Blog #7 Jascha and Tim's utilization of the "Hollywood Formula"

The story starts with a 14 year old boy who struggles with drug problems, named Malik Maddison. He has a small house and lives alone with his mother. His father is in the military, and is the person that Malik looks up to the most. He receives a letter saying that his father had died serving our country. After he reads the letter, Malik falls to his knees and begins to cry. After the first scene, The story continues at his father's funeral. Malik sees several men in his father's platoon.
In the set up of the story, he meets several characters. After he goes to train in the military. The first character he meets a foreigner from Russia named Demetri. Demetri is very ignorant, and doesn't know much of his surroundings. Malik also meets a man named Erik. Eric is a pompous ass who doesn't give his respect to just anyone. He also meets Frank, who Is the silent type, however his eyes contain a murderous intent. despite the look in Frank's eyes, he cares a lot for those who he deem his friends. He also meets a crude, buff, Fun-loving Irishman who loves to drink (and smoke cigars). Carter is the leader of his platoon, he believes that everyone has the potential to do great things, however he is a very strict commanding officer.


The Inciting Incident is when his platoon is deployed on a secret mission to Germany, without much information. He has to get along with all of his mates, as well as respect his commanding officer. The platoon sets up their quarters. and begin to talk about themselves a tiny bit. Malik is also very protective over his father, if anyone brings him up, then he WILL get angry. Erik gets extremely angry when he finds that Malik has a higher rank than he does, even though Erik was in the army for a longer time than Malik. So Erik gives him a little "talking to" Malik struggles with his drug problems, and is often pill popping when no one is around. Malik thinks that he has been caught, but Demetri said that he would keep it a secret.


The main character already decided on his journey, to be part of the military. But Malik hadn't anticipated what he would end up figuring out... He has to decide on serving his country over all else, And to put his fathers greatness beyond him, In order to surpass him. Malik also wants to find the strength get over his drug addiction, but that isn't so easy for him.


When their jeep gets deployed by the navy, they drive in to Germany to start the big journey. Something suspicious is going on here, Its very dangerous, but his platoon is going to have to figure this out. They decide to set up camp.


The sub-plot is most definitely the interactions between the soldiers in the platoon. Doing various group exercises to get to know each other. There is a lot of drama between Malik and the rest of them, which does for some great dialogue. There is lots of fighting and bickering going on.


In this part of the story, the character's backgrounds get revealed. The characters truly get to know each other, and understand each others pasts. making the bonds between soldiers stronger and stronger. Malik and Erik start to bond, and the brotherhood between soldiers is fully established. Malik would die for any one of his comrades, as would any of them.


The group finds a laboratory in Germany, they thought this may be the end. but in fact its only the beginning. All the drama and action starts now. Something far worse then they ever imagined is going on here, and they'll find out what it is, whether they want to or not. They find a paper that says "Die Wiedergeburt" on it. Demetri translates the words, and says that it means "The Rebirth" in English. Suddenly all of the doors go on lock-down. The Platoon hears a gunshot, Only the start of the big action scene.


The protagonist thinks he knows who the bad guys are. However he was wrong. The real antagonist was none other than the man who he thought he could trust the most. But he doesn't quite know this yet. When no one can see Demetri (or so he thinks) he shows off his real stuff. In reality the peace loving pacifist Demetri Is the most skilled soldier of them all. After this Carter and Thomas' deaths catch Malik by surprise.


His all is lost moment is when Carter and Thomas are both dead, and the one in charge has to be him. He has trouble accepting the responsibility, and even starts to doubt himself. Erik gets mad and asks him if he wont handle the situation then who will. as Erik beats Malik around a little. The antagonists also take Erik away a little bit after this, which only makes Malik doubt himself more.
After this incedent Malik tries to numb up his mind with drugs, and blacks out. Frank finds Malik with a pill bottle in his hand, and slaps him across the face to wake him up. Malik wakes up, and throws away the bottle. and starts walking with a serious look on his face.


Malik knows who the true bad guy is. He also knows what he is going to do about it. No more self doubt. its time to take the role of a leader. He picks himself up and is ready to go. He tells Frank his plan and tells him that success is the only option. Off they go to the main base of the bad guys, to save his friend, and to finish things off.