Customer Reviews

All About Marilyn

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4 star:		(3)
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"All About Marilyn" is a brilliant screenplay written by Shawn James. I've never read a screenplay, but Shawn explains the terminology of show business so you are able to read the play with ease. In "All About Marilyn" we are introduced to Marilyn Marie, a star in the teen series All About Nikki. One bad decision Marilyn believes is going to advance her career ultimately ends it. When Marilyn's show is canceled, it just turns out to be the beginning of the end for Marilyn.

The play then cuts to present day. Marilyn is struggling to stay a float. Hollywood is a town that worships youth, and there aren't many roles for women over thirty. And for an African American woman over thirty, roles are pretty much non-existent. To top it all off, the very role that made her a household name now is just a hindrance as Marilyn is typecast as Nikki. She's reduced to the occasional guest spot on television shows and extra work, all the while hoping to find a part that's going to resurrect her career. While on set of a movie, it's more of the same as Marilyn is cast as an extra. Marilyn's life takes an unforeseen tragic turn as she's assaulted on the movie set.

While Marilyn is recovering, her whole perspective on life changes. She has a new lease on life, and with the help and encouragement of her supportive friends, Marilyn makes a fresh start. With the acting bug out of her system, Marilyn begins to live a life she could have never imagined.

Shawn James gives readers unique insight on the harsh realities of the showbiz industry, with rich, multi-dimensional characters the readers share a connection with. Readers also feel the ups and downs and highs and lows Marilyn endures. You can expect big things from Shawn James in the future. All I can say is bravo; very well done.


Reviewed by: Anna

When I requested to review All About Marilyn, some how I overlooked the word screenplay. Imagine my surprise when I opened the package and flipped through the book, as I do with all books when I first receive them. The last time I read anything that came close to this format was written by Shakespeare and called a play. However, Shawn James begins the screenplay with a little background information or what he called "Screenplay Basics." Did I really need that information to enjoy what I was reading? No!

Marilyn Marie, at one point in her younger years, was a big time actress on a sitcom called All About Nikki. As with most child stars, she has to prove herself later on in order to get a part that is nothing like the character she used to play on television. One day while she was on a production set, her friend had written, a major incident occurs, triggering the change she had been seeking. Marilyn was leaving behind her life as Nikki Desmond, but would Nikki Desmond continue to be a part of her life forever? Will she be nothing but another washed-up actresses?

Mr. James brought drama. I can see how it would be the turning point in movie. If All About Marilyn was written in novel form I could see it then also. I did not expect the ending or any of it for that matter. But I did enjoy what I read. I am not sure if this is a new literary genre, but I would read more. I recommend readers of plays and those looking for a new type of reading experience to give this book a try.

I received this screenplay for review purposes from the author.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Present day, Marilyn Marie is a "has been" teen sitcom star. The cancellation of her show, All About Nikki, is the beginning of the many trials and tribulations she will have to endure in order to seek redemption.

As the screen play opens in the past, we are treated to Marilyn in character as Nikki Desmond. As the play continues in the present day, Marilyn is preoccupied with landing acting roles but feels rejection after rejection due to her age and the stigma of the character Nikki. She is relegated to roles as an extra. In dramatic fashion, a destructive incident occurs that literally transforms her as her life begins anew.

As a screenplay, ALL ABOUT MARILYN was an enjoyable and adventurous reading experience. The author James provided screenplay terminology which was helpful. The images were descriptive, the dialogue engaging, an effective plot, and an unexpected climax. ALL ABOUT MARILYN is moving, entertaining, and heartfelt; one that readers of plays will enjoy.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

This was the first screenplay I've read. If you haven't read one before give 'All About Marilyn' a try. It is a totally different reading experience. Shawn James has written a fast paced drama with an explosive climax. You feel for the main character as she struggles with making life-altering decisions. All About Marilyn is relatable to readers, whether you are in the lime light or not. The author presents strong characters that support the story well. I definitely recommend this entertaining book!

This screenplay is one of the more enjoyable reads I've picked up lately. I've always liked reading plays and really just cannibalized a collection from Shakespeare. I'd recommend this to any author, especially, and to anyone who likes good stories.

Shawn writes beautifully, in depth, and has fresh things to say about the human condition, which to my mind makes him a winner. AAM (All About Marilyn) has a great storyline, sharp characterization, a hefty and enjoyable slice of life presentation. It says just enough and no more. I liked the cover as much as I like the book. That cover lets you know that you're coming into high reading clover.

I'm positive we'll be hearing a lot from Shawn James. He has the drive, the talent, the skills to make it to the top. My only complaint: I read swiftly because I wanted to know what comes next, so I wouldn't have minded more story. But this is great as it stands.

I certainly hope a sequel is in the making in Sean's imagination, a sequel about Marilyn's world in any setting. How about it, Sean?