Inside the Brain of E.C. Henry

Seattle Seahawks 2012: Is this the Year We do Something Special?

Well, we're 3 weeks into the NFL pre-season, and my Seattle Seahawksare sitting pretty at 3 - 0.  I know it's only pre-season football and many teams hold back and don't show their full arsenal untill the regular season, but right now this version of the Seattle Seahawks looks poised to do something pretty special.

I became a Seahawk fan many, many years ago.  I was in junior high and recently moved from Issaquah to Orting, around this time Curt Warner, the running back out of Penn State, and Dave Kreig were coming into their own and making big plays for the Seahawks.  One year they upset the Miami Dolphins in the playoffs, then the next weekly promptly got drilled by the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game. 

BUT for several years after that point, the thinking was, we're so close to doing something special.  That's what being close once does to a man.  It builds his hopes that something special will be achieved in the very near future -- and the local media up here in Seattle feeds that frenzy.  Sadly, sometimes this never quite comes to fruition.  Case and point the Seahawkslost to the Los Angeles Raiders 30 -14 on January 8, 1984.  The next time they would get to a Championship game would be in 2005, obviously with a whole different cast of characters, this time in a different conference, the NFC, and this time with a different result: 34 -14:Seahawks over Panthers.  Oddly enough in retrospect that's a very similar score to the game against the Raiders.  Hmmm...  What happened in the Superbowl against Pittsburgh?  Don't ask.  Only NFL game my mom has ever watched.  And after watching that one she vowed never to watch another one.  But I digress.

Back on point.  What can be gleanned by watching NFL football and becoming a fan of a team?  That's a good question.  Because on one level it's all entertainment, kinda like going to circus only instead of dancing bears, there's dancing Bears, Chicago Bears that is -- if you're watching a Bears game.  I equate football as being soap operas for men.  Its our drama that we relate to on a strictly testosterone level.  Macho -- only with some drama.  Back in the mid-80s I can remember crying after a Seahawks loss.  I got so wrapped in this sillyness that I actually cried.  With each loss the Seahawksplayoff chance looked worse and worse.  Then came the 90s.  Playoffs?  No playoffs 'till the end of the decade for the 'Hawks, then they lost against Maimi in Dan Marino's swan song season when Jimmy Johnson was their coach.    

Okay, enough about the past and crying in one's perverbial or litteral beer, and as you remember my favorite beer of choice is...  Budweiser.  Can't wait to visit Century Link, the stadium in downtown Seattle where the Seahawksplay and inebriate myself with overpriced Budweisers and eat those tasty garlic fries while screaming my lungs out watching my 'Hawks beat the Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots.  Tomorrow, Monday 8-27, single game tickets go on sale and I'm going to try to score tickets to all the three games.  We'll see...

Now in real life ones hopes and dreams often times come crashing down.  Case and point: every year I submit a spec. script I've penned to the Nicholls Screenwriting Competition and EVERY YEAR I get a rejection letter.  This year I submitted one of my recent spec. scripts to a local competition.  Had I won I could have gotten $200.  $200!  Holy shit, where do they ever scrape up the greenback to pay that out.  (That's sarcasm, in case you can't follow along)  Now I got some interesting feedback from that competition.  As some script competitions give you evaluations from their judges, whereas some like the Nicholls, don't. 

Here's two excepts both from different judges on the script I submitted.  Don't know their names, and no I won't tell you what competition they came from.  BUT here's what two different evaluators had to say about my spec. script, "Heart Built on the Sand."

1st Evaluator; Plot: (overall score 6 out of a possible 10)

"The screenwriter attempted to wrestle with relationships.  The plot, however, did not seem fresh or original--though, yes what plot is?  The conflict between female protagonist, Laura, and male partner, Brian, doesn't go anywhere surprising... and surprise is what it's all about in dealing with this territory.  It's all about drama, but--since Aristotle--what's drama without action and without action, where'sthe story?  I love relationship stories; I love them more when they either entertain, educate, or provide an emotional release.  None of that is here.  It all goes back to the storyline.  What is missing are plot points, big time.  Plot points will give your story direction, as well as energy, as well as all the conflict you'll ever need as a scriptwriter.  Laura wants to settle down.  Brian doesn't.  Then, spirituality is somehow instilled, then job security, then death and mayhem, then not much.  I'm not sure what the writer was shooting for, figuratively or actually.  Lots of angst without justification.  The apperance of a Glock does not create tension, conflict, or surprise, I'm sorry to say."

