CAYOM YEAR 10 - PART 1 - MOVIE SUBMISSION - Submissions for January-June Closing Monday

[SLAM!]

THE UNSEEN

 

Studio Groundswell

Director: Jayro Bustamante

Genre: Drama

Release Date: November 6th

Theater Count: 2,457

MPAA Rating: R for Language and One Moment of Blood & Gore

Budget: $10 Million

Runtime: 1 hr 47 mins

Nationality: Guatemalan

Language: Spanish

 

Cast

Adriana Barraza as Maria

Arturo Castro as Bruno

Marlene Forte as Alma

 

Names altered to respect privacy.

 

Based on a True Story

 

Spoiler

Fade in on shots of normal life on the streets of small-town Guatemala as cars, mopeds, and the impoverished go about their day. We settle on a bakery owned by a widow named Maria (Barraza). She sells fresh bread to many customers, and it's clear she makes a positive impact on her community. Her adult son, Bruno (Castro), comes to visit after work. They catch up, and it's clear that Maria loves Bruno very much. Bruno must go to a cookout with his cousin, and Maria instructs him not to stay out too late. She watches him leave with a smile.

 

That night, Bruno hangs out at the cookout. An argument happens between a rich woman's son and his wife. Then a series of misunderstandings involving a gun happens, and the rich woman's son says out loud, "hey look, there's no bullets in the gun, see?" then puts the gun to his head and pulls the trigger. The bullet inside the gun flies through the skull of the rich woman's son, and his blood splatters onto Bruno. Everyone panics, and Bruno's friends suggest that he leaves the scene so the police don't blame him for the poor guy's death, but Bruno insists on staying because he knows it wouldn't be right to leave.

 

Cut to Maria pacing around, as Bruno has stayed out too late. The police come and inform her that Bruno has been taken into custody. Maria is very troubled by this, but conducts herself with peace, knowing that Bruno would never do anything to intentionally hurt anyone.

 

But when the police arrive at a bigger house owned by Alma (Forte), the scene is anything but peaceful. Alma screams out as she mourns, with the frame of mind that her son's death affects her own future. Her sorrow and fear blend into each other as she wails...

 

Maria visits Bruno in prison. Bruno explains what happened in detail, revealing that the gun belonged to Alma's son, and that the son believed there were no bullets in the gun. Maria expresses hope that God will get them through this, and that Bruno will be released soon. They press their hands against the sheet of glass between them.

 

Meanwhile, Alma schemes with prosecutors, because they're wary that since her son killed himself, his life insurance money will disappear into the void... Unless someone else is blamed for his death in the court of law. One recalls that one of the friends is already imprisoned due to the incident, but the hearing is soon to come. Alma stands and stares out a window, then says something to the effect of "let us take matters into our own hands."

 

Maria talks with a defense attorney, who tells her that a manslaughter charge has been filed against Bruno. "But he's innocent," says Maria. The attorney assures Maria that the evidence is on her side, and that Bruno would surely be found innocent in a perfect world. But Maria is very unsettled by this.

 

The trial happens, and the lawyers present all the evidence they have. Bruno's defense attorney presents all the evidence they need to, including video camera footage basically confirming that Alma's son killed himself with the gun, and that Bruno is blameless. A nervous Maria looks to Alma, who sits with dark makeup, straight posture, and a stoic expression.

 

The jury returns after deliberating, and Maria and Bruno watch in stunned silence as the judge declares Bruno to be "guilty" of the manslaughter charge rather than "not guilty." No hint of remorse on the judge's face, or the face of the lawyers and jurors, and there's surely no remorse present in Alma and her peers. Bruno calls out to Maria as the police take him away, and Maria can only cry and shed tears as Bruno goes.

 

Outside of the courthouse, Alma takes picture and video for the press, saying things like "hallelujah" and wearing clothes that say the words "Jesus" and "Jerusalem," publicly expressing a form of gratitude God knows to be false.

 

Maria talks about the verdict with the defense attorney, who surmises that Alma paid the judge, lawyers, and jurors under the table in order to win the case against Bruno, so that she could inherit the life insurance money from her dead son. When Maria asks why Alma would do it, the attorney reveals something he found in his research: some time ago, Alma's husband went drunk driving with her two sons in the car, and her husband and one of her sons was killed in the accident that followed. Therefore, this son was all Alma had left. Maria realizes aloud that Alma surely bought all the people involved in the case. In her bafflement, she asks the attorney, "were you bought?" BEAT. "...I am not at liberty to discuss such matters," the attorney says dryly, "but I will do everything in my power to appeal this verdict and bring you justice."

 

We get a sad montage of prison guards guiding Bruno through the prison to his cell. They inform Bruno that if he wants to sleep on a concrete slab, he'll have to pay extra, and if he wants blankets, they're five quetzals each. Otherwise he'll be sleeping on the floor. Bruno frowns at the deplorable conditions he'll be living in for many years.

 

In the bakery, Maria reads a bill from the prison informing her that she'll have to pay for all of Bruno's food, for all of Bruno's threads (for bags or crafts), and for Bruno's access to water and electricity. Basically, everything provided by the prison is something Maria has to pay for while Bruno's imprisoned there. We get moments of Maria struggling financially due to the burdens of having to pay for such things in the prison. The defense attorney becomes an added stressor because they intentionally drag the appeal process along in order to extort more money out of Maria.

 

One day, in the prison courtyard, Bruno's minding his own business when a gang of thugs surround him and subdue him. They bring Bruno to a phone and force him to call Maria. We intercut between the two as Maria accepts the phone call. Bruno is forced to explain that Maria must bring five thousand quetzals to a certain location, or else he'll be killed. Bruno pleads for his life, and Maria breaks down in tears as she promises to provide the money. We cut to a frantic montage of Maria hurrying to get the money together, and she gives the money to a thug in a sketchy area to pay her son's ransom.

 

In her car, Maria tells God that she's mad at him, and that she hates him for what she's doing to her and her son. She wrestles with the question of "how could a loving God allow such bad things to happen."

 

In the prison, Bruno is now sleeping on crates propped up from the floor. Bruno's woes haven't ended yet, as he's suffering from terrible pain. Maria asks the prison to let him visit the doctor, and the prison refuses, but Maria begs them until they cave in and let him visit a doctor, who reveals that the pain is coming from his gallbladder. The doctor recommends surgery, but Maria knows that bacteria might be on the crates, and all over the prison just in general, so she gets Bruno prescription medication instead. In the visitation area, Bruno thanks Maria profusely for helping him through the pain and for all of her support. Maria promises Bruno that she will never abandon him.

 

One day, Maria goes to buy water for her water filter, and a friend appears to tell her that a group of Americans are coming with better water filters, and that if she received a filter from them, the new filter could even filter the tap water, meaning there would be one less thing she has to worry about buying. Maria says she wants to meet these Americans.

 

On a sunny day, the kind where everything appears golden, Maria goes to a small Christian school where young Christian missionaries show her the water filter. (Their English is not subtitled, but the Spanish spoken by their interpreter is subtitled.) They carve a hole in a bucket, then insert the simple tube system and pour dirty water into the bucket. They attach the water filter to the tube and pour water through the filter into a plastic cup, and the filter removes all of the dirt, and the water comes out clean and fresh to drink. The missionaries drink the filtered water in front of Maria to demonstrate that the filter system is trustworthy. They also show Maria how to clean the water filter, and they tell her that she can filter 150 gallons of water a day, so she can share clean drinking water with her family, friends, and community. Maria is grateful to receive the filter.

 

The missionaries talk about their faith, and how just like the water needs the filter to go from dirty to clean, sinners need Jesus for their sins to be washed away. They ask her, "do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?" Maria replies, "yes." Then they ask the follow-up question, "so if you died today, would you go to Heaven?" Maria thinks for a moment and answers, "no." They ask her why, and she says that she's guilty over being mad at God. The missionaries clarify that if she's chosen to trust Jesus as her Lord and Savior, then she is surely saved. Maria smiles and says, "that changes my perspective." The missionaries golf-clap in celebration of Maria's salvation. An older missionary asks if there is anything she would like them to pray about. Maria then bursts into tears in front of the missionaries. She tells her story, and the story stuns the missionaries into silence. Some cry with her, some exchange mortified looks, and some listen intently and seriously. They lose the time to pray but promise to pray for her later, though it's clear that her story will stick with all of the missionaries. One by one, the missionaries give Maria a hug, and the interpreter hugs Maria after them.

 

Maria takes her water filter home, and she replaces the old water filter with the new one. She wears a smile of pure, genuine peace as she bakes batches of bread. She sets some bread aside, and she leaves toward the prison with that bread, so she can share it with Bruno once she arrives. Fade to black.

 

Bruno is awaiting his appeal trial.

 

If he pleads guilty, he maintains his current sentence of four years in prison.

 

If he pleads not guilty and loses the appeal, he will have to serve three additional years.

 

The judicial system in Guatemala is infamously corrupt. Prosecutors who speak out are arrested, with charges like "abuse of authority" and "false testimony" issued against them. It is a system where verdict can be purchased by the wealthy, and where the poor suffer the most.

 

Many stories like this one remain untold.

 

 

[El Squibbonator]

 

FLESH

 

Studio: Fossil Record Animation

Based On: The comic of the same name by Pat Mills

Director: Harold Kingsley

 

Genre: Science-fiction, Action

Release Date: June 12, Y10

Theater Count: 3260

Rating: R

Format: 2D animation

Budget: $25 million

Runtime: 108 minutes

 

Cast: 

Barry Williams* as Earl Reagan

Don Clarence* as Joe Brontowski

Peter Alan Stone* as Claw Carver

Fred Goldberg* as Base Three Commander

Frank Welker as Old One-Eye

 

*fictional

 

Plot Summary:

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MLMBG3lLtUr1nSKMbZ4tcAAY7hud1EibcWgGaU4M5Lc/edit

 

Edited July 23, 2023 by El Squibbonator

[MCKillswitch123]

a walk in the london rain

 

Studio: Phoenix Fire Pictures

Director: Emma Seligman

 

Genre: Drama

Release Date:

• August 14, Y10 (limited);
• August 21 (limited expansion);
• August 28 (limited expansion #2);
• September 4 (wide);
• September 11 (wide expansion)

Theater Count:

• 4 (August 14 - limited);
• 10 (August 21 - limited expansion);
• 300 (August 28 - limited expansion #2);
• 1130 (September 4 - wide);
• 2342 (September 11 - wide expansion)

Rating: R

Format: 2D

Budget: $20 million

Runtime: 95 minutes

 

Cast:

• Rachel Sennott as Vanessa "Van" Francis
• Jodie Turner-Smith as Joelle Lopez

Plot Summary:

Spoiler

We follow the story of Vanessa "Van" Francis (Rachel Sennott), a young Jewish American woman who is frequenting Psychoanalytic Studies in London. In the beginning of the film, she publicly shows herself as self-sufficient, confident and practical, but she seems insecure whenever getting calls from her parents asking about her boyfriend, whom she insists in calling "Jesse". She says her and Jesse are doing just fine, but when her mother pressures her to bring Jesse with her upon returning to New York, Van says Jesse is too busy and can't come.

 

One day, Van, feeling pressured and restrained, decides to start visiting a therapist, Joelle Lopez (Jodie Turner-Smith). In their first dialogue, Van explains to Joelle that she loves Jesse, but she's a little hesitant about introducing him to her parents. Joelle asks why, and Van seems hesitant to reveal, saying she "is finding it hard to talk about this with someone", despite Joelle reassuring her that's the reason why she came to visit. Van refuses to open up, so Joelle invites her to be a part of an experimental psychoanalytic therapy process that she developed - one where she can be at peace with herself, without anyone interrupting her. Van, intrigued, if scared, asks if she's the first one to go, and Joelle says: "More or less." Reluctantly, she accepts, saying that any wrongdoing will be on her, Joelle nodding along. She steps into the couch in the doctor's room and lays there, falling asleep, while Joelle holds her head with a special device composed of two blue lights.

 

Suddenly, Van wakes and sees herself outside of Joelle's clinic, in the streets of London. It's 7:40AM and it's raining in London.

 

(utilize this video for reference):

 

Van is confused as to why Joelle's treatment is have her outside, in the rain, speaking of her troubles publicly, but Joelle says that the greatness of the therapy is precisely the fact that it *looks* public, but it's not - she's outside, interacting directly with nature and the environment, with the water of London rains washing her problems away, but only as a mental projection. Van is relieved, but seems adamant. Joelle invites her to start walking around central London.

 

So she and Joelle do. We see Van and Joelle walk around the famous streets of central London, from Coventry Street all the way to Hyde Park, and the film is edited as in "real time", following them in their 1 hour walk around the city. Plenty of moments in the film are dedicated to the two girls leisuring themselves and looking at the scenery, composed of gorgeous wide steadicam shots.

 

Throughout the film, we get interactions between Van, Joelle and the environment. One such is when they visit Piccadilly Circus, the famous "British Times Square" crosspoint, and we get a shot of her staring in awe at the scene of early Winter, still nighttime, raining London as bright adverts play. When she's asked to explain what she feels in that moment, Van explains that she's dazzled by the light, but Joelle tells her that she can sense Van's anger at this moment. Van breaks away, explaining that while she has always been stunned and surprised by the pure beauty of places like Piccadilly Circus and Times Square, she says they remind her of people who can exerce their dominance through money. She then explains that her family has money, but her parents use the wealth they have to hide whatever insecurities they have about themselves... or her. "They think they can buy the whole world." When Joelle asks Van why this makes her angry, she says that there's things about herself that she's keen on hiding, because of people like her parents. We see her, across the next mile or so, talking in depth about the story of her family, going through a quick biography of how her mother and father were children of Polish immigrants in the 1940's, moving to America in pursuit of a better life. Her father opened a successful plumbing business, her mother also succeeded at selling handcrafted jewelry and opened a store later, and then they had her. They tried to project everything they wanted to be in Van, but Van claims that her mother hid things, and those secrets also reflected on her. Things that Van claims she loves about herself, but thinks her mother doesn't. Joelle asks Van what she means, and Van remains cryptic at first, struggling to open up.

 

As she walks across the neighborhoods of Soho and West End, where we start getting daylight, she is again reminded of people doing theatrical stuff... stuff where people mask their real feelings. Joelle asks Van if this is related to her parents again, and she confirms, but also says it's about Jesse. Joelle asks Van if her cryptic anger towards her parents' apparent lack of confidence in themselves and her is the reason why she shields Jesse from them. As they pass right by the Royal Academy of Arts, Van explains that it's the reason why she hides... her - her as in Jesse - from her parents, specifically her mother. Joelle is surprised, as Van, struggling and crying a little bit, explains: she has always known that she's bisexual and absolutely loves herself as she is, and furthermore: she knows her mother is bisexual as well, explaining that her parents are actually living separately now, but they maintain being together just to façade everyone. "She (her mom) has done a... bad job hiding that's she bi from my dad... or me. It's like an open secret. We've always known of her escapades to see other women. And like... she's 52, and I think it's great that she has found happiness in this late stage of life! Not everyone has that. But... I... I think she never wanted me to be like her." "Do you think she doesn't love herself?", Joelle asks. Van, after a few seconds, nods. "I think she never knew love. Married my father but they never loved each other. My grandparents would ground her everytime she expressed how she didn't want to be different. So she became recluded. And I think she tried - well, s-she never said so! I j...just knew it... I just knew that she didn't want me to know of her secrets, or to be like her." Joelle explains that sexuality is known to be very much influenced by hormonal and genetic elements as much as environmental, and Van, reminding Joelle she's a Psychoanalytics student, knows of this, but explains that she's not necessarily saying that it's because of her mother, more so that her mother's attitude towards herself reflects on her.

 

The two women continue walking, and now, we see more people in the streets:

 

(use this as a reference):

 

Van is evidently scared about the fact that she's getting crowded. Joelle asks her if this isn't what she always wanted - to release herself to the world. Van jokes, saying she's not closeted... she's just "waiting for the right moment", making the girls chuckle. Van then does confirm she's pretty much a closeted LGBTQ+ person, and that seeing all these people in the street as she's talking about this... "it feels like... like the walls are closing on me... but it's definitely therapeutic." Joelle then reveals a secret of hers to Van: she is also not straight, and neither is her partner. "He has always been open about his sexuality to me only. I never judged. I always felt like I was so happy that he could be himself." Van, smiling, asks if there's a "But" - and there is: "We never quite had the same affection for each other as we think we should. He always definitely preferred men, and I... well... *laughs* I just like to ride the wave. Whenever someone comes and I like them... I'll go. I'll see what happens." Van puts her hand on Joelle's shoulder, and there's a light, funny tension between the two, as they laugh. Joelle then asks Van if she still holds any resentment towards her mother, and Van says that her mother has always thought the best for her. "But... her interpretation of the best was always... buying things. Go to a Zara and get me the newest trendy clothes... go to Adidas and buy me the best new sneakers... oh, every now and then, go to McDonald's and get me a Big Mac just for a cheer-up. That was my whole childhood and teenhood - gifts, all the time. And I used to think: 'wow, I'm so privileged'. Now, I look back and... like, all I can see there is..." Joelle pats her on the shoulder too, as they keep going. Van says that she wishes she never had to live in a world where power is measured by masculinity, and Joelle advises her to make a thesis for school about the prevalence of capitalism in the heteronormative roots of society. Van, making a curious funny face, is like: "Not a bad idea", as they laugh.

 

As they reach Hyde Park, Van admits that she feels much more resolved with herself, but still unsure of what to do with her future. Joelle also admits being a little more relieved, even if she broke confidentiality rules with her patient. They laugh, as Van says that Joelle is free to visit her anytime she wants as a friend, not doctor. Again, the tension reignites, making for an awkward but sweet moment. Joelle breaks the silence by cracking a light joke, making Van surprised with her change of attitude. Joelle starts becoming a little more unprofessional while never crossing bounds, as the two chit chat about Joelle and Van's goals for life - in both cases, to just be as good and successful people as the world can let them. As Joelle and Van share more moments together, Van then finally admits her big secret: Jesse... does not exist. "She was an invention. Or better: a creation meant to fill a hole. Sometimes, I thought of Jesse when I was lonely. I often did and I often do. Just a shame that, uhh, you know, she's... not real." Joelle then breaks again and tells Van that she can be real, if she tries hard enough, but Van says that she's tired of dating apps because "it's just dick pics, hungry jocks and schemes to make a lot of money from the companies who develop these apps" - Joelle then says: "I didn't mean that." The two share a moment of realization, and run, hand on hand, across the Hyde Park. Van then admits her reluctance to see Joelle more times, but Joelle says that getting to know Van was magical. Van asks her if she always planned on doing this, and Joelle says that Van is not the first to use the experimental therapy, but she's the first Joelle has connected to on a personal level. Van admits feeling strange about this, so Joelle lets her go, but Van promises to come back.

 

After the therapy is over, Van and Joelle share another awkwardly funny moment of goodbye.

 

At home, Van, after having a dream with Joelle, calls up her mother: "Hey? How are you? Umm... I think... I think I'm ready to show you more about Jesse."

Cut to black.

 

[MCKillswitch123]

 

Studio: Phoenix Fire Pictures; Phoenix Fire Family Animation

Based On: LittleBigPlanet, by Media Molecule

Director: Erica Milsom

 

Genre: Animation/Fantasy/Adventure

Release Date: June 12, Y10

Theater Count: 4010

Rating: PG

Format: 2D, 3D, 4DX, Dolby Cinema

Budget: $120 million

Runtime: 105 minutes

 

Voice Cast:

• Selena Gomez as Frida the Bride
• Stephen Fry as the Narrator

(None of the other characters have any voice acting, including Sackboy - the film is mostly silent, apart from some narration interludes by Stephen Fry.)

 

Animation Style: It's a CGI animated film, pretty typical stuff. Specific points of reference would be something like The Super Mario Bros. Movie or Zootopia, in terms of the quickness of the frame rate and film pace. 

 

Plot Summary:

Spoiler

The Narrator (Stephen Fry) introduces LittleBigPlanet, a world inhabited by creatures known for their otherworldly imagination. These creatures are called Sacklings, small humanoids made mostly of plush.

 

We're quickly introduced to Sackboy, who is particularly young - he's smaller, more youthful and energetic than most other Sacklings. Sackboy visits often the Church, where Frida the Bride (Selena Gomez), whom he's close friends with (as shown by their affection toward each other), is getting married to her long time girlfriend. Frida exchanges with Sackboy how she wants her wedding to be the most imaginative ever seen. Sackboy, who is praised by everyone for being "so young and yet so creative, the best of us", is ready to take on an adventure and go find Frida some amazing things across the whole of LittleBigPlanet. Frida asks him not to put himself through a lot of danger, but he does not listen.

 

As he ventures himself across the many different worlds of LittleBigPlanet, namely the gardens, the safari and the canyons (which occupy a solid amount of adventure-filled film), he finds a multitude of different things. However, throughout all of his adventures, he slowly realizes, through facial expressions and inner reflection (and some interventions from the Narrator), that even though he is creative, he is not that confident in the potential of his creations as he expected to be - but he seems in denial about it, despite his imagination showing us how his constructs are... faulty. This matches with a flashback he has, where Frida advises Sackboy to not put so much hopes in himself right now, and to wait until his full potential has been developed - but Sackboy thinks that he's already the best, and that his age does not stop him from being the most creative being in LittleBigPlanet.

 

Nevertheless, he takes on the tools that he acquired from the world and builds a statue for Frida's wedding (we don't see it yet). The wedding, which is depicted as a Dia de Los Muertos-style festivity, showcases multiple different, impressive-looking creations, but it culminates with Sackboy's creation, a sort of mashup of a lot of different things. It looks a bit funny, and certainly less polished than a lot of the other creations. Frida is not very impressed, even if not saying it, which breaks Sackboy's heart. After the wedding is over, Frida, before going to her honeymoon, tells a crying Sackboy that the only reason she is disappointed is because he hasn't realized that being creative, youthful and ready for adventure, does not equal to him being mature or a grown up. "You're still a kid, Sackboy! You have so much world to visit, so many things to create, so many people to meet... you won't build the Eighth Wonder of the World on day one! That's stupid! You gotta keep... on... trying. Keep on trying... keep on trying!"

 

Sackboy is still devastated by his loss, but as he returns to normality... a month later, Frida invites him to visit a "crystal ball future demonstration", where she shows him how, in the future, he will be the bravest, most noble and most creative Sackling of them all, with amazing creations that wow everyone. Sackboy motions that he doesn't understand how he can be this when he's failed so hard in his attempt, but Frida reminds him again, with one line: "Keep on trying." Sackboy, finally, snaps and becomes dedicated to constructing better and better creations, until, a few years later, he's already one of the top builders in LittleBigPlanet. As Frida and her baby son salute Sackboy, he stands triumphantly on top of a colossal statue construction, winking at the camera before the film ends.

 

Edited July 6, 2023 by MCKillswitch123

[MCKillswitch123]

 

Studio: Phoenix Fire Pictures; Happy Madison Productions

Based On: Meme Run, by Ninja Pig Studios

Director: Andy Fickman

 

Genre: Comedy/Adventure

Release Date: November 27, Y10

Theater Count: 2857

Rating: PG-13

Format: 2D

Budget: $10 million

Runtime: 92 minutes

 

Cast:

• Kenan Thompson as Trollface
• SungWon Cho as Yeezus

Plot Summary: Trollface (Kenan Thompson) is a horror movie enthusiast who enjoys scaring moviegoing audiences while masked as, you guessed it, a Trollface. Soon, an internet social site admin by the name of Yeezus (SungWon Cho) invites him to partake in a competition known as "Meme Run", where he and a number of other pre-selected people can win up to $100,000. Trollface accepts, but as it turns out, he is the only competitor. Yeezus proceeds to subject Trollface through an obstacle course where the obstacles are memes (such as the Illuminati triangle and the vuvuzela). Trollface comes to realize that memes aren't as cool as he thinks and he wants to give up on being Trollface, but Yeezus finds out that he's still not wishing to stop pranking people, so he puts him through an even harder obstacle course. When Trollface loses, Yeezus makes him promise never to be cruel to people again. Trollface accepts his newfound life as a good person, only softly pranking family members and friends in a moderate, acceptable way, and everyone likes his new version more.

Edited January 8 by MCKillswitch123

[tyson67roberts]

Movie Title: Smile

Studio: Zimmer Pictures

Based on: Smile, by Raina Telgemeier
Director: Kirsten Lester
Genre: Animation/Coming-of-age/Teen comedy
Date: September 4, Y10
Cast:

• Darcy Camp as Raina Telgemeier
• Lexi Rabe as Amara Telgemeier, Raina's younger sister
• Jeremy Maguire as Will Telgemeier, Raina's younger brother
• Catherine Keener as Sue Telgemeier, the mother of the Telgemeier family
• Kyle MacLachlan as Denis Telgemeier, the father of the Telgemeier family
• Others unknown

Theater Count: 3,574
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, peril, and mild language/humor

Runtime: 98 minutes
Budget: $80 million

 

Plot Summary:

 

Spoiler

In March 1989, 11 year old Raina Telgemeier goes to a girl scouts meeting after going to her dentist, who tells her that she'll be getting braces. On the way home, Kelli and Melissa, Raina's girl scout mates race her to the porch, which results in Raina tripping on the asphalt, causing an injury to her teeth, one of them falling out and the other being pushed inside. Later that night, Sue calls Raina's dentist and takes Raina to Dr. Golden, who takes a look at the injury. He manages to put the one tooth that fell out back in place and pulls the other one down by the end of the night.

 

The next day, Raina wakes up discovering that a plaster cast has been put on her front teeth by Dr. Golden that will keep them in-place as they heal. The next week, Raina is back in school where she is asked by her teacher and her friends to describe what happened. Later, Raina is taken by Sue to an appointment with Dr. Golden to take off the cast and determine if they are healing. He discovers that her teeth bone was damaged in the injury and her teeth went up further as he put them back in-place, and sets her up for an endodontist.

 

Sue decides to take Raina to buy Wizards & Warriors at Toys "R" Us as a get-well present. Later, Raina goes to another girl scouts meeting, nervous about what to come. At girl scouts, Raina shows the status of her teeth to the group, who take it positively. A couple days later, Raina goes to her first endodontist appointment, where she gets a tooth surgery for a root canal. A few weeks later, Raina is approaching her 12th birthday, where she decides to get her ears pierced as a birthday present. At the dentist's, Raina is treated to wearing headgear and molding her teeth.

 

At Raina's 12th birthday party, she opens presents to find earrings which excites her for the day she gets her ears pierced. However, Raina gets her braces at the orthodontist before she can get them pierced, which causes her head to feel immense pain. To help ignore the pain caused by Raina's braces, Denis takes her and Will to see a movie. Later, Sue takes Raina to get her ears pierced despite the pain. The next day, Raina goes to her ex-best friend Jane's house to show off the pierced ear and teeth issues. Raina's school year ends with her getting yearbooks, leading her to have a normal summer for the year.

 

Before the school year starts, Raina develops zits on her face, causing her to start 7th grade covered in zits. In her first day in 7th period beginning band, Raina develops a crush on a 6th grader named Samuel, also nicknamed Sammy. A few weeks later, Raina and her family go through the San Francisco earthquake by hiding under a desk, Will being oblivious to the shaking but surviving. The family plan to spend the night sleeping in the living room, only for the power to come back on. Two days later at school, Sammy attempts to ask Raina out, but Raina is being taken to the orthodontist's appointment.

 

A few weeks later, Raina's friends Nicole, Melissa, and Karin find out about her and Sammy's shared crush of each other, who proceed to attempt to make fun of her for having a crush on a 6th grader. At the orthodontist, it is discovered that the treatments they've been trying are not working and instead suggests a retainer for her two front teeth, which involves the orthodontist pulling out the teeth. As the weeks went by before the appointment, Raina worries about what the experience would be like, causing her to lose focus in school.

 

One night, Sue takes Amara and her friend to see The Little Mermaid in the movie theater, Raina deciding to go along with them. To her shock, she ends up loving the film and decides on her future job as an artist because of it. Before winter break, Raina gets her braces taken off and gets her teeth pulled out before Christmas. In a flashback, it is revealed that when Raina was younger, she lost one of her front teeth in a bouncy house and couldn't find it, but the tooth fairy still visited her and gave her money anyways.

 

A few days later, Raina gets her retainer for her two front teeth, and shows it off to her girl scouts group. In the new year 1990, Raina starts developing a crush on a boy named Sean who plays for the junior basketball team at school and attempts to ask him to the valentine's dance, only to find out that he's not going. At the valentine's dance, Raina starts feeling sick and decides to go home before entering it. The next day, Raina gets a present from Sammy before falling out of love with each other.

 

When Raina gets home, she decides to open Sammy's present, which consists of a valentine's card and a box of chocolates. Raina is then disappointed to find out she'll be needing braces on again later at the orthodontist. When she tells her friends, they decide to make fun of her. Raina gets her new braces on and begins to feel pain worse than the last time she had braces. At school, Raina struggles concentrating on her schoolwork, instead thinking about her teeth and Sean. Raina gets her braces tightened, much to her disappointment as she turns 13 years old.

 

At the party, Raina's friends give her a fake makeover in an attempt to impress Sean, which she disapproves. The summer was again uneventful, aside from going to the dentist every week to get her braces tightened, and eventually the two fake teeth became one fake tooth by the start of 8th grade. Raina decides to try out for the girl's basketball team to impress Sean to start off 8th grade, but fails to make it onto the team. Raina and Melissa later exchange notes in class to ask for advice on how to impress Sean, only for it to be confiscated by the teacher who reads it out loud in front of the class.

 

As the school year went on, a lot of Raina's friends start getting boyfriends and Raina started hanging out with more boys that would show up in her lunch corridor. At the end of the year, Raina attends an end-of-school party hosted by Juan, where she decides to pass on spin the bottle. At the orthodontist, he discovers that Raina has a lot of gum damage and sets her up for an appointment with a periodontist, where she is treated to a hellish deep cleaning procedure, which causes Raina's gums to bruise and her to faint. Sue stands up to the periodontist for neglecting Raina and decides to not come back.

 

Raina graduates 8th grade and that summer, the new front teeth are shaped closer together by the orthodontist. Raina starts high school optimistic because of the new teeth she has and ends up coming out indifferent after finding out her friends were doing fun stuff without her during the summer. Raina continues high school as classwork piles up and she goes through an orthodontic procedure that fixes her crossbite.

 

One day, when Raina opened her backpack during lunch, Nicole and Karin make fun of her "trying to cover dog breath" and decide to pantsie Raina as she gets food from a vending machine. She tries to talk about it to Emily and Jenny, who instead disrespect her by also laughing at the incident. This causes Raina to stand up for herself and break off her relationships with them, Nicole, and Karin. Later, Raina meets Theresa, who invites her to sit with her group of boys at lunch.

 

A few weeks later, Raina is enjoying high school more with her new friends, so much so that she forgets she is getting her braces removed, and does so in the first few weeks of her 10th grade year, but ends up disappointed by how they ended up turning out, though her new friends take the change positively and Raina starts to put passion into other things instead of focusing on herself. Finally, the final re-bonding to Raina's teeth occurs and the movie ends with Raina attending a homecoming school dance.

 

Edited July 26, 2023 by tyson67roberts

[tyson67roberts]

Lions and DRAGONS

Movie Title: Lions and Dragons

Studio: Zimmer Pictures

Directors: Troy Quane and Nick Bruno

Genre: Animation/Fantasy

Release Date: March 27, Y10

Major Cast:

• George Clooney as Tiberius
• Jacob Trembley as Leonardo
• Bill Hader as Tommy, the human circus owner.
• Don Cheadle as Samuel, Tommy's evil brother who has a knack for engineering and mutating.
• Anna Kendrick as Theresa, the mother of two dragon siblings
• Awkwafina as Marcy, Theresa's daughter
• Jack Dylan Grazer as Daniel, Theresa's son
• Marc Maron as a mutant spider
• Will Arnett as a mutant bat
• Noah Jupe as a mutant spider
• Channing Tatum as a mutant bat
• Rosalie Chiang as a mutant housefly

Theater Count: 3,623

MPA Rating: PG for peril and mild violence

Runtime: 102 minutes

Production Budget: $100 million

Plot Summary:

Spoiler

In a fantasy world where animals can talk and humans are aware of it, a lion named Tiberius is bored of his current life doing acts in a circus he considers boring, like sitting on a ball juggling other balls. Meanwhile, his son Leonardo, who was raised at the circus, is learning how to do the big acts such as jumping through hoops on fire and bungee jumping. One day, when the circus is being played in a somewhat rural town, Tiberius and Leonardo do acts together, but Tiberius gets distracted by a dragon flying about and falls off his usual ball. Leonardo asks if he's OK, but the owner, Tommy puts an immediate end to the show and asks the lions what's going on.

