Saturday, August 23, 2014

Movie Script Preview 2: Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story

Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story, Preview 2 Continued. Movie Script by Crystal Day (c) 2014

INT. FAMILY HOME - DAY

          Compasion is talking with Juanita.

                              COMPASION
                    Yes Juanita. Alonso came home
                    yesterday and Aldo, I guess got
                    into a fight with some kid.

                              JUANITA
                    What did Alonso do?

          NOTE: Compasion only, pronounces crazy as "crasy".

                              COMPASION
                    He yelled at Aldo then went out and
                    threatened the kid. He is so old
                    and crasy (pronounced crasy). I
                    don't know why I stay with him.

                              JUANITA
                    I am sure Alonso just wants to
                    protect his son.

                              COMPASION
                    Why did he take it out on us? I
                    mean, I would leave him if I could.
                    He is 20 years older than me you
                    know...

                              JUANITA
                    Really? I didn't know that. He
                    looks younger.

                              COMPASION
                    No. He is definitely old. Old and
                    crasy. Why am I so lucky?

          She smiles at Juanita.

                              JUANITA
                    Well, I have to go. You take care
                    of yourself and don't let Alonso's
                    temper get the best of you.

                              COMPASION
                    All I can do is pray. Santa Maria,
                    help me with my children and let me
                    get along with my husband.

                              JUANITA
                    Well, goodbye. I'll see you later.

                              COMPASION
                    Will you help me keep an eye on
                    Aldo when he's playing outside?

                              JUANITA
                    Sure, anytime. No problem.

          EXT. FAMILY HOUSE - DAY

          Compasion, walks outside to water the plants.

          JORGE is very handsome (Mexican Indian). He is younger than
          Alonso, about the same age as Compasion. He is dressed
          casually but clean. He has known Compasion since childhood
          and loves her. He is standing there as if waiting for her to
          come out.

                              JORGE
                    Hola mammasita! You are looking so
                    good this morning.

          Compasion briefly looks up and keeps watering as if she
          didn't hear him.

                              JORGE
                    I just want to buy you a cup of
                    tea. Please come with me to town.

                              COMPASION
                    You better get away from here. My
                    husband will be home soon.

                              JORGE
                    No he won't. He is busy working. He
                    doesn't get home until late.

                              COMPASION
                    What's the difference. If he knew
                    you were talking to me, he would go
                    crasy.

                              JORGE
                    So what. I am not afraid of him.

                              COMPASION
                    We will see. I don't want to make
                    him mad.

                              JORGE
                    You afraid of him?

                              COMPASION
                    Well, yes. It's not that. . .

                              JORGE
                    Oh. You think he's going to hurt
                    me?

                              COMPASION
                    I just don't want any trouble.

                              JORGE
                    Ok then. I'm going. Just know that
                    you can always talk to me if you
                    need to. I really care about you. I
                    always have.

                              COMPASION
                    Ok then. Go, go.

          She motions to him as if shooing away a pesky fly.


        

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Movie Script: Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story Preview 1


          Aldo's Journey To Hell, A Love Story-v14 (c) 2014

          Crystal Day, Contact: cday91909@gmail.com

          Genre: Drama
          Self Imposed Rating: Restricted for Adults only
       

                                                          FADE IN

          EXT. FAMILY HOME - (SAN LUIS POTOSI MEXICO) - DAY

          Upper middle class home. A very clean neighborhood. At a
          vacant lot, there are bushes full of flowers and natural
          fruit trees. At the end of the street is a path leading to
          the beach, cool and wide. In the other direction, there is a
          forest just below the mountains.

          ALDO, 10, has dark brown skin like his father. His
          nationality is Black/Mexican/Indian. He has a slightly wide
          nose and very dark (loose) curly hair which he wears fairly
          short. He is draped in clean but simple clothes. He has been
          working awhile but occasionally gets to play in the street
          with the other neighborhood children. He dreams of a better
          life and a perfect family, like his father has.

          ALONSO is Aldo's father, 40. He has very dark skin (mixed
          Black and Indian). He usually wears a white business shirt,
          short sleeved, with clean brown or black plain pants. No
          tie. His hair is a bit on the frizzy tight curly side, with
          some gray in it, worn very short. He is the (elder) man of
          the house. A bit macho and likes his woman barefoot and
          pregnant so to speak. He worships his wife Compasion, 20.

