Welcome to Pleasant Hill

* ScriptShark coverage/summary: "This script is a clever and imaginative twist on the mob comedy genre, a fresh way of reinvigorating the stereotypes with new energy. While the genre itself has grown increasingly stale, the writer comes up with a comical premise that keeps the script alive even in its most formulaic moments .... The structure here is solid, keeping the story moving along at a quick, entertaining pace. There is a good interweaving of the various conflicts here, from Mario trying to organize his own gang to the increasing threat of the Pleasant Hill Mafia to the rival mobsters out to track Mario down. The writer always grounds the story visually, using clear and cinematic writing style and descriptions. The script is a page-turner thanks to the clever usages of the concept of the Pleasant Hill Mafia, especially in scenes like the “Games” that Mario must play along with Hutch. There is also a strong “Dirty Dozen” – like element in the way in which Mario puts together his own gang of oddballs and misfits. This part of the script is reminiscent of films like GOONIES or the more recent DODGEBALL, movies where the outsiders become the champions, and Mario makes a great leader for this gang, as the stakes get higher and higher against him. By the end of the Second Act, there is the possibility of a serious threat to Mario’s life, and this creates a good sense of suspense even while the mood remains light and humorous for the most part."