Scriptapalooza coverage for RED PHOENIX (10-2011)

‘Red Phoenix’ is an exciting and original screenplay that demonstrates painstaking research and great writing. That it’s all based on true events only adds to the material’s appeal! Dan Baron is a sympathetic protagonist despite his criminal tendencies. It all comes down to intent and Dan’s intentions are always pure and kind-hearted. He is Robin Hood behind the stick, a pilot anxious to help change the world. He also proves smart and brave, a killer combination that will certainly reel in future readers and audience members. Maria is also effective as his love interest. Their relationship is organic and believable, which makes the ending that much more heartbreaking. There are several exciting set pieces involving an art heist, a hijacking, a prison break, and a plane crash (can’t get more exciting than that!). Wiles is a formidable antagonist, a determined and demented FBI agent chasing Dan all over the world. He creates real tension whenever he shows up and fires the killshot that takes Maria out in the end. The dialogue is really strong throughout the screenplay as well. It helps develop the characters discussed above while layering in subtext on a number of fronts including friendship, love, crime, and violence. There are countless sharp and witty one-liners and observations to boot. Last, the tone is dark but even and consistent throughout the screenplay.