TODAY'S NUGGET: Old School (2003) - Need for Characterization, Context, Continuity

[Quick Summary: Newly dumped, Mitch is persuaded to turn his new house by the university into a fraternity, and runs up against the dean.]

I didn't like this script.  NOT because I couldn't follow it. NOT because I didn't laugh at the jokes. NOT because it varies dramatically from the final film.

I didn't like it because it is baggy and the story does not deliver on its promise.  

Why?  Roger Ebert explains:

"...[H]umor benefits from characterization, context and continuity. Otherwise, all you have is a lot of people acting goofy. 

Most of this draft IS people acting goofy.

Frankly, it's forgettable without a character reason (middle age is not enough), context (why are rooting for them?), and continuity (various subplots).

Unfortunately, the best part got reduced to nothing in the final film, i.e., Mitch and Nicole.  In the script, we see more of them learning to trust again.

Here's my favorite scene between two lonely people connecting:

INT. BEANIE'S KITCHEN - LATER

Amanda has scraped her knee. She's crying, sitting up on the counter, her RUGRATS DOLL lays next to her.

Mitch and Nicole are with her. Mitch is holding her hand as Nicole cleans the cut.

MITCH (soothing her): Hmm. Looks like an elephant bite, huh? Is that what happen?

AMANDA (laughing): Yeah.

MITCH: That's what I thought. But this is a very small elephant bite, I've seen much worse, you were lucky.

Nicole looks at Mitch and smiles, then finishes up. Mitch picks up the Rugrats doll...

MITCH: I think this guy might need a Band Aid too, what do you think?

Amanda nods 'yes'. Mitch puts one on the doll.

MITCH: There. Now how do you guys feel? Do you have have a full range of motion?

Mitch moves Amanda's leg around, silly, Amanda laughs. Nicole takes Amanda off the counter and sends her on her way...

NICOLE: There you go, all set.

Amanda runs out the door, back into the yard.

NICOLE: She likes you.

MITCH: Well, she's an angel -- you're very lucky.

Nicole looks at him and smiles, they seem to be making a real connection.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I didn't laugh with these characters, or at them. I didn't laugh.

Old School (2003)(shooting draft, 9/28/20)
by Todd Phillips and Scot Armstrong

*"Baggy" is a term I've come to fear and loathe after listening to hours of concise, well-reasoned, excellent journalism from film critic Mark Kermode.