A First Look At A New Agenda

This is our first First Look. I am so proud it is on this bait.

Daniel is a name people respect on this site. With such classics as Steamboat Disney and Ironic Nonfiction under his belt, Daniel has been considered by both his peers and the official vote as one of the top authors the contest has still writing. Now, hot off a best picture nod for Bloodshed, Daniel is ready to shift gears and go the route of the heartwarming dramatic comedy with A New Agenda. Though D.W. already posted a review for this on his blog, I just have to give my view on it.

The plot for the bait is quite interesting. The story deals with a man named Danny Albertson, who together with his wife made a list of things to do before they die. With the money saved and plans made, they started their escapade. But before they can finish, Danny’s wife passes on. Now he has assembled a new group to help complete the list so his wife’s memory may live on.

This bait is by far one of Daniel’s best in a long time. Wisely choosing award winning director James L. Brook to direct the film, Daniel touches our audience with the same mixture of heart touching moments and humorous situations that Brooks used to make a name for himself. Thankfully, Daniel is able to keep the audience guessing how this tale will unfold by not ruining the ending of the film. However, this bait wouldn’t be able to keep afloat as well as it did if it wasn’t for his great cast. Carl Reiner, casted as Danny, is a great choice that is sure to garner the audience’s sympathy and possibly and Oscar nom. Parker Posey is equally as good playing the younger nurse who joins Danny’s wild adventure. The cast is filled with many wonderfully off-beat choices, including the unfortunately absent Louis Fletcher and the lovable Christopher Lloyd. However, the best of this supporting cast is Al Pacino as Danny’s wife’s younger gay brother. The combination of this casting and Daniel’s hilarious press support for the role should easily garner Pacino a nod.

Will this garner Daniel a Best Picture nod? That’s hard to say, since Brooks’s movies always seem to be split between those who love them and those who despise them. While Brooks may be left out of the loop, there is no doubt that this bait will garner nods for several of its actors, a nod for its original screenplay and possibly a Best Picture nod (in a way similar to “As Good As It Gets). It also has a good chance for several creativity awards.

Is this going to be the pinnacle of Daniel’s writing career? While that depends on the audience’s reaction to the bait, I can easily say this is definitely the best step in the right direction that Daniel has taken since January’s E.L.. A-

Possible Nominations

Best Picture
Best Director (James L. Brooks)
Best Original Screenplay (Mark Andrus)
Best Actor (Carl Reiner)
Best Supporting Actor (Al Pacino)
Best Supporting Actress (Parker Posey)
Best Plot/Synopsis
Best Awards Campaign
Best Online Awards Campaign (If he plays his cards correctly)
Best Tagline
Best Cast
Best Crew
Shameless Oscar Vehicle
Most Original Bait
Most Original Character
Funniest Bait