 

Tiberius explains to Tommy that he saw dragons fly nearby and that going on the adventure to meet one of them would be a breath-taking adventure, one that Tiberius hasn't had in years. Leonardo and Tommy express interest in coming, the former wanting to have bonding time with his father, and the latter wanting to also meet the dragons. That night, they decide to leave the circus and go on the adventure.

 

Meanwhile, Tommy's brother, Samuel, is working on mutating spiders, houseflies, and bats to take over the circus in Tommy and the lions' absence to find the dragons. The mutant animals become as big as the lions and become able to speak to Samuel, who tell them his plan to take over the circus. The mutant animals immediately support the plan since they think performing in the circus will be a fun time for them.

 

Tommy, Tiberius, and Leonardo approach a locked gate, which Tommy hacks in and opens it. They go inside the gate and discover a castle, where Theresa and her family of dragons reside. Theresa takes the lions and Tommy for a quick tour of the castle, where they meet their son and daughter, Daniel and Marcy. The lions take a liking to the younger dragons while Tommy asks Theresa if they can participate in his circus. Theresa doesn't think they can fit in their circus tents but Daniel and Marcy also want to perform and the lions take them over there while Tommy and Theresa negotiate.

 

The lions and the dragons come back to the circus only to find the audience booing and leaving the circus, already overtaken by Samuel and the mutant animals. Tiberius and Leonardo attempt to confront Samuel and tells him the idea is stupid, but is overpowered by the mutant animals, who fight Tiberius into a deep sleep after telling Leonardo and the dragons to warn Tommy about the situation.

 

They arrive back at the castle and warn Tommy, who goes into a boiling rage and immediately asks Theresa for a ride back to the circus to confront Samuel, with Leonardo and the younger dragons joining in. At the circus, Tommy and Samuel have a duel-off while the dragons fight off the mutant animals with ease. Tommy asks Samuel for any last words before Samuel gets eaten by Theresa as a snack. Leonardo and the younger dragons wake up Tiberius, who is glad to see the circus back to normal and Leonardo by his side. Daniel and Marcy get accepted into the circus as it moves away into a new place to hang.

 

[lamamama]

Second dimension:

Battle for North Kingdom

Director: Chloe Zao

Genre: Fantasy/Action

Release date: 07/03/Y10 IMAX

Theater count: 4,000

Rating: pg-13 for intense action sequences, violence, language

Production Budget: 180 million

Runtime: 156 minutes

 

Cast:

Himesh Patel as Keif

Erin Kellyman as Madeline

Kerry Washington as Chanelle

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Azlea

Lana Condor as Poppy 

Jason Clarke as Candor

Lucy Lui as Queen Elisia

Gemma Chan as Maraya  

Daniel Kaluuya as Elden 

Phil Dunster as Lee 

Cote de Pablo as the voice of Bear

Noma Dumezwini as the voice of Shallon

Daniel Dae Kim as James 

Chi Mcbride as the voice of Drog 

Kenneth Branagh as Kavor

The rest of the cast are unknown.

 

Previous movie gross:  Second dimension: Last Hope DOM: $171,312,421 WW: $402,477,129

Plot Summary: Keif and Candor are desperate to convince the orc to help them make a last stand against Kavor's forces. As Azlea and Chanelle prepare for battle in the last remaining Kingdom that stands against Kavor. Madeline gets lost in the labyrinth trying to get home to the fight.

Second Dimension: Battle for North Kindg - Google Docs

 

Spoiler

EXT. TRAIL LEADING TO DSTROYED CASTLE AND VILLAGE - DAWN

500 years ago former Kingdom of Atlen

CHANELLE- 40s a warrior dressed in armor -and QUEEN ELISIA-50s ruler of the North Kingdom - ride on horseback down the trail that led to a once great castle as the fog hides the remains of the castle. On the sides of the trail are what appears to be the remains of cheap homes that were once made of wood and straw. They ride in silence. Chanelle looks around wary of an attack and the sound of straw being stepped on by Queen Elisia's horse startles her. Queen Elisia is much more relaxed she looks upon the sorrowful sight attempting to maintain her dutiful composure, but she is shaken by the sight. Some more concrete ruble that has fallen from the castle sits in a heap.

CHANELLE

Not much salvageable

QUEEN ELISIA

(Deep in thought)

It is a statement. Kavor wants the rest of the kingdoms to know he is willing to decimate our kingdoms if we oppose him.

CHANELLE

Ma' lady I'm afraid the reports are that there are no survivors.

O.S YOUNG VOICE

(Her voice beginning to quiver.)

I'll shoot I' warning you.

Chanelle whips around off of her horse sword drawn she turns stepping between the sound of the voice and the queen. She frantically points her sword towards the sound of the cry. When she looks, she seen YOUNG MADELINE- 4 or 5 with curly red hair and freckles wearing a plain dress-aiming a sling shot with pebbles at the three of them. Shock registers on Chanelle's face. The sword begins to quiver in her hand.

YOUNG MADELINE

Din't you hear me you're not welcome here.

Chanelle finally regains her composure and immediately drops her sword and rushes to young Madeline wrapping the little girl in a hug. Young Madeline begins to pound on Chanelle's shoulder and back.

 

2.

 

YOUNG MADELINE

Get off of me. You'll never take me alive.

CHANELLE

(pulling away from Madeline but keeping her arms on her shoulders)

Do you know where your parents are?

YOUNG MADELINE

(Looking around unsure)

no

(With the initial passion and fire)

You'll be trouble when they find you, they're fighting for the king.

Chanelle looks back at the queen for a moment. The queen looks back at her with a meek smile.

CHANELLE

What is your name dear?

YOUNG MADELINE

Madeline.

CHANELLE

Well Madeline, how would you like to meet a queen?

Chanelle stands and offers young Madeline her hand. Young Madeline considers with skepticism for a moment and then takes Chanelle's hand. Chanelle leads her over to the queen who is beginning to dismount from her horse. and gets down on one knee so that she is eye to eye with Madeline.

QUEEN ELISIA

Hello Madeline, its so nice to meet such a brave girl like yourself.

YOUNG MADELINE

You're really a queen?

QUEEN ELISIA

Of the North Kingdom its a lot like Atlen used to be. Would you like to come stay with us for a while.

Madeline looks around sadly at her old home

 

3.

 

QUEEN ELISIA

Its not the home you've known. But it would be an honor for you to give it a chance.

Madeline reaches up absent mindedly strokes the horse who was looking down at Madeline.

YOUNG MADELINE

What's her name?

CHANELLE

(kneeling down beside her)

Her name is Daisy. And she likes brave, kind smart girls so that must be you.

For the first time Young Madeline smiles.

CHANELLE

Would you like to take her for a ride and go see the North Kingdom where we come from?.

Young Madeline nods her head. Chanelle helps her onto the back of the horse.

Young Madeline grips tightly to Queen Elisia and the queen smiles back at her as the three of them ride off.

INT/EXT. TUNNEL

PRESENT DAY - unknown whereabouts

GRANT- a mid 20s warrior dressed in a casual white shirt but has a sword sheath strapped to his back- carries a lantern he walks through the pouring rain. He struggles to read a note that has gotten wet in the pouring rain.

Grant carries on into the tunnel. After a few turns he steps into a dimly lit stone room.

O.S VOICE

I've been expecting you Grant.

A few torches are lit, revealing ELDEN -early 30s dressed in all black as well as several henchmen armed and ready.

GRANT

(drawing his sword)

Where is Kavor?

 

4.

 

ELDEN

Did you really think his ware bouts would just fall in your lap.

GRANT

You bribed that woman to feed me misinformation.

ELDEN

What can I say I had to get an audience with you.

One of Eldens henchmen kicks Grant in the back of the knee and he falls to the ground, but quickly jumps back up pulling his blade out and slicing the man in half in one swift motion.

Some of Elden's other henchmen reach for there weapons but Elden holds his hand up to stop them

ELDEN

Lets see what he's got.

Elden makes his own sword appear and the two duel back and forth. Grant fights in a two hand on sword style and is an aggressive fighter. Elden counters his every move relatively easy.

ELDEN

I must say I'm a bit disappointed I expected more from one of the North's best

Grant does not engage with Elden's taunting staying focused on the fight. Grant attempts to swing low on Elden but Elden jumps landing on the other side and stabbing grant in the back.

As Grant falls to the ground struggling to breath, Elden admires the fallen sword of Grant.

ELDEN

Don't you fear your weapon will have sitting with so many of your comrades who fought admirably. Consider it an honor.

EXT. TROPHY ROOM

Elden Cleans off Grant's sword while a large dog barks out the rainy window behind him. Elden lifts the sword up to the light examining his work.

 

5.

 

He places the sword on a wall where dozens of weapons are hung under each one is a plaque

Underneath the new sword. The label reads: Grant Kyne the one next to it a there is a plaque that reads: Leo Lasner

Elden can feel a presence behind him. The dog's incessant barking is replaced with a fearful whimper . Elden tenses right before he flies against the opposite wall thrown by an invisible force.

KAVOR- 50/60 in appearance stoic in nature- stands in the middle of Elden's trophy room.

KAVOR

I knew you'd be here eventually.

ELDEN

My lord, Kavor I've been waiting for -

KAVOR

Spare me your reasons and your compromises.

Kavor walks casually over to a chair on the opposite end of the room before speaking again.

KAVOR

I must say I was disappointed. You let me down. But then again you have done a few thousand jobs for me its bound to happen.

ELDEN

It won't happen again. I assure you.

KAVOR

(Looking over at Elden's trophy case)

You killed a man who could have given us useful information in order to infiltrate the North. I indulge your hobby but don't loose sight of our real goal.

ELDEN

(rising from the floor )

Its a sign of respect. I want to remember those who are worthy of challenging me.

 

6.

 

KAVOR

Your ego will be the death of you but I'm in need of your assistance. When we attack the North. I want you to lead the first wave of fighters in .. and I want you to grab the sister of the guide, Keif. If we grab her even they in the third dimension wouldn't dare any kind of counter.

ELDEN

Whatever you need Kavor but grabbing a civilian in the middle of battle is a little beneath me. Why me?

KAVOR

My ears on the inside tell me she's got a warrior guardian. Someone you may be interested in adding to your trophy case.

ELDEN

I'm listening. What warrior do they charge with babysitting while war is immanent?

KAVOR

The elusive one at the top of your list. Think of it as your prize grab the girl kill Chanelle, everyone's happy.

Kavor disappears without a trace. Elden shakes his head smiling to himself. He turns stroking the mutts head, who has gone back to annoying bark, while he puts on a jacket.

ELDEN

Don't you worry daddy is gonna bring home a pretty prize.

EXT. CRATER IN THE DEAD FORREST

PRESENT DAY the Dead Forest

KEIF- appears to be in 30s- MADELINE-appears to be in 20s-James- appears to be in 50s- and CANDOR -appears to be in 50s- stand are in the middle of the crater a hawk flies overhead circling and then heading away from them. Candor goes and leans against a nearby stone and slowly slides to the ground.

 

7.

 

Keif looks around from person to person looking for some kind of reassurance. James looks down unable to make eye contact with Keif.

MADELINE

(attempting to take charge.)

We knew this was possible.

(looking around at the others)

This is why we came here to turn the tides of the battle.

(walking right up to James)

Can you open the portal.

James nods silently. He regains his composure and crouches down in the very middle of the crater, putting his hands flat against the ground he begins speaking an enchantment.

CANDOR

Be warned the orc existed on their own for centuries. We don't know how they will take to us barging into their world... or how their world is run at all.

KEIF

Great pep talk. Its not like we traveled all this way hoping they were the answer to our problems.

CANDOR

(shooting Keif a look that conveys he does not appreciate his sarcasm.)

Well, we better be convincing.

Madeline picks up a dagger of hers that had been discarded in the previous battle and sheaths her sword in her belt. She begins walking out of the crater and through the dead forest.

O.S.KEIF

Where are you going?

Madeline turns and sees that Keif has followed her to the edge of the crater and is eying her.

MADELINE

To the ship I've an obligation to my people to fight alongside them in battle.

(feeling compassion for Keif now)

 

8.

 

MADELINE

You stay here you have done your part

(coming back to him hand on his shoulder)

MADELINE

On my life Azalea will be safe. I will see to that.

KEIF

You'll never make it and besides you shouldn't make the journey alone. No one should. Not even you.

Candor approaches the two of them.

CANDOR

It is time.

 

 

KEIF

Madeline's not coming.

Candor is not surprised by this. He nods looking Madeline up and down.

CANDOR

You really think you can make it through the labyrinth?

MADELINE

(shrugging trying to project more confidence than she has)

I have to try.

CANDOR

(smiling sadly)

and I know I can't stop you

Candor and Madeline embrace.

CANDOR

Make it their lead the fight and we will get to you when we can.

MADELINE

and end this war forever

 

9.

 

CANDOR

(with not a lot of confidence)

and end this war forever.

Madeline turns and embraces Keif

MADELINE

Take care of yourself farm boy

KEIF

Good luck Madeline.

Keif and Candor make their way back to James and Madeline marches through the dead forest.

KEIF

Your going to let her go on a death mission.

CANDOR

It will kill her to stay here and live with the choices she's made.

KEIF

What do you mean?

JAMES

(continuing to read from a book and doing different hand movements)

Madeline was never supposed to be on the quest. She should have been there to defend the North.

Candor nods.

KEIF

But what about the labyrinth?

JAMES

An ancient passage that connected several of the kingdoms making transfer of goods easier but it was cursed long ago after some used it to try and infiltrate the Galian Empire. Its ever changing and moving no one knows what is really down there.

KEIF

There has to be a better way!

 

10.

 

JAMES

Its her only chance to get back to the North in time.

CANDOR

(looking off into the distance )

And she's desperate.

A portal of light burst from the ground causing James to fall back.

JAMES

(looking back at the other two )

I guess we're in luck.

EXT COURTYARD IN THE NORTH KINGDOM - DAY

497 years ago: North Kingdom

Young Madeline comes running through an archway to a landing that overlooks the courtyard. Young Madeline grabs the railing of the landing standing on her tippy toes to look out over and see what is happening in the courtyard below.

In the courtyard children ranging in appearance from ten to eighteen stand in impeccably spaced lines practicing a series of movements with their sword. Leading them is Chanelle who stands facing them demonstrating the motion.

Young Madeline is absolutely aww struck. She pulls her self up and crouches on the railing to get a better view. However she is only up there for a moment before she slips and tumbles over the railing catching her self she holds on to two of the pillars that support the railing but one of her boots slips off hitting the ground

Meanwhile Chanelle dismisses the soldiers and the soldiers make their way off in herds going in different directions. Chanelle is the last to head for the exit of the courtyard.

Chanelle stops looking down at the boot and pretends she does not notice young Madeline hanging above her.

CHANELLE

(putting on a show)

This is nice. Its a shame there is only one

(shrugging )

The leather can be put to use.

YOUNG MADELINE

No that's mine!!

 

11.

 

CHANELLE

(finally looking up at Madeline )

CHANELLE

Lesson number one young lady, don't let someone bate you into giving them your location. And I told you to stay inside and no more spying.

YOUNG MADELINE

I wanna learn to fight!

CHANELLE

Really? Right now it looks like you want to be a monkey... Come on I have a surprise for you.

Chanelle opens her arms and Young Madeline swings her legs gaining momentum and jumping down into Chanelle's arms.

YOUNG MADELINE

But why can't I train with the older kids.

CHANELLE

Because I'm protecting them from you silly girl.

Chanelle sets Madeline down on the ground.

YOUNG MADELINE

I'm serious.

CHANELLE

All in good time. I think I have something that will cheer you up. Close your eyes.

Madeline closes her eyes. Chanelle reaches behind her summoning a set of daggers into her hands.

CHANELLE

Hold out your hands and keep your eyes closed.

Chanelle places the daggers in young Madeline's hands.

CHANELLE

Now you can open them.

YOUNG MADELINE

My own weapon.

 

12.

 

CHANELLE

A brave warrior can't fight with just any weapon can she. Come on lets go try them out at our spot.

EXT/INT. SMALL TEMPLE IN THE WOODS

There is a multilayered wood building in the middle of the woods.

Young Madeline stands in front of the temple holding her new daggers and jumping around like she gets ready for a boxing match. Chanelle stands off to the side of the holding on to a lever sticking out of the ground.

The building has multiple levels and on the top tiny platform is a red flag.

CHANELLE

Are you ready. I didn't make this one as easy.

YOUNG MADELINE

(smiling )

Yea I'm ready

Chanelle pulls the lever and Madeline sprints towards the building. Just as Madeline makes it to the doorway a wood figurine, the size of Young Madeline pops up. But Young Madeline is ready and slices the figurine in half.

Young Madeline runs through the first hall and two more wood figurines come out of each wall. Madeline spins in a circle cutting them both up.

Young Madeline makes it to a hallway slanting up. The floor comes out from underneath her but she manages to bounce back and forth between the walls to keep her self up. She gets to a ladder and climbs up leading to a level that is outside there are steps at the end of the hall leading to the top of the building.

Young Madeline sprints down the hall several more wood figurines swing down from trees attached to ropes but Madeline manages to avoid and slice every single one. Young Madeline makes it to the top of the stairs grabbing the red flag with a victorious cheer.

EXT. LABYRINTH DESSERT

Present day: Labyrinth

 

13.

 

Madeline walks through an endless sandy desert nothing to be seen for miles but sand in the red sky.

Madeline stops as she hears a faint buzzing sound that gets louder.

Suddenly irrupting from the sand right under her feet is a SUV-sized scorpion. As it burst from the sand it sends Madeline rolling forward.

Madeline manages to roll on to her feet. Pulling two daggers from her belt she charges at the beast. The scorpion turns around whacking her with its stinger.

The scorpion moves toward Madeline attempting extending its stinger to get her. Madeline crosses her two daggers in front of her managing to block the stinger.

The stinger tries again this time going for her feet Madeline jumps avoiding being stabbed and lands on the tail of the beast. She runs up the tail and dives on to the body of the scorpion digging both of her daggers into the scorpion.

The scorpion hisses rearing up its front four legs and thrashing about. It manages to send Madeline flying off.

Madeline lies defenseless in the sand shuffling back on her hands as the scorpion approaches. Its stinger once again lunges at Madeline.

There is a flicker and the environment around them suddenly shifts slightly Madeline rises she is on a sand dune that is higher up than the scorpion. The scorpion's stinger digs into the sand below Madeline.

As the scorpion pulls its stinger from the side sand the dune begins to dissipate and Madeline slides down towards the scorpion. Madeline lunges jumping back onto the back of the scorpion grabbing her weapons that are impaled in its back and jumping off the beast back into the sand.

The scorpion turns back towards her and the two move towards each other quickly. When they are about to collide Madeline slides feet first under the beast sticking her knife into its underbelly and continuing to slice through the beasts' guts as she slides all the way past it. The scorpion falls to the ground dead.

Madeline rises somewhat out of breath and wipes scorpion guts from her face.

POPPY - a young woman with a peppy demeanor- comes running towards Madeline. She carries a bow and arrow with her but looks clumsy carrying it

 

14.

 

POPPY

(poppy has a quick way of speaking. )

I am so sorry!

POPPY

I was going to jump in and kill it but you just did so good.

(Hugging Madeline much to Madeline's chagrin)

Thank you for killing that I'd been so worried about tracking it.

Madeline peels herself out of Poppy's hug.

MADELINE

(still confused.)

You're welcome. Who are you?

POPPY

My name is Poppy... Are you lost?

MADELINE

(looking around )

I'll find my way.

POPPY

It's okay if you are. We all are.

MADELINE

We?

POPPY

Oh yes we call ourselves the lost.

Madeline scoffs amused by the name.

POPPY

You should join us we can help you. We help each other.

MADELINE

Well I don't see a better choice so.. lead the way.

POPPY

Ohhhh, they'll be so excited. We can bring them fresh scorpion and Lee is always happy to have new members.

MADELINE

(turning away)

I wont be staying long.

 

15.

 

EXT SMALL TEMPLE IN THE WOODS - MOMENTS LATER

497 years ago

Chanelle and young Madeline sit atop the tiny platform at the top of the building.

Young Madeline leans against Chanelle they look out at a large damn that stands above the trees made of stone.

YOUNG MADELINE

Why did the old king build the dam?

CHANELLE

Well, baby girl a long time ago the North Kingdom was an isolated Kingdom only able to be reached by boat. There was an ocean isolating us on one side and the mountains isolating us on the other. And why this was hard for enemies to reach the king and his people struggled with isolation. You see the king was a lover of all people and he wanted those from all over the land to visit and enjoy the North Kingdom. And so he built a damn and planted magic seeds that filled the land with these lovely trees and we were able to reconnect with the villages ar-.

YOUNG MADELINE

And everyone lived happily ever after?

CHANELLE

And everyone lived happily ever after.

The two of them notice Queen Elisia who is listening and patiently waiting on the ground below.

QUEEN ELISIA

I hate to interrupt. Madeline may I borrow lady Chanelle for a moment.

CHANELLE

(to young Madeline)

I'll be right back.

YOUNG MADELINE

I thought you said no one knew about this place!

 

16.

 

QUEEN ELISIA

I'm hard to keep secrets from. I must say I was impressed with your swordsmanship.

CHANELLE

What do you say?

YOUNG MADELINE

(bowing her head)

Thank you your majesty.

A TRAIL JUST OUTSIDE THE NORTH KINGDOM - SUNRISE

I hear your pretty good m

Present day North Kingdom

Chanelle rides on a horse going at a very relaxed pace. AZLEA- 16 dressed in a plain dress- rides on a horse a little bit behind her having a hard time maintaining control of her horse but not letting that damper her spirit.

AZLEA

Have you ever had to fight some one while on a horse?

CHANELLE

(flatly)

A few times.

AZLEA

That's crazy. You know I think I'm really getting the hang of this.

(she is not )

CHANELLE

My morning horse rides used to be a lot quitter.

AZLEA

Right. Right. I like quiet too.

They ride along in momentary silence before Azalea begins humming to her self.

AZLEA

You know I saw some of the guy practicing their archery. Maybe we could do that later. Not that I've ever shot before but..

(pretending the idea had just crossed her mind)

Maybe you could teach me.

 

17.

 

CHANELLE

My job is to protect you not give you a weapon you could kill yourself with.

AZLEA

I could be of some help. I've heard you've trained so many soldiers why won't you teach me.

CHANELLE

Be more grateful young lady. It is important to the queen that she honor her promise to your brother of your safety. I certainly don't supervise you all day for my own entertainment.

The two of them are now approaching the stables and queen Elisia stands there waiting for them a grave look on her face.

CHANELLE

Get the horses to their pins and feed them for me.

As Chanelle dismounts walking over to queen Elisia. Azlea struggles with leading the two horses to their pin.

EXT STABLE

Chanelle and Queen Elisia stand outside the stables talking quietly.

CHANELLE

How long?

QUEEN ELISIA

Kavor's attack is imminent. His army marches this way as we speak. Days at most hours at the least.

CHANELLE

The soldiers are they ready?

QUEEN ELISIA

You forget that before royal duty called I was quite the fighter. Some would say your equal. I will have them ready. Focus on your duty.

 

18.

 

CHANELLE

El I can help. You know you need me in -

QUEEN ELISIA

I know that I have a promise to watch over her and you are the person to keep her safe.

CHANELLE

You would put the safety of one girl at the fore front when the kingdom and the entire world is at stake.

QUEEN ELISIA

I put my promises above all else. A ruler is nothing if they cannot be trusted.

Chanelle starts to interject again but is stooped by a cold look from Queen Elisia.

CHANELLE

Of course your majesty.

Azlea exits the stable and tries to get close without being noticed wanting to know what the other two talk about. However Chanelle turns around abruptly.

CHANELLE

Come Azlea we must get you into the castle.

EXT. THIRD DIMENSION MEDOW

Keif, Candor and James fall from the sky hurdling towards an open meadow with a forest in the distance.

KEIF

AHHHHh!

(he hits the ground)

That never becomes fun

Suddenly Keif is picked up off the ground by a giant hand GARAMI- standing like a giant but with the facials of a child able to be seen through his greenish skin and dark eyes wearing only a loin cloth- Garami examines Keif and giggles then tossing him up in the air and catching him.

On the ground James and Candor yell for Keif and look dismayed. Garami bends down and picks up James and Candor in his other hand.

 

19.

 

KEIF

(Yelling from the hand that he is in to the other hand)

Do you have a plan!

CANDOR

(yelling back)

not yet!

Garami clasps his hands together immersing the three men in darkness and shaking them about.

GARAMI

(gleeful laughter)

He he he he.

Suddenly Keif, Candor and James are released back into the meadow. Gearami lays on his belly watching the three of them with a goofy smile on his face.

The tree of them shake off their disorientation.

GARAMI

Pettttttts.

JAMES

Pets!

From the forest a ways off emerges SHALLON- mother of Garami and similar orc features greenish skin giant stature and dark eyes Shallon's hair also has hair that grows like jungle vines.

SHALLON

GARAMI!! They are not toys leave them alone.

Garami sits up disappointed and pouts.

SHALLON

(still approaching)

You must forgive Garami, he's never seen a human before.

CANDOR

(composing himself)

Of course, if I may your majesty we would request council with your leaders

 

20.

 

SHALLON

(amused)

Haha, I don't know that we have a leader but I can get you an audience.

EXT. TALL FORREST

Shallon walks through a forest with trees that are even tall her and are the most amazing, luscious green trees. Keif and James stand upon one of her shoulders and Candor stands on the other. Garami skips and rolls occasionally falling down as he makes his way through the forest behind them.

James and Keif look around in amazement.

KEIF

I've never seen anything so beautiful.

They come to a wide circular opening in the woods where many orc sit around. Some sit in what large wooden beach chairs are made of dark wood, others sit on stumps.

Some of the orc are playing music using a combination of sticks they are beating on the side of their stump, stomping their feet and, playing large plan flutes. There are a few who chant along melodically to the music in an unrecognizable language. Others chat boisterously. Shallon waives her hand to get the orc's attention.

SHALLON

We have visitors.

The men look around gauging the orc's reaction.

There are murmurs.

VARIOUS ORC

Visitors What kind We've never had visitors.

After a moment of tension, most of the orc seem to come to the conclusion that this is a good thing and cheers and applause erupts.

DROG -an orc with a potbelly and a white beard all the way down to his giant knees- sets down his drumming sticks and motions for the visitors to come closer.

Keif and James make their way down Shallon's shoulder making their way into her palm which is extended towards Drog. Candor is picked up and placed in her palm as well.

 

21.

 

CANDOR

My name is Candor of the North Kingdom. These are my companions James and Keif. We are sorry to disturb you we come from the second dimension seeking assistance.

DROG

Be you the last of your kind? We assumed ya was already dead since we left.

(laughing)

CANDOR

(taken aback.)

No well not yet anyways. You see there is a war.

(Now looking around to all the orc)

Of the seven kingdoms only the north remains still standing in the battle against a dark sorcerer who wants to conquer all. We come hoping you may be able to provide some assistance.

DROG

(unphased)

Ahh yes war. I remember that.

CANDOR

Then you know the damage and torment it can cause

DROG

(shrugging)

More than anyone... It seems to me that war is in your human nature. We orc always sought peace but it seemed everywhere we turned humans looked to exploit us... or each other -

CANDOR

We can be calloused creatures, but I assure you our intentions are of noble-

DROG

That is why we designed the three dimensions to restore peace among factions and so we could go on living our existence as we please.

 

22.

 

JAMES

If I may. We could never ask all of you to fight with us but if any of you were willing to join us we would be forever in your debt.

His statement is met by apathy from the orc.

DROG

You must forgive us we frolic, fish and dance as we please here. We have little incentive to leave our home. You of course are welcome to stay as long as you would like. It is quite a thrill to have visitors. Shallon, Kreeg why don't you make our guests feel at home.

KREEG- an orc while still giant has skinnier arms and legs-stands.

KREEG

Right this way.

INT/EXT. TREE HOME - SUNSET

Shallon reaches out her hand placing them near the top of the ginormous tree. Where there has been carved out a patio type landing to stand on and there is a gap in the wood behind them that creates a roof and a floor like an open room and amazingly there are wood tables and chairs in the open room. On the tree there are winding steps that go all the way around and down the tree. Although there is no railing and a daunting space between each step.

CANDOR

(surprised)

You had expected human visitors?

SHALLON

We always wanted to be prepared in case you came. You cam ring the bell if you need anything. Rest well travelers. Your Hammocks are just up the steps.

Shallon gives them a smile and makes her way north. Candor makes his way into the open room of the house leaving James and Keif standing on the patio by themselves.

James sits down on the edge of the patio his feet dangling over the vast forest.

 

23.

 

Keif sheepishly looks over the edge and hesitantly crouches down next to James keeping his feet on solid ground,

KEIF

What now?

JAMES

Patience.

KEIF

Patience? They don't seem interested. What is waiting around going to do.

JAMES

(deep in thought)

Keif, these creatures do not yet understand us and we do not yet understand them. We can only hope that time will connect us further.

KEIF

Time may not be on our side.

 

 

CANDOR

(coming out onto the patio)

I fear for once Keif may be right.

 

 

EXT. SNOWCOVERED MOUNTIAN OVERLOOKING NORTH KINGDOM - MIDDAY 450 YEARS AGO NORTH KINGDOM

On the flat at the top of the mountain stands dozens of teenagers dressed in battle armor. They stand in a semi-circle all eyes are in the middle of the circle on Chanelle

CHANELLE

Your highness, Queen Elisia is depending on me to turn you into warriors. You may just be the kingdoms last hope. Today we will see how far you've come. Who is ready to man the battles and who will need more time. You want to prove your worthy prove it today. You will face off in random matches. You will fight until your opponent surrenders

(holding up white cloth )

Or until they are incapacitated.

 

24.

 

CHANELLE

We can heal from broken ribs and broken legs and must be prepared to do so. Any questions.... Very well our first match will be Serenity facing off against Madeline.

There is a murmur from the other fighters and nervous energy as their eyes go to the two soldiers stepping forward into the center of the audience.

TEENAGE MADELINE- appears about 13 scrawny- steps into the middle. She keeps a blank face showing no emotion or fear.

SERENITY -appears about 17 or 18 she is muscular and towers over teenage Madeline- strides confidently into the middle looking eager to fight. Both ladies carry swords.

CHANELLE

Begin!

Serenity circles teenage Madeline slowly stepping toward her as she goes around her. Teenage Madeline spins always keeping herself turned towards Serenity her sword is up in a defensive position.

Serenity lunges at teenage Madeline. Teenage Madeline manages to block the first blow and the two of them parry back and forth Serenity being the aggressor but teenage Madeline is able to block each of her attacks.

Teenage Madeline manages to use momentum to swing both of their swords down to the ground. Teenage Madeline uses this opportunity to punch Serenity in the face. Teenage Madeline allows a small smile to creep across her face.

Serenity charges at teenage Madeline sending them both falling back near the edge of the mountain and both of them loosing their swords in the process.

Teenage Madeline wriggles and fights to attempt to get the larger Serenity off of her but it is to no avail. Serenity starts punching Madeline in the ribs and then moves to her face hitting her with extreme force.

Teenage Madeline's mouth is covered in blood and she finally raises a white cloth signifying her surrender. Serenity picks her self off of teenage Madeline and picks teenage Madeline up putting her back on her feet. The two look each other in the eyes for a moment and then Serenity walks away. Some of the other fighters cheer some just watch. Chanelle keeps her eyes locked on Madeline.

 

25.

 

EXT. ICE LAKE - LATER THAT DAY

Chanelle and teenage Madeline, who is still banged up from her duel walk through the snow towards an icy lake.

TEENAGE MADELINE

I never stood a chance against her she is the best fighter in the kingdom.

CHANELLE

You expected me to let you have an easy fight.

TEENAGE MADELINE

No, a fair one maybe

CHANELLE

The truth is some of them think I will go easy on you because of our relationship. Their wrong I will push you harder.

(Chanelle stops walking and turns to look at teenage Madeline.)

If Kavor decides to attack us tomorrow its not going to be a fair fight. I need you to be a fighter baby girl because when that happens forfeiting won't be an option.

Teenage Madeline nods her head putting her emotions away she is back to her blank expression. The two walk up to a hole in the ice.

CHANELLE

Get in. And find yourself a way out.

Teenage Madeline nods looking away from Chanelle. She removes her armor. Underneath she wears full leg and long sleeves black linen clothes.

Teenage Madeline takes a deep breath and dives into the water. At first she swims quickly through the water scanning for a hole in the ice that she can utilize. However as seconds pass and she cannot find one she presses he hands ageist the ice desperately feeling around.

