Finding Neverland
Broadway Musical, Book by James Graham
If I gleaned nothing else from this show, it is that broad strokes will only get you part of the way there. With the production value, it was a shame this wasn't better. Wonky motivations, lack of character growth, irrelevant songs, and overly stagey choreography make what should have been an inspiring musical simply a performance of spectacle rather than substance. The show runs through August 21, but I'm sure it'll be on tour soon. Info and tickets can be found on the show's official website.
2/5
Batman vs Superman: Asylum
Unproduced Screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker
Of all the unproduced Superman scripts I've been reading, this one has been my favorite so far. The script completely ignored some of the traditional elements of a Batman or Superman story. Nothing about Krypton, Alfred has passed away, and Lois Lane is mentioned but never present. While these choices were refreshing, the main thing that this script got right was having believable motivations for Batman and Superman to fight each other, rather than have it be over a simple misunderstanding. Also, the script delved more effectively into the psychology of Clark Kent than I have seen any Superman screen story (produced or not) do thus far. A very fun read, even without (especially without?) all of the usual trappings. Read Asylum here.
4/5
The Killing Joke
Graphic Novel by Alan Moore
I didn't want to do another superhero read this week, but I found myself on the train with no service and this was all I had downloaded and available at the time. I have extremely little experience with the Batman comics themselves, and I found this to be a nice little self-contained story. The stakes are actually much smaller than I thought they would be, and I thought that was a nice touch. This story perfectly captured the relationships between all involved, in very few pages. You can pick it up on Amazon in various formats.
3/5
Three Days of the Condor
Screenplay by Lorenzo Semple Jr. and David Rayfiel
Such a great premise here. Tight writing and great, motivated pacing of the story and plot. While I didn't quite buy some character motivations on the page, I think that they're there, and would need some great actors to pull them off. I know that the film has them, so I'll definitely be checking out the film next week, probably through iTunes, but it's also currently available on Google Play and YouTube, as well.
4/5
Stagecoach
Film by John Ford, Story by Ernest Haycox, Screenplay by Dudley Nichols
Classic film, and I can see why. Stereotypes are all under attack here, and the nuanced characters stand out as multi-dimensional by today's standards, so I can only imagine how this gripped the world when it was first released. While John Wayne tries to steal the show, and Ford makes sure it's easy for him, the true standout is the stuntman during the chase sequence.
4/5
The Crying Game
Screenplay by Neil Jordan
A great read, and not at all what I was expecting. If you want an example of a script with major reversals at act breaks and midpoints, look no further. For a more in depth analysis, check out my lengthier review at Back To The Picture.
4/5
Rear Window
Film by Alfred Hitchcock, Screenplay by John Michael Hayes
A great screening put on by Metrograph. Even though limited to a single room, Hitchcock is able to tell a story completely visually. Just the arc of the minor character Ms. Lonelyhearts is worth watching, as it is done completely without dialogue. Also, the way in which every little decision supports the theme of relationships is spot on, without being heavy handed. Nearly a perfect film.
4/5
King Kong
Film by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, Screenplay by James Creelman and Ruth Rose
The classic. I was lucky enough to see this as a film print on screen, again courtesy of Metrograph. While the story is nothing spectacular, what sets this film apart is not only special effects, but the pathos in which Willis O'Brien imbues Kong with in all of the stop-motion sequences. Fantastic! Available to rent on Amazon.
4/5
The Story of Kullervo
Short Story by J.R.R. Tolkien
As a huge Tolkien fan, I'm actually very late in reading this recently published reinvention of a classic Finnish story. Though just released, this is actually one of Tolkien's earliest works, and precedes many of his later stories. A tough read, and a loose narrative, but as a Tolkien fan, I loved it! Find it on Amazon.
3/5
The Secret Life Of Pets
Film by Yarrow Cheney and Chris Renaud, Screenplay by Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio and Brian Lynch
Deliver on the promise of the premise, and this film does. Tons of laughs here, and while there are a few setups that don't fully pay-off, and a few sequences that stand out as a little weird (looking at you sausage factory) it was a fun film none-the-less. This movie is still in theaters, so go see it now, preferably with an audience of kids.
3/5
The Invitation
Film by Karyn Kusama, Screenplay by Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi
A lot of buzz has been happening about this film, particularly the direction, and for good reason. The direction elevates the material, which isn't to belittle the script at all. The way it maintains its "Is this for real or in my head?" premise for so long is impressive enough, and the way it's directed keeps you guessing the whole time. Just released on Netflix, so watch it there.
4/5
Bonus
Screenplay
Non-fiction Book by Syd Field
As a voracious reader of writing books, I was excited to finally get into what everyone holds up as THE book on screenwriting. So I was incredibly disappointed when I found myself completely unimpressed by Field's ideas, and even more so by his inability to clearly explain them. Perhaps it used to be the best because there were no other books on screenwriting, but there are plenty better ones out there now, so feel free to skip this one. However, it is still revered, so if you want to, you can get it in various forms on Amazon.
1/5