2nd Evaluator; Plot: (overall score 8 out of a possible 10)

"The plot of "A Heart Built on the Sand" is a powerful and tragic depiction of modern life, an thought the story is a dark one it also fearlessly inspirational.  There is plenty of tension and violence, but also love and hope, in this story, and it is well-crafted.  Continuing to polish the plot, so that the story's conflict kick in earlier, would make the strong statement the writer is making even stronger.  One of the most unique script this reviewer has read in 10 years of reviewing for the competition"

The Seahawkshave their critics.  And see -- I have mine too!  Sure our stat lines may look different, but the NFL has winners and loser and script competitions have winners and losers.  Unfortunately, I've been a loser every time I've chosen to compete.  But then again I'm competing against more than just a single foe, AND I have biases to contend with.  Sigh...

Still, I'm an optimistic guy at heart.  I keep writing because I don't let critics dictate my life.  They may keep me from certain rewards, but they don't define me, or what I chose to write about.  And in case you haven't noticed yet, I'm a HUGE Seahawk fan too.  Big believer in what head coach Pete Carroll is doing over there at the V-Mac (the Seahawks'practicing facillity in Renton, Washington).  I wear a Seahawk hat to work EVERY DAY, and sometime even my # 12 "FAN" jersey. 

This year I'm hoping the Seahawksfinish 10-6 or better.  They have a fairly though schedule, BUT most of their tough games against the traditionally good teams are at Century Link this year.  Russell Wilson has really caused a buzz amongst the Seahawk fans I rub elbows with every day.  Don't know if the rookie can deliver in regular season games -- that actually count -- but so far he looks great.

E.C. Henry's favorite Seattle Seahawks of All-time:

1. Steve Largent.  Justification: Steve Largent has there at the beginning when I started getting into NFL football.  For years they talked about his consecutive games with at least 1 reception -- and he was this slow, white guy that looked out-matched by athletically superior defensive backs.  Yet, Steve Largent somehow put up all these statistics that got him into the hall of fame.  A total overachiever.  

2. Dave Kreig.  Justification: Was an integral part of the Seahawks success in the 80s.  Dave Kreig was also a bit of a clown out there, I think he hold the NFL record for most fumbles by a quarterback, and most of the time the ball was just slipping out of his hands.  Still, I remember that game against Kansas City where he was sack a record time by Derrik Thomas, YET on the last play of the game it was Dave Kreig to Paul Skanski for the game-winning touchdown. 

3. Joey Galloway.  Justification: In the mid-90s, when the Seahawks sucked he was out there giving us fans at least an occasional touchdown to cheer about -- and he did it in electric fashion.  Most explosive play-maker the Seahawks have ever had in their team history, in my opinion.

4. Matt Hasselbeck.  Justification: was a smart quarterback who overcame a lot of underwhelming starting attributes.  Matt won us a lot of games.  And his handling of reporters was excellent.  Wish he could have won us that game against Pittsburgh in the Superbowl, but at least he got us there.

5. Marshaun Lynch: Justification: Beast-quake; January 8, 2011 game-clinching 67 yard against the New Orleans Saint in an NFC Wildcard Playoff Game:

 

6. John L. Smith.  Justification: Made a lot of big plays for the Seahawksin the late 80s as a fullback.  If I remember right he was big against the Raiders in a winner-takes-the-AFCWest game in either '88 or '89.

7.Mike Holmgren.  Justification: Was a big coup signing this guy away from the Green Bay Packers in late 90s after a decade of futility (losing football)  Always felt like we we're a legitimate, formidable, NFL team with Mike Holmgen at the helm.

8. Dave Brown.  Justification: Made a lot of big interceptions in the 80's for the Seahawks.  I think Dave Brown even returned two for touchdowns in a game against Kansas City. 

9. Curt Warner.  Justification: Had a couple big years for the Seahawks his first couple years in the NFL.  Was too small and injury prone, but Curt was an integral part of the Seahawks' success in the mid-80s.

10. Pete Carroll.  Justification.  He is different.  A good kind of different.  He's upbeat.  But he's also ruthless about cutting guys.  He's done an amazing job turning the Seahawks roster over.  Now he just needs to get in the playoffs and make some hay. 