Finally she finds a weak spot in the ice and punches through it. It takes several punches for her to break through the ice and create a hole big enough that she can stick her head through. Teenage Madeline sticks her head out and takes big gasping breaths.

 

26.

 

Back on the edge of the water where Chanelle watches, queen Elisia approaches.

QUEEN ELISIA

You are tough on her.

CHANELLE

Its a tough world.

INT. STONE HALLWAY - UNKNOWN TIME

Present day- Labyrinth at the bottom of the screen

Poppy and Madeline walk down the hallway in front of the wagon. The man and woman from the desert push the wagon carrying the scorpion body from behind the wagon.

Suddenly there is a flicker and the hallway that had been clear in front of them is now a stone wall inches from Madeline's face. There is a new opening in the hallway to their left and they turn that way.

MADELINE

Does that happen often.

POPPY

Sometimes. It's tough to say. Sometimes it goes days without shifting and sometimes it happens several times in a day...Or what I like to imagine are days it can be hard to have a sense of time down here.

MADELINE

How long have you been down here.

POPPY

Oh I was eleven when I stumbled down here and now...

(she shrugs trying to be upbeat )

Its been a while.

MADELINE

(for the first time truly taking an interest in Poppy)

Stumbled? How did you end up down here?

 

27.

 

POPPY

I was playing hide and seek with my siblings in the courtyard and I had seen these stairs that were hidden behind some rocks I thought it would be a great place to hide... I guess I was right.

MADELINE

(laughing )

I guess so.

They begin to hear the hustle and bustle of a community as they walk. Poppy grabs Madeline's hand and starts to break into a jog

POPPY

We're close I can hear them! I am so excited for you to meet everyone

They turn a corner and head down the end of the stone hallway. The stone just stops and there is what appears to be a beach with white sand and palm trees and an ocean view, The only sign that something is off is that the sky is completely gray and cloudless.

On the beach there is a flurry of activity. There are people setting up large canopy tents And cooking over fires. The are horses tied to posts and covered wagons that a few men seem to be working on repairing.

People call and wave greeting Poppy like a long lost friend. Poppy stops and talks to EREM- a woman 40s in appearance dressed like an 1800s farm hand- tying a horse to a post

EREM

Welcome back Poppy. We're so relived.

(Spotting the wagon with the scorpion )

And you've brought a meal enough to last a good while. Good fa you.

POPPY

Erem I would like to introduce you to our new friend. This is Madeline.

Poppy urges Madeline forward and Madeline reaches out her hand to shake Erem's hand.

MADELINE

I am Madeline of North Kingdom

 

28.

 

EREM

North kingdom? This must feel strange to ya but you'll feel at home in no time.

Erem puts her hand on Madeline's shoulder. Madeline offers her a weak smile.

POPPY

Erem, Where is Lee should be introduced to our newest member

MADELINE

(tries to object to being a member of the family.)

Erm-

EREM

He and Bear went up on the sand dune over yonder to see what they could tell about our new environment.

EXT. SAND DUNE

BEAR- a female black bear- and LEE- 30 in appearance dressed in a white silk shirt unbuttoned to his midchest and a dark jacket not unlike a pirate- stand at the top of the dune looking out although there is not much more to see other than more of the same. Madeline and Poppy make there way up the sand dune.

Lee and Poppy share an equally high level of enthusiasm as they greet each other wrapping each other up in a huge hug.

LEE

Poppy you scoundrel . I was just telling bear we could expect you back anytime.

(looking back at bear )

Bear told me I was being ridiculous

BEAR

(Ruefully)

Just because I thought it was soon does not mean I doubted her.

POPPY

You did alright without me. You couldn't have found a nicer place to settle for a while.

 

29.

 

LEE

Right ! I think it will be great for morale.

(less enthusiastic)

And one of the wheel's came off the wagon once we hit the sand.

POPPY

Well we could do worse.

BEAR

(grumbling)

Sure get sand all over my fur.

Lee now takes notice of Madeline.

LEE

Poppy will you introduce us to our new friend?

POPPY

This is Madeline. She helped capture the scorpion.

LEE

Well than Madeline it is a pleasure to have you with us and we owe you for a lovely meal.

He offers Madeline his hand. She hesitates for a moment and then shakes it.

MADELINE

So you all stick together in here looking for an exit to the labyrinth.

LEE

Precisely. Tell me Madeline how long have you been in the labyrinth?

MADELINE

A few hours.

LEE

Well than you are a lucky one! Some of us spent months alone in the labyrinth. For the longest time it was just me and Bear and little by little as we found people we fended for each other and became a community..

 

30.

 

BEAR

I miss those times.

LEE

We all miss home but we have learned to lean on each other in the hard time.

MADELINE

And your no closer to an exit?

LEE

(sighing )

The labyrinth is ever changing. We've thought we were close but to no avail.

MADELINE

I see.

Madeline storms off down the sand dune kneeling down in the sand. Poppy stars to follow her but Lee motions for her to wait.

LEE

Best to give her some space now. It takes time to adjust to the new reality.

Meanwhile Madeline kneels in the sand and she lets out a scream of frustration. She looks back at the little community of the lost.

MADELINE

(to herself)

I never should have left.

INT. QUEEN ELISIA'S TOWER - DAY

(65 days ago: North Kingdom

Queen Elisia sits at an oak desk. She is writing something with ink and quill. She stops, picking up a memrobal and looking at it. The scene in the memrobal makes her smile. Madeline steps through the entryway.

MADELINE

You asked to see me your majesty?

QUEEN ELISIA

Yes come in Madeline we have important matters to discuss.

 

31.

 

Madeline comes in taking a seat at the across from Queen Elisia.

QUEEN ELISIA

Madeline for all the time I've known you since you were a little girl you've demonstrated such admirable qualities: bravery, discipline, wisdom. There is a coming time when the kingdom will depend on those qualities.

Madeline reaches across the desk and grabs the queen's hand.

MADELINE

I swore an oath to protect this kingdom. No ask is too large.

QUEEN ELISIA

I, like those before me and like you too will someday am growing weak. I don't know how much time is left of me.. With no proper heirs I need to appoint a next in line someone who can care for this kingdom in the best of times and in the worst of times. I think you would be an excellent leader Madeline.

Madeline sits there silently stunned for a moment only dropping the queen's hand. Madeline stands walking to the big circular window overlooking the kingdom.

MADELINE

(softly)

Your majesty your mistaken. I am a killer and a survivor a protector even but I know nothing of making decisions in the interest of an entire nation. I cannot care for the people as you do.

(going back to queen Elisia )

Please anything else. I will run any mission. I will fight any one you've already asked me to go on the quest for the third dimension you can't ask me to put aside my fighting days.

 

32.

 

QUEEN ELISIA

(calmly)

Chanelle has agreed to take your place on the quest.

MADELINE

She already knows about this?

QUEEN ELISIA

She agrees she thinks you'd be a wonderful ruler.

MADELINE

Am I excused your Majesty?

QUEEN ELISIA

Madeline, I beg you to consider

MADELINE

Am I excused your majesty?

Queen Elisia nods and Madeline storms out.

INT./EXT. STABLES - MOMENTS LATER

Madeline is hastily saddling up a horse preparing for a journey. Chanelle rushes in

CHANELLE

Madeline just wait!!

Madeline ignores Chanelle getting onto the horse. Chanelle steps in the way.

MADELINE

I'm not who you think I am. I'm not what you want me to be.

CHANELLE

What do you mean? Of course you are. Your my girl

MADELINE

I'm no prodigy. I can't lead I'm not the miracle girl you molded to rule.

CHANELLE

That's not what I wanted. I just wanted to -

Madeline urges the horse to keep going and they exit the stables.

 

33.

 

CHANELLE

Wait! Where are you going?

Madeline turns around stopping the horse for a moment.

MADELINE

I'm going to track down Galvin and find the bloody third dimension. The things that I can do.

Madeline rides off leaving Chanelle watching in the stables.

INT AZLEA'S ROOM - NIGHT

Present day North Kingdom

Azalea sleeps in a large bed in a room with paintings. And gaudy decorations spread throughout.

Azlea wakes with a startle and is in panic for a moment. Then she looks over at Chanelle who sits on a bay window watching Azalea intently.

AZLEA

(uncomfortable)

You don't have to watch me sleep you know.

CHANELLE

Actually it is my job.

AZLEA

(rolling over like she's going to go back to sleep)

Shouldn't you be getting ready for battle?

CHANELLE

I don't like this any more than you do.

AZLEA

(Standing and walking over to stand in front of Chanelle )

Than lets not sit here lets get in the fight.

CHANELLE

Can't do that.

 

34.

 

AZLEA

Why not!?

BOOM

BOOM

CHANELLE

Get down.

AZLEA

What?

 

As Azlea says this her eyes get wide. Chanelle lunges at Azlea bringing them both to the floor as a cannon ball crashes through the bay window sending glass scattering everywhere.

BOOM

 

The cannon ball crashes against the wall sending debris everywhere and filling the room with smoke.

Chanelle gets up and begins making her way through the derbies. Chanelle looks back at Azlea laying motionless, paralyzed with fear, where Chanelle had knocked her down.

CHANELLE

We gotta move!

INT./EXT TREE HOME - NIGHT

Keif is restless in his hammock he looks over at the branches where James's hammock is and watches him sleeping peacefully.

Keif pulls out a necklace he had wanted to give to Azalea then puts it back in his pocket.

Keif as quietly as possible slides out of his hammock and tiptoes down the winding stair he keeps going when he hits the main level but stops when he hears a voice.

O.S CANDOR

Where might you be going at this time of night?

Keif turns to see Candor standing on the patio. The lights attached to the tree have been turned off but Candor holds a single candle that illuminates his face.

 

35.

 

KEIF

(hesitates before telling the truth and moving back up the stairs)

KEIF

I'm going home. I've got to get to the North Kingdom.

CANDOR

(somewhat amused )

You think you would make it by yourself?

KEIF

Madeline thinks she can?

CANDOR

You are not Madeline.

Keif comes all the way over to Candor standing next to him.

KEIF

I am wasting my time here you heard them. They have no interest in joining our cause. Meanwhile the North kingdom is under attack.

KEIF

Azalea could be in harms way... I should be with her.

CANDOR

My life has been dedicated to protecting the North Kingdom

(pause)

Everything I care about is their too and I hate having no control.

CANDOR

But my best chance of helping them is not running solo across the world to fight but to convince these orc that aiding us is in their best interest. Getting myself killed does the kingdom no good. Though it would be easier.

KEIF

That is your job I did my part I got you to the third dimension that is all I was ever supposed to do.

 

36.

 

CANDOR

(surprised by Keif's answer)

You have value here Keif. Your the one who saw no value in serving this war at one point.

CANDOR

I think you may be the one who can help them understand.

KEIF

(unconvinced)

Maybe.

CANDOR

What convinced you to put your stakes in this fight?

KEIF

Escaped prisoners used my barn as a safe haven, gave me special powers against my will and led an enemy army to my barn to burn it down.

CANDOR

hmmmm. We'll keep thinking.

The two men stand there in silence for a moment. They spot a glowing light orb down on the forest floor way down below.

KEIF

What the -

Candor holds up a hand motioning for him to be quiet. The two of them make their way down the spiral steps.

When they get closer to the bottom they see MARAYA - late 30s in appearance dresses in finer clothing from the sea town of Maydie but with the prowess of a fighter- carrying the glowing orb making her way through the jungle.

KEIF

(whispering )

Its not possible

The two men continue to slink down the stairs. And tiptoe towards Maraya.

When they get close Maraya without looking at them pulls a blade with her hand not carrying the orb and points it at Keif's throat.

 

37.

 

MARAYA

Hello Keif. It's so good to see you again.

Maraya turns to the two men. Although she wears a warm smile her blade remains inches from Keif's throat.

KEIF

(meekly)

Hello.

Candor draws his own blade and points it at Maraya.

CANDOR

You followed us.

MARAYA

Of course. I was happy when you over threw Elden's ship it was so easy to send a tracker after you. And slaying the minitour , bravo by the way, you made my life easy.

CANDOR

Lower your weapon.

Maraya and Candor both lower their weapon.

MARAYA

(looking up at the tree with which they came)

Your place seems nice were you going to invite me up? Or is chivalry dead.

KEIF

(rubbing his neck)

We are not always big on company who might want to slit our throats.

MARAYA

Relax. It's not in my best interest to hurt you.

(winks at Keif)

CANDOR

Who says its not in ours to hurt you?

MARAYA

You're smarter than that Candor. An act of violence on the orcs land would not garner you any favor.

 

38.

 

Candor sighs stepping a step back.

INT. NORTH KINGDOM CELLARS

Chanelle and Azlea, still wearing her sleep clothes rush down a set of stairs to a large doors open leading to a vast empty chamber.

Woman and children have already started to cram into the room. There is crying and yelling in all the commotion.

LEON- 7feet tall in stature and with a long beard- directs people into the chamber. Chanelle tells Azlea to sit next to a woman she knows and Chanelle turns to talk to Leon.

CHANELLE

(to Leon )

Is this all of the civilian and the children!

LEON

I believe so!

CHANELLE

Close us off!

Leon nods and as the last few few people scurry in Leon pulls the heavy door shut and pulls a latch down on it.

The cellar is now only lit by lanterns that are spread systematically on the floor to provide a little light for everyone.

The room falls eerily silent as the sound of cannons go off.

CHANELLE

(attempting to reassure everyone )

We are safe down here.

Leon moves directly behind Chanelle

LEON

(softly)

I am sorry Chanelle.

Leon reaches out and attempts to wrap Chanelle in a choke hold. But Chanelle swings her momentum back resting her back against his chest and bringing her feet all the way around into his face.

Chanelle manages to land back on her feet and Leon stumbles back but picks up his ax.

 

39.

 

CHANELLE

Everyone back into the walls as far as you can!

Some oblige moving farther away from the center of the vast room. Others stand still rooted by fear. Azlea stays put and has her eye on the door.

Leon comes forward swinging his ax at Chanelle bends back avoiding getting hit and draws her own sword from its sheath.

Chanelle uses her leg to sweep the feet from under the big man. He lands on top of her which gives him an advantage as he begins hitting her.

Azlea makes a move for the door lifting the heavy latch by putting her back underneath it and using her legs. She slips out the big door unnoticed in the midst of all of the commotion.

Chanelle manages to get the big man off the top of her and rushes to grab her sword. Leon manages to grab her leg and she tumbles to the stone ground.

Leon pulls Chanelle towards him as he rises to her fee. She reaches back towards where the sword had fallen, concentrating on the sword.

The sword flies into Chanelle's hand and raises it up and Leon who was about to come down on her with a powerful blow falls on the sword.

She rises looking around the room. Many of the children and mothers are in various forms of shock. Chanelle realizes that Azlea is gone.

CHANELLE

Shit.

INT. WINDING STAITWELL

Azlea runs up the stairwell and as she winds another bend a soldier's body falls at her feet and she screams.

A member of Kavor's army (who wear black armor as opposed to the North Kingdom's grey) comes around the bend advancing on Azlea.

The soldier swings his blade at her and she ducks throws her body against the wall narrowly avoiding getting hit, she then throws her self at the soldier and the two of them go tumbling down the stairs together.

 

40.

 

Kavor's soldier hits his head hard one of the stairs and appears to be dead. Azlea grimaces at the body but picks up the sword and shield. She then heads back up the stairs

Azlea takes advantage of the fact that none of the soldiers pay any attention to her and hits one of Kavor's soldiers with her shield, knocking him off balance and allowing a North Kingdom soldier to stab him.

He looks at Azlea surprised by her presence.

AZLEA

I got your back

The solider simply looks at her perplexed.

Azlea makes her way through past a couple more soldiers as they duel continuing her climb.

The North Kingdom soldiers on the winding stairs are killed except for the one who had been helped by Azlea.

He presses himself against the wall attempting to defend himself against the four remaining soldiers.

Chanelle comes around the bend of the spiral without hesitating to access the situation she plants her foot on the wall jumping up and stabbing the first two soldiers.

She lands behind one of the other two kicking her foot into the back of the knee causing him to tumble while simultaneously swinging her elbow and hitting the other one. She then stabs the one who is down on is knees.

CHANELLE

Did you see a girl come this way? Looks a little out of place.

The soldier nods his head and points up.

With out another word Chanelle continues to rush up the stairs.

EXT. CASTLE GROUNDS

Azlea emerges on a walkway that is part of the defensive wall that defends the large castle grounds.

The grounds below is filled with battling soldiers, rubble and fire.

 

41.

 

Azlea sees a number of soldiers attempting to climb the protective wall. She puts her foot down on one mans face sending him falling down and stops on another mans hand.

When she steps on the mans hand he reals back in pain but remains holding on to the wall with his other hand. When the stepped on hand comes back forward it grabs Azlea's ankle and pulls her towards him.

Azlea shrikes as she falls on her but getting pulled closer to the edge. She thrusts her sword and the man is impaled falling from the wall.

AZLEA

(after catching her breath)

Yeaaa. Not so tough

Azlea's excitement quickly shifts to fear as she sees a number of men who have made it up the wall further down the walkway coming towards her.

Azlea turns to run only to see another group of Kavor's soldier's making their way up some stairs from the grounds onto the walkway and she is trapped between the two groups coming at her.

Azlea steps to the edge looking at the large jump she would be making down into the battle on the grounds

AZLEA

(to herself)

Its not so bad. Just like jumping in a creek.

Azlea closes her eyes and jumps. just in time for Chanelle to make her way out of archway where Azlea first came out onto the walkway and see Azlea jump.

CHANELLE

Come on!!

All of the men who were charging at Azlea now turn their attention towards Chanelle.

Chanelle runs down the walk way cutting down men and knocking them off of the walkway as she goes.

Elden stands in the grounds using a combination of magic and swordsmanship to fight off the North Kingdom soldiers.

He reaches out his hand causing rubble to fly hitting soldiers that stand in his way.

 

42.

 

Elden spots Azlea who runs franticly through the grounds having only her shield overhead to thwart off attackers.

ELDEN

(a wicked smile)

Too easy.

Meanwhile up on the walkway Chanelle has also spotted Azlea running through the castle grounds.

She runs continuing to cut through men she grabs on to a rope hanging from an old fashioned jib crane on the corner of the walkway and swings down towards the impending collision of Azlea and Elden.

Azlea who is being widely ignored by enemy soldiers, who are too busy engaging in combat with the North Kingdom soldiers, falls off balance when Elden grabs her by the elbow.

ELDEN

Its dangerous out here missy you should be careful.

AZLEA

(struggling against Elden's grip)

Uh. I've got a big thing coming up I really should be going.

Elden falls to the ground as Chanelle kicks him and the back and grabs Azlea swinging all the way around to a walkway of an identical nature on the opposite side of the grounds.

CHANELLE

What were you thinking?!

AZLEA

I wanted to help.

CHANELLE

If you wanted to fight you could have helped me with the traitor down there in the cellar.

AZLEA

You seemed to have that under control.

Elden pushes his own men out of the way running up the stairs that lead to the walkway Chanelle and Azlea now stand on.

Chanelle puts herself defensively between Azlea and Elden.

 

43.

 

ELDEN

Chanelle Meligh of the North. I had begun to fear we would never have the chance to meet.

CHANELLE

(grimacing)

Your lucky day then.

ELDEN

I'm a great admirer of your work so many excellent fighters they really were some of the best you know.

CHANELLE

This isn't about them.

ELDEN

Weak that's what I was called from the day I was born. But you raised the strongest warriors in the world so I'm told and they all fold.

Chanelle runs at Elden ready to attack with her sword. A sword appears in Eldens hand he thrust it forward at Chanelle and she has to shift away nearly falling off the edge of the archway.

Chanelle swings her blade down on Elden but Elden counters. Elden puts weight into the two swords that have met causing Chanelle who's heals are on the edge of the wall to continue to lean back.

ELDEN

They all got that look of fear in their eye too.

Azlea runs at Elden tackling him full force and Chanelle swinging her arms manages to regain her balance on the walkway.

Elden grabs Azlea by the hair pulling her off of him he points his blade at Azlea. Chanelle looks ready to attack.

ELDEN

I wouldn't do that. If you like the girl.

Chanelle knows that Elden is right and drops her weapon and takes a step back.

Elden smirks her and starts slowly walking back toward the steps

 

44.

 

ELDEN

Gotta appease the big guys. But I'll be back for you.

Suddenly Elden is knocked off his feet by a ball of light from behind him. Chanelle immediately jumps into action leaping and swinging his sword but Elden disappears in a cloud of black smoke and Chanelle strikes the stone walkway.

Azlea and Chanelle both look back to see the source of the light ball.

Queen Elisia strides towards them still with all of the elegance of a queen but now dressed like a warrior.

QUEEN ELISIA

Still think protecting her is so easy.

Channelle only huffs in response.

Elisia has but up a translucent dome around the castle which has appeared to push back the enemy soldiers for the time being.

Chanelle looks out at courtyard below soldiers stand bloodied and exhausted mourning the deceased. Flames and rubble are spread across the grounds and there are few spots where the wall of the main entrance to the castle is bare where the cannons had struck it.

QUEEN ELISIA

I can only hold them off for so long but we can regroup.

GREY SKY BEACH - UNKNOWN TIME

Madeline and Poppy walk through the sand at grey sky beach to a forest that is oddly placed in the middle of the beach next to the shoreline.

Despite the fact that the two of them stand in the forest on occasion the tide comes in going up to the girls shins as they set up nets and traps to try and catch prey.

POPPY

Have you ever seen the Ocean outside of the labyrinth?

MADELINE

(Had been lots in thought)

Hmmmmmmmm.

 

45.

 

POPPY

The ocean? I like to imagine what its like to see one with real sunshine.

MADELINE

(bitter)

I nearly drowned in one not too long ago so not my favorite place.

POPPY

Oh I see--

MADELINE

(softening when seeing Poppy take her bitterness personally)

But there is something peaceful about them isn't there... Can I ask you something.

POPPY

Of course anything.

MADELINE

I'm out here because I have no interest in being around everyone else why do you volunteer to go right back out to attempt to catch food right after coming back.

POPPY

Ohhhh. Well I try to be useful. No one wants to be a burden you know.

MADELINE

(laughs )

You just brought enough food to feed the entire community for days with that scorpion. Your no burden.

POPPY

You killed the scorpion I'm just lucky we met. I try to stay useful or people start to talk you know.

MADELINE

I don't know that I do.

POPPY

Some of the lost have their opinions.

 

46.

 

POPPY

Most everyone from the lost had life experience and skills they brought to the table when we brought them in. I was just a girl well... some see me as a burden but not Lee. Lee has kept those who feel that way placated.

MADELINE

That's tough.

POPPY

Sometimes I think most of them wouldn't mind if I never made it back from a journey.

(wiping a tear from her eye )

But there the closest thing to a family I know at this point and you forgive family, right ?

MADELINE

You know what I think? I think you give them too much credit. I'd pick hanging these nasty traps with you then sitting by the fire with the lot of them every time.

POPPY

You would?

MADELINE

Absolutely. Forget 'em

POPPY

I bet everyone loves you in the North.

MADELINE

(stiffens )

A lot more than I deserve. You see so much in battle and lose so many people it can be hard to let people in. Even in my home there are more who fear me than like me and I've learned to be okay with that.

POPPY

That's so funny.

MADELINE

(surprised)

That amuses you.

 

47.

 

POPPY

Its just that I can't imagine being intimidated by you. Your such a great fighter but … I see your big heart.

MADELINE

(snorting)

I haven't heard that before.

POPPY

Anyways your my friend so you couldn't intimated me if you tried.

The two of them continue hanging a net between two trees in silence for a moment.

POPPY

When we get back you really must try some of Erem's scorpion stew. Its some of the best.

MADELINE

(wrinkling her nose)

You can have my portion.

POPPY

We've had years down here to perfect it. You have to try it so you can tell the North what they're missing.

MADELINE

How long has it been since you've had real pork.

POPPY

(eyes going wide remembering)

I'd forgotten pork.

Both girls laugh. A powerful tide rolls in knocking Madeline off of her feet and both girls continue laughing hysterically as she tries to get up.

MADELINE

(still trying to stand)

Am I not intimidating.

 

48.

 

EXT. STEEP MUDDY HILL-DAY

Keif and James stand with a number of orcs at the top of the hill that include Kreeg, Shallon, and Garami. Some of the orc hold large circular wooden disks.

JAMES

So you just slide down? How do you stop?

KREEG

(laughing )

Stop we slide till momentum stop then we do it again!

JAMES

(Peering over the side of the steep hill )

Why don't you show me how its done first.

(waving Kreeg on )

I'll join the next time.

KREEG

No time for hesitancy in mud ridin little man.

Kreeg picks up James even as he continues to protest. Kreeg throw his disk out over the edge of the steep hillside. Than with a running start Kreeg dives landing with his belly on the disk and the two of them whisk down the mountain.

KEIF

(taking deep breaths speaking to himself)

You can do this. You can do this.

SHALLON

(laughing kindheartedly )

Don't you worry Garami has been mud riding since the day he was born. You'll take good care of our friend Keif won't you Garami.

GARAMI

(excited )

Friend!

Keif nods faking a confident smile

KEIF

Lets do this.

 

49.

 

Garami smiles down at Keif and picks him up. Garami throws his disk similar to how Kreeg threw his and jumps landing his belly on his disk.

GARAMI

(Laughing delighted )

He he he

Garami is on his Belly Keif sits in Garami's fist as they zoom down the hill at astonishing speed.

The two of them hit some rocks sticking out of the mud air born for a moment. There is a small dead tree sticking out of the mud that nearly whacks Keif. As the ride continues Keif's anxiety melts and he begins to enjoy the ride.

KEIF

(A shout of exhilaration)

WAHOOOOOO!

Keif is smiling but the smile suddenly fades when he sees they are sliding towards a body of water. They slide into the water making a Garami sized splash.

Keif and Garami both swim to the edge of the water laying there in the mud Keif laughs while catching his breath.

EXT. CAMPFIRE BY THE LAKE - NIGHT

Several orc including Kreeg sit beside a campfire for orcs, sitting on stumps. Keif and James sit on the ground closer to the fire they are still soaked from todays adventures. Garami attempts to catch embers that are popping up from the fire.

JAMES

Thank you for teaching us your games it is wonderful to learn from another culture.

KREEG

One should always give back. Teaching unsophisticatedes such as yourself is the least we could do.

(he has an idea)

Hey Mogi! Play the jig of the high moon. I want to see the little man dance.

MOGI- older than Garami but still a younger orc- picks up a pan flute and begins to play a tune.

James gets up attempting his best moves. Kreeg only laughs at James.

 

50.

 

KREEG

No like this.

Keif notices Shallon sitting apart from the other ork and makes his way over to her.

KEIF

The starts are a lot brighter here than I have ever seen at home. A friend of mine who was supposed to be here with us loved to look at the stars

(sighing)

He would have been blown away.

SHALLON

What was his name?

KEIF

Leo.

SHALLON

When an orc dies we name a star after after them.

(she points up at a star)

SHALLON

This will be Leo's star see this one always sits at the edge between the second and third dimension. We call it the bridge.

KEIF

Thank you. That's perfect.

They sit in silence for a moment.

SHALLON

Its not easy you know you being here. Knowing the bridge is unprotected. As a child we were always exploited people taking our land or cutting off our supplies to force us into their conflict.

(looking at Garami who is no longer trying to catch embers and has joined the dancing.)

Garami has never known the struggle of conflict he's gotten to grow and explore with out worrying about what others may do to him.

 

51.

 

KEIF

I'm sorry I spent years planning worst case scenarios for if the war may reach me and my sister.

SHALLON

Then you understand why I must hope the rest of the orc agree to stay out of your war. We only want peace.

KEIF

(nodding )

I will fight to end the conflict not just for the north. But for you as well. No war means no threat to the third.

SHALLON

(smiling meekly)

I've witnessed humans for a long time. Times of peace are short and conflict and a chance to take advantage of one another is around every corner.

KEIF

Maybe we are capable of growing.

INT HALL OF THE CASTLE

Elisia and Chanelle sit at a bench against one wall with a window over the bench.

QUEEN ELISIA

The cannons are powerful we won't be able to hold the castle from them long if we are unable to take them out. Do you think we have a few soldiers we can spare to take the cannons.

CHANELLE

My lady I beg you send me.

QUEEN ELISIA

You saw that they want the girl they will come for her again.

CHANELLE

If they take the whole castle than Azlea will not stand a chance weather I am here or not.

 

52.

 

Queen Elisia sits in silence for a moment considering.

CHANELLE

(firm)

Let me do what I do best.

The queen nods.

QUEEN ELISIA

We will put a line of soldiers as a last defense in the cellars she will stay with them.

Chanelle rises from the bench and starts to walk away but turns back.

CHANELLE

Are sure your still strong enough to hold them off this way.

QUEEN ELISIA

(smiling weakly )

Don't worry about me

Chanelle heads towards the door across the hall.

INT AZLEA'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Azlea's room is still in pretty bad shape. The window is busted paintings and small sculptures that had been hanging now litter the floor.

Azlea herself rests her head against the door to hear any piece of Chanelle's conversation with the queen. Azlea panics when she hears Chanelle coming her way.

Azlea attempts to rush to her bed but trips on a small gold spiral decretive piece that had been hanging on the wall.

Chanelle enters the room just in time to see Azlea hit the floor.

CHANELLE

Not so stealthy. We'll work on that.

AZLEA

(still in pain trying to play it off)

I call this my thinking spot.

 

53.

 

CHANELLE

It seems nice... thanks by the way for saving my life. It was brave and also really dumb.

Azlea tries to shrug off the complement .

AZLEA

It was no big deal.

Chanelle has now moved to the bed sitting on it. Azlea sits up putting her back against the wall still sitting on the floor.

CHANELLE

Everyone says they want to fight. But when there was real danger you ran towards it when no one expected it of you. What makes you so hungry to fight.

AZLEA

All my life I watched people suffer they came through our town when they were chased out of their land by Kavor's army. I was just a kid but I resented myself for being paralyzed by fear. Now everyone here wants to treat me like I'm someone because my brother is risking his life for an impossible quest...

(forcing back tears)

AZLEA

but I resent even more that I am doing nothing to help while Keif may or may not be dead. I know you think I'm just a stupid girl with no training but I don't want to hide out and be protected while others suffer anymore.

CHANELLE

Your right, you have absolutely no training and your reckless as hell.. But you can't teach bravery.

CHANELLE

You wanna fight wanna make a difference. Todays the day.

Azlea nods.

 

54.

 

INT./EXT TREE HOME - NIGHT

Candor sits in the open room of the tree home with his feet on top of the table he is perusing a book.

Maria storms up the steps to the porch of the tree home. Candor sets his book down and makes his way out to the porch to meet her, amused by her frustration.

CANDOR

The orc weren't interested in your pitch?

MARAYA

It is amazing they have so little interest in building a relationship bridge in order to benefit themselves.

CANDOR

Politics isn't really on their agenda is it.

MARAYA

Your still moping around here, so I take it you haven't gotten anywhere with them either.

CANDOR

Appealing to a since of duty and honor isn't really their thing either.

MARAYA

(laughing)

Thank you. I feel a lot better about my chances now.

CANDOR

What?! I thought it was pretty good....

CANDOR

You know there was a time when duty and honor was the code you lived by.

MARAYA

People change.

The two of them look down at the ground below where you can see a few orc working on a garden.

 

55.

 

MARAYA

Who do you think we'd be if we lived in a world like this. No war enough for everyone to go around.

CANDOR

Well we didn't.

MARAYA

That's right I'm talking to the high and mighty Candor who has no time for such sentimental notions.

CANDOR

(considering)

With no battles and no political agenda separating us, I suppose we would have been able to live out some of our crazy adventures we talked about.

MARAYA

(laughing)

You mean you talked about. I was never going to live on a fishing boat.

CANDOR

You seemed enthusiastic at the time.

MARAYA

I was biding my time to change your mind.

CANDOR

(a little hurt)

Well I think it would have been exciting.

MARAYA

I would have been waiting for you on the shore.

CANDOR

Your loss.

The two laugh.

INT. GRAND HALL

Chanelle walks down the hall next to Azlea who wears a raged brown robe with a hood pulled way down over her head.

 

56.

 

AZLEA

I think I'm blending in!

CHANELLE

(grabbing Azlea's elbow )

Stealthy people don't draw attention to themselves. Let me remind you if your caught coming with me it is my head that is on the line.

AZLEA

Right. Quiet. Head down.

CHANELLE

Your learning.

Chanelle grabs Azlea and steers her down a hall that slowly descends downwards.

AZLEA

How are we going to infiltrate them anyways?

CHANELLE

There is a little passage few people know about that I would use when I needed to get way for a while.

