 |
Rivals is a script that was written specifically
for Sly and Arnold. Although I haven't read
it, I love the concept. The poster to the left was created
by Ernest "Jazzman" Resendes after he heard
the concept. As it stands now, Rivals is a dream
project... but wasn't Rocky at one point?
Jazz was intrigued enough to that when he was
offered the opportunity to read the script, he took it.
Not too long ago, I received this from Jazz: "I
had the opportunity to read screenwriter Christopher
Heathcoat's screenplay for RIVALS writen for
a film that would specifically star Sylvester Stallone
and Arnold Schwarzenegger!
Here are my thoughts... I'm no expert on screenwriting or
critic by any means. I'm actually not too crazy about reviews
in general but here are my 2 cents for whatever they're
worth...
|
RIVALS does it ! Does what you say ?
Well, it actually fulfills a promise to both Stallone and
Arnold fans to successfully combine two action icons in
a feature film. RIVALS does so with passion. That's something
you can't fake. Mr. Heathcoat isn't some writer for hire.
He loves his subjects. He loves and knows Sylvester Stallone
and his films. He loves and knows Arnold Schwarzenegger
and HIS films, plus he's a gifted writer. Shake those up and ya
got the recipe for a fun, funny, clever and exciting screenplay.
Ya got RIVALS!!
WHAT'S TO LIKE?
-- An original story set in a real world of
family, ambition and well ... rivalry. The to and fro , the constant
jabs, the jokes , the remarks exchanged, the one upmanship between
Stallone and Arnold are fun and often clever. They
incorporate many inside personality traits from both stars. I
think they can be appreciated by both die hard fans and the occasional
filmgoer. Of course their true potency lies in their actual intent
and meaning. After a brutal fight (NOT BETWEEN SLY and
ARNOLD) Sly's character notices Arnold's
character take notice of his swollen eye...His response: "
Don't let the eye fool ya. He's bleeding internally. " It
made me laugh out loud. It worked very well in the context of
the scene.There are many more like that...
-- The characters feel real. Flesh and blood.
They have families, children, jobs which is a far cry from the
expected 'Sly and Arnie as the unstoppable, super
trained killing machines on a mission'. Hey that could be fun
too, but I wonder whether they could inject and use the two actor's
actual personalities and public personas as verbal ammunition
for laughs and fun. Fear not though RIVALS does have excitement
too which brings me to my next point...
-- The action. Anyone thinking there would be
a Stallone/ Schwarzenegger film without it is seriously
out of touch with who these two. In some ways RIVALS reminds
me of Stallone's TANGO and CASH. As I read I
envisioned it having a similar tone but abit more real and grounded
inmore areas particularly with scenes involving their wives and
children. The connection lies in the action and attitude the characters
have towards each other. For me this was the fun of RIVALS.
Stallone and Schwarzenegger going toe to toe verbally.
Most people, even the average, fan, knows about their box-office
rivalry. Heathcoat draws on this not in a literal sense
but more in essence. I think it works because he's obviously a
fan of both actors and Mr. Heathcoat can successfully
weave these " verbal jabs " within an engaging, exciting
story.
Most writers write " the indians take the
fort" but Mr. Heathcoat is meticulous without bogging
us down with endless details. He writes with controlled economy
were as a lesser writer would ramble on endlessly (like I'm doing
here ) losing the tone and pace of the story in the process. As
I read I felt like I was reading some historic cinematic event
still in it's womb. Unborn. I would hope a director who is equally
as passionate about the pairing would take the helm. The story
deserves that.
-- Some interesting and clever cameo's are sprinkled
about. My lips are sealed but I AM smiling ;-) If they agreed
to appear there would be some fun surprises.
-- The bad guys are interesting as well .They
are worthy opponents for "Rambo" and the "Terminator".
Trust me, they will have their hands full !
-- Again the humorous and clever nature to the
script is what I enjoyed most especially when it's mixed with
the action. It also has a brisk pace which I liked.
POSSIBLE TROUBLE SPOTS?
-- There is no cringe worthy dialogue here and
actually the majority is quite good and clever. Some tweaking
may still be in order though.
-- It might be good idea if Heathcoat expounded abit more
on some motivations behind things. I found myself occasionally
questioning some of the characters personality traits, wishes
or actions. Motivations
aren't completely void but just a bit sketchy in a couple spots.
I wouldn't mind exploring the motivations behind the villains
some more. Some more screen time would be nice for the baddies.
Maybe some additional scenes ? At the start they are mysterious
and foreboding but when they are illuminated I'd prefer a brighter
bulb. Again, one more scene or piece of dialogue might do the
trick ?
-- This also ties into some words, which could
maybe be dusted off and re-examined. Some words just didn't work
for me coming from some characters. Not so much lines, but a word
here and there. An example is when Arnold's character says.."
He is your boss at your primary job ." The word ' primary
' just seems too " text book " and formal to me. How
about " he's your boss at your other job." ? This may
sound like a small thing and nitpicking on my part but I did make
me stop and think.
-- One more moment is when Sly and Arnold give
sort of a " trailer like " moment as they declare their
hidden desires. This dialogue feels too much like pure exposition.
I'd rather he showed us instead of having the characters declare
this. Perhaps with set design, props, actions or whatever ? Or
if it is verbal then maybe he could find a round about way of
saying the same thing without it being literal ? Later on they
say it again which was fine with me but when it's first heard
it feels forced and out of place .
-- Like I said it's just a word here and there
that erk me. Not major dialogue stuff which is good. RIVALS
may have some minor wrinkles but these can be easily ironed out.
Maybe just a once over will do the trick?
RECAP :
-- Aside from some minor changes this will definitely
be a worthy vehicle to drive these two lugs all the way
to the big screen. Preferably the Summertime big screen because
this has summer time blockbuster written all over it. In many
ways RIVALS feels like a brother to TANGO and CASH.
The one who went on to the better college and better job. RIVALS
is just pure fun and excitement and you literally get goose bumps
reading and imagining Stallone and Schwarzenegger
sharing the same screen. Will they even fit? I can you imagine
the trailers for something like this? I predict asses in seats
folks ( $$ ) and pure giddy satisfaction!
-- I think Sly and Arnold would
like doing RIVALS. It's the humor, family and rivalry that
might hook these guys onto RIVALS. They're both dedicated
family men now and have always had a strong humorous side and
underlining rivalry. Heathcoat's screenplay would be perfect
!
Stallone! Schwarzenegger! RIVALS!!
Peace, Jazz
Sounds like fun! -
Craig Zablo
[September 21, 2002]
|
