the World before Luke can return home. Learning lessons in bravery, imagination and even dance, Luke helps to banish the evil Tarantulus, actually a tiny spider in a huge robotic spider-case. The characters, though familiar childhood “toys,” are delightful and their dialogue is original and believable. The challenges of the Spider-Flowers and the Peek-A-Boo monsters were particularly enjoyable. Though there are some reminiscent strains of “Men In Black” (a tiny character enclosed in a larger body), “Drop Dead Fred” (the whole imaginary friends angle), “Home Alone” (the furnace Luke fears) and even “Elf” (the Claus-O-Meter/Imagi-Meter similarity), not to mention the obvious nods to “Monsters, Inc.,” this script manages to infuse these elements with new energy, so you don’t mind. The only suggestions I would make to raise this screenplay to a higher level would be to give just a little more backstory on Luke before he is transported to the Imaginary World, explaining why he is so introverted and shy. Also, the ease with which the villains go between the Imaginary World and the Real World could have been explained a little more. And a few of the uses of Dr. Gross’ catchphrase “Enlightening” could be cut without being missed. Also, if Tarantulus is really a giant robot, how could he eat burnt popcorn? All in all however, this script was a delightful read and would make an excellent animated feature. read