Chanelle kicks open a door on the left side of the hall and jumps down to where the floor is. ( it is lower than the floor they are on). She reaches up and offers Azlea a hand as she climbs down to the floor and pulls the door behind them.

INT SMALL TEMPLE IN THE WOODS

We see the small hall where Madeline first entered and battled the wood figurines.

O.S AZLEA

I'm going to choke on one of these cobwebs if another one gets in my mouth.

O.S CHANELLE

Shhhhhhh. We are here.

O.S AZLEA

Where is here?

 

57.

 

One of the wood panels on the floor is pushed up and Chanelle squeezes her way out of the hole. Chanelle helps Azlea out of the hole.

Chanelle is peering through a crack in the wall to access any threats outside.

CHANELLE

They're all over ten or so in the vicinity.

AZLEA

Tell me you have a plan.

CHANELLE

Oh I have a plan this is going to be fun.

She hands Azlea a wood club from against the wall.

CHANELLE

Your job is to wait until their distracted and hit them with this.

AZLEA

Distracted by what?

CHANELLE

Watch.

Chanelle pulls a lever against the wall

EXT SMALL TEMPLE IN THE WOODS

There are several guards spread around in the area around the temple some are armed with swords others with crossbows.

Suddenly from up in the trees a wood figurine comes flying down at one of the soldiers he cuts it in half he looks at it confused. He turns to start to say something to one of the other men but as he turns Chanelle grabs him from being in a choke hold until he passes out.

More wood figurines start pooping out from the grounds and two guards start to run a a few of them but are batted down by Azlea who is hiding behind a tree.

ENEMY GAURD

What in the bloody Hell??

He dodges figurines that fly down from all around him only to kicked in the back by Chanelle. When the man falls he hits his head on a tree.

 

58.

 

One of the other soldiers with a crossbow is firing haphazardly up in the air at all the commotion and gets wacked by Azlea.

Several more guards wave their hands in their face blocking figurines from hitting them and Chanelle jumps in the middle of them swinging her sword around and ending their life with a few swift motions.

Azlea looks over at Chanelle with a big smile

AZLEA

That was crazy.

CHANELLE

Not bad kiddo.

Chanelle grabs Azlea by the arm.

CHANELLE

We have to keep moving. No telling how long we have until another one of them comes.

The two of them jog through the woods.

It is not long before they here shouts of soldiers and the two of them pick up their pace.

CHANELLE

We'll hide in the trenches up near the high peak of the forest!

They run and run and eventually Chanelle pulls Azlea down into a trench. Chanelle begins saying an incantation. Azlea puts her hands over her ears and baryes her head in the ground as the sound of the shouts gets louder.

Chanelle finishes her incantation and a translucent cover appears on the trench. Just as the voices approach and guards run right over the trench.

AZLEA

(daring to look up )

They can't see us?

CHANELLE

Camouflaged.

Azlea relaxes.

AZLEA

There's so many of them.

 

59.

 

CHANELLE

No turning back now. We'll rest here until the morning light they'll cease fire for a moment that will be our chance to take them.

EXT. TREE HOME HAMMOCKS - LATER THAT NIGHT

Keif sits up in his hammock looking up at the stars. James and Candor sit lay asleep in their hammock. Mara walks up the stairs she wears a gold silk cloak over black pants.

 

MARAYA

(motioning to the open spot in the hammock next to Keif)

Is this spot taken.

KEIF

Please. Sit down.. You don't happen to have word on the happening at the North Kingdom do you?

MARAYA

(shaking her head)

Sorry Keif. Kavor used me to control the happening in Maydie … but he will let me rule peacefully unless he needs me again.

KEIF

(miffed)

So he doesn't know your here?

MARAYA

What he doesn't need to know won't hurt him. He has no idea where your ship landed or where the third dimension is.

KEIF

(relived but confused)

Your not recruiting the orc to finish and destroy the war?

MARAYA

Keif? Kavor has already decimated most of the second dimension why would he want to risk getting a powerful entity like the orcs involved in the conflict.

 

60.

 

MARAYA

No, he was only interested in finding the third dimension to prevent the North from getting in.

KEIF

But you came anyways.

MARAYA

Keif, you and I live in a world where so many people have been puppets for decades now. Kavor has his puppets and Elisia has hers.

(motioning over to where Candor sleeps)

Take Candor for example. He blindly follows Elisia's orders and would happily fall on the sword for her. You and I aren't like them.

KEIF

We aren't?

MARAYA

I admire the way you watched after your sister for so many years laying low. We don't have to play there game no matter what they tell us. I used Kavor to get into power in Maydie but if I got the orc on my side I wouldn't need Kavor you wouldn't need Elisia. It would be a world where we are on top. That is what I'm after.

KEIF

The orc will never buy into an overthrow of the second dimension. They want peace more than anything.

MARAYA

I know a shame really. I think I could have really gotten to like them.

Maraya pulls a jar from beneath the cloak she is wearing. Inside the jar is a blue flickering flame.

MARAYA

Now they are only a liability to me.. Ellerlin flame once unleashed it can burn down an entire forest in minutes.

 

61.

 

KEIF

Maraya they don't want any piece of our fight leave them be.

MARAYA

But I can't have them changing their mind it could upend the influence I've worked to obtain.

MARAYA

You understand.

(rising from the hammock )

Take this as a branch that could lead to a partnership between us Keif go get to the second dimension perhaps I can arrange you travel to get Azlea.

KEIF

(rising )

I can't let you do this.

Maraya snaps her fingers and strings from the hammock wrap around Keif's wrist pulling him back down onto it. Candor and James who up to this point have been sleeping are startled when they are wrapped up in a similar fashion.

MARAYA

Sorry Keif. We could have made a wonderful team.

With that Maraya turns and walks away jumping to the next tree over with ease and disappearing into the night.

Keif lets out a cry of emotion as he fights against his restraints.

The other two men also fight against there restraints.

JAMES

Keif what is going on!?

KEIF

Ellerlin Flame!!

James opens his hands and a knife from below flies to him he struggles cutting his own ties first Candor then Keif.

CANDOR

We haven't much time.

JAMES

We have to get back to the gateway to the second now!

 

62.

 

KEIF

I have to go after her.

James and Candor stand stunned

JAMES

Keif that's madness.

KEIF

(emotional)

We have no control over what happens to our loved ones right now. But we may be able to save their home.

(looking to Candor)

Please get the words out to the orc as quickly as possible.

With that Keif takes a deep breath and runs and jumps to the next tree.

James and Candor share a look and then rush down the winding tree stairs.

TRENCH - NIGHT

Azlea and Chanelle sit in the trench sit squished together and parallel but Azlea has her back against one wall of the thin trench and Chanelle with her back against the opposite wall.

Azlea looks out at the night sky she can see the damn from here.

AZLEA

Can I ask you something?

CHANELLE

Shoot.

AZLEA

If we takeout the cannons do you think we can win the fight.

CHANELLE

One thing I know is Kavor will not fight a battle he is not positive he can win. He's always calculating waiting for his chance. If he doesn't think he can win he'll retreat.

 

63.

 

CHANELLE

But I fear he has to many soldiers hidden out there in the woods if they all attack I'm not sure we can sustain it.

AZLEA

If only Keif hadn't sheltered me away from the war. Maybe than I would know what to do.

CHANELLE

Keif sheltered you because he cares about you. He was ruled by the fear of loosing you. Its so easy to be driven by fear.

AZLEA

(scoffing )

What would you know about being ruled by fear.

CHANELLE

I'm ruled by fear more than you know.

There is a moment of silence between the two of them before Chanelle elaborates.

CHANELLE

Growing up a solider I felt invincible my fate was always in my own hand. Then I started training soldiers and I couldn't save them all . You never get used to hearing that another one of your soldiers is gone to me they were like family. Elden took pleasure in picking off my fighters and I saw him everywhere I went... and I had a daughter.

AZLEA

You... a daughter

CHANELLE

(shaking her head)

I raised her as my own since the day I found her in Atlen.

CHANELLE

She's my world but I was desperate to control her fate unlike the warriors I couldn't.

 

64.

 

CHANELLE

There was no time for compassion only strength and I couldn't see the woman of promise she was becoming. Only that she needed to be stronger and tougher to protect my baby girl.

AZLEA

Is... she alive.

CHANELLE

I hope so.. I think so she's the strongest person this worlds ever seen. I've played over telling I love her a million times. I haven't done that in so long.

AZLEA

You'll get a chance to tell her . Plus deep down I think she already knows.

CHANELLE

Keif is lucky to have such a strong willed sister like you.

The two ladies do their best to make themselves comfortable in tight bunker they are in. Azlea ends up falling asleep with her head on Chanelle's shoulder.

EXT. GREYBEACH BONFIRE

The sky remains grey making it impossible to tell time. But many of the lost sit at spread out benches around a large campfire others remain working on the wagon.

Madeline sits on a bench with Erem they look out at the ocean. Where Lee is out spearfishing in the ocean. A strong wind whips Madeline's hair around and they both have jackets on.

Bear lays near the shore far enough away that she can't here Madeline and Erem's conversation

MADELINE

What's Lee's story? Who was he before he came down here?

EREM

No one knows to much about his past.

(MORE)

 

65.

 

EREM (CONT'D)

Bear may know but he is very private about his life before coming here.

MADELINE

I can understand. It feels like another world.

EREM

He had a hell of a lot of battle experience I bet. The truth is we'd never survive without him.

Lee who swims in a pair of black tights comes out of the ocean dragging an octopus, that is about his size up to the shore.

LEE

(Lee smiles at the two ladies)

Whatta we think ladies? I think we can roast this over the fire for an our or two and I recon we'll have ourselves a fine supper. Eh?

EREM

Oh that'll be wonderful.

Erem and a man come and take the octopus off of Lee's hands.

Madeline nods but seems to be somewhere else mentally.

MADELINE

Excuse me. I need a moment to myself before dinner.

LEE

(turning to Bear )

Bear why don't you keep an eye on her.

EXT. GREY BEACH DUNES

Madeline has walked a ways off from the rest of the lost community. Where she stands only sand and ocean can be seen all around.

There are a few shells right where the tide is dropping them off and Madeline picks them up throwing them as far as she can to get out her frustration.

Madeline reaches for another shell but when she picks it up she examines it further.

 

66.

 

This one resembles the gray stone that made up the hall Madeline and Poppy had walked down when they first got to grey sky beach.

Madeline looks around wondering how the stone got there and then the realization strikes her.

MADELINE

(to herself)

If there was an exit no one was supposed to find. It would be somewhere no one would look.

Madeline looks around to ensure that no one is watching her and then she wades into water before diving down as it gets deeper.

What Madeline did not see is bear watching her from a dune above

UNDERWATER

Madeline swims around surprised by what she sees. The ocean life is very vibrant there are colorful corals and a variety of colorful fish.

Madeline goes up for a big gasp of air before continually swimming straight down and down past the coral finally she reaches the ocean floor where there is a stone building made of those same stones from the stone maze on the floor.

On the stone building is a big brass door but there is a lock on it Madeline struggles and struggles with the door but is unable to open it finally she pushes off the ocean ground heading back for the surface.

EXT. GREY BEACH DUNES

Madeline ends up back on the shore where she started completely out of breath gasping for air. She lays in the sand exhausted from her swim.

But looks up as Lee, who is now fully dressed approaches her.

LEE

Its a dangerous ocean you shouldn't be out there by yourself.

MADELINE

Lee I think I've found it. We have to tell the others I don't know how long before it might move.

 

67.

 

LEE

You know I thought when I met you, you were a lot like me.

LEE

You are I are two of a dying breed survivors protectors who cannot be killed. Up there in that world there is nothing the people up there want more than to exploit us.

MADELINE

(standing )

There's a lock but I think with help we can open it.

LEE

And destroy everything I've worked so hard to create?

MADELINE

What?

LEE

I was tired of fighting other peoples battles conquering just to have a seat at their table and no voice. So I created a world where people needed me.

MADELINE

(realizing)

You never intended to get out of here. You came here looking for lost people to use them.

LEE

(holding up a large key with a compass attached)

I always know where the nearest exit is the key is drawn to it. But why would I leave? I can create a society my way not someone else's way. But I am not the bad guy these people down here needed me don't you see that.

MADELINE

I am nothing like you.

LEE

How many lives have you saved? How many battles have you won? The queen may respect you.

(MORE)

 

68.

 

LEE (CONT'D)

Even her closest companions. But the people they don't get you do they. Your just another face fighting for their wishes.

LEE

Here they have to learn this hell right along side us they will learn to cherish us value us.

(extending his hand )

Together we can me immortalized by these people.

MADELINE

And What happens when I tell your people what you've done

LEE

Who will they believe the new girl or the man who's led them for years and if they believe you well it won't be the first time I've had to wipe them out and start all over.

MADELINE

Your a monster.

LEE

By all means stop me if now is a bad time to mention it but Poppy was going to help bear over by the stone maze.

LEE

It can be dangerous out there it sure would be a shame if something were to happen.

Madeline takes off town the beach towards where the lost have set up camp. The people of the lost are perplexed by the commotion as she continues to run through them and run up the sand towards where Poppy and bear are just past the stone hall.

Poppy is digging into the sand using a shovel bear watches over her.

POPPY

What are we looking for?

BEAR

We'll know when we find it.

Poppy stops confused as Madeline comes running towards them.

 

69.

 

Bear also spots Madeline and rises on to two legs to strike Poppy.

Madeline runs in between the two of them wrestling the shovel from Poppy. She then holds it up as bear strikes down on her.

Madeline still falls and the shovel goes flying but she remains unhurt.

Bear lunges at Madeline again Madeline puts her foot in her face but does not escape scratches from her claws.

POPPY

What's going on?!

MADELINE

Poppy I need you to run I'll find you.

Poppy is at a loss for what is going on but runs into the stone hall leading into the maze.

Madeline jumps on top of Bear. Bear rears up and twists throwing Madeline off of her.

Madeline runs at Bear jumping and putting her foot in the beasts face and then she runs into the maze following Poppy.

Bear lets out a roar and follows them into the maze.

INT. STONE MAZE - UNKNOWN TIME

Madeline runs through the maze chased by Bear. Madeline turns one way only to find that is a dead end.

Bear follows her.

BEAR

No where to go now.

Bear lurches at Madeline who has her back against the wall. Madeline jumps up narrowly avoiding Bear's swing. But bear swings around a second time knocking her down and putting a scratch on her face.

Madeline tucks and rolls between the raised bear's hind legs and makes a run down the other direction in the maze.

Madeline turns a corner and Poppy is waiting there for her

POPPY

Madeline what is going on.

 

70.

 

MADELINE

Not the time!

Bear comes running around the corner and the two girls run hand in hand.

Bear lunges to reach them just as there is a flicker and instead of snagging the girls Bear runs flat into a stone wall and the girls are nowhere in sight.

INT. STONE MAZE - MOMENTS LATER

The girls sit down against the stone block out of breath.

MADELINE

Are you okay?

POPPY

I'm okay you look worse for the ware.

Poppy takes a shaw she had on her shoulders and wraps it around Madeline's torso where she had first been scratched by bear.

POPPY

That should stop the bleeding. But you really should have that looked at what is going on?

MADELINE

This isn't going to be easy to hear. Lee isn't who you think he is. He knows how to get out of the labyrinth and has since he's been here. He's using the people's dependence on him as a power trip he doesn't want you to leave.

There is a heavy silence between them for a moment.

MADELINE

I'm sorry Poppy. He's using all of them.

POPPY

Will the others be okay.

MADELINE

For now. He won't hurt them unless he has to... what if you could save them all would you want to do that.

 

71.

 

POPPY

Of course.

MADELINE

Do you know where Lee keeps his things when he's fishing

POPPY

He'll leave it in one of the wagons. Bear will probably stay close by.

MADELINE

Then I think I have a plan.

POPPY

Madeline I've seen Lee kill every creature or beast that's stepped in his way. You can't fight him.

MADELINE

I have to try.

POPPY

You really are a fearless warrior.

MADELINE

Poppy... just in case I don't make it ..I'd rather be remembered as your friend then a fearless warrior.

EXT TRENCH - EARLY MORNING

Azlea sits just outside the trench looking up at the dam that stands above the trees in the forest.

Azlea jumps down into the trench and startles the sleeping Chanelle.

AZLEA

What if we opened the damn?

CHANELLE

Excuse me?

AZLEA

What if we opened the damn?

CHANELLE

You mean flood this very forest.

 

72.

 

AZLEA

Yeah.

CHANELLE

And we probably wouldn't be able to get home.

AZLEA

Correct.

CHANELLE

And would isolate the north kingdom

AZLEA

True.

CHANELLE

And would probably be viewed as an act of treason.

AZLEA

Probably.

CHANELLE

I'm waiting for this to sound like a good idea.

AZLEA

You said yourself Kavor won't fight a fight he doesn't thin he could win. You've seen how many reinforcements he has back here he couldn't fight without them.

CHANELLE

Meaning even those in the middle of battle would probably called to evacuate.

AZLEA

Meaning we would win the battle.

CHANELLE

But the kingdom would be isolated.

AZLEA

Do you think we can win this fight if we don't do this.

Chanelle sits pondering for a moment.

CHANELLE

Okay.

 

73.

 

AZLEA

Really?

CHANELLE

Its our best chance of winning. But I have to take out the cannons. Your gonna have to open the damn.

AZLEA

Easy. How do I do that.

CHANELLE

There is a wheel at the top of the damn turn it and the water will come down. Now you need to wait until I start to take down the cannons to move into the damn once I start to take down cannon's the reserves will notice and move to protect the canons leaving the damn defenseless.

The two start to leave the damn and look cautiously around before moving as quietly as possible through the woods.

CHANELLE

(pointing)

You'll go up this way. Wait in the brush until you see guards moving.

Azlea starts to head up the way that Chanelle pointed but Chanelle calls her back.

CHANELLE

I can't believe I am putting the fate of our kingdom in your hands. Here

(hands Azlea a dagger)

I want you to have this.

AZLEA

Thanks.

The two move off in their separate directions.

EXT. TREE TOPS NIGHT - MOMENTS LATER

Maraya is agile as she moves her way through the tree branches and the trees holding the blue flame in a jar as a light.

She suddenly stops on a thick branch.

 

74.

 

MARAYA

(nonchalant )

This is central enough.

She hears a rustle behind her and turns to see Keif jumping landing on the branch he is out of breath.

KEIF

MARAYA WAIT!

MARAYA

Your relentless I'll give you that... You barley resemble the man I met in Maydie

KEIF

Please.

Maraya jus shakes her head sadly. She reaches to unscrew the lid, but suddenly the jar flies out of her hand. She turns to see Keif now holding the Ellerlin flame.

MARAYA

Impressive. You'll regret it though.

To curved daggers suddenly appear in Maraya's hand and she runs towards Keif.

Keif turns running and jumps down to a lower branch beneath them. Maraya follows him gaining ground. She swings her sword which he has to duck to avoid.

Keif ducks another swing but then Maraya knees him in the gut. The Jar containing the Ellerlin flame drops to a branch below them. The two of them look at each other and then Maraya jumps toward the branch.

But Keif does not jump towards the fire, instead jumping directly into Maraya opposing her path to the flame.

The two of them fall both hanging on to two separate limbs that are splintered but connect into one closer to the trunk of the tree(Maraya looses her daggers in the fall). The branch where the Ellerlin flame sits is above them.

Keif is the first to pull himself up onto his limb but Maraya is not far behind him. Maraya meets the connecting points in the branches just behind Keif and kicks him in the back sending him face down on the branch.

 

75.

 

MARAYA

(stepping over Keif)

I gave you every opportunity to stay out of this.

Keif grabs Maraya's leg causing her to fall in a similar fashion. They both rise and the two engage in hand to hand combat. Maraya is the aggressor. Keif is simply attempting to block her blows and stay balanced on the tree limb.

Maraya turns her attention away from Keif climbing the limbs between the two of them and the Ellerlin flame. Keif attempts to follow but he cannot keep up with Maraya and she gets to the jar while he remains a few branches below.

Keif continues to try and climb but Maraya opens the jar and dropping it immediately. Blue flames spread quickly up nearby trees.

MARAYA

I would run quickly Keif.

And with that she is gone.

EXT COURTYARD IN THE NORTH KINGDOM - DAY

The North Kingdom soldiers stand at the ready in the courtyard in rank.

On the bridge behind a translucent bubble Kavor himself stands waiting to lead his men in.

Queen Elisia stands in the tower beaded in sweat from the effort of her magic.

QUEEN ELISIA

(to herself )

Come on Chanelle I can't hold them much longer

EXT. PEREMETER OF THE WOODS

Chanelle looks out through the trees to see that they are rotating cannon duty some cannons are currently unmanned others have a few men around it who are firing.

Chanelle jumps out of the woods and swing her sword at one man sending him to the ground and kicks another man in the back.

 

76.

 

A few more men come running at her she kicks the first then spins the cannon she is standing by causing the other man to fall.

A few more come down but are easily defeated by Chanelle.

Chanelle begins pushing the cannons down the hill.

EXT. DAMN

Azlea watches from the bushes as the couple of guards that stood near the damn head off towards the mysterious stopping of the cannons.

AZLEA

Suckers.

Azlea heads into the tower that connects to the stone dam.

She begins to ascend the stairs but runs directly into Elden

ELDEN

Going somewhere?

EXT. GREY SKY BEACH

Madeline strolls casually into the lost people's makeshift village.

While all eyes are on Madeline Poppy sneaks behind one of the wagon. Poppy peers around the corner spotting a coach a that is up closer to other lost people that has bear sleeping next to it.

MADELINE

Where is Lee!

LOST PERSON 1

You don't belong here!

EREM

You dare show up here after turning our little Poppy against us.

LOST PERSON 2

Lee told us what you are.

A number of lost people continue to enclose themselves on Madeline. Poppy takes advantage of the hostile advances on Madeline and moves up so she is behind the next wagon. Poopy is now only a few meters from the stagecoach that Bear sleeps by.

 

77.

 

MADELINE

Please my dispute is not with you only with Lee.

The people continue to surround her. She balls her fist preparing to fight.

MADELINE

I'm begging you don't make me do this.

O.S LEE

I will challenge her.

The people stop and everyone turns to Lee who has emerged from the ocean and stands in the wake.

LEE

She has become a threat to our people. Let me settle this you need not involve yourself. I will fight her and finish this so we may all have piece of mind when we lay our head to rest.

The people move clearing a path between Madeline and Lee. Madeline walks down to the wake where Lee waits for her.

LEE

Remember I didn't what to do this.

Lee brings his arm down at Madeline she blocks with both hands. Lee uses a roundhouse kick to kick Madeline in her weak side. Madeline crumples into the water rising.

POPPY

(whispering to herself)

Come on Madeline.

Madeline rises splashing water up at Lee. She attempts to kick him in the stomach but Lee grabs her foot and twists it sending her face firs into the shallow water.

Meanwhile Poppy jumps from behind the one wagon into the other. Outside the stagecoach Bear picks her head up looks around and then puts it back down.

Lee steps on Madeline who is face down in the shallow water pressing her body into the sandbar and submerging her.

Madeline uses her legs to wrap around Lee's other foot twisting to knock him off balance and he trips into the water.

 

78.

 

They both take a moment to get back to their feet. Madeline punches Lee and then elbows him in the gut. Lee brings his own Elbow down on Madeline's back sending her on to all four. Madeline pushes off tackling him into the water.

Poppy rummages inside Lee's back after rummaging through several more things she finds the key with the compass attached.

There is a flicker and all of the sudden the ground the wagon sits on is steep and the stage coach begins to roll.

INT/EXT. WAGON

Inside the stage wagon Poppy is thrown off balance by the sudden motion and she falls and the key slides to the front of the stage coach.

Bear chases after the stage coach as soon as it start rolling and end up jumping on to the back of the stage coach tearing off part of the covering.

BEAR

(upon spotting Poppy )

You never learn do you.

EXT. TALL FOREST

Candor and James stand on the ground in the opening in the woods where they had first met Drog. Several Orcs sit around listening to them including Drog.

CANDOR

Its not safe here. She intends to burn this whole place down.

DROG

It cannot be put out or contained?

JAMES

Ellerlin flame spreads quicker than the natural flame making it near impossible to contain. Please trust us.

DROG

(gesturing to other orc)

If you wish to flee flee

(gesturing to James and Candor )

Take the wagon your small feet will never make it.

 

79.

 

James begins climbing up on a large wood wagon with a wheel at the front. Several orc group up and start moving others seem lost in chaos and confusion.

Everything stops and they turn and can see a blue light in the distance rapidly expanding at this point there is hysteria of orc moving away from the direction of the light or looking for their loved ones but Drog remains rooted in his spot watching the blue light expand.

Candor who is climbing the side of the wagon to join James on the wagon looks back and sees Drog lost in the moment.

JAMES

(sensing Candor's hesitation)

Candor we gotta go!!

Candor jumps off the side of the wagon and calls out:

CANDOR

Drog! Drog!

DROG

(still entranced)

My home.. my family

CANDOR

Drog there is a chance you can make it and you can find a home!

DROG

(not looking away from the flames and the trees)

Go solider while there is time.. this is where I belong

Candor climbs up on the wagon still looking back at Drog. James starts to drive off before Candor can even get all the way in the wagon.

For a moment they speed through the woods in silence as the blue light gets brighter around them.

JAMES

Do you think Keif-

CANDOR

(sadly )

He'll never make it.

 

80.

 

EXT COURTYARD IN THE NORTH KINGDOM - DAY

The bubble that has protected the kingdom is fading. Kavor smirks as he prepared to fight.

Queen Elisia emerges from the front door ready to meet him. She stops and speaks with an admiral who sits on a horse waiting for battle

QUEEN ELISIA

Admiral, do you promise to keep fighting no matter the cost or who is lost

ADMIRAL

Yes ma' lady

QUEEN ELISIA

Good.

Then the field is gone and Kavor's army charges in and the North Kingdom men meet them.

 

(Kavor and Elisia are in clear focus but the battle going on around them is out of focus though it can be heard loud and cleat)

Kavor and Elisia walk calmly toward one another hurling balls of light at one another. They are able to knock the ammunitions' off to the side for the most part.

 

Kavor catches a ball of light that Elisia threw and sends it back at her. The ball of light hits her in the chest and she stands perfectly still for a moment before falling to the ground.

EXT/INT WAGON

On the stagecoach Poppy crawls trying to get to the key. Bear grabs her by the leg pulling her back.

Poppy kicks and kicks at bear but it is of no use. Poppy reaches and grabs a knife from Lee's bag and pulls it across Bear's skin.

Bear cries out and lets go of Poppy. The key has fallen onto the foot bench at the front of the covered wagon and poppy reaches down and grabs it.

 

81.

 

Poppy stands as bear reaches to claw her again. Poppy jumps down to the the foot bench. She nearly falls and barley regains her balance.

Bear lunges at her mouth first Poppy jumps off of the foot bench hanging on to what remains of the cloth covering on the side of the wagon.

Poppy closes her eyes terrified and swings her self down kicking the bear sending her back and Poppy lands awkwardly on the floor loosing hold of the key.

Poppy reaches to grab the key and suddenly there is another flicker and the steepness reverses sending the covered wagon moving the opposite direction and causing Poppy and the key slide to the other end of the covered wagon.

Bear grabs the key with her mouth and turns to Poppy. Poppy slides right under bear after the shift of directions and jumps grabbing on to Bear's chest and clinging for dear life.

BEAR

What are you doing.

POPPY

I don't know!!

The covered wagon hits a bump in the sand stopping the stage coach and sending them both up into the air, Poppy still clinging to bear as the beast tumbles out of the covered wagon.

The key falls out of bear's mouth and Poppy grabs it jumping off of Bear. Poppy lands half way back on the covered wagon with her arms and pulls herself back on to the wagon.

Poppy tries to catch her breath as she sits in the wagon rolling back to the lost community.

EXT. GRAY BEACH OCEAN -

Meanwhile Madeline holds Lee underwater in a choke hold. Lee thrashes around trying to escape. There is a flicker and suddenly the two of them are now deep in the ocean not touching the ground and the tide and waves are a lot stronger here.

They are immediately pulled apart by the force of the waves. They both attempt to make a move on the other a few ties. But the waves are too strong and they are both just trying to stay afloat.

 

82.

 

LEE

Well what now mighty warrior? Our fight to the death ends with us both stranded in the ocean.

LEE

Those people will die without either of us protecting them.

MADELINE

I don't care about winning this fight Lee.

LEE

And why is that?

MADELINE

I just needed to get you away so that could happen.

Madeline does her best to point as she struggles against the tide.

Lee looks to the far off beach to see the people of the lost making their way down the beach as a group leading them is Poppy.

LEE

NOOOOOO.

Madeline swims to a rock sticking up in the water and climbs on to it. Lee attempts to follow her but he is struggling against the waves and the current.

LEE

Madeline help!

Madeline hesitates for only a second before offering Lee a hand to pull him up onto the rock. As soon as Lee is all the way up onto the rock he twists Madeline's arm causing her to kneel in pain.

LEE

Fool.

Lee forces Madeline's face down into the water. She struggles to get her head up and take a breath gasping for air.

Madeline pushes off with her feet against Lee's body propelling her into the water and sending him back where he hits his head hard on a raised piece of the rock.

 

83.

 

EXT PEREMETER OF WOODS

Chanelle watches, hidden in the trees as Elisa's field of protection begins to come down starting at the center top and moving down towards the ground.

CHANELLE

She's fine she's fine any moment now

A look of realization crosses her face. Chanelle stops pacing, shakes her head and then takes off in a sprit.

NT DAM TOWER

Azlea sits with her hands bound to a chair with two guards around her. Elden stands in the middle of the room studying Azlea. There is a glass stained window

ELDEN

That is the trick to catching a master strategist is you have to think like them. Calculate every option they have. Now tell me where is Chanelle.

AZLEA

I told you she's disarming the cannons.

ELDEN

A clever ploy.

AZLEA

I don't know what to tell you the master strategy was my idea not hers.

ELDEN

You expect me to believe she sent you a little girl to do something that could overturn this battle.

AZLEA

It might not have been her best plan. But desperate times.

ELDEN

No matter she'll come for you.

AZLEA

I'm not counting on it.

 

84.

 

ELDEN

She will its her weakness as much as she tried to hide it she cares too much.

There is a repeated thud of someone falling down the stairs outside the door. Elden motions for one of the other men to go check the door.

The guard opens the door and looks out Chanelle swings down from above grabbing the guards face with her thighs and twisting to snap his neck.

Chanelle summons a sword and Elden summons a staff.

ELDEN

Lawrence why don't you take the little one away so she doesn't have to see this.

Elden and Chanelle begin dueling back and forth while Lawrence tips the chair that Azlea is in back and starts to drag it away.

Azlea rocks side to side causing Lawrence to drop the chair and Azlea and the chair fall on their side.

Elden and Chanelle parry back and forth. Chanelle takes advantage of Elden swinging low to headbutt him. Elden stumbles back momentarily with a bloody nose but is smiling.

ELDEN

Now you've got some fight in you I've missed this.

Elden spins his staff around above his head bringing it down at Channel's side she blocks across her body and Elden spins hitting her at the other side of the ribs.

Azlea who is still tied to her chair runs at the guard Lawrence. He pulls out the knife that Chanelle had given to Azlea earlier and prepares to impale her. Azlea does a 180 degree turn hitting Lawrence arms with the leg of the chair and causing him to drop the knife.

Lawrence tries to jump at Azlea but she arches her back making it so when he lands he lands on the four legs of the chair causing him to fall sideways and breaking the chair.

Chanelle jumps toward Elden but he twists out of the way and whacks her in the back with his staff sending her sprawling on to the ground.

 

85.

 

Chanelle now lies next to Azlea who is sitting attempting to use the knife to cut her hands free from what remains of the chair.

CHANELLE

Are you okay?

Azlea nods.

CHANELLE

You have to get to the top and open the dam.

AZLEA

What about you?

CHANELLE

My fight is here.

On cue Elden swings his staff down towards Chanelle's neck. Chanelle ducks and rolls forward and kicks the staff kicking it out of Elden's hands. Chanelle lands on her feet and the two of them reengage in hand to hand combat.

EXT TREE TOPS

Keif jumps from tree top to tree top the forest floor below him is a burst of flames. Suddenly the branch he is on snaps under the pressure as flames reach it.

Keif leaps reaching and grabbing a limb from the next tree with one hand. The branch underneath the branch he is on is already burning and it nips at his feet. He manages to pull himself up onto the branch. He runs up the branch towards the end of branch.

As he runs to the end flames rapidly climb to the tree closest to the branch that Keif would jump to engulfing it in flames. Keif stops and looks back behind him but all the trees around him are engulfed in flames at this point.

