Scriptapalooza coverage for Valhalla (10-2011)

‘Valhalla’ is a solid screenplay with an engrossing premise and some shocking twists and turns. Lieutenant Kirkland leads a team of Navy Seals across the desert in hopes of finding an outpost. Instead they end up in battle with Arab horsemen, Nazis, and even Celtic Warriors. Intercut with this is an investigation into the team’s disappearance led by Captain Pruitt. Trista is the common link and serves as the real figure shrouded in mystery. The revelation that the team is dead and trapped in Valhalla, a purgatory for dead soldiers in need of redemption, is truly shocking and satisfying. The parallel storyline with Pruitt is effective as well and the big reveal in the morgue packs some punch. There are some big set pieces along way (soldiers rising out of sand, Nazi ghosts, etc.) and the ending is solid. The secondary characters are effective as well: Williams, Emery, Heimer, and even the Pale Soldier all add to the mix. The dialogue is strong as well and helps develop the characters discussed above while layering in subtext on a number of fronts including redemption, forgiveness, violence, loyalty, and death. There’s also some sharp and witty banter amongst the soldiers. The tone is dark but even and consistent throughout.