2015 March Baits & Reviews & Contenders

Leeman Reviews 

Not Even Human - By Evan Peck Dunbar
I found the diary entry/first person style a bit confusing and uneasy at times. I understand it always allows for more scope when it's comes to storytelling however I still think the writing in the third person is just as rewarding and effective. However, I must acknowledge that your natural and talented writing skill does seem, no matter what structure or style to successful capture the essence of any story you create. The signs of a true, experienced writer. Kristen Stewart, in my opinion is miscast. I felt a particular sweet, warm sensibility from Angel that I don't know Stewart would be completely amazing portraying. The concept is very original and I think it was explored well. Well Done! B

Misty - By Marci Kelemen
This bait reminds me so much of 'Waves'. Even though they are completely different in terms of subject manner, that indie, small sensibility remains to be true in both and I honestly love it. I love your writing in general and over the years you have showed such great diversity and range. Adele is the central focus of this bait. But, I think the bait as a whole is not as solid. From a story point of view, I found it a bit slow. But, I think this was mainly because I can see the focus of Adele so clearly that everything else doesn't seem at standard as the development and creation of her character. So I'm a bit mixed on the bait overall, however I think it's good enough to reap some key nominations this month. Well Done! B

This Magic Moment - By Matthew Jenner
On a mechanical note, is the bait called This Magic Moment or The Way You Look Tonight? It is really important that the bait is edited and I know I am being extremely hypocritical (I am horrible at editing) at the moment, but I think it's just an thing that is overlooked, but just needs to be picked up on so it doesn't effect or confuse the reader. Besides that silly mistake, everything in this bait was nice. I didn't find anything new or challenging about it and it was a bit cliche, but I am a sucker for a nice romcom, so this was right up my alley. When I read this in development, I didn't like Eddie Redmayne, however upon second reading, I actually think he is quite good. But, the star of this bait is Patricia Routledge, whoses performance is the a rulebook Best Supporting Actress winner. Great job! B+

Mulberry Days - By Matthew Jenner
I found this bait incredibly confusing - there seemed to be very little connection between the two stories besides the obvious fact that they were set in the same place. While perspective baits can be done well, I don't think this was executed greatly. Aside from this, I think it's a nice, cute and humorous bait that could be a sleeper hit. I don't know, but I wasn't really a fan. C

In The South - By Matthew Jenner
This bait suffered the same problems as Mulberry Days. I just didn't get it. I didn't understand the story or the characters as well as I would've like. I think the premise was set up with great potential, but just didn't cut it for me. C-

Close to You - By Matthew Jenner
I actually really liked this one. Melissa is better than ever and SHE BETTER WIN BEST ACTRESS (sorry for being so passionate, but it's true). The story is simple, but I think your strengths as a writer shine right through that to make it something special. One of my favourites of the month A

The Man in The Red Bandana - By Evan Peck Dunbar
Love it! Love it! Love it! As soon as I read this bait in the first place, I messaged you and was like I love it haha. This bait has allowed you to show a great body of work and I think even though it's not as strong as your others, I think taking risks and diversity it what shines through the most her. Alison Janney is a lock for a Best Actress nomination and a spoiler to win. B+

Rich Hill - By Evan Peck Dunbar
I finished this bait and literally wrote Gavin MacIntosh at the top my Best Actor ballot. Enough said! Like some of us have already mentioned, using monologues was a really interesting was in conveying the characters emotions and story. A really emotional story. A-

Before Your Eyes - By Evan Peck Dunbar
This is leading lady galore! I liked it already. But I liked it even more after I read it. This is one of my favourites of months!! I look up to your writing so much and I could barely fault this bait according to the Leeman Criteria A

Janus - By Evan Peck Dunbar
This deals with touchy and difficult subject matters very well and effectively. Your casting, Your writing. This is so winning my vote and awards.. Enough said. A+

Spring Awakening - By Bobby Henry 
Musical! Love it, but I don't know if it works entirely. I couldn't get the stage version out of my heart and I think it lacked that perspective writing style you are the epitome of. However, solid job B