Keif pulls his necklace resembling his mother's necklace from his pocket and kisses it.

KEIF

I'm ready.

Keif closes his eyes bracing for the end when he hears a voice.

O.S SHALLON

Keif Jump!

 

86.

 

Keif looks around but he can barley see anything through the smoke and flames but as the branch he is on starts to snap he leaps out over the flames.

For a moment all that surrounds Keif is smoke but then he lands in the soft familiar hands of Shallon. Shallon holds Keif with one hand and holds Garami's hand with the others.

Shallon steps in the bare spot of the flames using her giant legs to her advantage but occasionally the flames reach her legs and she lets out a cry of pain. When the flames are too high for Garami she lifts her hand way in the air and Garami dangles from her hand like an ordainment.

KEIF

I'm so happy to see you.

Shallon smiles at Keif momentarily as they keep moving.

SNAP

CRASH

A tree snaps falling on top of Shallon crushing her bringing her to the ground.

Keif flies through the air but Garami catches him against his chest in a

rolling dive.

Keif and Garami both run back to where Shallon lay struggling with the weight of the burning tree that is on top of her.

Garami attempts to help her lift off the large weight but the steps as the heat gets to him. He lets out a cry and once again tries to lift in only to choke on smoke and have to step back from the heat.

KEIF

AHHHHHHHHH! SHALLON!!!!!

Keif lifts his hand attempting to use magic to lift the massive tree it starts to move up but his magic is not strong enough and it trembles in the air and comes back on to Shallon.

Keif tries again getting closer. He gets the same results and he looks apologetically into Shallon's eyes tears start to stream down his face.

 

87.

 

SHALLON

(weakly)

Keif.. please.. take care of Garami.

Keif gets as close as he can to her giant face

KEIF

I will. I promise

Shallon's eyes close and Keif springs into action running towards Garami

KEIF

Garami we need to move..

GARAMI

(outraged)

Uurrurururrur

KEIF

I know. Look at me. There's nothing we can do.

Flames completely enclose the two of them as Keif climbs up on to Garami's back speaking into his ear.

 

 

KEIF

Garami Up on that tree there is a bare spot.

Garami jumps on to a tree where the flames have not yet reached the height where he can jump and he jumps right off that one to another one and then another one until they reach a patch in the ground where there are no flames yet.

Garami sprints through the woods with Keif on his back while around them and behind them burning trees and branches collapse under the weight of the heat finally they reach the open field where Keif and Garami first met.

The beam to the third dimension is already open

KEIF

James and Candor were already Here.

Garami stops looking at the beam puzzled.

KEIF

Garami you need to go in to the light.

 

88.

 

Garami shakes his head adamantly. This also causes Keif to hold on for dear life.

KEIF

Garami there's no choice.

Flames start to spread in the grass of the field.

Keif looks behind them at their dire circumstances. Garami Please forgive me and he climbs up on Garami's shoulder pulling on his ear. Garami lets out a cry of displeasure and stumbles into the light beam.

INT DAM TOWER

Azlea manages to cut herself free from the chair just as Lawrence begins to rise. Azlea looks to the rising man and then runs to the stained glass window busting it open by throwing half of the chair out of it.

Azlea looks out the window to find that the tower does not reach all the way to the top of the dam. She looks down below where the chair is falling and then looks back at Lawrence who is coming at her.

Azlea jumps grabbing onto some stones that stick out from the edge of the dam. Azlea looks for more that are sticking out and finds one and begins ascending upwards.

INT DAM TOWER

Chanelle punches at Elden but he pushes her elbow out and it misses him and he hits her with his other arm.

Elden moves to strike again but Chanelle blocks his next blow and counters with her own hit.

Elden reaches out causing his staff to fly to him causing her to fall near the now broken window.

ELDEN

I've dreamed of this moment.

CHANELLE

You don't scare me any more.

ELDEN

(perplexed and amused )

And why is that?

 

89.

 

CHANELLE

Because you will never be able to hurt my people again. And I can take it.

Chanelle moves quickly knocking Elden off of his feet and the two of them roll around on the floor punching at each other and trying to get the upper hand. Until finally the two of them roll right out the window.

EXT. DAM

Azlea climbs the last couple rocks to get to the top of the dam. At the top of the dam is giant wheel that is horizontal in the ground. Azlea grabs a woods spoke and begins to crank the wheel one way and little by little cracks start to form in the stones below her and a little water come out.

She looks out excited to see that it is working and she pushes the spoke more. But suddenly her momentum stops. She looks up to see Lawrence standing across from her on the other end of her spoke.

Lawrence tries to swing at Azlea but she ducks below the spoke. Lawrence swings again to no avail. Lawrence jumps on top of the spoke glaring down at Azlea.

Lawrence jumps down at Azlea but she craws under the spoke. Azlea runs to the next spoke in front of her to try and keep the wheel going.

Lawrence runs to try and catch her. Azlea looks back and makes a calculated decision she runs backwards with the spoke changing its direction and hitting Lawrence with it sending him flying off of the dam. Azlea keep pushing and pushing until water is rapidly sprouting from the dam.

Below at the bottom of the dam. Where water is starting to build you can see Elden and Chanelle land in the water.

XT. CASTLE GROUNDS

Madeline and the people of the lost have emerged from the castle. Most stand to the side but Madeline and Poppy jump in the fight.

For a moment everyone stops fighting and looks on as water begins to fill the forest.

KAVOR

Fall back! Fall back!

 

90.

 

Many of his soldiers make a run for it some seem content to stay and be captured. Kavor himself disappears in a bout of smoke.

EXT. DAMN

As the water continues to rush out from the dam more and more quickly the dam begins to fall apart and Azlea tumbles off the edge.

EXT. CASTLE GROUNDS

As Kavor's army has begun to dwindle there is a large variety of reaction from the people of the North. There are a few celebrating the end of the fighting but many more morn the soldiers around them who have fallen. Or look at alarmed by the new vast river in front of the kingdom.

Madeline spots the queen laying next to a fountain at the center of the grounds.

Madeline runs to her kneeling by her side

MADELINE

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Madeline looks out at the crowd of people who a large portion have turned to look at Madeline and their fallen queen.

MADELINE

Get a medic she needs help!

But the people of the North only look on with sorrow it is clear there is nothing that can be done.

 

 

 

EXT. CRATER IN THE DEAD FOREST - SUNRISE

 

The forest has become notably more lively as time has passed and since the minotaur is no longer sucking its life force. However the crater remains baron with stone blocks resembling stone hinge laying around.

James sits against a stone staring off into the distance blankly. Candor paces back and forth muttering to him.

 

91.

 

Candor looks up to see Garami coming down from the sky Candor dives out of the way as Garami hits the ground Keif also comes crashing into the ground.

James and Candor both rush over to help Keif up.

JAMES

Your alive!

KEIF

(looking around his face falling )

Just us?

James nods sadly. Behind them Garami has started whaling and pounding the ground with his fists.

 

 

EXT. CASTLE GROUNDS

Madeline sobs holding Elisia in her arms.

QUEEN ELISIA

Madeline? Is the battle over?

MADELINE

Yes ma' lady they have gone you can rest now.

QUEEN ELISIA

I'm happy to see you. Today is a tragedy much like the day in Atlen when I first met you. But I got to meet a brave little girl who inspired me and your mother so much more than me.

QUEEN ELISIA

Even in tragedy there are gifts all around you if you look to those around you. Like seeing you one last time...

MADELINE

Please.. just hang on

QUEEN ELISIA

Its okay. Its time.

The queen closes her eyes and Madeline kneels with her for a moment. Than she stands.

 

92.

 

All eyes are on Madeline.

MADELINE

( throughout this Monologue there are shots of Candor and Keif sitting with Garami comforting him while the sunrise in the crater in the forest, and of Chanelle who sits on a riverbank diving into the water bringing Azlea to shore )

MADELINE

Today is one of the hardest battles the we have ever known and Kavor is still out there and he will strike again. And I swear to you weather you ask it of me or not I will lead this kingdom and defend it to the best of my ability. But I cannot do it alone. We need to lean on each other now more than ever. Help the people around you as we rebuild and go through our darkest days. You see we have something Kavor will never have. He fights for power for greed.

(looking right at Poppy)

We fight for the people we love.

EXT. RIVER BANK

Azlea coughs up water on sitting on a river bank filled with granular rock.

AZLEA

Did it work?

CHANELLE

You did so good.

Azlea sits up and the two woman hug.

Credits Roll

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 24, 2023 by lamamama

[SLAM!]

 

Studio Groundswell

in association with Electronic Arts

Director: Aaron and Adam Nee

based on the video games by Electronic Arts

Genre: Action/Sports

Release Date: December 4th

Theater Count: 4,253

Rating: PG-13 for Language, Violence, and Suggestive Themes

Budget: $100m

Runtime: 1 hr 55 min

Original Score Composer: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

 

Cast

Alex Wolff as Mac Fraser

Brianna Hildebrand as Zoe Payne

Tatiana Maslany as Elise Riggs

John Boyega as Moby Jones

Lyrica Okano as Kaori Nishidake

Lucas Bravo as JP Arsenault

Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Eddie Wachowski

Robbie Amell as Psymon Stark

Cote de Pablo as Marisol Diez Delgado

Myha'la Herrold as Seeiah Owens

Paul Walter Hauser as Luther Grady

Glen Powell as Brodi Ford

with Aunjanue Ellis as The President

and Cedric the Entertainer as The Organizer

 

Previous Movie Gross

SSX - $87,156,086 DOM/$160,400,159 WW

 

Spoiler

Fade in on a highly-guarded prison nestled in a snowy mountaintop. The guards stalk the hallways to make sure none of the prisoners escape. Elise (Maslany), now a prisoner, notices a flashing light from outside the window—her cue that it's time to escape. She seduces a patrolman into opening her cell, then beats him up and runs off. Guards chase after her, but she busts out of the prison and finds a snowboard sticking out from the snow, and she takes it and snowboards down the mountain, carving left and right as the guards shoot at her with machine guns. Elise glides toward a cliff that hangs over a cloudy abyss, and a helicopter appears beyond the cliff. She snowboards off the cliff, does a triple corkscrew in the air, and clutches the helicopter's rail. She waves to the guards as a shadowy figure sitting in the helicopter pushes a button, causing an explosion in the prison. Since the guards' attention is diverted, the helicopter gets away safely.

 

Elise climbs into the helicopter, where the brash muscleman Psymon (Amell), crafty gen-z criminal Seeiah (Herrold), beer-lovin' redneck rascal Luther (Hauser), and easygoing pilot Brodi (Powell) all confirm their plan: they're going to enter the next SSX tournament so they can pull off another heist. This time, it's an even bigger heist than before, and all of them want to split the money five ways. "Lock and load," says Brodi. The helicopter flies off into the sunrise.

 

We get a stylish opening set to "It's Tricky" by Run DMC before four snowboarders from the last movie—Mac (Wolff), Zoe (Hildebrand), Moby (Boyega), and Kaori (Okano) all getting e-mails summoning them to Washington, D.C. After the montage, they arrive in the Oval Office where the president (Ellis) tells them that the United States Government needs the world's best snowboarders to enter the SSX tournament to defeat the Shredders, an alliance of criminals, before they reach the final round of the SSX Tricky tournament so that they can't pull off the heist.

 

After the "who's the shredders" debriefing (you've seen movies), Zoe asks, "why can't they just get arrested," and the president says that the Shredders already made it to the base of The Organizer (Cedric the Entertainer), the eccentric cigar-smoking man who likes wearing big coats, is the guy hosting the tournament this year, and if the Shredders' heist is successful, the Organizer will launch a superweapon in the atmosphere that causes everyone to dance until they die. "We call his weapon The Grooviness," says the president, "and he'll launch it if any world powers intervene in the tournament, so it's up to you to out-snowboard the Shredders. The fate of the world is entirely in your hands, so please compete in the tournament, and tell other pro snowboarders to compete in the tournament too."

 

Mac, Zoe, Moby, and Kaori, thanking their lucky stars that they decided to become friends in the last movie, meet in the hallway and discuss who they should invite to the tournament. Mac knows someone he can ask, and Moby knows someone from Spain that he can ask. They put their hands in a circle and go, "break!"

 

Someone opens a door for Mac, and Mac enters a messy apartment to find young adults sprawled out on the couches. They're smoking and doing drugs and aren't living to their full capabilities. Mac encourages Eddie (Lendeborg) to get off the couch and enter the tournament. Eddie is charismatic and he's all "man you gotta live a little," but Mac insists, so Mac and Eddie leave the apartment, because they have a tournament to win.

 

Cut to a snowy cabin around the Andes where Marisol (Pablo) drinks coffee and gazes at a mountain range, reminiscing. Moby appears and tells her about the tournament. "I've left my snowboarding days behind me," she says. But Moby encourages her to enter, saying that she would be very important to the cause. Marisol agrees to enter the tournament.

 

They go to Garibaldi, a course in Canada, and it's the first course of the tournament. The six good racers we're following meet each other in a locker room and decide to give their group a name so they can view the Shredders as rivals. They call themselves the Tricksters, so now it's the Tricksters versus the Shredders. "All right!" Eddie shouts.

 

The Organizer welcomes the racers to the tourney and encourages them to "Get Tricky". JP (Bravo) is there and he's talking up a big game like he's going to win when the audience knows he won't win. Everyone races, and Luther and JP are cut from the tournament because they don't place high enough.

 

We get scenes where the characters interact with each other. Moby and Seeiah start falling in love, while Zoe and Psymon get in arguments. Eddie confesses that he's slipped into drugs because he's fallen on hard times, and Mac encourages him. Elise bullies Kaori, but Kaori tells her to go away. Marisol finds Brodi as he's meditating and tells him she's shocked that he's joined the Shredders. Brodi tries to get her to join it, but Marisol says she'll never join the Shredders.

 

The second racecourse is called Mesablanca, and it has more dangerous terrain than the first one. Moby decides to save Seeiah from falling into a crevasse, but neither of them place high enough because of this. Then Elise pushes Kaori down, so Kaori doesn't make it either. Zoe and Psymon race against each other for a while, and Psymon even brandishes a knife and tries to stab her while they're racing but Zoe stylishly evades him and manages to beat him, so Psymon's eliminated.

 

After the race, Brodi approaches Elise. "You know what I'm thinking?" he says. They're thinking the same thing—they're the only Shredders making it to the final round, so they'll split the bounty two ways instead of five. They shake on it!

 

Moby and Kaori wish the other Tricksters good luck. On the plane, we get a scene where Eddie says "I feel unequipped for this mission," but Mac says, "well the president believes in us," and Zoe says, "you think I care if I'm unequipped, I'm just doing what I love doing," and Marisol says, "you must stick to your heart no matter what." This causes Eddie to believe in himself!

 

The final race is located in Alaska, and this is the most dangerous course yet. The Tricksters lose track of Elise and Brodi so all hope seems lost. Elise and Brodi make it to a cave and find an artifact to steal, but Brodi pulls a gun on Elise and says, "you know I was never splitting the money with anyone, right?" But when he grabs the artifact, the Organizer says over a loudspeaker, "It's Tricky, Tricky, Tricky!" Then Brodi starts dancing and freaks out because he can't stop dancing, and he falls into a dark crevasse and dies. Elise sees a strange mist, the Grooviness mist, floating toward her, so she runs away, reaches the Tricksters, and says, "I have a change of heart, let's stop the Grooviness from spreading." They snowboard around the mountain cave, doing gnarly tricks in hopes that the gnarliness of their snowboards tricks causes an earthquake. The earthquake actually happens, and the mountain collapses in on itself, trapping the Grooviness mist in the rubble.

 

We go to the bottom of the course where The Organizer gets arrested, and Elise gets arrested again because she's a criminal, but she's less resistant this time because she's happy that she did something good for once. "Let's save the world again some time," says Mac. "Don't get your hopes up," says Elise. Freeze frame on the tricksters celebrating.

 

Mac started a successful snowboard apparel business.

Zoe joined a rock band. She plays bass guitar.

Elise went to prison.

Kaori voiced a popular character a snowboarding anime.

Psymon went to prison.

Moby pursued romance with Seeiah, who went to prison.

JP gave up snowboarding to become a sous-chef.

Eddie founded a program to help at-risk youths.

Marisol returned to a quiet cabin life.

Luther went to prison.

The Organizer went to prison.

The President got elected for a second term.

 

Edited August 20, 2023 by SLAM!

[SLAM!]

TOPPINGS: A PIZZA ROMANCE

Studio Groundswell

Director: Sam Levinson

Genre: Coming-of-Age/Romance

Release Date: January 23rd

Theater Count: 2,727

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Language and Suggestive Themes

Budget: $30 Million

Runtime: 1 hr 40 min

 

Cast

Finn Wolfhard as Gary

Jenna Ortega as Samantha

Thomas Barbusca as Timmy

 

Plot Summary

Spoiler

Gary is the coolest high-school-age pizza delivery driver you’ll ever meet, or at least he acts like it. His coworkers at the small business pizzeria talk to themselves going, “where’s Gary, he’s late for his shift again.” When he arrives, the boss says, “just because you’re our best employee doesn’t mean you can come whenever you want.” Gary throws up a peace sign as says “aha watch this.” We get a montage of Gary making a pizza, tossing the dough in the air, then pouring the red sauce on, spreading it around, and then he sprinkles on that mozzarella, and he puts it in the oven. The coworkers stare in awe at Gary’s pizza-making skills, and the boss says, “if you weren’t so good at making pizza, I would have fired you by now. Now deliver the pizza to this address.”

 

Gary snatches the address and drives to the house, and he walks with the pizza box to the front door, and he rings the doorbell. Samantha opens the door. “Pizza?” says Gary. Samantha smiles and says, “no, I’m Samantha. What’s your name?” Then Gary replies, “I’m Gary.” Samantha leans sensually on the door and asks if the pizza has sausage on it. “Yeah it’s got sausage on it,” says Gary. Samantha touches the box, but she acts like it’s too hot to touch. “Can you come in and set it on the table for me?” she asks.

 

So Gary walks in and sets the pizza on the table. “Where is everyone?” says Gary. “I’m home alone,” says Samantha. “That’ll be eleven dollars and fifty-eight cents,” says Gary. “Wait,” says Samantha. “Open the box, I wanna see what’s on it.”

 

So Gary opens the pizza box, and they stand next to each other as they stare at the toppings on the pizza. It’s a supreme pizza. “It’s a supreme pizza,” says Gary. “What’s so supreme about it?” says Samantha. “Describe it.” So Gary describes the supreme pizza, going into detail about all its toppings. “Do you ever deliver the same pizza more than once, Gary?” she asks. “No,” he replies. “Every pizza’s different from the other one. That’s what makes delivering pizza so exciting.”

 

Gary closes the pizza box, and Samantha says, “I’m giving you a generous tip.” “How much?” Gary asks her. Then she kisses him, and they start making out. Then she stuffs a twenty dollar bill in his pocket. “Keep the change,” she says. He exits, and she watches from the front porch as he drives away.

 

Gary arrives at the pizzeria to learn that he’s been laid off and replaced with a dudebro party boy named Timmy. “Looks like you’re going back to Domino’s, chump,” says Timmy. “No, I won’t be going to Domino’s,” Gary retorts, “because I prefer Little Caesars.” Then Gary dramatically snatches a fistful of Parmesan packets and storms out of the pizzeria.

 

Gary sits alone in his car. Flashback images of Samantha pop up on screen, and he pounds the car’s horn in frustration before driving away.

 

A few days pass by, and a job fair comes to high school, so Gary attends it and finds a booth advertising another small business pizzeria. “Hey, you should work for us,” says the hiring manager. “You have a great reputation around town—or as the kids these days would say, a great pizzatation.” Gary shakes his head and says, “my pizza days are behind me.” The manager hands Gary a business card saying, “call this number if you change your mind, because we’d be more than happy to you with us.”

 

Then Gary goes to the lockers and finds Samantha there. “Why didn’t you come yesterday,” she asks him. “What do you mean?” he asks. “I ordered pizza from some guy named Timmy came instead.” Gary explains that Timmy replaced him, and that he know longer works there. “I still want you to give me pizza,” says Samantha. “So if I work at a different pizzeria, you’ll order pizza from there?” he asks. “I don’t care about where the pizza comes from,” she says, “as long as it comes from you.”

 

So Gary applies to the new pizzeria, and he starts delivering pizza to Samantha multiple times a week. Shenanigans ensue because he has to meet her family during these deliveries, and they’re nice people but they’re skeptical because this is all a pretty unorthodox way for a high school romance to unfold.

 

But Timmy vapes with the bois and admits that he’s jealous about Samantha being in love with Gary, and he hatches a plan to stop Gary from deliberating pizza, and the bois roll with it since they think it’s funny.

 

Gary and Samantha spend a moment together, and Samantha asks, “what’s your favorite pizza,” and he answers, “ham and pineapple.” Samantha says, “pineapple on pizza?,” and Gary says, “yeah.” When she asks why, Gary says, “I like combinations where it’s two toppings that are a perfect match for each other.” Samantha asks him, “do you think we’re like the toppings of each others’ pizza?” And Gary answers, “yeah. We’re a Gary & Samantha pizza.” Then they start making out again.

 

But the next day, Gary finds that his new pizzeria has been spray painted by Timmy and his bois, and it’s closed because they have to get the spray paint off the building. This means Gary’s out of a job for some time. His relationship with Samantha stalls because he can’t deliver pizza to her, so he doesn’t have many opportunities to see her without the excuse of delivering pizza. (Throughout the film, Gary’s parents are the type that won’t let him see Samantha in a one-on-one context otherwise).

 

The bois somehow get away with their misdemeanor (or it might be a felony, I don’t know), and they rub it in Gary’s face by throwing a pizza party for their class, with pizza from the old pizzeria. Everyone’s enjoying pizza, but Gary gets in a verbal tussle with Timmy in front of the whole class, and they end up shoving slices of pizza in each other’s faces. They both get suspended for food-fighting.

 

Gary’s sitting in his room (grounded), where he texts Samantha and it’s a moment where he doesn’t know what to do because he’s in a bad situation. Samantha texts him, saying, “what are you gonna do.” Gary texts back, “deliver you pizza.” Samantha texts, “How? The pizzeria’s closed.” Gary replies, “you’ll see. What toppings do you want?” She texts, “I want a Gary & Samantha pizza.”

 

Gary spends the rest of the day rushing around town so he can make a homemade pizza for Samantha. He asks his parents, “do we need any groceries?” And they say “yeah, you can go to the store for us.” He rushes to the grocery store and gets all the ingredients he needs for the pizza. Then he rushes home and starts cooking while the parents are gone. We get another montage with dough-tossing and sauce-spreading and mozzarella-sprinkling, and he spreads fresh ingredients around on the pizza. Then he puts it in the oven, febrezes the room, and cleans up to cover his tracks. He finishes the pizza and gets ready to go, but his parents come home and catch him in the act. They try to stop him, but Gary throws the pizza over them, slips through them, catches the pizza, and bolts out of the house. “Come back here, young man,” they say, but Gary dives into his car and speeds away. He dodges traffic to get to Samantha’s house and brings her the fresh pizza. She tastes the pizza and tells him that it’s the most delicious pizza she’s ever had, and they start making out.

 

Timmy and the bois get caught and sentenced to juvenile detention, and when Gary apologizes to his parents for his disobedience, his parents forgive him and tell him that after getting to know Samantha and her family, they approve of the relationship. Gary and Samantha meet up again and make a plan to get married and start a small business called Gary & Samantha’s pizzeria after they graduate high school. Gary goes back to the pizzeria and gets a round of applause from his coworkers. Fade to black as Gary tosses dough.

 

Edited August 25, 2023 by SLAM!

[SLAM!]

P R O V I D E N C E

 

Studio Groundswell

Director: James Wan

based on the novel by Max Barry

Genre: Sci-Fi/Thriller

Release Date: September 4th, Y10 in IMAX

Theater Count: 3,761

MPAA Rating: R for Language, Violence, Blood/Gore, Disturbing Imagery, and Peril Throughout

Budget: $100 Million

Runtime: 2 hr 20 min

Original Score: Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow

 

Cast

Paul Mescal as Gilly

Taylor Russell as Beanfield

Charles Melton as Anders

Vera Farmiga as Jackson

Cooper Andrews as Len

 

Plot Summary

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aGUhxZKVwxddORPvqnYnpu1t0MC2n7f-zt0Q60jhKaY/edit?usp=sharing

Edited August 25, 2023 by SLAM!

[SLAM!]

A Ghost Tail

 

Studio Groundswell

Director: Marielle Heller

Genre: Dramedy

Release Date: February 23rd, Y10

Theater Count: 3,235

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Language and Disturbing Themes
Budget: $10 Million

Runtime: 1 hr 38 min

Original Score Composer: Nate Heller

 

Major Cast

Beanie Feldstein as Maddie

Megan Suri as Tara

Skyler Gisondo as Gib

Brianna Hildebrand as Lorelei

Steve Zahn as Bob

Ashley Judd as Patricia

James Jordan as Mark

Erika Alexander as Jeanine

with Jessica Rothe as Rosalyn

and Kristen Wiig as Beatrice

 

Logline

A jaded veterinarian finds compassion after a put-down dog with unfinished business haunts the clinic as a ghost.

Plot Summary

Spoiler

Opening logos. Black. Car slamming on brakes. Thump. A dog yelps.

 

Cut to a car speeding down a road. Inside, Bob (Zahn) drives, and Patricia (Judd) turns from the shotgun seat to ask if their 10-year-old daughter Maddie’s all right. Maddie, traumatized, nods; the head of an unconscious, barely-breathing brindle-fur labrador rests on her lap.

 

They reach the animal hospital, in a series of cuts, get the dog checked in. They wait in the lobby until a veterinarian asks to talk with Bob somewhere private. Patricia tells Bob she’ll stay with Maddie. Bob goes, and Maddie tells Patricia that she wishes she didn’t throw the tennis ball into the road. “You threw it to the grass, baby,” says the mom. “It just rolled off, it wasn’t your fault.”

 

Another series of shots show us that the veterinarian tells Bob bad news, that Bob relays the bad news to the family, and that Maddie doesn’t take kindly to it. “No, I don’t want her to go!” she says. To which Patricia replies, “we have to, baby. Ashie will suffer if we don’t.”

 

Cut to the room where they put the needles in. The family huddles together on the couch. Ashie’s lying on a blanket, and they’re about to do the injection when Maddie shouts that she doesn’t want to watch, and the parents excuse her from the room. Maddie sits and waits in the lobby, where an empathetic employee named Rosalyn (Rothe) comforts her, telling her that all dogs get put down eventually. She cheers Maddie up by promising she’ll get to keep a copy of Ashie’s pawprint. She gives Maddie a hug and tells her never to lose her heart for those lower than her.

 

Days later, the paw-print arrives in the mail. Maddie hangs it in her bedroom. (Eagle-eyed viewers will see Ashie’s tennis ball in a dish full of knick-knacks.) Fade to twenty years later as the camera pans to a late-20s Maddie (Feldstein) rolling in her childhood bed as an alarm clock blares. She picks it up, groans, hits ‘snooze’ and buries her face in the pillow.

 

Cut to the kitchen as Patricia folds clothes and Bob comes back from work just as Maddie’s getting ready to leave. Patricia tells Maddie that she did some research on apartments, while Maddie tells her it’s too early to leave home; she knows getting a roommate would help her deal with rent, but she’d prefer not to deal with unsavory roommates. Patricia warns that if she waits too long, she might never get an opportunity. “You can always pay rent to us!” Bob jests. “Hey, you forgot your coffee!” says Patricia, who hands Maddie a to-go cup as she rushes to work.

 

Cut to an exterior shot of an animal emergency hospital. It’s 11:00 PM with few customers there. Inside, we meet the sarcastic Tara (Suri) at the front desk typing away and checking customers in. Maddie talks with Tara about boys. Tara’s boyfriend gets on her nerves, but she still tolerates him. Maddie’s still looking for the right person. A higher-up pulls Maddie away for a task…

 

Cut to a room where a hillbilly, Mark (Jordan), and his nerdy college-age cousin, Gib (Gisondo), sit on the couch; their old beagle lies beneath them on its side, unable to stand up. Maddie walks in and guides them through the payment process, since it’s better to have them pay before the dog is put down. (Gib solves a rubik’s cube to calm himself down as he’s sitting there.) Maddie recites the procedure like she’s done it a thousand times, almost like she doesn’t care about the fact a dog’s dying, or that she thinks she’s a little ‘above’ hillbillies like Mark. When she exits, Mark turns to Gib and says, “you know what they do out in the country? To put ‘em out of their misery? They just shoot ‘em!” Gib tells Mark to stop.

 

Maddie walks through the hallway to process the payment when she hears a clacking of paws against the floor behind her. She looks but doesn’t see anything. She decides to investigate in the back and steps in a puddle of dog urine that’s mysteriously there. She gets upset about her shoes.

 

Cut to the front desk as Maddie storms up and rants about how she stepped in dog piss, and she asks if any dogs went down the hallway. Tara tells her that no dogs have gone down the hallway. Gib’s there, so Maddie accuses Gib’s old beagle of escaping the room and pissing in the hallway. “What do you mean, I literally just left the room because I didn’t want to watch him go to sleep!”

 

The conversation escalates into a shouting match as Maddie becomes more sassy and vindictive, spouting that a whole puddle couldn’t just magically appear on the floor like that. They argue more, and then a glass jar of dog treats falls from the countertop and CRASHES to the floor. Maddie screams and jumps back from the crash. Tara stands up from her chair and says the jar fell on its own. “You mean Ms. Crazy Lady didn’t knock it off?” Gib quips. Suddenly, munchmunchmunch. They look down and watch as an invisible entity routes through the fallen treats and eats them! “Tell me I’m not the only one seeing this,” says Tara. Maddie stoops down to the wreckage, and they hear the clacking of paw as the entity hurries off. Their faces go pale.

 

Maddie decides to follow the noise. She runs, despite protest from the others, and follows the clacking into a cramped storage room. “Maddie!” shouts Tara as she closes the door behind her. She grabs a blanket, one used for cloaking dogs while they’re getting the injections, and tosses it to the floor. The blanket on the ghost, revealing that the ghost is in the shape of a dog. The ghost dog whimpers as it wriggles under the blanket. Maddie backs away in shock; she collapses against a drawer and covers her mouth. The ghost dog sniffs the air and trots toward Maddie; we see from movements under the blanket that it’s wagging its tail. Maddie reaches out and pets it, telling it, “you’re okay, it’s all okay…”

 

The dog perks to the door as Gib and Tara enter the room. Maddie looks back to the blanket, but the ghost beneath has vanished. “What’s with the blanket?” says Tara. Maddie stammers to explain, barely getting out the words “dog” and “ghost.” Gib quips again about Maddie being “Ms. Crazy Lady,” but when Maddie complains, he says, “relax. I’m only kidding. I believe you.” Maddie’s eyes light up while Tara chimes in, saying, “so do I. We all saw the jar go down.” They help Maddie to her feet.

 

They step into the hallway to talk about what to do, but Mark whistles at Gib from afar, waving at him because “it’s time to get.” The three agree that they need time to process what happened, but they exchange information to keep in contact about the ghost. We cut to Maddie returning home from her shift and crashing into bed. Something about the experience gives her comfort (oddly enough), and she drifts off to sleep. And when the alarm clock blares the next morning, she turns off the alarm—no ‘snooze’—and starts getting ready for work. In the kitchen, Bob and Patricia briefly remark about Maddie’s new attitude—“you’re more chipper than usual,” and “you must have met a boy last night!”—before she grabs her coffee and skidaddles to work.

 

Maddie returns to the hospital, where Tara jokingly calls her “Ms. Crazy Lady.” “Not you too!” says Maddie. Tara says, “it’s got a ring to it.” Suddenly, Maddie’s called into the boss’s office.

 

Maddie enters the office, and Jeanine (Alexander), Maddie’s boss, tells her to take a seat. She shows Maddie security footage of the glass jar falling and accuses Maddie of knocking it over. Maddie tries to explain it was a ghost instead and that Tara’s a witness, but Jeanine thinks that’s ridiculous and that Maddie surely knocked it over (since it’s out of her frame of mind to consider the truth that it was a ghost, even though camera footage suggests otherwise). Jeanine says she’s considering firing Maddie—and Tara while she’s at it—because she can’t work with employees who knock over glass jars and proceed to deny it. Maddie pleads for a chance to prove that a ghost haunts the hospital, and Jeanine, out of courtesy, gives her a week to produce evidence, and that if any equipment is damaged or if any more trouble occurs, they’ll both be fired on the spot.