          NOTE: (LANGUAGE) At this point while they are in Mexico they
          should be speaking mostly Spanish with English Subtitles.
          (Handle as you wish).

          [Actually, by the time they get to USA they all can speak
          some English. Aldo's English was okay. He had an accent with
          only a few words. Compasion's English was broken as she
          refused to speak it unless she had to. Alonso rarely spoke,
          possibly autistic. Riguro's English was good. Amante's
          English was good. Mexico borders California so most Mexicans
          learn English as children (also because of the tourist
          trade)].

          It was my idea to have them speak English with spattered
          Spanish words since the audience will possibly be
          predominantly English speaking. That's why stilted English
          since they think in Spanish but have to talk in English.

          NOTE: (RATINGS) This will probably be 'R Rated' so the sex
          scenes can be expanded as allowable.

          NOTE: (AGES) Okay to be flexible with ages of actors and
          characters as long as story flows.

          NOTE: (LOCATIONS) Okay to be flexible with locations while
          trying to stay within, what things would have looked like
          during the scenes time period.

          SUPER: MEXICO 1940

          ALDO kneels down and pets a Gila Monster.

          A few children are playing stick ball in the street.

          ALONSO sticks his head out of the door.

                              ALONSO
                    Time to come in.

          INT. FAMILY HOME - DAY - CONTINUOUS

          COMPASION, 20, is very pale (complexion) in comparison to
          Alonso and Aldo. She is Spanish from Spain with some mixed
          Indian. But she looks Caucasian (blue eyes, light color
          hair). She has a natural beauty not needing much makeup. She
          is (a flat character), always nice, polite, a bit religious,
          and worries about the inevitable revolution.

          Compasion is in the kitchen putting breakfast on the table.

          RIGURO is 14. She has dark skin, a bit on the exotic side,
          with high cheekbones. She wears makeup but it's not heavy
          and tasteful jewelry. She is petite, beautiful and has a
          short person complex. She is jealous of everyone. She walks
          out of her bedroom to see what's happening.

          Thick (Butcher's cut) bacon is sizzling in the pan. A
          serving bowl of scrambled eggs, tortillas and salsa are on
          the table, along with a large plate of cooked thick sliced
          bacon.

                              ALONSO
                    You need to eat up. We have a long
                    workday ahead of us. Lots of
                    sweeping to do.

                              ALDO
                    Again? Okay. Why can't I play
                    outside?

                              ALONSO
                    You know the family depends on us.
                    We are the men of the house.

                              ALDO
                    Then can I play with my friends?
                    Can I have some dulce de cacahuate?

                              ALONSO
                    We'll see. If you work hard, we'll
                    see.

          Riguro reaches past Aldo to take some bacon from the plate.

                              ALDO
                    Riguro, why are you taking three
                    pieces of bacon?

                              ALONSO
                    Riguro, give Aldo your extra piece
                    of bacon. You don't need to put on
                    any more weight.

                              RIGURO
                         (Angry)
                    Dad...I'm not fat. Why do you say
                    that?

          Riguro reluctantly takes a piece of bacon off her plate and
          puts it on Aldo's.

          Alonso and Aldo look at each other and laugh.

          INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY

          Aldo puts away some cans on a shelf. In walks JUAN.

          Juan is dressed clean in fancy cowboy clothes. Juan is a
          dark skinned Mexican with his hair slicked back. He looks
          around critically, like he owns the place.

                              JUAN
                    Hi.

                              ALONSO
                    Oh Juan, I want you to meet my son
                    Aldo.

          Aldo walks up to Alonso and Juan.

                              JUAN
                    Nice to meet you.

                              ALDO
                    You too.

          Aldo smiles liking the recognition, and goes back to work
          stocking the shelves.

          Alonso and Juan mumble briefly and Juan shops, makes his
          purchase and leaves.

          Alonso, a strict (abusive) father, goes over to Aldo and
          inspects the job he is doing at the shelves.

                              ALONSO
                    Pendejo! Why are you putting the
                    new cans on top? I told you to put
                    them on the bottom.

                              ALDO
                    I forgot, that was two weeks ago.

          Alonso smacks Aldo on the back of the head and walks into
          the back room.

                              ALDO
                    Ow!

          Aldo goes back to work. He looks angry.

                              ALDO
                         (Mumbling.)
                    I'm going to leave this crazy
                    family and never come back. What's
                    the big deal?

