Excerpts from Script Review 3 on The Black List
Strengths:
AMERICAN ODYSSEY provides a fresh take on the typical coming-of-age story and really uses the device of the road trip to its fullest potential, resulting in a well-paced script. Hunter is a compelling protagonist. He’s rough around the edges, which makes him read a true underdog, but his aspirations and motivations are based on conventional sentiments, which helps to make him relatable and understandable as a character. Overall, he reads as really authentic and true to his age—though he’s forced to grow up more quickly than he should, his character still processes the events and makes decisions in an immature, teenage way. The script really taps into the milieu of small town life and blocked opportunities, and the understated tone of the script reflects the emotional journey that Hunter goes through. The approach to Blue and Hunter’s burgeoning relationship similarly has a light touch, which makes it read as an authentic, first-love experience.
Prospects:
This is a smaller movie whose focus on the coming-of-age process and dark themes and plot points will push it towards the independent realm. The best version of this is along the lines of MUD or KING OF SUMMER, which both focused on youths undergoing seminal adventures.
AMERICAN ODYSSEY provides a fresh take on the typical coming-of-age story and really uses the device of the road trip to its fullest potential, resulting in a well-paced script. Hunter is a compelling protagonist. He’s rough around the edges, which makes him read a true underdog, but his aspirations and motivations are based on conventional sentiments, which helps to make him relatable and understandable as a character. Overall, he reads as really authentic and true to his age—though he’s forced to grow up more quickly than he should, his character still processes the events and makes decisions in an immature, teenage way. The script really taps into the milieu of small town life and blocked opportunities, and the understated tone of the script reflects the emotional journey that Hunter goes through. The approach to Blue and Hunter’s burgeoning relationship similarly has a light touch, which makes it read as an authentic, first-love experience.
Prospects:
This is a smaller movie whose focus on the coming-of-age process and dark themes and plot points will push it towards the independent realm. The best version of this is along the lines of MUD or KING OF SUMMER, which both focused on youths undergoing seminal adventures.