GRANDFELLA is a fun and entertaining crime, comedy. It conjures up memories of ANALYZE THAT, MEET THE FLOCKERS, and GOODFELLAS. The script features an extremely appealing hook: a seasoned mobster decides to retire and reconcile with his estranged daughter and grandson. He goes from big time mobster to small town PTA fundraiser.
The story features a strong “fish out of water” element. This adds a nice layer of tension to the script, the mobster is hiding out from vengeful hoods.
The script is driven by solid themes about second chances, respect, reconnection, and redemption.
The highlights of the script are Nick, the retired mobster, and his struggle to adjust to his new world by using his old criminal and enforcer techniques. What’s smart…show more content… It’s unclear why she calls the FBI. One wonders if there should actually be a possible love interest for Nick and whether this could be Catherine or someone else.
Danny’s relationship with Nick is another engaging subplot. To strengthen this subplot it might be nice to establish that Danny’s a bit of a nerdy kid, opposite of Nick. Travis, a bully, picks on Danny, but establish this earlier when Nick arrives in town. Maybe Nick teaches Danny “self-defense” causing conflict with Sophia and then Nick teaches him the art of “negotiation.” Make sure in the first act the audience really understands that Nick is best at negotiating. In fact, he’s trying to negotiate his way through life.
Nick is definitely a great character. It’s easy to like him and to root for him. He’s been a mobster all his life and lived by their rules. He’s skilled at negotiating everything, but his personal life. He wants to keep a promise to his late wife, but he only knows how to use his mobster skills to get what he wants. This makes him a good comedic character. He also possesses a witty, sardonic voice. At the end, he learns to love family over the mob. He has new priorities. It would be nice if the entire small town came together to help Nick at the end (like what was done with
