A Few Good Men
Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
Solid. All the way around solid. Sorkin clearly knows what he's doing. Even this early. The thing that I'll probably revisit this script for is the gap between text and subtext in the dialogue. Nobody ever says exactly what they mean, but as the reader, I always knew exactly what they meant. Screenplay available online.
4/5
Superman Reborn
Screenplay by Mark Jones and Cary Bates
Another fascinating Superman script. Brainiac as the villain, Metropolis as a miniature city, and Superman mortal (for a time). Interesting take on the character, but the script itself wasn't anything special. Still, pretty original considering the constant retreading we've seen in years since. Screenplay available online.
3/5
Les Miserables
Musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg
For how long it's been running, this show should be pretty tightened up by now. And it truly is. The incredibly pro production that is on Broadway right now truly showcases just how tight this story is. Every moment is motivated by character choices and as the story continually unfolds, everything is inevitable. The dominoes just fall so perfectly that it looks effortless. Broadway production closes early September.
4/5
Pawn Sacrifice
Screenplay by Steven Knight
Very "Beautiful Mind"ish in it's approach, but the protagonist, Bobby Fischer, wasn't someone to root for. In a story like this, one in which the main subject is alienating and aloof, there is often a protagonist separate from the subject. This script didn't have one, and in my opinion suffered from it. Screenplay available online.
3/5
King Kong (2005)
Film by Peter Jackson, Screenplay by Fran Walsh & Phillipa Boyens, based on King Kong (1933)
After seeing the original last week, I wanted to revisit this version. The story is extremely faithful, and there isn't much more to learn from this version that you can't get from the '33 version, at least in terms of writing story. Dialogue is much sharper, but nothing special. Andy Serkis does imbibe Kong with the same pathos of the original, and while the character choice is not original, the execution through CG stands head and shoulders above most CG characters out today, more than ten years later. Check it out on Amazon.
3/5
Bridge Of Spies
Screenplay by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen
Fantastic screenplay. This is a great example of getting the setup right so that the back half of the screenplay can't help but be interesting. Act one works so well on it's own, and everything just dovetails from there. The feel-good story helps as well, so I'm sure that's factoring in to my enjoyment. Screenplay available online.
4/5
Bonus
Hamilton
Musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda
As a rule, I don't listen to musical soundtracks unless I've already seen the show. Now, the deal I made with my girlfriend was that if, after trying the lottery to get in almost every day we were in NYC, we were unable to see the show, I would listen to it. So I did. Uninterrupted, in one continuous sitting. And I was not disappointed. Lyrically, thematically, and narratively this show is in complete unison. Every element supports the themes of the show, which are beautifully interwoven with each other, just as the various musical motifs are interwoven themselves. Some nifty lyrics, hip-hop references and deep cut historical facts all blend together into something truly spectacular. On Broadway currently, but good luck getting tickets.
4/5
