Where Your Next Story is Hiding

In an article in the RepublicanAmerican, Brynn Mandel writes about John Fusco, author of the film, “The Forbidden Kingdom.” The article says Fusco credits his screenwriting success — "Young Guns" and "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" are among 10 he's written— with his determination to reconnect with the wonder and excitement of childhood.

“The Forbidden Kingdom” came from a bedtime story Fusco told his son, based on the Chinese legend of the Monkey King and a magical staff. In his version, an American teen-ager finds in a pawnshop a special weapon belonging to a Chinese sage, and it transports him to ancient China.

"It all goes back to this creative well that was established in my younger years," Fusco said.

I don’t know how good the film is but the principle of going back to what inspired you as a child, rather than being unduly influenced by other current films and novels, is a great one.

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