johnhoffmann-117-202405

I cannot believe this is the result of all the effort and hype for this "contest". I was so disappointed. The film is very saccharine, maudlin and "uncreative". The screenplay was amateurish in all respects. It is, technically, fairly well shot and at times looked "pretty" but that doesn't make up for it's lack of any other positive quality. I don't think any of the festivals it played at would have accepted it without the Howard name attached. I would have fallen asleep if the toothache it gave me didn't hurt so badly. Mr. Howard mentioned a new contest to come. Please get a more experienced screenwriter for the next one. This first result might not make a good point for another go at it. Having to piece together a quality product from bits and pieces proves the whole is not always better then the sum of its parts. If this is what Howard and daughter will put out, maybe someone else should be given a shot. Maybe this is why Ron does not direct anything he writes. Story conceiving is not his strong point if this is what it produces. I like most of his work but he should stick to directing other's conceptions. Better luck next time.