          EXT. STREET - LATER

          Alonso and Aldo are on their way home. Aldo has some candies
          in a bag. As they get close, the children in the street
          quickly gather around Aldo waiting to get candy. Alonso
          walks into the house.

          BULLY is as his name says. Larger than the rest of the boys
          and on the stocky side.

                              ALDO
                    Here sure, go ahead. Take some
                    candy. (Bragging) My dad gives it
                    to me all the time.

          Aldo goes off to play stick-ball with his friends.

          Down the road, we see BULLY get loud with Aldo. As we get
          closer we hear...

                              BULLY
                    Your dad is stupid.

                              ALDO
                    He is not. He owns a store and
                    works hard.

                              BULLY
                    He never finished school. He can't
                    even talk right.

                              ALDO
                    You take that back.

          Bully takes the first swing. They fight. Aldo is smaller
          than him and he gets beat up. Aldo runs for home.

          INT. FAMILY HOME - LATER

                              ALONSO
                    What's the matter? Someone beat you
                    up boy?

                              ALDO
                    Yes. I don't even know what it was
                    about. He just started yelling at
                    me.

          Alonso laughs.

                              ALONSO
                    You need to learn to take care of
                    yourself son.

                              ALDO
                         (Whining.)
                    He was much older than me.

                              ALONSO
                    I thought I told you, men don't
                    cry! Stop whining. Let me talk to
                    him.

                              ALDO
                    What, what ... are you going to do?

          EXT. FAMILY HOME - DAY

          Alonso steps outside and yells at the group of children.

          Aldo can hear him from inside the house.

                              ALONSO
                    If any of you so much as touch a
                    hair on my son's head, I'll kill
                    you, you hear?

          The children run away.

                              ALONSO
                    Get outta here! I don't want to see
                    you around here anymore. I don't
                    want to hear what happened.

          INT. FAMILY HOME - DAY - CONTINUOUS

          Alonso walks back in the house.

                              ALDO
                    Does that mean I can't play with
                    any of them, ever?

                              ALONSO
                         (Grunts.)
                 

          Meanwhile, COMPASION quietly comes into the livingroom and
          sees only the last part of what just happened. She gets a
          rag, wets it, then wipes Aldo's face to get the dirt and
          blood off.

                              COMPASION
                    What happened my son?

                              ALDO
                    I don't want to talk about it.

                              COMPASION
                    Maybe you will feel better if you
                    eat something. Are you hungry?

          Compasion gives Alonso a dirty look as if to say, what did
          you do?

                              ALDO
                    No. I just want to go to bed.

                              COMPASION
                    Okay son. I love you so much. I am
                    going to pray that Santa Maria
                    takes care of you.

                              ALDO
                    Thank you momma. I love you too.

                              ALONSO
                    Stop babying that boy and get me
                    something to eat.

          Aldo slinks off to his bedroom.

                              COMPASION
                    Ok. Just a minute.

                              ALONSO
                    Now.

                              COMPASION
                    Ok, Ok. What's your rush?

                              ALONSO
                    Look woman, I don't want to hear
                    any of your talk. Just do what I
                    say.

                              COMPASION
                    Yes husband. Right away. Anything
                    special you feel like having?

                              ALONSO
                    You know what I want. The usual.
                    Rice, beans, tortillas and some
                    meat. And bring me a beer.

                              COMPASION
                    Don't you want some fresh fruit?
                    Aldo picked peaches the other day.

          Alonso grunts and watches boxing on TV.

          INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY

          Aldo and Alonso are working. Aldo is sweeping.

          JUANITA comes in. She is light-skin Black. She is beautiful
          with a perfect rounded in all the right spots figure,
          wearing a very low cut top showing the shape of her breasts
          without a bra. She has a very dark tan with black hair. Her
          beauty is natural with little to no makeup.

          There is a pot of pinto beans cooking on a makeshift fire
          near the back of the store. We see steam coming from the
          pot.

                              JUANITA
                    Alonso, hi. I wonder if I could
                    have a word with you?

                              ALONSO
                    Sure. What is it? Is everything Ok?

                              JUANITA
                    Well...not really. We are having
                    money trouble and need some food.
                    Could we get some on credit?

                              ALONSO
                    Listen, maybe we could work
                    something out. Follow me.

          Aldo continues sweeping listening to the conversation
          between Juanita and Alonso. Things get really quiet and
          about twenty minutes later Juanita comes out with a small
          empty box.

                              ALONSO
                    Just go ahead and take what you
                    need. I know I will see you again
                    soon.

