CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio review for the doc series “Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose,” about the rise and bitter fall of the major league legend, the MLB’s all-time hits leader, only to be banned from the sport because of gambling. Streaming on MAX and on HBO since July 24th.!—break—>
A Metaphorical Peek Under the Skirt of ‘Jennifer’s Body’ From Screenwriter Diablo Cody
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On Oct. 23, we learned that “Juno” screenwriter Diablo Cody – one of Hollywood’s most rising scribe stars – got plucked by Fox Atomic for a comedic supernatural thriller entitled “Jennifer’s Body”.
![Juno and Jennifer's Body screenwriter Diablo Cody](http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/uploaded_images/diablo_cody3.jpg)
“Juno” and “Jennifer’s Body” screenwriter Diablo Cody.
Photo credit: ViewImages
After reading a Sept. 20, 2007 draft of the “Jennifer’s Body” script from Cody, Peter Sciretta at /Film on Saturday published a read-worthy script review. I’ve highlighted some standout nuggets below.
Cody’s mix of razor-sharp wit, obscure pop-culture references, unique characters and ability to maneuver her way through potentially cliché situations has all of Hollywood calling her name.
I’m sure some people will see some comparisons to “Juno” especially in the characterizations and dialogue.
Anita “Needy” Lesnicki is kind of a quick-witted geek: the kind [who] uses the word “ostentatious” during … everyday conversation and dates a band geek named Chip.
Jennifer is the hotter, more popular member of the duo.
“Jennifer’s Body” is a very different [script] than “Juno”. For example, it is extremely gory.
One passage from Cody’s script describes a scene where blood and viscera [are] scattered everywhere with intestines strewn about “like party streamers”. One victim is described as looking like “lasagna with teeth”.
The main problem with “Jennifer’s Body” is that – as it begins to wind down – you realize you already know how it ends.
If I were to offer one suggestion to Fox Atomic, it would be this: begin the story at the beginning and not the ending.
It should also be noted that the screenplay is 115 pages long, which usually translates to an almost two-hour film. That might be a tad … too long for a genre film.
Read the full /Film script review here.