 

Well, that's it for now.  Talk to ya later hopefully sometime mid-week.  Till then, stay well -- and support those Seattle Seahawks.  Single game tickets go on sale tomorrow, August 28.  See ya at the ticket booth, and hopefully at Century Link too where the Seahawks will give us some inspirations to lose our voices!

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

Ultimate Karaoke for Men: Can You Sing Like Steve Perry?

Who has the best voice in rock?  My money's on Steve Perry the ex-lead singer of the rock band, Journey, who had their heyday in the late 70s through mid-80s.  

The band Journey made a mark in me when one of my peers in high school said Journey was his favorite band in the mid-80s in Spanish class.  This guy, Brian Raden, was always one notch ahead of me.  You know the guy I'm talking about: you got a "B" in your algebra test, he got a B +.  You got a "B +" in your English class, he got an "A". 

Growing up, I always wanted to be friends with Brian Raden; we took nearly all the upper math and English classes throughout middle and high school, but it never happened.  He was always out of my reach.  He live in town, I live out of town.  Shit, the way I'm gushing over him, you think I was a fruitcake in love with the guy, but in all honesty all I ever wanted was to be his friend.  Too be his equal of sorts on friendly terms.  Well, outside of attending classes with him, that's all that ever happened.  Brian Raden NEVER became my friend in the traditional sense.  BUT he was a standard I held myself to -- at one point in my life -- and he like the musical band, Journey.  And that struck a chord in me.  

Truth be told, growing up I was much more of a Deff Leopard guy.  But then again, you already know that given the fact that you read this post of mine from May in 2012.  I didn't take a liking for Journey until AFTER I graduated high school (in 1987 -- if you're so curious).  But when I did start listening to Journey, bess be belivin' that I took a liking to Steve Perry's vocals.  Shit, when I sung, I wanted to sound like him!

Well, did that happen?  Probably not.  BUT I did have fun TRYING to imitate one of the best voices EVER to come out of rock-n-roll music.  And I've found the drunker you get the easier it is to fool yourself that you sound even the tadd est bit like the living legend that is Steve Perry.

Now researching this post a bit, I did watch a couple of Journey's videos, and I do attest they do in fact suck and are substandard to videos from the other band from Journey's heyday era.  In fact the Steve Perry offering I make now, isn't good at all either, but it does have "the voice", so I present it now, just to give you a taste of what Steve Perry is capable of delivery in song:

 

Journey music tracks dominate the spec. script soundtrack for "Love, Music and Monkeys: Give It Up for Chimpy II" that your's truly penned several years back.   And in the script, in one scene, my main heroine, Stacy Dutchmen, even had an encounter with Steve Perry in her car.   How does that encounter turn out?  Dude, to find that answer to that question you need to request the script -- AND be affiliated in some tangible way to the "the Industry" of which your's truly would like to be a part of someday.   

To this day I still listen to Journey tracks.  Old school Journey.  NOTHING with that hack that started singing as Journey's front-man post 2006.  I remember watching a Superbowl pre-game show and they announced Journey would be singing and some long-haired Indian dude was singing in Steve Perry's place.  Long-haired Indian dude is no Steve Perry.  What a joke!  But, through some on-line research I learned that long-haired Indian dud ONLY got the job, because Steve Perry suffered an injury and delayed the rest of the band's desire to tour and make $$.  

Too me, Steve Perry IS Journey; he cannot be replaced.  His voice is so unique.  So good.  You don't fuck with that.

To this day I still play Journey songs in my car, and try to sing like Steve Perry.  I pour my heart into imitating him.  But their is only one Steve Perry.   

Post-high school I only saw Brian Raden once, it came as I was walking the grounds of a Community College I attended after high school.  I smiled at Brian.  He smiled back.  The walked past me, and out of my life forever. 

I have many regrets in my life.  I wish I could have been more popular growing up.  Sometimes I fantasize about how my social life in high school could have been better.  Shit, I needed some help growing up -- and I NEVER got it.  And the friends I did have, were with 20 years of retrospect: total shit!  I had shitty friends.  Friends in retrospect I wish I never even met.  Hence the blog.  And why the rest of you fucks have to put up with me now.  I'm fucked up -- and you gotta help me!!  Just kidding. 