                              JUANITA
                    Thank you so much. Jesus will bless
                    you for this.

                              ALONSO
                    No problem. Just don't tell my
                    wife.

                              JUANITA
                    Don't worry, I wouldn't say a word.
                    I am so grateful. You are such a
                    kind man.

          Juanita leaves the store. Alonso walks toward the back room.

                              ALONSO
                    She barely has a pot to piss in.
                    It's a wonder she looks as good as
                    she does. When you grow up, you'll
                    have plenty of women. -- You can
                    take care of things for a while.
                    I'm going to take a siesta.

                              ALDO
                    Ok dad.

          MARIA is a neighbor who looks like a new mother. She is
          young, naturally beautiful and very tan. Her hair is a bit
          messed up. She is short, only a little taller than Aldo. She
          is wearing simple clothes. She walks in carrying her newborn
          in a blanket. Pretty but not beautiful.

                              ALDO
                    Hi, what can I do for you?

                              MARIA
                    I see you are the man of the store
                    today.

                              ALDO
                    Yes. I'm in charge.

                              MARIA
                    Well...times have been really hard
                    and I was wondering, I just need a
                    bottle of milk for my baby. I don't
                    have any money right now. I promise
                    to pay you later.

                              ALDO
                    Well...sure. Go ahead.

                              MARIA
                    Thanks so much. You are such an
                    angel. God will bless you son.

          Maria leaves the store with her bottle of milk.

                              ALDO
                    I'll see you later.

          Alonso comes back in to the main part of the store.

                              ALONSO
                    I thought I heard someone. Did we
                    get a customer?

                              ALDO
                    Yes. It was Maria, but she didn't
                    have any money and needed milk for
                    her baby. So, I gave it to her.

                              ALONSO
                    What? (Alonso yells) Who told you
                    to do that? You stupid child! How
                    am I supposed to pay for that? You
                    just gonna give away the whole
                    store?

                              ALDO
                    No but, but...

          Alonso reaches over and hits him on the back of the head,
          hard this time. Aldo falls forward landing with hands on the
          floor.

                              ALONSO
                    Maybe you won't forget this time.
                    Don't give away anything! Nothing
                    is free son.

          Aldo starts to cry but tries to hold it in.

                              ALDO
                    But you let Juanita have groceries
                    without paying...

                              ALONSO
                    Shut up. That's none of your
                    business. I am the only one who can
                    do that. If I even hear you talking
                    about that to anyone, you'll be in
                    trouble.

                              ALDO
                    Sorry dad. I won't do it again.

          Aldo gets up and goes back to sweeping the floors.

                              ALONSO
                    After you sweep, I want you to dust
                    the shelves.

                              ALDO
                    Okay.

          Aldo wipes his tears on his sleeve. He gives Alonso an angry
          look. Alonso doesn't notice.

       

Friday, August 8, 2014

Movie Review: Gigli 2003

“Gigli”
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
Writer: Martin Brest
Year: 08/01/03
Casting done by: Jennifer Euston, Rich King, Alysson Marcus
Run Time: 2 hr 1 min

INFORMAL ANALYSIS:

OMG. This gives me a renewed appreciation for the writer of this script who it might seem was a bit ahead of his time. The cast was culturally depicted by some then wannabes who made it because it seemed like the script was written specifically for each one of them.  Their actor personas were able to shine which gave the audience a glimpse.

Again, the short/sweet title almost threw me off. Since it conjured up no specific thoughts, I had to rely on the pitch which was a bit complicated to follow when quickly scanning for entertainment. 

What was remarkable was the treatment of genders, often telling both sides of the love story triangle. What disappointments me with other writers is the obvious point of view, either male or female cultural stereotypes that they think the audience expects. This is a new day and the lines are blurred with the Millennial Generation. Don’t fool yourself into thinking otherwise.

At first glance this would appear to be a typical thug/gangster movie. Surprise, there are twists and turns around the corner. Almost elevating the characters to the sophistication of organized. There is no lack of excitement in the story even though there is a relevant lack of blood and gore and shoot-em-up scenes.

As far as the “funny” that is injected intentionally for comic relief in what otherwise might be tense or sad scenes…expertly done at just the right plot points. I was able to clearly see the purpose of use of this method of writing - said, “to keep it interesting but apparently desperately needed” and when injected with just the right timing, well, there you have it.

Cast included Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez to name a few.