 

Maddie storms over to the front desk, where Gib’s standing again because he left his rubik’s cube on the counter the day before. She relays the deal to Tara, who’s like, “I’m not about to be fired over this.” Gib tells them that he wants to help them get proof of the ghost dog; when asked why, he replies that it wouldn’t be right to leave them hanging knowing that they’re telling the truth.

 

“Screw it,” says Tara. “I’m calling my friend about this. She’s a little weird, but she knows about these ghost things.” The three then meet back at the hospital during ghastly hours of night, and a black motorcycle roars into the lot and swerves into a space. The rider, Lorelei (Hildebrand), takes off her helmet and introduces herself as a college student who volunteers as a ghost hunter.

 

They enter the clinic and find a throw pillow on the floor, with its stuffing torn out. “Someone’s been having a ball,” quips Tara. Lorelei pulls out a radar device to track the ghost. They tiptoe through the clinic as the beeping gets faster and faster. The beeping gets very fast as they hear clacking of paws—it’s running up to them! It tackles Maddie to the ground, and she’s like “ueuedhfgplfff.” Gib throws a sheet over it to capture it.  Maddie wipes saliva off her face, saying that it licked her. Tara takes out her phone and takes pictures—“this is totally going viral.”

 

The dog breaks free and runs around the clinic, and they chase after it. Gib tries to use a lasso to catch it. “I don’t know, I’m from a country family, I thought this might work.” After some failed tosses, they just grab the dog and tie it up. “So we got the dog,” says Lorelei. “Now what?” Maddie says they should try taking it for a walk outside to prevent another puddle, so they try to take it outside, but an invisible force holds the dog back from exiting the clinic. “It’s stuck inside,” Gib muses.

 

They stop for the night and have some small talk, with Maddie musing aloud about what dog breed the ghost might be. Tara says it’s either a retriever or a labrador. When asked why she thinks this, Tara admits that she looks through the files of recent euthanizations and that out of records from the past month, it’s not small enough or big enough to be anything else. “You know we’re not allowed to see the records,” says Maddie. “Rebellious, I like it,” says Lorelei. Gib then takes Maddie aside and asks her on a date. “I don’t do dates,” says Maddie. “Let’s not call it a date then,” says Gib. “Let’s call it a hang-out.” Gib also wants to take her out to make up for all the times he called her “Ms. Crazy Lady.” Maddie accepts the offer.

 

The next day, Maddie presents the photos to Jeanine, who says she’s changing her terms and that she wants the ghost taken off the premises ASAP. Maddie tells her they tried taking it out of the clinic, but it couldn’t leave. “This is your responsibility as far as I’m concerned,” says Jeanine. “Either you get the ghost out of here by the end of the week, or you and Tara will be laid off.”

 

Cut to Maddie storming into the hallway, calming herself down and processing Jeanine’s request. She tells Tara the news, and Tara’s no longer her usual quilt self, asking Maddie, “what are we gonna do?” Maddie doesn’t have an answer yet.

 

Cut to a diner where Maddie and Gib sit in a booth, facing each other. They get to know each other (with sparks flying), and Gib gives Maddie advice, suggesting that most problems can be solved by asking for help. It’s just a matter of finding the right folks to ask. Gib tells an anecdote about Mark, saying that Mark studies so much about things like carpentry and masonry, so that he can be a person that others ask for help. Gib aspires to be like his cousin Mark and help others when needed. “If people lended their hands more often, the world would be one heck of a better place,” says Gib. Maddie ponders this.

 

After her date with Gib, Maddie sits in her car, and Tara calls, telling her to meet her in the clinic’s parking lot. “It’s early,” she says. “Just hurry up!” Tara replies. Maddie arrives, and Tara tells her more about the records, telling her she researched things and found a potential link to the ghost. She finds files regarding a payment from a woman named Beatrice (Wiig), who apparently brought a dog named Max that wasn’t sick to the clinic, and she had Max put down. “Why would someone do that?” she says. “That’s what I wanna know,” says Tara. They reach the conclusion that the ghost is the dog put down by Beatrice (even the breed, ‘labrador,’ matches).

 

So with a clear lead, they track down Beatrice’s address, which is a crummy-looking trailer, and they ring the doorbell to confront her. Beatrice opens the door, wobbly with drunkenness, and when the girls question her, she denies putting Max down and tells them to come back with a warrant. As Beatrice closes the door, Maddie peers in and notices a green tennis ball tucked away on the kitchen counter. Maddie and Tara sit in the car in defeat since it’s technically not a crime to put down a healthy dog. Is it a crime to steal a dog, in the case she stole it? Probably, but they would have to prove she wasn’t the owner. Maddie sighs; they’ve reached a dead end.

 

So we get the next meeting with Maddie and Jeanine, where Maddie tells them that the ghost is connected to a client named Beatrice and that investigating the link between Max and Beatrice would lead to the ghost dog leaving the clinic. “And will this process take longer than a week,” Jeanine asks, “because that’s all I care about.” Maddie slowly shakes her head, so Jeanine stares at her, then writes something down and says, “you can continue this ghost hunt if you want, but you’ll have to do it off my payroll.” When Maddie protests, Jeanine explains that she needs her vets focused on the job, and devoting all her time to a ghost hunt is the clear opposite of focused. Maddie asks Jeanine if she even cares at all that a ghost dog’s roaming her walls. “Girl, we get ten animals coming through here every night. Of course we have one of ‘em haunting the place. You think one ghost dog matters when there’s clients to serve and there’s bills to pay? I suggest you get your priorities straight.” But Maddie storms to her feet and says, “It’s clear now what I care about. Clearer now than it’s been for a long time.” She slams down her badge and walks out.

 

She storms down the hallway and turns around as Max whimpers at her. Maddie tells Max she has to leave. The invisible dog scampers up to her and jumps on her. Maddie tries to shove her down, saying, “I can’t pet you, I can’t play with you, I have to go,” and she gets more emotional the more Max persists. Gib and Tara rush in, help Maddie, and walk out with her.

 

Outside the clinic, the friends sit next to Maddie as she finishes crying. Maddie asks Gib why he’s here. Gib shows her a box, revealing he came back for the box of ashes, adding, “it’s funny how God works.” Then Tara asks, “so are we both out of a job?” Maddie wipes away her tears and says, “if we were doing this to keep our jobs, we weren’t doing this for the right reasons.” After a moment, Tara says, “Lorelai says she knows a way to get the ghost out of the clinic.” The girls realize that if they can get the ghost dog past the forcefield around the clinic, they can bring it to Beatrice’s house and settle the matter once and for all. Maddie turns to Gib and asks, “will you help me?” Gib of course replies, “it’d be mighty foolish of me not to help Ms. Crazy Lady.” They all share a good laugh, then huddle in and commit to their plan.

 

The four of them wait until a night when the clinic’s closed, then break in to find that Max has absolutely trashed the inside of the clinic—papers and trash everywhere, picture-frames fallen, shattered glass, and puddles of dog-piss in the lobby. The place is a karma-induced wreck. They chase the dog around the hallways and throw a blanket over it, then Lorelai explains that they need to entice the dog to break past the forcefield on its own with something that it wants—in this case, something that it loved in its past life. “Well, what could a dog want?” asks Tara.

 

They walk outside and set treats out, trying to entice Max to break past the forcefield. But Max, who’s still covered by the blanket, doesn’t want any of the treats, so he stays put. Then Maddie remembers the tennis ball she saw on Beatrice’s kitchen counter might be a clue, as Max might remember the green tennis ball and break through for the tennis ball.

 

So Maddie drives home, trying not to wake up the parents, and she gets Ashie’s old tennis ball from her collection of knick-knacks. She tiptoes out, but Bob and Patricia flip on a light switch and ask her to let them in on what’s going on. Maddie admits everything to the parents, and while they say they don’t understand what’s going on, they hug her, remind her that she’s loved no matter life’s struggles, and encourage her to set things right.

 

Maddie returns to the clinic with Ashie’s tennis ball. Gib rips the blanket off of Max, and Max sees the tennis ball and darts past the forcefield to get to the ball. When Max reaches the ball, Maddie pets her and says, “good boy.” Then the four of them look out and smile as the sunrise paints the sky orange. “Let’s end this,” says Maddie.

 

They get the dog in the car and drive together to Beatrice’s house. They ring the doorbell, and when a groggy Beatrice opens it, the invisible Max tackles her down. “What’s licking me!” Beatrice screams. Tara chastises her, telling her that it’s the dog she didn’t need to put down. Beatrice immediately emits a deep sense of regret, and she invites all of them inside.

 

They come in and sit around Beatrice, who tells them she’s been a massive screw-up for years, suffering from divorce, an inability to transcend low-income work, and her own alcoholism. Financial straits hit her hard, and though she loved Max, she just could not afford him, and so she felt she had no choice but to put him down. And she’s been drinking a whole lot more ever since. Max scampers up to Beatrice with its heart of unconditional love, whimpering and licking her, and Beatrice pets the dog and cries, and she tells Max she’s sorry and that she should’ve never put him down. Then light spills from the cracks of Beatrice’s front door until the whole door becomes a rectangle of white light, and Max rushes through the door. There’s other dogs running around in the light, and Maddie gasps and Ashie stares back at her from the other side. The dogs run off into the light, and the light disappears.

 

With the ghost dog passed on, everything goes back to normal, with Maddie and Tara quickly landing back on their feet with new jobs. Maddie goes to an animal shelter and adopts a labrador, and takes it for a walk in the neighborhood. Gib surprises Maddie, as Mark’s driving him around Maddie’s neighborhood on a Massimo. They talk about the new dog, and Maddie says, “let’s do more hang-outs, and let’s call them dates now. I want to see where this goes.” And Gib replies, “yeah, me too.” Mark and Gib ride away, and Maddie says to the dog, “Come on, let’s go home.” Credits roll on a crane shot dollying out as Maddie walks the dog back home.

 

Edited August 25, 2023 by SLAM!

[SLAM!]

VACATION ON WUHU ISLAND

 

Studio Groundswell

Director: B.J. Novak

based on the video game by Nintendo

Genre: Family/Comedy

Release Date: July 31st, Y10

Theater Count: 3,125

MPAA Rating: PG for Mild Humor

Budget: $50 Million (due to location issues)

Runtime: 1 hr 30 min

 

Cast

B.J. Novak as Dave

Tika Sumpter as Laura

Moises Arias as Miguel

Jeremy Allen White as Table Tennis Master

and Brad Pitt as The Pilot

Plot Summary

Spoiler

Dave and Laura's marriage is on the fritz, so they bring their two children to Wuhu Island to enjoy sports in hopes that the vacation mends the rough patches in their relationship. But what they didn't expect is that the helicopter pilot tells them the only way to get down there is to skydive out of the helicopter. They briefly panic before getting themselves ready for a jump, and they jump out of the helicopter, fall for a while, and safely deploy their parachutes. It's an exciting start to an unforgettable vacation.

 

When they land, Laura's mad that Dave didn't know in advance they'd have to jump out of a helicopter, and she makes him promise that the rest of the trip will be safe. "Of course, the rest of the trip will be safe good fun, don't worry about it." But Laura has every right to worry about it 😱, because things are getting more exciting from there.

 

They decide to play basketball first, but Miguel and his trio of super-steppers are hogging the court, so Dave's family has a three-on-three match against Miguel's trio. There's getting smoked hard, but Dave's family somehow wins, but this makes Miguel angry so he's like, "let's settle this in a duel." Dave and Miguel then have to fight with fake swords on the basketball court, but Dave manages to beat Miguel in the duel. They shake hands and go their separate ways.

 

They go to the beach and see that people are throwing frisbees for dogs to catch. "Daddy, I wanna do the frisbee thing," says the little girl. So they go to the frisbee event, and one of the dogs is super aggressive and rushes up to them barking at them, and Dave reaches into Laura's purse and throws Laura's wallet at the dog, and the dog rushes to the wallet and tears it up. Laura says, "that wasn't a chew toy, that was my wallet," and Dave makes a face like 😬. Then an announcer steps in and says, "that was a brilliant toss, you get a million points." The family celebrates, but Laura rolls her eyes.

 

Then they decide to go wakeboarding, and we get humorous scenes of B.J. Novak wakeboarding behind the boat and going up in the air, and he almost crashes into rocks but manages to steer away from the rocks.

 

Laura tells Dave, "you gotta pick a less dangerous activity," and Dave says, "well what about table tennis." So they go to the table tennis table, and there's a Table Tennis Master who plays so fast that his opponents sprain their ankles trying to reach the ball. "I'll play all four of you at once," says the Table Tennis Master. So the family plays table tennis against the Table Tennis Master, and they barely defeat the Table Tennis Master.

 

"Can I pick the next activity," says Laura, and Dave allows it, so Laura says, "let's ride bikes around the island." So they ride bikes around the island, and they reach the part of the island with the ruins and stop to explore the ruins. The kids ask questions like "who built the ruins" and "what was this building," causing them to reminisce about history, and about how human beings have often found themselves in exciting situations, just like their situation. The kids see people playing archery and they say, "hey, we want to learn how to do that," and Laura starts to say no, but something about the encounter with the ruins convinces her to say yes.

 

So they shoot arrows at targets all around the island, and they even play archery in the volcano. They have a fun time, and the kids say, "I want to come back to Wuhu Island someday." Dave and Laura exchange a look. Roll credits!

 

Edited August 25, 2023 by SLAM!

[Rorschach]

THE GOLDEN AGE

 

Also known as Berserk: Brotherhood of the Hawk (select international markets only)

Studio: Lager Pictures

Companies: Lager Pictures Animation, Dark Horse Entertainment, The Stone Quarry, Double Dare You Productions, Studio Gaga

Genre: Animated Epic Medieval Fantasy 

 

Directed by Zack Snyder

Written by David Kajganich and Zack Snyder

Based on the manga “Berserk” created and written by Kentaro Miura and Kouji Mori

Produced by Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder, Wesley Coller, Kouji Mori

Executive Producers: Christopher Lager, Maria Lager, Guillermo del Toro, Mike Richardson, David Kajganich

Edited by Dody Dorn and David Burrows

Music by Susumu Hirasawa, Shiro Sagisu, and Tom Holkenborg

 

MPA Rating: R for extreme graphic violence throughout, disturbing imagery and content including child sexual abuse, some nudity, and language

Running Time: 190 minutes (197 minutes w/ Intermission)

Budget: $235 million

Release Date: June 19, Y10

Theater Count: 4,280

Formats: 2D, 3D, IMAX 2D/3D, and Dolby Cinema

Ratio: 1.66:1 (1.43:1 or 1.90:1 for IMAX theaters)

Animation and Overall Aesthetic: A stylized 2D/3D hybrid, similar to the Spider-Verse films, Arcane, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and TMNT: Mutant Mayhem. The animation closely adheres to Kentaro Miura’s art style (examples provided in embedded links throughout the film), but the film’s aesthetic and visual flourishes also take great influence from other sources. For example:

• The 1997 anime adaptation of the manga
• Early three-strip technicolor pictures of the 30s and 40s (The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind)
• Akira Kurosawa’s samurai epics (Seven Samurai, Throne of Blood, Kagemusha, Ran)
• Early to mid-1980s medieval fantasy films (Excalibur, Conan the Barbarian, Legend)
• The Golden, Silver, and Renaissance Ages of Disney Animation (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast)

 

Voice Cast:

Dacre Montgomery as Guts

Robert Pattinson as Griffith

Sophie Wilde as Casca

Stephen Lang as Gambino

Delroy Lindo as Boscogn/Donovan

Joe Keery as Judeau

Tony Revolori as Corkus

Thomasin McKenzie as Princess Charlotte

Orlando Bloom as Sir Laban

Ciarán Hinds as King Wyndham

Joel Edgerton as Count Julius

Ralph Ineson as Lord Gennon

with Jason Momoa as Nosferatu Zodd

and Dave Bautista as General Adon Coborlwitz

 

Minor Voice Cast/Cameos:

Sarah Natochenny as Young Guts

Woody Norman as Rickert/Adonis

Ray Fisher as Pippin

Zachary Gordon as Gaston

Michael Bell as Hassan

Carrie Keranen as Shisu

Paul Mescal as Sir Owen

Matthew Goode as the Haughty Nobleman

Jackie Earle Haley as Bazuso

Ryan Kwanten as the Crossbowman

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Opening Raid General

Ray Porter as Samson

Patrick Wilson as the White Tiger Knight General

 

Synopsis: Guts, a lone, orphaned swordsman, is recruited into a band of mercenaries, led by the charismatic and ambitious Griffith, who desires a kingdom of his own. As the band’s exploits pull them into the middle of a long-standing war, Guts is increasingly conflicted over his purpose: fighting for the dream of his leader or finding one for himself. 

TW/CW: This film contains scenes depicting child abuse and molestation. No images from these scenes are included in the document, but reader discretion is highly advised.

 

Summary: (~54.6k words)

Spoiler

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PrN6YdJrUZtXxozQK8UNY1p43dW6dP96xA52Dly5gnk/edit?usp=sharing

 

Edited January 21 by Rorschach

[lamamama]

Operation Finality 

Operation Finality

Director: Leigh Whannell

Genre: Sci-fi/ horror

Release date: 01/30/Y10 IMAX

Rating: R for language and gore

Production Budget: 80 million 

Runtime: 112 minutes

Theater count: 3,340 theaters 

 

Cast: 

Michael B. Jordan as Terry 

Shailene Woodley as Kaylen 

Logan Marshall-Green as Garret

Jurnee Smolette as Erin

Ty Simpkins as Xander

 

With Naomi Watts as Major Wilkins 

 

Rest of the cast is unknown

 

Spoiler

 

(note that as these first shots take place opening titles also appear)

EXT. CITY STEET

People walk up and down a busy city sidewalk and cars drive through congested traffic.

FLASH

The city street is deserted buildings are on fire car alarms can now be heard going off. The street is covered with rubble.

EXT. SKY

You can see the edge of a thick black oval shape coming down from the clouds. ( a loud buzzing can now be heard and will continue through the next several shots.

INT. COFEE SHOP

A man and a woman sit across from each other chatting and laughing. Behind them the baristas are hard at work making coffee.

FLASH

The coffee shop is now empty. Water has risen to the same height as the tables. The glass at the counter has been shattered.

EXT SKY

Below the chunk of the black oval you can see you can now see a large field.

INT. PARKING GARAGE

A security guard sits in the little office next to the arm gate of the garage with his feet back against the glass. His chair is leaned back and he is looking at his phone. He pushes a button letting a car pass by.

FLASH

The floor above has collapsed in on the parking garage cars are crushed and some cars are on top of each other.

2.

EXT. FIELD

We can now see the entire black oval and the massive object nears the field. Slowly approaching the ground.

Off in the distance OLD FARMER -70s- and his wife watch in horror leaned against a white fence. His wife's hat blows off of her head.

OLD FARMER

My god.

The oval lads in the field. For a moment nothing happens and the buzzing stops. Then the ground begins to shake all around the ship and cracks form and rubble flies violently.

OPPERATION FINALITY

INT. WINDOW ROOM ON A SPACE CRAFT

6 hours prior

MAJOR WILKINS- early 50s a serious woman with the poise that comes from her position- speaks into an old fashion tape recorder while looking out the circular window into space.

MAJOR WILKENS

It is day 279 the Victory and her crew approach our last satellite that is in need of out new monitoring system. The crew remains unaware of the true purpose of this mission and the great stakes that come with it. I must hope now that it is not too late and that we have done enough.

INT. BUNKER ON THE VICTORY

TERRY - 30s - sits at a desk against the wall recording a video on a laptop computer, while holding up a picture of Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller playing basketball.

Laying on the top bunk of a bunk bead behind Terry is GARRET -30s has a playful kind of cockiness.

XANDER- mid 20s- tinkers with a rubics cube in another bed behind the bunk bed.

3.

TERRY

Hey Reggie I hope everything is going good down there on earth and you better be treatin your mama right. This is my life lessons and stories video number 279 for you while I'm away so your probably sick of hearing my voice. Today I wanted to tell you about the man I named you after Reggie Miller the greatest basketball player I've ever seen if you get a chance and your mama lets you use the computer you gotta checkout his highlights. The man could shoot like no other! Any ways he was my hero for the first part of my life and then you came into it. So you guys got even more in common then your name.

GARRET

(leaning off of the bunk bed)

I really tried to get him to name you Isiah. I'm so sorry buddy.

TERRY

(still talking to the camera)

He's just playing he knows that Reggie Miller was better than Isiah Thomas.

(pointing at the camera)

Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

GARRET

(shouting to the camera)

When you get a chance ask your dad how many rings Reggie Miller won.

TERRY

(covering the camera )

What is wrong with you. Do you want my kid to be stupid.

GARRET

(smug)

The kid deserves to know.

TERRY

(turning back to the camera )

(MORE)

4.

TERRY (CONT'D)

Well I gotta go it seems like me and your godfather have some things to work out. Sending lots of love to you and your mom. Remember what you do today maters.

Terry signs off the video and turns back to Garret.

TERRY

Do you like seeing me suffer?

GARRET

A little bit.

TERRY

Do you know how long it took me to get him to stop wearing the Pistons jacket you got him?

GARRET

What can I say the kid looks good in red and blue.

GARRET

(to Xander)

What about you young gun you wanna back me up. Who was the greatest player growin up in your generation.

XANDER

I'm a Derrick Rose guy.

Garret and Terry both laugh.

GARRET

He never would have survived the 90s.

TERRY

He barley survived the 2000s.

The two continue to laugh.

XANDER

I'm more of a soccer guy anyways

GARRET

Futbol

A door slides open and Major Wilkins walks into the room and watches the tree boys laughing.

5.

MAJOR WILKENS

I hate to interrupt playtime but we are approaching our final satellite. Terry I need you suited up and ready in 10.

TERRY

Rodger that.

INT. LAUCH BAY

The launch chamber is a big white room space suits line one side of the room. The opposite wall you can see the vast space and the satellite they are approaching through clear glass sliding doors.

ERIN- late 20s/early 30s- leans against the wall tapping on an Ipad while KAYLEN -late 20s/early 30s- is strapping herself into a space suit.

ERIN

(holding out the Ipad for Kaylen to see)

You know the drill. The new information receptors need attached on each end here and here so that we can get the best readings possible on the quality of air and thermal data.

The Ipad highlights too areas with red circles on a diagram of a satellite.

KAYLEN

It's exciting, no? This is the last satellite and then the system can become totally operational. We'll have a whole new understanding on the effects of global warming.

ERIN

Yeah. Yeah Just get this done quickly so we can get the fuck home.

KAYLEN

Understood.

Kaylen rises going to grab a helmet hanging on a hook.

KAYLEN

What's the first thing you'll do? When you get home.

6.

ERIN

Besides picking up my dog from my mom before one of the two kill each other.. Swim in the ocean gosh I've dreamed about doing that.

KAYLEN

Sounds nice.

ERIN

What about you?

KAYLEN

There's a forest behind my house I'll just sit and listen to the birds.

ERIN

(playful)

You need a new hobby. Or a boyfriend.

KAYLEN

A boyfriend who might freak out if I tell him I'm going to space for nine months? No thank you.

ERIN

They do hate when you tell them shit like that.

Terry walks in and starts suiting up in his own space suit.

TERRY

(to Kaylen)

You ready for this?

KAYLEN

Just don't get too emotional that this is our last time doing this together.

TERRY

I'll do my best.

ERIN

(making her way out of the room)

I'll be in the cockpit. See you guys at the end of this.

7.

INT. VICTORY COCKPITT

Xander and Garret sit together in two seats further back observing they are having a conversation.

The Major and RAUL -40s pilot- sit at two chairs in the control panel.

Erin enters the room and takes a third seat next to Raul by the control panel.

RAUL

It looks like we are all clear.

(into an intercom)

All systems are ago no sign or risk of debris Kaylen, I am opening the doors for you.

Raul presses a button.

GARRET

(to Xander)

Best advise I can give you don't tie yourself down. Your hot your young your coming back from space your gonna get a lot more attention then your used to.

XANDER

Yea I'm uncomfortable with attention I'd rather not.

GARRET

Just you wait and see. Before you know it you'll be dating celebrities.

ERIN

(turning back to the boys)

Xander, word of advise, don't take his advise. Garret lives up in the clouds.

GARRET

Guilty as charged.

The Major sits incredibly tense in her chair gripping a panel in front of her. Raul takes notice.

RAUL

(reassuring )

They've all gone well so far.

8.

MAJOR WILKENS

I'll feel good about it when the job is done and my unit is safe.

EXT. SPACE

Terry and Kaylen are attached by chords to the ship while they work on the satellite which is about 50 yards away.

Terry and Kaylen have tools and are working on large circular panels to the ends of the satellite.

KAYLEN

(looking at earth)

Its beautiful isn't it. Just think of all the wonders it holds.

TERRY

This view never gets old. That's for sure. So you really think this is gonna work? Stop global warming and prevent natural disasters.

KAYLEN

I trust the science so yes.

The buzzing that was heard in the opening scene can once again be heard.

MAJOR WILKENS (O.S.)

(over the coms)

You need to get back to the Victory now.

TERRY

Just putting on the finishing touches Major.

MAJOR WILKENS (O.S.)

(over the coms)

That is an order.

The buzzing gets louder. Replacing all other sound. Terry and Kaylen spot the black disk off to the other side of them where the Victory is not.

Suddenly the two of them are flung about as the satellite begins to jerk around.

9.

INT. VICTORY COCKPIT

Red flashing lights blare throughout the cockpit. The Major attempts to stand but has to brace herself as the ship shakes about.

MAJOR WILKENS

What's our status Raul!

RAUL

We are in total failure I can't get anything.

Raul and Erin type away madly at the ships buttons but nothing is working.

EXT. SPACE

( buzzing continues)

Kaylen and Terry who are still connected to the Victory are jerked about as the ship begins jerking and plummeting.

The satellite that is also falling and jerking around comes flying at Terry. Terry grabs on to a panel on the satellite and is holding on for dear life.

Madeline is attempting to use the chord she is attached with to pull herself along the chord and back to the Victory.

A panel on the other side of the satellite breaks off and Terry has to flatten himself against the wing he is holding onto to avoid being hit by it.

 

(buzzing cuts off once Kaylen speaks)

KAYLEN

You gotta jump Terry!

As she says this Terry's chord connecting to the ship snaps.

Kaylen stops pulling herself up for a moment watching distraught as Terry and the satellite continue to sink farther away.

With a deep breath Terry launches himself from the satellite and lands on the panel that had broken off he runs up it jumping through space once again he attempts to reach for Kaylen but floats past her Kaylen contorts herself so that he can grab onto her foot.

Kaylen pulls them back to safety in the launch bay.

10.

TERRY

(out of breath )

That was close.

No sooner does Terry say this than another piece of satellite that must have broken off slams into the victory breaking off part of the ship and causing flames to erupt.

INT. VICTORY COCKPIT

RAUL

We've lost another engine. None of the thrusters will activate.

CRASH

The collision of the satellite piece causes the cockpit to shake. Raul falls hitting his head against the side of the wall unconscious.

Garret and Xander crawl there way over to Raul. As the ship is spinning and falling they find it difficult to stand.

Garret checks for a pulse while Xander tends to his head wound.

Erin and the Major continue attempting to make things happen on the control panel.

ERIN

Is he gonna be okay.

GARRET

Please just fly the fucking ship!

Terry and Kaylen run-crawl there way into the control room.

TERRY

What the fuck was that?!

ERIN

Terry you know how to fly this thing take over.

TERRY

(looking around at the control panel )

Does anything still work??

11.

EXT. VICTORY

The Victory continues to fall. The damaged ship is now hurtling down to Earth the spaceship is no longer surrounded by the blackness of space but instead a clear blue sky.

INT. VICTORY COCKPIT

Xander clings to a rail on the side of the walkway for dear life. The entire crew is in various degrees of panic, except for the major who seems to have resigned herself to her fate.

Terry remains strapped into the seat at the control panel

TERRY

Come on talk to me baby.

Terry press a button.

AUTOMATED VOICE

Back up thrusters unavailable.

TERRY

Damnit!

AUTOMATED VOICE

Thruster rebooting

TERRY

Come on come on come on.

AUTOMATED VOICE

Thruster at 50% capacity

TERRY

That'll have to do.

Terry grabs a wheel and presses several buttons

TERRY

Everybody hang on!

EXT. VICTORY

A small flame burst from the busted up ship. Its descent slows slightly and it steered up narrowly avoiding a bridge and instead lading in the river beyond the bridge.

12.

INT. VICTORY COCKPIT

Garret is hard at work creating a makeshift back board to put Raul on using a panel he pulled off the ship as well as seat buckles from one of the seats.

Water has started to rush into the ship the major moves calmly through the water towards as it rises to her shin finding a damaged part of the ship they can escape from.

MAJOR WILKENS

(motioning)

This way!

Erin follows right behind Major Wilkins. Terry and Kaylen turn back to help with Raul. Xander and Garret have already hoisted him onto the makeshift backboard.

XANDER

Go we got him!

Kaylen and Terry make there way through the opening. Garret and Xander make there way towards the opening, with Xander walking backwards.

The ship shifts in the river sending Xander falling back in the water that is now up to his chest. Him and Rahul's head slide under the water. He first lifts Raul up and then struggles to his own feet.

The space that the other four had exited out of was now up higher to high to step through.

XANDER

No No

He bangs against the metal walls with his back as water continues to rise.

GARRET

You trust me kid?

Xander nods.

GARRET

I hate to do this but I think this'll float you get on here with Raul.

XANDER

What about you?

GARRET

I'll be alright I' like superman.

13.

As Raul and Xander float higher and Garret becomes completely submerged. Garett guides them through the gap in the ship. And they make it through .

Garett attempts to swim through the crack but the ship shifts in the river again and Garett gets smacked in the side by the spaceship wall. Garret grabs on to the side of the opening and clings for dear life finally pulling himself up out of the ship and taking a big gasp of air.

EXT. RIVER

Garett begins to swim to the river bank. The Major and Kaylen are helping Xander get Raul to shore and finally Garret bulls himself up onto the wooded river bank and lies on his back completely defeated.

Xander and the Major examine Raul

MAJOR WILKENS

(doing chest compressions)

Come on Raul !

XANDER

There's no pulse.

GARRET

What the hell was that.

TERRY

Nothing like I've ever seen.

The crew looks around them at the forest. Many trees are bare others are fallen.

KAYLEN

Listen!

They are all still for a moment.

KAYLEN

Silence. Nothing.

ERIN

Where are we?

MAJOR WILKENS

We need to move and find the nearest city, so we can access what's happening.

There is nods of agreement.

14.

The six remaining crew members move up along the river line towards the bridge they had narrowly evaded. Xander and Garret continue to carry Raul's body with them.

Once they make it to the road, Xander looks back. The river is rising rapidly.

XANDER

Should the river be rising like that.

ERIN

Don't think so.

As the six of them walk down the road away from the bridge they see cars flipped over, smashed , collided into one another and on fire.

TERRY

Jesus Christ.

Terry rushes to a car that is flipped upside down there is a body in the passenger seat. He is searching around all over the car for something.

Terry moves on to another car that had crashed into a sign finally he finds what he is looking for he grabs the phone that had fallen to the floorboard and begins dialing urgently.

The phone rings a few times but then he gets a message that the caller is unavailable.

TERRY

No no no. I'll try the house.

This time the phone rings all the way through but no one picks up and it reaches a voicemail

VOICEMAIL ( TERRY'S WIFE: LIANA)

You have reached the Lane residence we are unable to answer your call at the moment please leave a message and we'll get back to you.

TERRY

Liana. Liana! Liana its me, please pick up the phone I don't know what's going on.. Reggie if your hearing this please pick up the phone everything's gonna

The voice mail cuts off.

15.

TERRY

Be alright.

Terry looks back at the rest of the crew he has a look of helplessness and defeat. Garret approaches him.

GARRET

We've all got people we're worried about. And I swear to you I will not rest until we find my godson. We'll do this together.

TERRY

(now looking around at everyone)

Threats don't just pop up out of nowhere how had we not known anything about that.

MAJOR WILKENS

(meeting his gaze but sad)

I knew.

TERRY

Well alright. What now?

MAJOR WILKENS

We keep moving.

EXT. FORMERLY WASHINGTON D.C

The six soldiers walk in absolute silence as they walk through what remains of Washington D.C.

The Washington Monument has fallen. There is a crack in the wall of the Reflecting Pool and water continues to run out the side leaving the grounds and side walk around it wet. The Lincoln Memorial has caved in on itself. The city is completely silent.

Xander walks over and kneels down on a non cracked segment of the wall. Most of the group stats picking through rubble but Garret takes notice of Xander and comes over taking a seat next to him on the wet stone.

GARRET

How you feelin kid?

XANDER

None of this makes since. Yesterday I was a couple days from coming home and getting ready for graduate school. Nervous but excited. Now ..