But in all honesty there are a lot of unresolved issues in my life.  Stuff I still struggle with to this day.  And Journey will always remind me of one person.  One person on one day who gave me just the briefest insight into who this person was his favorite band was Journey, and he said it in Spanish in response to Mrs. Dorsey.  And now that band is forever linked in my heart and in my mind with that guy. 

Study your own heart and I think you'll find a similar rhythm: music bonds with memories that you have of people and situations.

Someday I hope to forge new memories with some of Journey's songs like say:

 

or "Open Arms" and say a hottie! 

Man, there are certain beats in life that I would love to experience before I die.  And one of them is to have that someone specialwho matters, and make-out to hyper-romantic music.  Just need to find the girl...  And the older I get, the less likely it appears that's ever going to happen.  Still, if I ever find her.  Gotta get my inner Steve Perry on so I can woo the wo-man. 

Ultimate karaoke for men: can you sing like Steve Perry?  Answer as pertains to me: depends on how much you've had to drink.

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

What It Takes to be a Rom-com Supporting Actor or Actress All-star: Exploring Issues in Rom-com Movies Volume XII

What do you look for in supporting actors or actresses in a supporting role in a romantic comedy movie?  Do you even have any hopes for those characters -- or is it all about the leads for you?  Hope not, because I believe their is more room to have fun as a supporting character in a romantic comedy, then in being a lead.

I think the issue of the importance of supporting leads -- for me at least -- began a long time ago after I watched "Splash" (1984: Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah).  LOVED the silly, villainous Walter Kornbluth (Eugine Levy's character) who spends 80 % of the movie trying to prove to everyone that he's not a kook, and the mermaids do really exist.  BUT the supporting actor I'm going to set my magnifying glass on is John Candy.  John Candy died many years ago, 1994 to be exact.  But he passed away he left an imprint on comedy in America.  John Candy was very funny.  And the supporting actor work he put in, in "Splash" is deserving of high praise.

"Splash" is all about Tom Hanks romance with a mysterious woman, Daryl Hannah, who turns out to be a mermaid.  But what John Candy adds to the mix is a humorous contrast to Tom Hanks character.  Tom Hanks is fit and handsome, whereas John Candy's character is out-of-shape and is a fun loving guy. 

How about the racketball scene where John Candy and Tom Hanks discus life, while John Candy's character is smoking and drinking beer!  Funny stuff.  And throughout "Splash" John Candy's character delivers comic relief and also is a mentor and sounding board for main protagonist, Tom Hanks.  HUGE fan of John Candy in "Splash."  Few have ever done as good a job in a supporting role in a rom-com. 

   And supporting actors and actresses in a romantic comedy DON'T always have to be contrast or comedy only people.  Case and point, Ryan Gosling in "Crazy, Stupid, Love" (2011: Steve Carrell).  In "Crazy, Stupid, Love" the main plot revolves around Steve Carrell and where his love life will end-up.  Sure Ryan Gosling's character is key component of how that turns out -- but he is a supporting character, NOT the main one.  And Ryan Gosling's character is Mr. Smooth, NOT Mr. Funny.  Rather, in this movie Ryan Gosling gets by, by doing shit like this:

PUT THE SHIRT BACK ON RYAN, you're making the rest of us schmucks look like just that, schmucks!  

Anywho, I think you get the idea; there is no reason why supporting characters in a romantic comedy can't be sexy too!  Just look at Marisa Tomei in "Crazy, Stupid, Love;" when she goes crazy, sex-starved school teacher on poor ol' Steve Carrell, we should all be so lucky!

Time to deal with another misnomer about what makes a good, romantic comedy supporting actor or actresses.  What about Michael Constantine's performance as Gus Portacalos, Tula (Nia Vardalos) father.  Too me, Gus Portacalos' character IS what makes "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" work.  He is the main protagonist's father, yet at the same time one could I argue -- and I would -- that Gus Portacalos is the story's main antagonist at the same time; as he stands in opposition to Tula expanding her life beyond the restaurant that her family owns. 

Take Michael Constantine's Gus Portacalous out of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and you really compromise the story, eliminating a vital area of conflict.  Gus Portacalous is by far the most interesting character in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."  And Michael Constanineshowed great comedic timing and character acting in his portrail of Tula's father.  La-oved Gus Portacalous.  YET I would not rank him the best of all time.  That's coming later in the show, kids.