REFERENCES: Netflix, IMDb, Rotten Tomaties, .com and Wikipedia (08/08/14)



Movie Review: August: Osage County 2013

“August: Osage County”
Genre: Drama, Rated R
Writer: Tracy Letts (screenplay and original play) 
Year: 01/10/14
Casting done by: IMDbPro (?)
Set Decoration by: Nancy Haigh

INFORMAL ANALYSIS:

Although the characters were exaggerated, the plot points are very clear. It’s believable in a way that I could imagine some of those things happened over and over within that family. 

The writer picked significant personality traits then attempted to depict them with one exaggerated event. Great for story clarity and production cost effectiveness. 

What I can appreciate about this movie is the writers didn’t feel it necessary to throw in a hot steamy sex scene, rather using lots of innuendo instead. This is the difference between male and female writers, in my opinion. For those who like to look deep into meanings, this still comes from a single gender point of view but handles society issues delicately, while telling the story from the point of view of a family member. This is what draws audience into the story, it’s believability.

Again I was disappointed with the lack of cultural diversity. It did stay on point however, without bringing in politics of the deep south.  The story unfolded from a narrowed point of view, like someone who was not well traveled or well rounded. Still it’s lovable and compelling.

Cast includes Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts to name a few. I was unable to locate who picked the cast. On further research; Wikipedia says it was a play first in Chicago, London and Broadway. It seems obvious, word-of-mouth also played a role in the success of this movie. When audience can see the actors up close and personal, it’s more of a bonding experience.

The success of the movie was most likely, the large budget and a credible storyline. To say it’s Oscar worthy, well - not in my opinion. Also, Meryl Streep does have a bit of a cult following.


REFERENCES: IMDb, Rotten Tomaties, .com  (08/08/14)

Movie Review: 13 Sins 2014

13 SINS”

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Run Time: 93 min
Writer:David Birke, Daniel Stamm, Chookiat Sakveerakul (Source Material 13: Game of Death)
Year: 04/11/14
Special Effects Coordinator:Ken Speed/Foreman; Greg PugaIt
Casting done by: Lisa Marie Dupree, Venus Kanani, Mary Vernieu

INFORMAL ANALYSIS:

WTF. Sort of a mind-blowing movie. If  you want different, this is it. Social commentary metaphors throughout is what makes this a page-turner. 

What is relevant; it made a profit even though in a specific niche of audience taste. It’s equally surprising that “Rotten Tomatoes” gives it a bad rating…critics and audience. However, I wouldn’t pay much stock in that. Some folks just don’t want their likes out there.

I almost passed on this one because of the Title. Like that it’s short and sweet but don’t like the reference in the pitch that made it sound like I was getting ready to watch one of those much beloved, boring game shows on t.v.

Suffice it to say, there were many actors who could have handled the character parts well, but it lacks cultural diversity. The dialogue alone would have sold the movie.


REFERENCES: IMDb, Rotten Tomaties, .com  (08/08/14)

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Movie Review: Think Like A Man Too 2014

Crystal Day
Summer 2014
Title:  Think Like A Man Too (2014)
Genre: Comedy
Written By: Keith Merryman, David A. Newman, Steve Harvey
Director: Tim Story

Synopsis:
I haven’t always liked Kevin Hart comedy or movies that he’s been in. But this one had an all-star cast.

DIALOGUE: The dialogue was sparse. Although, it did seem to go along with the story theme.

MUSIC AND CINEMATOGRAPHY: What makes this movie so interesting was the music. I guess you have to understand a little bit about the culture to even get half the jokes. Between dialogue, visual imagery, and music, everything was interwoven into a great feel-good movie.

I laughed through almost half the movie. The rest of it, I smiled. I got chills when I heard a song that brought back good memories of excellent times in Las Vegas. And there were a few spots where I cried, a little.

I only hope that I can become as good a writer or producer, as the one who put this together.

I’ve vowed before I left to get the names of all the songs so that I could look for them to add to my personal collection, which is something I’ve never felt compelled to do before.

I’m not sure why it got bad reviews on IMDb but I can see by the proof of it, profits were doubled between the making of it and it’s gross and it hasn’t been out that long so, perhaps the critics are wrong.

Reference: IMDb

Sunday, July 13, 2014

"Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story."


Update: I've finished an original movie script called,
 "Aldo's Journey To Hell A Love Story."  
I am trying to decide the best way to publish it.
Looking at all options. Will give you another update soon. . . July 2014