(MORE)

16.

XANDER (CONT'D)

(motioning around him )

This. I was gonna come back from this mission ready to put themselves out there.

GARRET

Xander, the reality is you may be wanna the last people with a chance to put yourself out there so no time like the present.

Xander nods.

GARRET

Don't let go of those big dreams of yours. They're just on the shelf for a minute why we figure out the end of the world.

INT/EXT. WHAT REMAINS OF A PLANE HANGER

Terry is at hard at work working under a small plane. Many planes around it seem to be worse for the ware but this plane remains mostly intact.

Major Wilkens walks into the hanger.

MAJOR WILKENS

Think it'll fly?

TERRY

(still working under the plane )

It will get me where I need to go.

MAJOR WILKENS

Terry... What do you think you'll find when you get there? What then?

TERRY

I don't know.

(sliding out from under the plane and sitting up)

Why don't you tell me. Since you know so much.

MAJOR WILKENS

The true purpose of out mission was top secret it was need to know. I couldn't justify telling you all unless there was a threat.

17.

TERRY

Need to know. I needed to know that I could trust the Major I've worked under for years now.. I signed up to fight and protect no matter the risk. But I deserve to know there's a risk a magic hockey puck might stop me from seeing my family again.

Terry dis through some ruble and drawers until he finds a flight suit and starts putting it on and walking to the plane.

TERRY

I'm not staying here my duty now is to my family.

MAJOR WILKENS

I won't stop you. You've earned that much. But if your going out there you should know what your up against.

Terry stops and turns around.

TERRY

You better tell me everything.

INT. CONFRENCE ROOM

The six survivors are in a conference room that has a roof beginning to cave in but appears to still be intact.

Terry stands with his back against one wall with his arms crossed. He is still frustrated and skeptical. Kaylen and Xander sit on one side of the table and Erin sits on the other.

Xander has a hard time keeping still and wiggles around in his seat and runs his hands along the table.

Major Wilkens stands at the front of the room poised and waiting patiently.

Garret pops up from behind a desk at the front of the room.

GARRET

Alright I got the projector running.

18.

MAJOR WILKENS

(walking over to the podium)

Thank you Garret.

 

 

Garret takes a seat next to Erin while Major Wilkens takes a flash drive from a chain around her neck and plugs it into a computer sitting at the desk.

MAJOR WILKENS

About a years ago Special Intelligence made an unnerving discovery.

Pictures of the black oval sitting on the sand and red rock.

MAJOR WILKENS

The UFO or the dot as we have come to refer to it as first showed up on Mars last January. We were concerned, intrigued a possibility of new life for the good and the bad was upon us. We monitored it.

The image is flipped to a grainy image of a creature with a long body and maybe six legs.

MAJOR WILKENS

There were few instances recorded of them leaving the dot. This is the best look we have at the things that we believe live on their.

ERIN

What is that fucker?

MAJOR WILKENS

They were on Mars for several months this is a picture of the day we first observed them there and this is a picture of Mars afterwards in the exact same location.

There are now two pictures one with the ship and one without the ship. However that is not the only difference the landmarks and features of the area have completely changed there are even more large craters in the ground. Some of those craters are filled with water.

19.

KAYLEN

Their altering the structure and the climate of the planet.

MAJOR WILKENS

That's what we feared. We had no idea what the true extent of their capability might be. That's where you came in. The equipment we added to those satellites was not only designed to more intensive measures of climate on earth but also to have an understanding of the dot.

ERIN

So we were lied to.

MAJOR WILKENS

In the interest of maintaining order and preventing panic. Its difficult information to process and cope with even for myself still after all these months.

TERRY

Better to process it before it knocks you out of the sky.

KAYLEN

What now?

MAJOR WILKENS

(after taking a deep breath )

The hope was that the Victory's mission would provide us with valuable information and I would lead a team that I had handpicked to enter the dot and destroy it from the inside code name: Operation Finality.

GARRET

If you tried to infiltrate it now we would be flying in blind.

MAJOR WILKENS

Yes... but its a mission I've committed to I have to go inside.

20.

ERIN

Well we may not have been the team you've picked for this, but it looks like we are the team you've got.

The group all looks around at each other for a moment studying each other looking for a sign of commitment or rejection but no one speaks.

MAJOR WILKENS

I cannot ask that of any one of you. Like Terry has said the mission you signed up for was to install technology and gather information. We have found a few operational aircrafts you all deserve to be home searching for your loved ones.

GARRET

With all due respect mam. If there are still people out there to protect its my duty to protect them no matter the cost and that means going into that thing.

The Major nods in appreciation.

KAYLEN

I'm in.

ERIN

I'm not gonna miss out on this.

XANDER

(sheepishly at first)

In the last couple months you guys have been more of a family to me than I've known in a long time.

(with more confidence)

The people I would worry about the most are going in so count me in.

TERRY

There's a chance there will be more natural disaster events if it doesn't move.

The Major nods.

MAJOR WILKENS

I believe so.

21.

TERRY

Then I guess my homecoming parade is going to have to be postponed.

MAJOR WILKENS

The military thanks you all for your sacrifice. And those left will to. We will leave at 06:00 take a couple hours to rest and heal.

TERRY, GARRET, ERIN, XANDER, KAYLEN

Yes Mam.

The soldiers solute and head out of the conference room.

INT./EXT. SMALL PLANE

The six survivors ride on a small plane overlooking remains of town and destroyed cities and land.

Terry is in the pilot seat flying the plane. Garret sits next to him holding up a small cam recorder.

TERRY

Hey Reggie it is day 280 of my life lesson and story's while I'm gone. The last twenty-four hours have not gone the way I planned them. I don't think they've gone the way anyone planned them. But there is an important life lesson here. There are times when things are gonna go sideways and your plans fall apart. When that happens you don't have to have an answer for everything. Just make the best decision you can in that moment and keep making the touch choices till you find the right path ahead of you. Well I gotta go but when you see this I want you to know I'm really proud to be your father.

Garret closes the cam corder and Terry begins to get emotional.

Garret puts his arm on Terry's shoulder.

GARRET

Hey. We're gonna blow this piece of shit to bits then we're gonna go find him.

22.

Terry nods trying to hide his emotion.

GARRET

Then we're gonna find you and me a drink and him an ice cream sundae because we're gonna need it.

Terry laughs holding back tears. They look out the window seeing the dot in front of them.

MAJOR WILKENS

Land the plane here. I suspect it will interfere with the plane the same way it did with the Victory.

EXY. FIELD WITH DOT

The solider are all suited up and carry different high caliber weapons as they approach the dot.

GARRET

So what? we just knock and hope they let us in?

MAJOR WILKENS

The creatures on Mars just walked right through the wall of the dot.

ERIN

They may be able to do it but those walls look pretty solid.

Major Wilkens sighs and walks right into the black dot disappearing. There is only a slight vibration of the wall where she was.

ERIN

Well okay.

Erin Kaylen and Garret follow behind her.

Terry and Xander look at each other a little uncomfortable.

TERRY

Well here goes nothing.

The two of them walk into the wall together.

INT. DOT JUNGLE

The last of the six (Erin) belays down to the floor of the dot.

23.

ERIN

Not what I expected.

They are surrounded by colorful trees and lush green forest but there is a blue light.

GARRET

Shouldn't there be laser guns and fancy tech.

MAJOR WILKENS

We have to assume that anything and everything we see will kill us. Be vigilant.

The group continues to move through the jungle area scanning for threats.

There is a screech behind them and Kaylen whips all the way around nearly hitting Xander with her rifle.

KAYLEN

Sorry.

XANDER

It's cool we're all spooked.

They keep creeping along moving more slowly studying the area around them cautiously. A small shadow and they duck and Garett discharges a few shots.

KAYLEN

What was that.

ERIN

I think it was a spider.

KAYLEN

Spiders don't fly.

ERIN

Here I think they do.

There is a hiss and one flies down swooping down towards them. This time the creature gets caught in the flashlight beam coming off of Garret's gun.

The creature does indeed have spider like features with eight legs and a body shape similar to that of a spider. Behind its spider like legs are a pair of bat like wings and to top it all off a wide circular fanged mouth where a spiders under belly would be. It is about the size of a dinner plate.

24.

It comes flying down and its eight legs latch themselves around Xander's face. Xander lets out a scream as the beasts mouth continues to grow wider.

Major Wilkens pulls a long knife from her boot and plunges it into the beast on Xander's face. It flies off of Xander's face letting out a hiss and circles the group of them again.

When the beast dives again Major Wilkens once again lunges with her knife. Her knife ends up in the monsters mouth the beast continues to fly forward and get major Wilkens but eventually the knife comes out the other end of the creature and it stops lifelessly.

Major Wilkens slides if off of her knife being careful not to touch it.

Xander has his hands on his face feeling his face.

KAYLEN

Xander are you okay?

XANDER

My face is it no-

GARRET

It's still there just as ugly as before.

XANDER

Oh thank god.

ERIN

(looking down at the spider bat creature)

I never want to see that again.

MAJOR WILKENS

I think we can all agree.

Major Wilkens pulls out a tablet with a small red flashing light.

MAJOR WILKENS

This is where we are. This is only an educated guess but the closer we get to the center the better idea we are gonna have on how this thing runs.

ERIN

By all means lead the way.

The major puts the tablet away and the group carries on.

25.

As they move their way through the jungle fog starts faint and continues to get thicker so they are unable to see most of the habitat around them.

At one point Erin takes a step and see the ground crumble beneath her feet. Terry grabs her pulling her backwards.

TERRY

Watch your step.

Garret kneels down feeling around them.

GARRET

There is a ledge we can't see we need to move carefully.

From that point on Terry Erin and Kaylen walk crouched down feeling the ground with their hands before they step. Xander stays attached to Garret holding onto his elbow and following his steps.

The group stops and huddles up from a moment. Many of them take drinks from cantinas that are attached to their packs.

Major Wilkens continues forward just a little ways trying to see through the fog while the other five rest.

XANDER

Should there be fog on a spaceship.

KAYLEN

I'm not so sure its a spaceship.

TERRY

What do you mean?

KAYLEN

Think about it. There are plant ecosystems down here like a jungle. Fog means weather... I think this is a planet.

GARRET

Kaylen, planets don't just fly to other planets and cause natural disasters.

KAYLEN

(glum about the implications but confident her assesment)

Sometimes they do. We just didn't know about it yet.

26.

ERIN

I like blowing up a spaceship a lot more than blowing up a planet. Can we just keep calling it a spaceship.

TERRY

(looking around)

She's right though. Fucked up planet like this makes you appreciate earth.

GARRET

Come on we should keep up with the Major.

The group picks up their bags and starts to head towards Major Wilkens when a small tentacle wraps around the Major's foot dragging her into the fog.

ERIN

Shit!

The group starts to run to where Major Wilkens was in the fog but they can not see much. They all look around in concern looking for a sign.

Another thin black tentacle whips out of nowhere attempting to grab Terry but Kaylen grabs him pulling him back.

At this point the group is standing pretty much back to back.

KAYLEN

Stay connected guys. No one rush off.

ERIN

I'm not going anywhere.

Another arm reaches out wrapping around Xander's waist and pulling him off into the fog. Terry attempts to cut down at the tentacle with a dagger he has but he stumbles missing.

Garret begins to take off following Xander and the tentacle.

KAYLEN

The more we split up the easier time it is going to have tearing us apart.

TERRY

(following Garret)

You wanna just leave him?

27.

Erin and Kaylen share a look.

KAYLEN

Come on lets go.

Erin walks through the fog Kaylen is a little ways in front of her. The boys are no longer anywhere in sight.

Kaylen turns back to look at Erin

KAYLEN

I thi-- AHhhh

There is a sound of crumbling and Kaylen disappears from sight.

Erin screams herself frightened by Kaylen's disapearence.

ERIN

Kay? Kay don't you leave me like this... Kay?

Erin begins gingerly sticking her toes out feeling for a ledge.

KAYLEN

Erin! I'm hanging on be careful with the drop off don't move.

ERIN

Sorry I can't do that! I'm coming for you.

Erin very slowly gets on her knees and crawls forward

ERIN

Please lord please..

Erin reaches out feeling the ground which she can't see because of the fog and then moves forward a little bit more and then a little bit more.

She puts one hand forward and feels nothing and runs her hands along the stone face of the drop off.

ERIN

Ledge! Ledge! Ledge! I' coming Kay.

She moves parallel to the ledge moving her hand along the edge the whole time as she goes. Suddenly something grabs her from over the ledge. Erin jumps back terrified.

28.

KAYLEN

It's me. It's me can you help me up!

ERIN

(catching her breath)

Oh my god!

She crawls forward and helps pull Kaylen out of the fog.

Kaylen collapses on top of Erin.

KAYLEN

Thank you.

ERIN

Your alive. Your alive.

KAYLEN

(sitting up)

No telling about the rest of them now.

INT. KILLER TREE AND ROOTS

Garret and Terry run out of the fog following the sound of Xander's screams. When they come out of the fog what they see is a ginormous tree with roots that stick way up out of the ground creating passages the tentacles come from the passages big enough for a person to walk through.

That is where the tentacle pulls Xander through. Out of many of the root connected passages the thin black tentacles writhe about.

One tentacle writes about on the jungle floor and the two men have to jump over it.

Another tentacle swings around wildly from above them and they have to dive to the jungle floor. Garret stars opening his pack and rummaging through it.

TERRY

(while side stepping another tentacle)

Is it time for a snack?!

GARRET

I've got matches in here somewhere.

TERRY

Find them!

29.

Garret finally finds his matches pulling one out and striking it. The tentacles instantly retreat from him. Garret finds a long stick on the jungle floor and lights it like a torch. He waves the torch around fending off tentacles.

GARRET

Come on into the tree of death.

TERRY

Why you wanna make it worse than it already is.

INT. UNDER THE KILLER TREE ROOTS

Garret and Terry continue to make their way under the roots of the tree through the roots. The tentacle that is in front of them continues to retreat as Garret holds out the flame.

The men reach what appears to be the center room of the root system.

There is a black blob in the center of the room that held in the middle of the room by roots that go straight down creating a cylindrical bars around the blob. Between each root-bar a tentacle seems out and moves down the different passageways in the root- tunnels.

Major Wilkens is fighting and clawing crawling on the ground pulling herself away from the blob as the tentacle tries to pull her closer.

When the tentacle next to her brings Xander by she lunges forward grabbing Xander and stopping the tentacle's momentum. And she continues to try and drag both of them forward away from the blob.

GARRET

Major!

Garret runs towards towards Major Wilkens and Xander holding out his flame. The tentacle panics and waves around madly hitting Garret in the chest and knocking him back.

Major Wilkens helps Xander to his feet and she runs towards where her pack and weapon had fallen off. She picks up her automatic Rifle firing it repeatedly at the blob. The gunshots do not seem to effect the blob.

The tentacles continue to move around wildly and the other three duck and dive too avoid them. Major Wilken's does not she stands her ground and continues firing until a tentacle hits her across the arm causing her to drop the weapon and fall back against a tunnel wall.

30.

Another tentacle reaches forward at her plunging into her chest blackness filling her chest.

Garret army crawls towards the the blobs root built cell. He sticks his torch in-between the root bars.

GARRET

Bad tree!

The whole blob tentacles and all immediately catches fire once the flame touches it and the tentacles begin to retract.

The flames from the tentacles also start some parts of the tree burning.

Garret helps Xander up and they start to hustle out of the burning tree. Terry kneels beside Major Wilkens who sits against the a root black goop all over her body.

TERRY

(to Garret )

Help me get the major!

MAJOR WILKENS

(grabbing Terry's arm )

Leave me.. In my bag there's enough explosives to decimate this place just take the bag. Finish the job.

TERRY

Major... I can't I--

MAJOR WILKENS

That's an order.

TERRY

(standing and grabbing the bag )

Yes mam.

Terry salutes and runs off with the bag through the flaming tree.

EXT. KILLER BURNING TREE

Xander and Garret stand out of breath outside the killer tree. Looking for a sign of Terry and the Major.

Terry bursts out of the tree roots carrying the Major's pack on his chest.

When he reaches them Garret and Xander both give him a received hug.

31.

XANDER

She's not coming.

Terry shakes his head

TERRY

It's our mission now.

GARRET

Better get to work then.

Kaylen Erin walking with their arms around each other meet the boys/

GARRET

Thank god your alive.

ERIN

Lighting a tree on fire subtle. Anything and everything that lives in here knows we're here.

GARRET

Yeah well they also know we'll light shit on fire.

EXT. MOUNTIN SIDE IN THE JUNGLE

Kaylen and Terry sit down on a log in the jungle setting their packs on the ground.

TERRY

I'm gonna take a breather here and figure out our next move.

He pulls the tablet that had their location on it from Major Wilken's bag and begins studying it.

ERIN

We're gonna go up a little farther and see if we can see anything.

GARRET

We are?

Erin shoots him a warning look and with that Garret Xander and Erin go further up the mountain.

Terry begins rummaging through the Majors bag. Pulling things out as he goes.

32.

TERRY

Enough explosives, to wipe a city out, a tablet that tracks our location, and a piece of shit tape recorder.

Terry tosses the tape recorder but Kaylen goes to retrieve it.

TERRY

She didn't pack a parachute. No food. She was never planning on making it back.

KAYLEN

Operation Finality. I don't know that any of us are meant to make it back from this.

TERRY

(ignoring Kaylen's comment and showing Kaylen the tablet)

This is the most straight line root but trekking the mountain is gonna burn a lot of time and energy We need to find a way around.

KAYLEN

Terry, can we just take a second we're in this strange new place. You just lost the the Major somebody you considered a friend.

TERRY

Kaylen don't you see how serious this is?

KAYLEN

I do. I'm just worried about you I'm worried about everyone.

TERRY

Well you ain't got to worry about me. Your right I did consider Major Wilkens a friend, and you know what she taught me? Get the job done meet the objective and then you can go home. So I will process later... I'm sorry. I'm just better at doing than I am feeling.

33.

KAYLEN

I understand. We all have our ways of coping.

TERRY

Why now? Why come crash land on Mars and then Earth?

KAYLEN

Resources. I think they're looking for something.

TERRY

But who is they? This is not a sustainable place to live.

KAYLEN

Not for us. We've seen some of them I'm guessing there are more species that call this planet home... Earth is such an incredible phenomena. Earth is the perfect distance from the sun with the perfect amount of gravity to keep us held down and the resources we need to survive. Earth is our miracle. For some species this is their miracle. My working theory is there's a finite number of resources and they are looking for something they need.

TERRY

Well I don't wanna meet the creatures that think this is a miracle. You aren't pitying the things that live here are you? We've still got a job to do.

KAYLEN

Of course not Earth is my home. I want to make sure they can never hurt anyone again... But I want to understand them. The natural disasters and damage they caused. What if its an effort to make earth more inhabitable for them?

TERRY

Then they better change plans cause they won't get through me to earth.

KAYLEN

I hope your right.

34.

EXT. DARK MOUNTINSIDE

Xander sits against a rock on the side of the mountain huddled in the fetal position breathing rapidly. Erin kneels down next to him.

ERIN

Come on Xander we all know what we signed up for.

XANDER

I know I know I just...

GARRET

Let me handle this.

Erin walks away giving the two men some space but watches anxiously from a distance.

GARRET

(sliding down next to Xander)

What's going on Xander?

XANDER

It shouldn't be me out here. I should have died in the crash. I'm not equipped to fight creatures like this. You should leave me behind I'm slowing you down.

GARRET

You think I'm equipped for this I've served four tours oversees and flown to space but I'm not ready for this at all. I don't think there is anything that could have prepared me for this.

XANDER

How do you do it? How do you stay so collected when the life we knew is crumbling around us.

GARRET

I am freaking out on the inside but I am just focusing on one second at a time. I have no idea what's going to happen.

GARRET

You know what I wish?

35.

XANDER

What?

GARRET

I wish I could be more like you. You've got these big aspirations to learn and grow.

XANDER

Doesn't do me much good in here.

GARRET

It will if we get outta here.. It's an honor to serve but it was never my plan to be in the military for this long.

XANDER

So what happened?

GARRET

Fear. I was good at this. And I was afraid to not be good I didn't. Well I still don't feel smart enough for the academic world. So I just kept doing this. You don't have to let fear hold you in one place like I have. You conquer this. Well than I'm pretty damn sure you ca conquer anything.

XANDER

(nodding)

Okay

GARRET

Let's do this.

ERIN

Hey guys I think I see a way through the mountains, but I don't think your going to like it.

EXT. CAVE OPENING

All five of the remaining survivors stand in a circle around the mouth of a cave in the side of the mountain.

Terry is a little of the way in the cave and shines a flashlight into the darkness.

KAYLEN

Hell no.

36.

TERRY

(turning back to her)

Do you have a better idea?

KAYLEN

Yes we go up the mountain not only will it be safer but we may be able to see something from up there and we can get our bearings.

TERRY

Its gonna take too much time.

ERIN

Sorry Terry, but Kaylen's right after everything we've dealt with above ground you want us to go below ground.

TERRY

It'll be quicker. Every second we waste in here is a second that the ship could be causing another disaster on earth.

KAYLEN

We have to survive to stop the dot.

Terry sighs preparing to relent..

XANDER

I think we should go through the caves.

The group is surprised by Xander who has been quiet's input.

XANDER

(to Terry)

You said you think t will be the fastest way don't you?

TERRY

I do.

XANDER

Then I say we do it. We already signed up to go on this shitty death mission so we need to move as quickly as possible and I agree with Terry. I think this is our best bet.

ERIN

What if it dead ends?

37.

XANDER

Then I suppose we'll have to turn the fuck around.

GARRET

I'm in.

KAYLEN

If your sure.

Terry nods.

ERIN

Shit. I guess we're doing this.

Terry opens up Major Wilkens bag and attaches an explosive devise to the mouth of the cave

TERRY

It won't go off until we get this thing up in the air then we need to blow this place sky high.

ERIN

Amen to that.

The group pulls out a few more flashlights and Garret puts on a headlamp. Then the group walk slowly and carefully into the cave, disappearing into the darkness.

INT. CAVE

The sound of our survivor's foot steps echoes loudly through the cave.

There lights dance all around.

They reach a wider opening where there are two paths they could go down.

XANDER

(hushed voice)

Which way?

Terry studies Major Wilken's tablet.

TERRY

The path to our right should take us towards the edge of the mountain.

As they start to make their way to the right. There is a soft whistle behind them.

38.

Kaylen jumps grabbing onto Garret's arm.

KAYLEN

Did you hear that?

She turns pointing her flashlight back at the way they came but doesn't see anything.

KAYLEN

I could've sworn-

GARRET

Let's just keep moving.

The group continues through the cave stepping carefully on the uneven ground.

Kaylen stumbles exhausted. Xander grabs her by the arm.

XANDER

Let's sit down for a second.

The rest of the group continues ahead a little ways.

KAYLEN

We can't stop I don't wanna be in here any longer than I have to.

Xander hands Kaylen his cantina.

XANDER

Take a quick drink.

Xander's flashlight catches the black eye of a creature trying to blend in clinging the wall behind them.

The same whistling sound from before is made from the creature. Kaylen stiffens.

XANDER

(mouthing)

Don't fucking move.

Xander raises his gun up

XANDER

Duck and roll on 3. 1...2...

The monster leaps from the wall at Xander and Xander shoots at the creature.

39.

We can now see the creature on top of Xander it has scaly arms but also six bug like legs that are extended holding it off of the ground and over Xander. It has four black expressionless eyes and pinchers.

Garret and Erin turn back and rush towards the creature.

ERIN

I can't get a shot with out hitting Xander can you?

Garret grimaces and shakes his head.

Kaylen takes the butt of her rifle and tries to whack the monster with it.

The creature turns standing on four legs its front two in the air. Reaching out with its long scaly arms it strikes Kaylen down.

Erin and Garret both open fire on the creature it jumps moving around the walls and evading their shots until it is directly above them.

ERIN

(diving onto Garret and pushing him out of the way)

Move!

She pushes Garret out of the way just as the monster's pincher was about to come down on his head. Instead the beast ends up using its pinchers to grab onto Erin's leg and starts to drag her away, as Erin claws at the ground for something she can hold onto.

Xander picks up his gun that had fallen when the beast had first lunged at him.

Xander runs and jumps on top of the monster that is dragging Erin. He clings to it with one hand and rapid fires point blank into the beasts midsection.

The monster lets go of Erin and its head does a 360, so that it is facing Xander on his back. The monster's pinchers grab Xander by the neck and twist snapping his neck as Xander continues to shoot point blank at it.

For a moment the monster stands very still holding Xander's lifeless body with it's pinchers and then its legs collapse from underneath it its body hitting the ground also lifeless.

Erin scoots backwards away from the dead monster struggling to catch her breath. Terry moves to her side checking on her.

40.

TERRY

Are you okay?

ERIN

I think so.

Garret kicks the dead body of the beast with his toe, investigating if it will have a reaction. Once he is satisfied that it is not going to move he pulls Xander's body form the mouth of the beast.

GARRET

Come on kid.

(starting to cry )

Kid. Kid. You were supposed to live you selfish son of a bitch.

Terry comes over placing a hand on Garret's shoulder.

TERRY

He was the best of us. The smartest guy I ever knew.

KAYLEN

I don't want to be insensitive. But I think we'll have more company coming.. those whistle sounds I think its communicating. Letting others know where prey is.

ERIN

If there's more of those things and they're smart and can communicate then we're already dead.

TERRY

Not without a fight we're not. We've got to keep moving.

Xander mounts another explosive to the cave wall. While Garret and Kaylen sit holding Xander's body for another moment.

Kaylen closes Xander's eyes.

KAYLEN

Thank you, Xander I owe you my life.

TERRY

Let's move I don't wanna see any more of those things.

41.

Garret and Kaylen pick up there bags and continue moving down the hall with Erin and Terry.

Terry is in the lead Erin limps behind him trying to keep up. Garret offers Erin a hand to help her but she refuses and continues to limp forward.

The group reaches another point where they have some choices on where to go. One continues upwards the other continues down deeper into the cave.

TERRY

Lets move up.

KAYLEN

Are you sure?

TERRY

Do you want to spend the time to sit around and debate it!

Kaylen simply nots but is clearly agitated and they continue upwards.

There is a sound of the same whistle note from somewhere echoing through the cave. This whistle is followed by another identical whistle, then there is a third. The sound of the whistles echoes through the cave and the location of the sound cannot be identified.

The four remaining survivors begin to pick up the pace. Garret once again offers to help the limping Erin and this time she obliges walking steadied by Garret.

Garret and Erin try to keep up but are falling behind Kaylen and Terry. There is a a little bit of water running down the rocky uneven ground that we can see from the spotlight in Garret's headlamp.

There is another whistle from somewhere in the distance.

Garret misses a step up falling in a puddle of water and cutting his side on a jagged rag he fell on.

ERIN

Come on we gotta keep moving.

Erin helps Garret to his feet and now they both lean on each other, trying to move as quickly as possible but hobbling through the cave.

Terry and Kaylen are stopped up ahead waiting for them.

42.

TERRY

You alright?

GARRET

(grimacing through pain)

Never been better.

Kaylen now helps Erin move through the cave and Terry helps Garret move through the cave. Still looking around desperately with their flashlights looking for any sign of the monsters.

INT. VAST CAVE ROOM

The group comes to a vast opening in the cave. There is more light in this area because a hole in the cave from above. Letting light shine through. There is also a shallow water filled crevasse in one portion of this fast opening.

TERRY

I think we're in the clear for a moment lets take a look and access injuries.

GARRET

No need I can keep going.

TERRY

No way not an option.

GARRET

You said yourself the more time we waste the more danger earth is in.

TERRY

That's true but I need you to be at 100 percent if we are going to survive the rest of this nightmarish place.

Terry helps Garret over to sit against the cave wall. Garret removes his shirt so that Terry can look at the wound on his side.

The wound is large and grotesque.

GARRET

Pretty nasty, huh?

TERRY

I've patched up worse.

43.

Terry pulls a wrap from his bag and begins applying it around Garett's trunk.

GARRET

(sarcastic)

What's the prognosis Doctor Terry am I going to live.

TERRY

(finishing up tourniquet )

Well the tourniquet is gonna stop any more bleeding but if that gets infected you may wanna see someone more qualified than me.

The two of them laugh. Terry sits back against the wall next to Garret.

TERRY

We've been in some pretty bad spots before and we've made it out. We're gonna make it out of this one, right?

GARRET

You and me brother we're hardwired to do two things finish the mission and survive to get back home to our people. This is no different. We're gonna finish this up and you and I will be telling Reggie stories about this for the rest of his very long life.

TERRY

(trying to convince himself)

Right.

GARRET

Let me do most of the story telling though you suck at it.

TERRY

Everyone loved it when I told the Cabo story?

GARRET

No one liked it when you told the Cabo story

Over on the other side of the opening next to the pool of water, Kaylen is making a makeshift ankle splint.

44.

Kaylen cuts off the sleeve of her shirt and wraps it around Erin's foot and leg in order to try and stabilize her ankle.

ERIN

Pretty bad, huh?

KAYLEN

It's not ideal.

The girls sit in silence for a moment.

ERIN

If you make it back home... you find my mom and tell her I love her.

KAYLEN

You tell her yourself when you get off of here.

ERIN

Look at me. I'll be hobbling my way through Hell. I don't like my chances.

KAYLEN

Erin... I... I

ERIN

Promise me you'll find her.

Kaylen looks at Erin at a loss for what to say.

ERIN

Kaylen, I'm not giving up you know me. Satan will have to rise up and drag me out of this world himself... I just need to know that if that happens someone is gonna look for her and let her know where I am.

KAYLEN

Yeah. Okay I'll find her.

ERIN

Thank you.

Terry and Kaylen meet over on the far side of the pool away from Garret and Erin.

KAYLEN

How's he doing?

45.

TERRY

It's pretty ugly but he'll push through. How' Erin?

KAYLEN

Her ankle is pretty beat up and she's shaken up.

TERRY

Do you think we can keep moving.

Kaylen shakes her head.

TERRY

Every second we are idle this killer planet could be shaking earths core.

KAYLEN

I know that. But they need rest Terry.. You need rest. We can only operate at this level for so long.

TERRY

I'll be fine. We're sitting ducks here anyways. You said it yourself those things know that we're here we have to keep moving.

KAYLEN

(getting agitated )

Look around Terry! We are on a planet made to kill humans! We're sitting ducks here and we are going to be sitting ducks at the next spot we go and we have to rest somewhere to have a chance... Just a couple of hours let everyone get a little bit of rest.

TERRY

(relenting )

Okay. I'll take first watch.

INT. VAST CAVE ROOM - LATER

Terry, Erin, and Garret all lie on the cold hard cave ground finding different positions to sleep in. Kaylen sits up in the middle of the room her gun in her lap and a flashlight sitting next to her that is pointed towards where the cave path where the group had first come through.

46.

Kaylen also wears Garret's head lamp looking through a notebook.

ERIN

What are you reading?

Kaylen jumps completely startled, not realizing that Erin was awake.

Kaylen motions for Erin to come over and and sit next to her. Erin obliges.

KAYLEN

They are notes. I would take while watching the birds interact the way they communicate. What triggers them to do certain things.

ERIN

You never stop being a nerd even when the world is ending.

KAYLEN

The creatures we're dealing with here. They're not like people they communicate like animals if we can understand them maybe we can survive.

ERIN

Okay so your the expert what do we know?

KAYLEN

Most birds don't have conversations quite the way you and I do. Every sound they make has a purpose they're sharing information with others. Mating calls, territory warning, sight of prey.

The girls stop as they see something moving in the cave hall that they had come through.

Just like before the flashlight seems to spotlight the black expressionless eyes of the beast.

Kaylen sits motionless paralyzed by fear.

ERIN

(out of the corner of her mouth)

Does it see us?

47.

KAYLEN

(not looking at Erin eyes still locked on the beast)

I don't know maybe it detects motion. If we stay perfectly still -

ERIN

(out of the corner of her mouth )

Pick up the gun Kaylen.

Kaylen does not sitting still both because she thinks it may not see them and because she is paralyzed by fear.

The beast lets out a sound different than the whistling sound we heard earlier. This sound is a rapid clicking sound and then the creature scurries off back down the way it came.

Erin lets out a big sigh of relief, but Kaylen still seems troubled.

Kaylen quickly flips through her journal looking for something.

ERIN

What are you looking for?

Kaylen holds up a finger to indicate to let her focus. Kaylen stops on a page reading it.

KAYLEN

Thrush make a sound very similar to that they use it as a warning to other Thrush that there is danger near.

(standing putting her journal in her bag and slinging her gun behind her)

We need to get moving.

(shaking Terry)

Wake up we need to move.

