Babylon A.D.

Might as well be in a foreign language because the trailer is downright incomprehensible. I have no clue what this film is about -- Well I do, but that was after extensive googling. Was the movie trailer guy with the deep voice unavailable to say, “In a world where...”? Some serious exposition was needed.

Vin Diesel, part robot, has to protect some girl who can stop bullets with her mind, Michelle Yeoh does some kung-fu and Charlotte Rampling says something profound.... right? I can’t even get a handle on the cast. Seems thrown together. And who in their right mind is making “Blade Runner” comparisons?

Not too long ago, the director went public about his nasty squabble with Fox. Looks like a project that everyone just wants to go away. Really getting very little promotion and the late August release date is clearly a dump. A 60 million dollar dump.

I kinda wish it would do well enough to generate interest in another Riddick flick -- yes, deeply flawed, but pretty to watch. What happens to the new ruler of the Necromongers? Guess we’ll never know...

The Dark Knight

Just finished reading the screenplay off simplyscripts. Almost wish I hadn’t seen the movie first -- it’s always fun to see if the image in your head matches up with the finished product. The script definitely delivers. I’ve said it before, I like approaching a story with the idea that every character believes they’re the hero. The script/film is full of these “spotlight moments”: Alfred’s speech about the bandit, Rachel standing up to the Joker, Lucious dealing with the blackmailer, etc. Good stuff. Check it out if you haven't already.

This is easily the best comic book film ever. “The Dark Knight” has raised the bar so high, I’m not sure where the next crop of comic book films can go. Good luck with that darker "Wonder Woman" and “Superman” reboot. And if Chris Nolan wants Cher as Catwoman or even Gary Coleman as the Penguin, get out the way and let the man do whatever he wants!

Southland Tales

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Nothing else to say about this one...

Fruit Loops

Almost forgot to mention how much I hated Tuesday’s “Eureka”. Someone needs to place an embargo on time loop stories. The concept was cool in the 90’s with “Groundhog’s Day” -- we even got the big screen treatment again with “Deja Vu”, but it’s been beaten to death by every sci-fi/fantasy show ever since. Enough already!

And what a terrible way to resolve the Allison, Carter and Stark love triangle. Seemed really lazy to me. I’ll be shocked if that character doesn’t pop up again at some inopportune time.

Boogeyman 2

Caught this on Sci-Fi over the weekend. Surprised it wasn’t edited more for basic cable ‘cause they sure got away with a few gruesome scenes -- the cardioectomy instantly comes to mind. This sequel doesn’t have much in common with its predecessor. No supernatural monster, just a slasher flick set in a mental hospital. There is a slight attempt to connect the two films, but it doesn’t mean very much. Avoid the glaring red herring and you should be able to figure out the killer pretty quickly.

I really haven’t devoted as much time as I should to work on minimal location scripts. A good angle for a story always seems to elude me...

Characters Welcome

The USA Network has really taken that slogan to heart. And they’re not just talking quirky either. The season finale of “In Plain Sight” was pretty entertaining and a little uncomfortable to watch at times. Mary’s family truly puts the “D” in dysfunction.

It never hurts to give your protagonist some issues, but wow... the free-loading kid sister with a suitcase full of meth and eyes for Mary's two-timing boyfriend, her slutty/lush mom and I can’t forget Mary’s estranged, bank-robbing Dad who’s been writing to her for twenty years -- unbeknownst to Mom and Baby Sis...

Story Starters

38 dead after being bitten by vampire bats

Buried loot a mystery for authorities

The gene for horror movie appreciation

Passenger stabbed and beheaded on Canadian bus

- Bus beheading similar to Windigo phenomenon

Veteran Bigfoot Bounty Hunter Claims Big Find

Werewolf boy appeals to doctors for cure

Woman's dead body found in blood-spattered apartment; no sign of foul play

Silent Running

Been quiet most of the week because I was trying to finish up a screenplay for the Screamfest Screenplay Competition. Didn’t quite make the deadline. I haven’t said much about my scripts in a while, but I’ve been still plugging away. The Slamdance Horror contest is still out there, so I've got another shot at something.

Dragon Wars

This was huge in South Korea, but didn’t go over that well with American audiences. Can’t say how much was culture clash or really bad storytelling. Hate to bring in marketing lingo but it applies here: Know Thy Audience. “D-War” seemed like a better fit for kids. A teen/tween hero on a quest -- ala “Transformers” -- probably would have gone over better than two starcrossed, twenty somethings mired in melodrama.

The special effects are pretty good, not mind blowing -- even though three years were spent working on them. The big finale between the two cgi creatures is as boring as you’d expect. Hated it in “Van Helsing” and “Transformers”. No stakes. No tension.

Can’t remember the last time a dragon movie was a hit. “Eragon” was hyped to death and did only so-so business. Still, it must have made some money because there’s a sequel in the works.

Werewolf Women of the SS

It’s no big secret that “Grindhouse” could have made a decent profit if Tarantino and Rodriguez hadn’t gone overboard with the budget. I mean, why spend 60+ million to make intentionally crappy-looking films that appeal to a niche audience? Maybe Rob Zombie will learn from their mistakes. The comic is great way to build an audience, but an anime would have been way cooler.

Dead Monster Washes Ashore

Dead Monster Washes Ashore In Montauk

If you can't turn this into a script, then just give up already!

UPDATE: I post #storystarters on twitter these days.

Skin and Bones

Finally aired. I’m gonna have to re-read the script to catch any changes. The director did a good job of capturing the creepy atmosphere in the teleplay. The implied gore was handled well. Doug Jones was great. My only quibble would be... the lack of a strong ending.