Now Streaming! - By Bobby Henry 
As previously mentioned, I do agree that it is a lot like Conversion, but I don't think that's an issue. I think the subject matter is important and I particularly like your cast, esp. Titus Burgess. Well Done B+

Before Your Eyes
First off. I love Cara Delevigne so your inclusion of her is much appreciated! I thought the story was beautiful and interesting. I'm all for a good romance, and with your effortless writing you engaged the audience and even displayed chemistry between Alexis and Simon. It's not my favorite of your baits this month but it is still solid and inspirational within itself. Good work Evan!

Close To You
Matthew, you have really grown as a writer over the time that I have been in this competition and this is a prime example. I thought your use of McCarthy was spot on, and remarkably displayed her as a dramatic actress. I don't know if this is an Ava Duvernay film, but I did like the work she did in Selma so I am curious to see what she does here.

Misty
Marci, Wow! You are an unbelievable writer! This story captivated me from the get go! Your ability to translate words from a page into illustrious details that make the reader imagine and feel is truly remarkable. I think Adele and Felix are absolutely extraordinary here, and would shine in their roles. The ending when her and Boris leave going further into the unknown blowed my mind. I am in awe of this bait. One of my favorites from you, and I simply adore all your work!

Rich Hill
I thought your use of the monologues was creative and interesting and because they were beautifully written they captured the audience and really illustrated what you were trying to prove. Gavin is fabulous here and is a front runner for best actor. My favorite thing about your writing is its sincerity, you do a good job at telling a story and doing it in a way that is sincere and engaging. Fabulous work.

Silent Creek: The Beginning
This is a really interesting story and concept Liam. I did find myself a bit confused at times, however I do think that your writing and story telling have greatly improved. Although this may not be my favorite bait of the month. I think it's solid work, and you have a lot of potential to make a good series out of this! Dave Franco is a bit uninspired but Elisabeth Mitchell is divine and simply everything here. In the coming months I challenge you to keep writing this, and to push yourself out of your comfort zone, it's really refreshing to see you trying different things. I'm proud of you Liam!

This Magic Moment
Matthew I think this bait is well cast and fun. I don't know if I am completely dying over it, but I don't think that, that is the point. Redmayne and Kendrick are spot on and would excel in their role. I am curious to see Redmayne take on a bit more of a comedic role and think that this would perfect. However my true standout is Patricia Routledge who made me smile every time she was mentioned. She is a sure front runner this month.

In the South
I though this once was adorable. Obviously the casting of Portier and Holbrook take this out of a cute comedy with two old men and elevate it to something of Oscar material. I for sure think those two men would give fabulous performances here. I personally prefer Portier. But my favorite part of this bait was the supporting performance in Corden who I think would absolutley win the audience over in this role, and the always hilarious Leachman left me wanting more of her! Good work.

Janus
As an avid supporter of LGBT issues and a lover of baits that feature them, I think this is truly sublime. One of the bests this month in fact. Uriah Shelton is a knockout in the role and is one of my frontrunners. I don't know what else to say except to commend you on telling a powerful convincing story! Masterpiece

The Man In The Red Bandana
I like this one Evan. I like Matt really appreciate anyone who can use Allison Janney in a big way, since she arguably is the most underrated actress in Hollywood! You're cast is great and I was really engaged in the story good work.

Mulberry Days
The formatting of this was extremely interesting Matt! Although the story wasn't my favorite I appreciate the risks you take and love the writing style. I also am completely in awe of the writing style that you use here. It's difficult to tell more than one story. Tilda is divine as always. The woman can do no wrong in my opinion, and as a huge fan of Saoirse Ronan I think she would be magnificent in this.

Not Evan Human
My lesat favorite from you this month. It was good and I found the story engaging but I thought every other bait you wrote this month was far superior. I like the use of Stewart and Coltrane and think that they could make a standing in the acting races.