HOLLYWOOD–All good movies have a formula faithfully followed, from the opening image to the theme stated to the chase scene and the proverbial “ride into the sunset.” Hopslam reached the point in the movie where, following the zany “fun and games” of initial success, the team has seemingly lost its way and the forces of evil are closing in (i.e. “bad guy” Abe Colwell, league director has threatened to disband the rag tag Hopslam team and force the hero into retirement).
Following their 3-4 loss to rival franchise Yaks1 Wednesday night, the film ran in slow-motion as the echoes of cheering, bleating Yaks could be heard over a slow-heart beat sound and the sad classical violin score indicating the seeming hopelessness of the situation.
Several key players were given close-up shots as they moved blankly through the line-up, shaking hands with the rivals.
INT. LOCKER ROOM – NIGHT
The team sits slumped in defeat.
MIKE LEIGHTON
How do you describe this game?
BOY
Crap.
The word “crap” echoed beyond the scene as defenseman Mark Woods was spotted walking along a darkened, rain-soaked street in some city, wearing a cool leather jacket and sporting a rugged five o’clock shadow.
Woods noted to reporters that he planned to drink a beer (whose label will always face the camera) until some unnamed character filled with wisdom (either an old man who formerly played in the beer leagues or a young kid filled with the power of innocence) will inspire him.
The exchange will prompt a break into Act III, where the team will put it all together in a series of shots showing goals being scored and high-fives to some upbeat 80’s song (complete with fans cheering from various locations within the city and the rink), followed by the climactic championship game, where the team will battle from behind to win it all!