Watch Kids' Reviews of
MORTIMER SMEDLEY'S INVENTION

This screenplay has a cute premise with the nerd gaining popularity through a great invention but some viewers might not appreciate aspects of the science fair scene with the cat poop flying all over. It is original and imaginative. Mortimer creates a machine to do homework perfectly. But, it backfires on him and his nerd friends document the saga with poetry. Kids will love the thought of creating something to do away with homework. This has a well developed plot. It's greatest strength is the bond between the nerds and the way they stick together through good and bad. One is immediately drawn into the story and can easily visualize it. While it is pretty predictable, it is still interesting and funny with its own funny twists. It unfolds well with the events building on each other. The bully develops a respect for Mortimer when the machine works and Mortimer and his friends gain some popularity until it all backfires at the disastrous science fair. The scene at the science fair leaves you feeling a bit robbed. Once you heard about the cat poop, you knew it was going to end up on the bully. When you read about the hose, you knew that Mortimer's experiment was going to get destroyed. The ending leaves you happy for the kids and their friends and leaves you chuckling about his plans for next year when he plans to design a flying car but first has to learn to drive. Good characters. Everyone can relate to the nerds and bullies. You develop an empathy for Mortimer and really want him and his friends to succeed. The dialogue is very natural and believable. Well edited, good grammar, spelling and punctuation. Easy to follow. Could spark an interesting discussion about inventions and science fair projects. Demonstrates the strength of friendships. Overall, it's fun and slightly predictable.

Ten-year-old Mortimer Smedley III is the class genius...and the class nerd. He invents a homework machine and hopes it will score some points with the popular kids. Unfortunately, that's where his troubles begin. It works for a while. But, at the big science fair his machine explodes and his dreams go up in a cloud of smoke.