On the ladies side of the ledger it feels like women in romantic comedies are used more as romantic councillors to the main protagonist.  Sometimes rivals, sometimes comedic relief, like say Isla Fisher in "Wedding Crashers" (2005: Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn).  Personally, I thought the very premise of "Wedding Crashers" was offensive.  YET, even despite that, Isla Fisher breathed some well needed life into this lemon of a movie.  And that's what a good supporting role can do; make the movie tolerable. 

Back on point.  For me it feels like in most romantic comedies the supporting roles for women work with the female main protagonist to sort out their lives, and process matters pertaining to their love interest.

Of all the female supporting romantic comedy actress out there, it should come as no suprise that my favorite of all is Judy Greer, she played Lucy Wyman in "13 Going on 30" and has played supporting actress gigs on rom-coms such as: "Love Happens" (2009: Jennifer Aniston, Aarron Eckhart), 27 Dresses (2008: Katherine Heigl).  Too bad in real life Judy Greer is married to Dean E. Johnsen since December 17, 2011 as per IMBD.  Would have loved to have gotten a shot at that title.  Dean, you're a lucky man.  On the surface, looks wise, Judy Greer is exactly what I'm looking for, FYI for all the single ladies out there. 

Okay, so know I've laid out a couple supporting actors and actresses in romantic comedy movies, but of all of them who do I say did it best?  You'll never guess...

Michael Rispoli, Joey Fusco Jr. in "While You Were Sleeping" (1995: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman)."  Sometimes I just watch "While You Were Sleeping" JUST to watch Michael Rispoli BRILLIANT performaceas schlub, who doesn't even realize that he is a schlub, Joey Fusco Jr.  In Joey's mind he's a candidate for Lucy's heart, but in Lucy's mind, he's a non-contender.  Joey Fusco Jr. really adds something of value to the mix in "While You Were Sleeping" when Jack and Lucy get close to kissing in one scene and Jack talks about "leaning", Joey sees them from a distance and notes that he sees Jack as leaning, then warns Jack that if Lucy wants him dispatched he's the guy to do it as he knows karate, then immediately upon turning around nearly loses his party hat as it hits a branch and causes him to stop and readjust it.  Funny stuff.  But then again nearly every time Michael Rispoli's Joey Fusco Jr. is on the screen I found myself chuckling. 

Best supporting actor in a romantic comedy EVER, Michael Rispoli as Joey Fusco Jr. in "While You Were Sleeping."  And I would give the 2nd place trophy to John Candy as Freddie Bauer in "Splash."  3rd place to Michael Constanine as Gus Portacalos in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."  Ladies, you need to step up.  Traditionally the rom-com is regaurded as women's territory, YET as pertains to supporting actors and actresses no one from the women's ranks is worthy of cracking my top three.  What's up with that?  Women you need to step up your game.  More appropriately, writers you need to step up your game and create a memorable, supporting role for an actress in rom-com.

In summary, I think supporting actors and actresses best serve a romantic comedy when they provide comedic relief therein.  Sure their are many other functions a supporting actor or actress can provide in a romantic comedy.  They can be a romantic b storyline, like say a Ryan Gossling and Emma Stone are in "Crazy, Stupid, Love."  They can be mentors like Rossie O'Donnel is in "Sleepless in Seattle."  Supporting actor and actresses roles should provide LIFE to the movie.  They need to add something.  Balls in the air.  You risk a lot IF you put all your stock in the leads carrying the movie.  Remember, one of E.C. Henry's beliefs is that romance makes a lot of people fell uncomfortable.  Thus, the support actors and actresses can provide a vital function to the movie going experience: they can give the audience something else to key in on, other than the central romance.  Balls in the air.  Comedy, memorable characters.  Get it?

As for the opening shot from "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" I did that in honor of the cast, which I thought was outstanding.  Of all the romantic comedies ever made I think "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" had the best ensemble of supporting members of any in the history of film.  I'd give "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" as being a close second on that front.

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

Still working on that pesky teen comedy thing.  Working the late 2nd to 3rd act scenes mostly.  Going back into that characters too.  Think I may have my best female heroine since Stacy Dutchmen of "Give It Up for Chimpy", we'll see...  But at least I'm having fun, and no longer feel paralyzed.  I'm working through my story's issues.  Not all the way there yet, but DAILY tangable progress is being made.  That said, I still don't have a definitive done date in mind yet.  Too far off to see.  Still in the 1st draft building stage.  And I feel in my heart that it's going to take multipe drafts to hone this story and get it to a place where I can honestly say I've taken the story, its promise and potential, and take it the highest level I'm capable of taking it.  

I am a perfectionist.  And I hold myself to a high standard.  Sure I may have not made a sale to this point in my career.  But I hope to someday.  

P.S.S. on a personal note I took my parents and my aunt out to eat last night at the The Salish Lodge at the Snoqualmie Falls.  Found out lobster bisque sounds much better than it actually tastes.  Though I was getting a seafood soup, but instead the stuff was orange and tasted like squash, could barely choke the stuff down, BUT at $ 15 a bowl, you bet your ass I ate it all.  Anywho, $ 331 dollars -- and a genuine smile from my mom later, we all went home happy.  Ever since I saw "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" where Benjamin Barry made lamb for Andie Anderson, I've been meaning to try lamb.  Finally did, as the Salish had that on their menu, and they didn't disappoint.  I LA-OVE lamb.  Can't wait to trying making myself, and a la Benjamin Barry gunna try to do that with an accompanying cherry glaze.

The Sports Romantic Comedy: Exploring Issues in Rom-com Movies Volume XI

 

Remember these two lovebirds frolicking about in minor league baseball back in the 80s?  Gotta be Susan Sarandon and Kevin Costner a la "Bull Durham" (1988).  Ever see that hit?  It's been over 15 years since I saw "Bull Durham", but I wanted to start this post with it because it is one of the most memorable sports oriented rom-coms of all-time.

What I remember of "Bull Durham" is sketchy at best.  I remember their is a seen where Crash Davis is giving Annie Savoy "the business" in the bathtub and motion of the ocean during "the business" in process accidentally puts out some the of the candles in Annie's bathtub.  Those poor candles what did they ever do to get pre-maturely stuffed out.  Hope that's all that was premature in that scene.  He-he-he: E.C. Henry momentary juevinlle slip back into the 6th grade.

But really was "Bull Durham" the 1st sports orientated rom-com?  Well their is Sylvester Stallone's "Rocky" (1976).  And in this movie their is a budding romance between Rocky Balboa and Adrienne Pennino (Tali Shire).  But honestly, did ANYONE go to any of the Rocky movies to see how Rocky and Adrienne's their romance progressed through the years?  The magic of Rocky is all in the under-dog who wills himself to take on challengers badder than himself.  The Adrienne, b-storyline is more of a breather.  Much like the Indiana Jones and Miriam interludes are in "Raiders of the Lost Arc." 

Okay, so I just through ya a little misdirection.  All in the great goal of engauging your mind and getting you to think, because the place I'm going to take you is a little off the beaten path. 

I suggest to you, that most all sports rom-coms are really not sports rom-com's at all.  Rather they are sports comedies or dramas with a significant romantic comedy b storyline, and if it's in Wikepedia ya know it's gotta be true ;)

Probably my favorite sports comedy of all-time is "Happy Gilmore" (1996: Adam Sandler).  I love that movie.  It's funny.  It has a great antagonist; Shooter McGavin, who is played by Christopher McDonald.  How he missed my Best Villains in the History of Cinema originally posted on April 1, 2012 was an oversight on behalf of yours truly, Shooter McGavin should have been on my top 40 villains of all-time's list. 

BUT there is also a b storyline in "Happy Gilmore" that is all rom-com; Happy Gilmore's pursuit of the golf publicistVirgina Venit played by Julie Bowen.  YES, I realize that MOST people completely gloss over that rom-com subcomponet, once again there's that term again the dreaded "b storyline", but it's there.  Happy Gilmore does pursue a love interest while in the mist of going on the PGA tour to save his mother's house from foreclosure.  It's Happy Gillmore's arc from angry ex-hockey player to motivated, professional golfer which is the main story. 

Get what I'm talking about now?  In the realm of sports comedy, it can be considered a sports rom-com IF a romantic storyline is developed.  And it can't be just a throw-in story.  It has to have some ups and downs.  Yes, it's a bending of the rules, but I'm doing so with the finest of intentions; I want the sports arena represented as a sub genre in the romantic comedy field of movies.  Now Billy Mernit did not include "sports" under his rom-com cross hybrid grouping in his "Writing the Romantic Comedy" book, but I think he should have.  If "Crime" can have it's own subgenre in the world of all thing rom-com with enty's like "Prizzi's Honor" (1985), "Married to the Mob" (1988) and "Honeymoon in Vegas" (1992) why can't the sports romantic comedy be considered a valid subgenre with entry's like: "Happy Gilmore," "Bull Durham" and Tin Cup (1996: Kevin Costner, Rene Russo).  Yes, I did exclude "Rocky".  Why?  Because I consider it main attraction Rocky taking on foes trumps and snuff out the romantic b-storyline, which is used a breather.   And under the same rationale that's why I would exclude "Raiders of the Lost Arc" as ever being considered a romantic comedy.  Again, Indiana and Miriam's tumultuous romance is more of a breather in between high-flying action set pieces. 

And it just doesn't hafta be a players journey in a given sport with a strong romantic sub component that rings the bell as belonging in the sports rom-com subgenre.  Consider James L. Brooks' 2010 release "How Do You Know": Reece Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson, Jack Nicholson). What's that story about?  A woman finding her way AFTER she gets dropped by her baseball team.  Now this movie has a very story romantic subcomponent: Reece has to choose between Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson.  Hint honey, either way you go you win!  AND it's got some roots in sports to boot: Reece's character is baseball player, and Owen Wilson's character is an active athelete. 

Rolling on with this vibe.  One could also make the argument that "Jerry McGuire" (1996: Tom Cruise, Cuba Golding Jr., Rene Zelwegger) is a sports rom-com, as Tom Cruise's character is an agent who is representing professional sports players.  Remember Cuba Golding Jr.'s character was a diva wide receiver who wants Jerry McGuirre to score him a big contract.  "Show me the money."

All that said, I would caution against including "Jerry McGuirre" as being a sports romantic comedy.  Tom Cruise doesn't do rom-coms.  He's too serious.  Great actor, don't missread me, but Tom Cruise doesn't do rom-coms.  "Jerry McGuirre" is as close as he gets.

To date I've written two sports rom-coms: "Hometown Professional Football" (2007) and "After the Glory" (2010).  Both are in the world of football.  Both have significant love stories that take place in a sports comedy arena.  "Hometown Professional Football" has 3 love story-lines that take place in it, as the characters interact as a newly formed professional football league plays its first season.   I wrote the staring role in "Hometown Professional Football" for Owen Wilson.  "After the Glory" was written in leau of the Brett Favre fiasco; how every year he seamed to hint at retirement then comeback for another year with the Packers... the Jets... the Vikings...  Is he gone yet?  Anywho, his saga got me thinking about ex-athletes and their lives after they do finally retire.  And I wrote the staring role in "After the Glory" with Will Farrell in mind. 

So does writing 2 UNSOLD sports rom-coms entitle me to be expert in the field?  No, it doesn't.  I'm sure there's a lot more people out there better qualified to articulate this subgenre I'm blogging about.  BUT I listen to sports radio regularly, and I've got a creative bend.  AND I think I really understand how this sub genre works.  Lemme explain...

When you write a sports rom-com one of the basic tenants is you have to get inside the main character.  It can't be all about the games, and the drama of the sport as a whole.  You have to get personal.  It speaks to the interest of curiosity: the audience wants to know what the star is like in their personal life.  Go beyond the stats and show what the athelete is like beyond what is seen in a normal game broadcast.  Touch on the player in game experience, yeah sure, you betchya.  But be sure to go beyond that. 

And don't forget the comedy.  I think that in a sports rom-com it is more important to be funny then it is to be romantic.  Why?  Because if it's really funny it will reel in a bigger audience, than if it's known as a rom-com.  Realize a basic truth: romance makes many people feel uncomfortable.  Whereas comedy is all about breaking down walls through the power of laughter.  My advice: come in early with the comedy, then end with the romance.  Makes for a more satisfying story. 

- E.C. Henry from Bonney Lake, WA

P.S. Much to my chagrin, I haven't been writing much lately.  Going to spend the next two weeks or so honing the outline to my latest teen comedy spec. script I'm working on.  Goal: get back to writing a least 1 hour a day, evey day.  The progress will come, if I put in the time.  Just need to put in the time.