ERIN

Hold on a minute. We don't know that these things operate the way thrush do. Besides maybe we were the threat.

Rain begins to come down through the crack in the wall above them where light had been shining through.

48.

Kaylen shakes her head.

KAYLEN

(solemnly)

Not very likely. His friend didn't view us a a threat he viewed us as prey.

Terry and Garret have risen and are packing up there things with the rain coming in the water from the pool that they had been sleeping next to has begun to rise quickly and splashes up on the boys ankles.

GARRET

Kaylen's right if we don't move we are going to be flooded in here.

TERRY

Their is a path this way. We should be getting near the end of the tunnel.

The group quickly finishes packing their things and rushes through the cave. As they move through the cave their is a continuous splash as their feet rise in and out of the water.

GARRET

I see light!

The groups makes it to wear the light is shining. The group sees once again that the light is above them. And there is no path forward in the cave only up. The water is up to about the groups knee at this point. Water also pours from above from the gap where the light is coming through.

TERRY

How do you guys feel about climbing!?

ERIN

I like it better than drowning!

Terry first finds a spot of spots to grab on to and then gives Kaylen a hand helping her up find her griping and the two of them begin climbing up.

Erin and Garret follow quickly behind. Each of the feel around for grips as they run their hands along the wet rock.

Terry and Kaylen get to a point where the cave walls get closer together and they are only able to climb one at a time.

49.

Terry goes first barley fitting in between the tight space with his pack. There are rocks that snag ant tear his shirt.

Kaylen goes next squeezing through barley making it to the next wider part of the cave as her hands slip on the wet rocks.

Garret and Erin make it to the same spot Terry and Kaylen were just at as Terry and Kaylen continue climbing.

GARRET

(looking down at Erin)

You go first your skinnier than I am!

ERIN

Don't be so noble now. Just get through there quickly!

Garret unclips his pack letting it drop into the water below and begins trying to squeeze through the tight spot.

Erin follows directly behind him ready to rush through the hole as soon as Garret is through.

Garret is having a hard time squeezing his upper body through the hole. His breath is heavy and quick he is exhausted.

GARRET

(crying out)

Erin I'm sorry!

ERIN

Don't you dare stop trying!

Water is beginning to reach Erin's upper body.

Garret tries again to squeeze through reaching his hand out awkwardly to try and grab a ledge. The rock that he grabs on to crumbles as he grabs it.

GARRET

Shit!

He begins to slide down his boot nearly getting Erin in the face.

At this point Terry and Kaylen have begun to climb back down to attempt to help Garret and Erin.

Kaylen and Terry each stand on a little ledge from the indent where the cave begins to get wider again.

50.

KAYLEN

Just grab our hands! We'll pull you up!

ERIN

(only her head and neck remain unsubmerged)

Quickly!

Kaylen and Terry each grab one of Garret's hands attempting to pull him up. Terry slips on the wet rock hitting his ass on the ledge and nearly sliding back down with Garret.

Terry lets go of Garret with one hand, reach back to find a piece of rock he can hold onto. He holds himself steady with one hand while helping Kaylen pull Garret up with the other.

TERRY

(letting out a cry of pain)

AHHHH!

KAYLEN

(urgent )

Come on, come on Erin!

Erin who's face is tilted up to avoid swallowing water and is treading water with her feet while simultaneously using her hands to keep her face just inches from the cave wall moves to the thin opening but does not start climbing.

Kaylen leans down over the ledge trying to reach her hand down to Erin.

KAYLEN

Erin you gotta climb.

ERIN

You guys have to keep moving!

(to Kaylen )

Can you keep the promise you made me?

KAYLEN

Don't do this!

ERIN

Can you?

Kaylen nots her head sobbing.

Erin lets go of completely her face completely submerged by water.

51.

CRACK we cannot see her body but they water has pushed it into the narrow part of the cave wall.

GARRET

Damnit Erin!!

KAYLEN

(wiping a stream of tears and rain from her eyes )

CLIMB!!

The three of them scramble and struggle up the remaining cave wall. When they finally pull themselves from the cave and onto the dark cave side all three of them collapse on the ground exhausted. Garret is spitting up water.

EXT. DARK MOUNTINSIDE

It has stopped raining now there is a grey cloudy light. The mountain is behind them and in front of our three survivors is just dark colored flat land.

Terry stands looking across the flat land. Kaylen shivers in a blanket on the ground next to her open backpack. Garret sits next to Kaylen holding the tablet.

Garret rises to go stand and talk to Terry. Terry continues to look forward lost in thought until Garret speaks to him.

GARRET

Looks like its a pretty straight shot from here. I think we can make it pretty quickly.

TERRY

I agree. I don't see any threats but we'll never see them coming. As soon as Kaylen is ready we will get moving.

GARRET

Think the two of you can make this part of the mission on your own?

TERRY

What do you mean?

GARRET

If we wanna make sure this fucker gets blown apart we need to spread those bombs out as much as possible. You guys get to the center.

(MORE)

52.

GARRET (CONT'D)

Find a way to get this thing into the air and I'll move as quickly as possible placing as may bombs as possible. Once you get this thing in the air start the central detonator.

TERRY

It's too dangerous for you to be alone in here.

GARRET

Its the way it has to be.

TERRY

Okay. Then we'll rendezvous at the center and parachute from there.

GARRET

Come on Terry. I can't bullshit anymore. I'm not coming back.

Terry nods stone-faced for a moment. Before his emotion begins to show

TERRY

(saluting Garret)

Then its been a pleasurer to serve with you sir.

(back to a neutral stance)

And a bigger honor to be your friend and your family.

GARRET

You're the best man I've ever known. You get this thing in the air you get out and find Reggie and you tell him I said I hope her grows up to be a Pistons fan.

The two men have a mixture of laughing and crying as they embrace.

TERRY

You see any of those freaks give em hell.

GARRET

They don't wanna mess with ol Garret.

Garret straps a machine gun to his back picks up as many explosives as he can carry.

53.

Garret turns around one last time looking at Kaylen.

GARRET

Take care Kaylen. Don't let anything happen to each other.

KAYLEN

We're all we've got left.

Garret takes off at a light jog and Terry watches him get farther away.

EXT. DARK MOUNTINSIDE - LATER

Kaylen is now up packing her things. Terry still stands in a similar spot just looking out into the distance.

KAYLEN

(putting a hand on his arm )

Come on lets finish this and get home.

Terry nods.

The two of them trek through the vast flat blackness. Terry carries the tablet that tracks their location. There is an eerie silence.

TERRY

We're almost there. Do you see anything that stands out?

Kaylen points. There is a hill about thirty feet high but the hill has a bunch of holes in it, that should cause it to crumble but it is still standing.

TERRY

(sighing )

Well I guess we're going in there.

INT. CENTER OF THE DOT.

Terry gives Kaylen a hand crawling through one of the little holes into the center part of the under the hill. The hill acts as a black dome under them. The dome is held up by pillars. In the center of the room is a hole and a chain that seems to fall through it. From the hole you can see torn up earth but also a faint red glow.

Terry and Kaylen look around the room for a moment. There reaction is a mix of awe and terror.

54.

KAYLEN

(peering over the center)

Terry... I think they've somehow attached themselves below the earths crust.

TERRY

How do we unattach it?

KAYLEN

We're gonna have to try and pull this chain up and see what happens.

Terry crouches down and with a massive heave starts pulling up the chain, It takes a lot for him to get it to budge. Kaylen crouches down on the opposite side of the chain to help him. She also hands him a bear of welding cloves from her back.

KAYLEN

I don't know how much these will help but if its been under the crust of the earth this chain is going to get hot at some point.

Terry nods in appreciation and the two begin pulling the chain up with all their might.

EXT. JUNGLE

Garret is running through the jungle. He is having a hard time breathing but he does not slow down.

Garret stops at a tree stopping an explosive to it. He does so quickly and then continues running through the shrubbery of the jungle.

After he has made quite some distance between him and the last bomb he placed. He plants another one in the jungle earth and begins recovering it with soil. Sweat drips down Garret while he does this.

Garret stops looking up when he hears a familiar whistling sound. He grabs the machine gun from his back and looks around the jungle for any sign of movement. Garret hears the whistle again.

 

GARRET

Come on out and get me! Let me blow your brains out! You messed with the wrong man's home.

55.

There is whistling again. This time the whistling comes from multiple different directions. Garret fires his machine gun aimlessly out into the jungle.

He stops catching his breath and that is when five of six of the creatures emerge from the shrubbery or from the trees of the jungle, moving slowly towards Garret from different directions.

INT. CENTER OF THE DOT.

Terry and Kaylen continue to pull the chain both exhausted. Terry pours water on himself.

KAYLEN

Can you handle this by yourself for a moment.

TERRY

Yeah. Why? Are you alright?

KAYLEN

I'm okay. I want to collect the rock from the crevasse we crawled through so we can study it when we get home.

TERRY

I don't give a damn how this place works. I just wanna blow it up.

KAYLEN

We have to be ready if this isn't the end of it.

TERRY

You do what you gotta do.

KAYLEN

I'll be quick and be back to help.

Kaylen disappears crawls back into one of the holes in the hill wall. Meanwhile, Terry continues to work on pulling the chain.

Terry continues to work on pulling the chain in silence.

INT. HILL WALL

Kaylen holds a flashlight up while she scoots along on her belly. In her other hand she holds a circular container and a pair of tweezers.

56.

She finds some loose gravel in the gave and starts to put it into the circular container and putting the lid on it. She is examining the gravel in the clear container when she hears the whistling sound.

INT. CENTER OF THE DOT.

Terry continues to pull the chain . He leans against one of the pillars to brace his body.

Terry stops pulling suddenly when he sees two of the creatures moving slowly through the room circling the hole that is in the center. Kaylen has crawled out from the hole and watches anxiously from the opening of the crevasse she is in.

Terry flattens himself against the pillar as much as he can. The two creatures circle nearly convening in front of the pillar that Terry hides behind. They buzz at each other as they pass by.

Terry lets out a deep sigh once the monster's have circled farther away from him. At the same time a part of the chain he was holding slips from his hand hitting the floor.

One of the monsters rotates its head back towards where Terry is hiding and it makes the whistling sound we have heard before. Both creatures start slowly walking back towards Terry.

Terry shaking, readies his gun. Meanwhile Kaylen curses under her breath.

One of the monstors gets to the point it is even with the pillar. It's pinchers are close enough for Terry to grab.

Kaylen attempts to whistle. It is weak and feeble. She takes a deep breath and tries again. This time the whistle is a good imitation of the creature's communication.

The creatures stop inching towards Terry and head off the crevasse where Kaylen had whistled.

EXT. JUNGLE

Garret continues to run through the jungle, the sound of six legged beasts chasing after him.

One of the creatures that has climbed up a tree jumps down on Garret.

57.

It's pinchers are about to chomp down on Garret's throat but he just rapid fires his machine gun into its stomach. This causes guts to explode from the beast's stomach.

The beast falls lifelessly and Garret scrambles back to his feet still on the run from several more.

Garret spots an opening to a cave nearby and he looks behind him at the creatures following him. He then makes a sharp turn to head for the cave.

All of the creatures turn to follow him. He runs into the cave a little ways and turns waiting with his gun ready.

There are a total of five creatures that make it inside but he does not shoot at them he shoots at the roof of the cave.

GARRET

Come on. come on! come on!

Finally the mouth of the cave collapses trapping him inside the cave with the five monsters. The creatures do not seem bothered by this and continue to pursue him.

Garret tosses a few of the bombs behind him and runs until he finds a skinny crevasse that he can squeeze into. He squeezes into it and stands there holding the remaining bombs.

GARRET

We'll all go to hell together you dumb bugs!

A creature tries to reach Garret through the crevasse. It can fit its head in but not the rest of its body and its pinchers are just inches away from Garret.

GARRET

Come on Terry. Get this thing in the air.

INT. HILL WALL

The two creatures that had been hunting Terry move trough the wall tunnels following the repeated sound of a whistle that sounds similar to there whistle but is distinctly Kaylen's voice.

They get to a turn in the cave it sounds like the whistle is right behind it. The two creatures move in unison going around the corner suspecting to find food moving quickly. But there is nothing there.

58.

There is a crack and the whistling stops we see the old fashion tape recorder that had been in Major Wilken's bag lying on the ground broken from one of the beasts ant like legs.

INT/EXT. HILL WALL

Kaylen crawls on her belly through a different part of the cave. She dares to look behind her and cannot see any of the creatures yet.

Kaylen makes it to the end of the tunnel she is now on the outside of the tunnel and starts running along the hill to the other side of it.

Kaylen hears a whistle behind her and turns her head as she is running, to see if she can see the monstors.

We see Kaylen's leg step into one of the holes in the hill and her leg snaps in an unnatural manner.

Kaylen lets out a scream of agony as she falls. She continues to scream in agony as she continues to army crawl across the hill.

INT. CENTER OF THE DOT.

Terry has left his hiding position behind the pillar and stands pulling the chain with all his might. However the chain is getting heavier and hotter.

We can see steam rising off the chain.

Terry lets out a cry as he continues to pull it. At one point the pain becomes to unbearable and he falls to the ground.

But Terry rises and continues to pull the chain. Terry is nearing the end of the chain and he can hear a buzzing sound.

TERRY

What the hell?

At the end of the chain is a tiny little furry creature the chain is infused into its spine. The buzzing sound radiates off of the creatures body. As soon as Terry bulls the last of the chain out of the hole he attempts to shoot the creature but it lunges quickly, sinking its four fangs into Terry's chest.

The tiny four legged fur ball sinks its teeth into Terry's chest.

59.

The creature tries to jump back through the hole between the dot and earth but Terry grabs the chain pulling it back. Through the hole the ground seems to start getting farther and farther away.

Terry uses the chain to pull the creature all the way to him and continues to hold onto it despite it sinking its teeth into Terry's arm.

TERRY

(through the pain )

You picked the wrong planet little buddy.

Terry pulls a large knife from his waste band and guts the creature that has its teeth in his other arm.

EXT. HILL WALL

Kaylen continues to army crawl across the hill. The two monstors shuffle towards her. Kaylen rolls over onto her back trying to shoot the creatures but her hands are so shaky that her fire is completely off.

INT. CENTER OF THE DOT.

Terry sits back up blood covers him all over from the marks the creature left on his chest and arm.

Terry attempts to stand but he is too weak to do so. Terry crawls to his bag where the detonator for the explosives are and he slams down on a button.

INT. CAVE

Garret is pressed tightly in a ball as the beast continues to try and wriggle its head deeper to get him. Then they both disappear in a flash of light.

EXT. HILL WALL

One of the creatures now stands over Kaylen but then an explosion throws them both in the air.

Kaylen lands on a flat surface next to the hill. In front of her the ground starts to crack open, separating her from the hill.

Kaylen, still unable to walk, crawls towards the edge.

60.

KAYLEN

(crying out)

Terry! Terry!

Where there space has opened Kaylen can see the blue sky of earth below her. She looks down at the sky. Then she looks across the crack to the hill hoping to see some sign of Terry but there is no movement.

She rummages through her pack and pulls a smaller parachute pack out of her bag. She rises, hopping on one foot and hops into the blue sky.

INT/EXT. CENTER OF THE DOT

Terry lays in the center room of the dot looking at the ground below through the hole in the ground. After the series of explosions the ship has stopped rising and is starting to head towards the ground.

Terry grabs the small cam recorder from his bag and starts recording himself.

TERRY

(despite the grimness of his situation Terry is calm and reflective while recording)

Hey Reggie its day 281 of these stories.. or maybe its day 282 I may have missed a day in here. If I did I'm sorry. I told you that I wouldn't do that. Let me tell you son, right now looking at the blue sky I'm reminded why I love flying in the first place. You feel so small from above and you can see all the beautiful things life has to offer. I need you to promise me something, no matter how tough things get. It seems like they may get real tough. Always look for the beautiful things life has to offer you.

(looking again through the hole at the ocean he is moving towards)

I think I'm about out of time. Know that I've done everything I've done because I love you.

Terry closes the cam corder and he takes a deep breath.

61.

SPLASH

EXT. DESTROYED BAY SIDE CITY

Several splintered pieces of the dot splash into the ocean. On the beach Kaylen parachutes down onto the beach. Her landing is extremely painful due to her broken leg.

Kaylen just sits there on the sand still tangled up in her parachute.

There is no sound as Kaylen looks around. She first looks at the pieces of the dot sinking into the ocean. Then around her at a city with building on fire and fallen. Cars and streets destroyed. The beach is littered with peoples belongings.

Kaylen sobs silently looking at the destroyed city. Then Kaylen hears a seagull calling. Kaylen looks up to see the seagull floating above her.

Kaylen continues to cry but a small smile crosses her face.

ROLL CREDITS

 

 

Edited September 24, 2023 by lamamama

[SLAM!]

 

Studio Groundswell

Director: Sebastian Schipper

based on the Cruis'n video game franchise

Genre: Sports

Release Date: April 3rd

Theater Count: 3,500

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for Language and Violence

Runtime: 1 hr 58 min

Budget: $60 Million

 

Kristen Stewart as Jessie

O'Shea Jackson Jr. as Craig

Adrien Brody as Phillip

Laia Costa as Samantha

Frank Grillo as Gus

Ki Hong Lee as Kim

and Patrick Wilson as The Announcer

 

Franchise Grosses

Cruis'n U.S.A. - $100,302,114 DOM/$255,051,167 WW

 

Plot Summary

The six racers from the last movie (Stewart, Jackson Jr., Brody, Costa, Grillo, and Hong Lee) all race around the world, with their colorful cars, in beautiful locations like Hawaii, China, Kenya, Germany, and, finally, the Moon—and they all get to know each other along the way!

[El Squibbonator]

Fishergirls

 

Director: Chris Wayan

Based on: The online story of the same name

Studio: Fossil Record Animation

Genre: Fantasy / Animation

Release date: 09/18/Y10

Rating: R for brief nudity and sexual content

Production Budget: $15 million 

Runtime: 92 minutes

Theater count: 3,207 theaters 

 

Cast: 

Irene Brown* as Grey

Felicia McAllister* as Leaf 

Sarah Waterstone* as Atoll

James Pearson* as Whitecap

Stanley Blackwood* as High Elder

John Slater* as The Serpent

 

*fictional

 

Summary:

The film begins with a shot of the blue ocean-covered planet floating in space. The narrator (Irene Brown) begins to speak, saying how "for as long as I can remember, Lyr was the center of the universe for my people. Everything revolved around it, and everything on Lyr revolved around us." Zoom into a small tropical island, where three humanoid fox-like creatures are relaxing on the shore. One of them is hiding in a palm tree with their tail curled over their face, another is playing a musical instrument made out of a nautilus shell, and a third is dancing. Zoom in further on the one dancing. The narrator introduces herself as Grey, and explains how for a long time, she and her friends Leaf (the one in the tree) and Atoll (the one playing the shell) thought that nothing could possibly be wrong with their society, only to discover that they were disastrously, dangerously wrong.

 

The narration stops, and Grey's older brother, Whitecap, calls to her. Whitecap has just returned from his Survival of the Fit Test, a rite of passage where young males in their society construct a ship and sail off into unknown waters to prove themselves to their elders. If they find anything interesting or unusual, their names become enshrined in an official hall of records. Whitecap is excited to see his sister again, but Grey is jealous of him, especially when, at his acceptance speech, he plays up how dangerous the uncharted seas he sailed were. Privately, Grey confides to Leaf and Atoll that she wishes she could take the Survival of the Fit Test. Encouraged by Leaf, she speaks to the village's High Elder, who flatly rejects her request. 

 

Grey decides to take matters into her own hands, and explains her plan to Leaf and Atoll. The three of them decide to build a boat of their own. Whitecap taunts them, telling them that if they tried to take a Survival of the Fit Test, the only thing they would accomplish would be removing themselves from the gene pool. Grey is incensed, and promises that she will not only survive, but will make a discovery that will change what everyone knows about life on Lyr. Atoll manages to bargain with Whitecap, making him agree not to tell the High Elder what they are doing in exchange for playing her shell-harp at his upcoming ceremony. Reluctantly, Whitecap agrees, though he privately has no intention of honoring it. 

 

On the day when they are to set off on their voyage, Grey, Leaf, and Atoll find themselves greeted not by well-wishers and friends, but by the entire village coming out to taunt and harass them. And leading the group is none other than Whitecap, who has clearly betrayed his promise to keep their efforts a secret. The High Elder declares the three of them to be traitors and outcasts, and they are met with a barrage of rotten fruit, nuts, and even rocks as they sail off into the bay. 

 

During their first night at sea, Grey narrates again as she and her friends sleep on the deck of the boat. She describes her uncertainty over he own motives for going on this quest-- boys do it because it makes them eligible for marriage, but she has never wanted to marry, and indeed the very idea of it seems backwards and restrictive to her. She simply wants to be seen as an equal member of her society. As she narrates, the background shows days turning to nights and days again, as the tiny wooden boat sails across the horizon and finally arrives at the hulking outline of a massive, ruined, city emerging from the sea. 

 

Grey and her friends disembark from the boat and investigate the ancient city, knowing that if they bring back news of this discovery, it could validate all of their claims. While Atoll collects a sample of the peculiar, sweet-smelling algae growing in the surrounding lagoon, Grey and Leaf are drawn to a weathered stone tablet jutting above the water. The tablet depicts what appears to be a flying vessel of some kind descending from the heavens, and a serpent-like creature emerging from it. Underneath it more of the snakelike creatures are shown in some sort of prayer ritual. Grey and Leaf look at each other nervously, not sure what this could possibly entail, and Leaf wonders if it represents whoever destroyed this ancient city. Grey doesn't think that's likely. 

 

Returning to the boat, the trio circle around the sunken city until they reach a small tropical island, similar to the one they lived on but much smaller, with a sandy shore on which large colorful birds stride. A low crumbled wall from the ruined city is nearby, so Leaf-- the most agile of the three friends-- decides to climb it. Whatever she sees at the top, she doesn't say right away, and gestures for Grey and Atoll to follow. Atoll is nervous, fearful of meeting some dangerous creature, but Grey grabs her by the wrist and urges her to follow Leaf to the top of the wall. We finally get a good look at what is on the other side. There is a lush, green garden filled with all manner of exotic plants and flowers, with bizarre-looking birds and insects flying through it. The three friends are awestruck by the sight of it, and especially by the sight of what sits at the center-- a gigantic silver clamshell, easily as large as their boat. 

 

Despite Leaf and Atoll's protests, Grey scrambles down the far side of the wall and approaches the silver shell. She reaches out with one paw, and touches it, then just as quickly pulls her paw back, noting that it feels somehow soft against her skin, like a living creature rather than a sculpture. Suddenly the object begins to shudder, and slowly opens vertically like a gigantic clam. The inside looks half-mechanical and half-organic; it is fleshy and clearly alive, but at the same time it has what seems to be a cockpit and controls formed out of living tissue. And sitting at those controls is a coiled, green, snakelike creature, identical to the ones in the carvings on the sunken city. 

 

The creature emerges from the shell, and while Leaf and Atoll look on nervously, Grey asks him what he is doing, and if his people built this ancient city. He begins to speak, in a language that Grey cannot understand, but somehow hears as her own language in her head. He explains that he did not create these ruins, but rather that he is simply a visitor, just as they are, trying to escape the confines of his conservative society. He is intrigued when Grey explains that this is her motive as well, and expresses her frustration that she is not even sure whether she actually wants to pass the Survival of the Fit Test. Grey laments that for her, the only way to defy her society's expectations is to fit right into them. You have to either do what's expected of a man, or do what's expected of a woman. There is no place, it seems, for those who do not fit in this scheme. She explains how she always wished she could take the Survival of the Fit Test, but up until now she never dwelled very much on what that test actually entailed, and why she feels like passing it-- being declared fit for marriage-- is just another form of oppression. 

 

Touched by her story, the serpent offers her a small glass vial of water. Grey questions what is in it, and the serpent reveals that it contains a microbe that allows anyone who consumes it to control her own fertility-- in other words, giving females the true power in a sexual relationship. This explanation is accompanies by a surreal animation of how it works, representing the microbe as a serpent that "devours" smaller invading monsters inside an abstraction of a female body. Grey is fascinated, and the serpent offers to let her come with him as he continues on his voyage across the universe. She strongly considers it, but at Leaf and Atoll's insistence, she declines. Grey turns around to rejoin her friends, and when she looks back, the serpent and his vessel have disappeared. 

 

Again, Grey narrates as the boat sails over the horizon back to the island where she lives. She describes how she was a fool when she thought she would be respected for wanting to go on this quest, and she was a fool again for thinking they would respect her any more when she came back. The scene switches to Grey and her friends disembarking from the boat on the shore, with their entire village, including Whitecap and the High Elder, looking on. At first, everyone is pleasantly surprised. But once the contraceptive virus is introduced, things quickly turn sour. The High Elder declares Grey and her friends to be traitors, bringers of a plague that destroys the ability to have children, and casts them out. 

 

Grey and her friends are pushed out of the exhibition hall in disgrace, and Grey narrates again, lamenting that her people simply did not appreciate the good that her discovery could bring them, and that she wishes she had gone off with the serpent when she had the chance. She stays in Leaf's house that night, as her father is one of the few in the village who defies the ban, and looks out the window at the stars as she discusses with Atoll and Leaf what is going to happen next. Leaf suggests that this will only last until the High Elder finds something else to complain about, but Atoll isn't so sure. She's convinced that this is the beginning of a rift that could tear their society apart-- a rift between the old generations, set in their regressive ways, and the new ones, who wish to explore and try out new ideas. 

 

Grey remarks that for the sake of her people, she hopes the new generations win. 

 

 

 

 

Note: This film is made using a watercolor technique, similar to the 2017 movie Loving Vincent. Each frame is hand-painted using watercolors. In real life this is a very slow and laborious process-- Loving Vincent took six years-- but for the sake of CAYOM I am using some artistic license with the process. 

[MCKillswitch123]

 

(official title: Gran Turismo 2)

 

Based On: Gran Turismo, by Polyphony Digital

 

Studio: Phoenix Fire Entertainment, PlayStation Studios

Director: Jamie Babbit

 

Genre: Sports

Release Date: March 20th, Y10

Theater Count: 3267

Rating: PG-13

Format: 2D, 3D

Budget: $60 million

Runtime: 98 minutes (1 hour and 38 minutes)

 

Cast:

- Unknowns

- Ken Watanabe as B-spec

 

Franchise Box Office:

- Gran Turismo (08/08/Y9) - $34,108,772 OW / $101,837,642 DOM / $225,083,649 WW

 

Plot: After winning the Y9 24hr Le Mans Race, Hanna, the protagonist of the first film, decides that she wants to become the best motorsport athlete of her generation. The movie is mostly minimalistic in dialogue, presenting a confident, but increasingly pressured Hanna, as she contends in the Gran Turismo World Championship, with races featuring cars all over the world. Her main rival, Yago Cristas, a cocky and irritable Spaniard, tries to derail Hanna through mind games. Hanna never relents, believing that she is better than Yago in pure driving skills alone, and lets herself go in her own conviction. But 2/3 of the way in, at the climactic point, while distracted with intrusive thoughts regarding her rival, Yago bumps her car, forcing her to spin with two flat tires, and making her lose the second-to-last race. Frustrated, she feels the intensity of the psychological game up until the final third of the film, where she manages to get herself back up, after talking to a character from the previous film - B-spec (Ken Watanabe) - that, ultimately, her goal to become the best can be achieved, if she understands that nothing matters more in sports than striking the balance between the physical, the skillful and psyche, the mind, the mental ability to overcome anything, rather than the thought that pure ability can replace or compensate for anything. She puts herself under grueling training, until the moment of the final race. A tight one until the end, she wins by a fraction. In the end, Hanna is exhausted and takes a break, but B-spec reminds her that mentality is one step closer to glory. She embraces an uncertain, but hopeful future, with a new outlook on herself and her sport.

[El Squibbonator]

Monster Farm

 

Director: Henry Midas

Based on: The Fox Kids TV series of the same name

Studio: Fossil Record Animation (under its The Workshop children's film label)

Genre: Comedy / Animation

Release date: 10/09/Y10

Rating: G

Production Budget: $30 million 

Runtime: 95 minutes

Theater count: 3,337 theaters

 

Tagline: They've Bought The Farm. Now They've Got To Save It. 

 

Cast:

David Walker* as Jack Haylee

Bruce Mahler as Count Cluckula and Dr. Woolly/Mr. Ewe

Rodger Bumpass as Frankenswine and Goatzilla

Tifanie Christun as Zombeef

Kevin Killebrew as Cowapatra

Stanley Mason* (doing an Arnold Schwarzenegger impression) as The Turkeynator 

Nathan Lane as Pa Earl

Albert Bachman* as Joe the Gas Station Man

 

Summary: 

 

The movie opens with a rusty, decrepit-looking pickup truck driving down a dirt road into a small farming town. It passes a faded wooden sign which reads "WELCOME TO NORMALTON, THE MOST NORMAL TOWN IN AMERICA", before pulling to a stop in the driveway of an equally dilapidated-looking farmhouse. Protagonist Jack Haylee (Walker) emerges from the truck and looks at the house skeptically, only to be greeted by his neighbor Joe (Bachman), who owns a gas station across the street. Joe explains that it has been a long time since anyone has moved into that house, and he has heard a number of bizarre stories about it.

 

Jack thinks Joe is just making things up, and asks what could possibly be abnormal about it, given that the town's name is Normalton. Joe admits he doesn't know, but he isn't going to be able to help much if anything bad happens. That night, after unpacking his suitcases, Jack tries to sleep, but is woken up by voices. He thinks they're just the neighbors playing tricks, and goes outside to investigate. All he finds, however, is that the his refrigerator is open and all the food inside it is missing. Jack is frustrated, but goes back to sleep. The next morning, he finds a letter pinned to his door, welcoming him to his new home. There's no signature, but he takes the letter to Joe to see if he knows anything about it. Joe says he's heard nothing about it.

 

The following night, Jack heads into the cornfield, following some peculiar footprints he discovered, and is shocked to discover that it's inhabited by a group of monstrous farm animals-- Count Cluckula, Dr. Woolly, Frankenswine, Goatzilla, Cowapatra, and Zombeef. Jack is, understandably, astonished and horrified at the sight of them, but Count Cluckula explains that they are the reason no one has ever come to this house in years. Jack asks how they even got to be like this in the first place, and Dr. Woolly proceeds to give an elaborate-sounding, complicated answer, only to be cut off by Count Cluckula, who shows him a picture of a man named Pa Earl, an agriculture magnate and mad scientist who created them at his laboratory. This, in turn, encourages Jack to ask why he was making monster farm animals in the first place, and Goatzilla says that he was never quite clear about that part. The monster animals ask Jack to promise not to tell anyone about them.

 

Jack agrees, and gradually befriends the monster animals. However, the following day he is visited by Pa Earl, who asks him if he has seen the monster animals. Jack lies and says he has not, and Earl tells him to keep an eye out for them. When Jack explains to the animals what happened, they become frightened, and Jack asks why they're so nervous about him. Cowapatra tells him that if he took them back to his lab, he would have them destroyed, and Jack has to protect them from that. Jack suggests that instead, he could help Normalton see the good side of the monster animals. He decides to introduce them to the town during that weekend's Harvest Festival, which unfortunately goes awry when Dr. Woolly shapeshifts into his monstrous Mr. Ewe form, setting off a chain of events that involves Goatzilla taking a bite out of a large novelty ice cream stand sign, Frankenswine entering a movie theater and clearing it out with one of his farts, and Count Cluckula trying to bite a normal chicken being judged at the fair. The people at the festival panic, and soon the police and the fire department are called in, forcing Jack and the monsters to flee. 

 

In his office, Pa Earl realizes Jack lied to him about not knowing where the monster animals were, and returns to Normalton. Jack tells the animals to hide, but Earl tells him that, since he technically owns the land where the farmhouse is located, he's the one Jack is paying his rent to. And because of this, he's going to make Jack's rent so unreasonably high that the only way he can hope to pay it off is by accepting a reward to turn in the monster animals. Jack refuses, and Earl threatens to have him evicted. 

 

Jack and the animals go back to the old gas station to ask Joe for some advice. Joe explains that Jack owns all the land surrounding Normalton, and that no farmer has ever been able to "get one over on him" because he has the biggest attraction in town, a giant animatronic turkey in front of his home that people pay to come see. This gives Dr. Woolly an idea. With Jack's help, the monster animals rebrand themselves as tourist attractions, earning enough money to pay off the rent. Gradually, the people of Normalton come to see the monster farm animals as allies rather than as enemies. However, before Jack and his friends can pay off the money, Earl arrives, accompanied by his newest creation-- a 50-foot tall robotic turkey called the Turkenynator, made out of his animatronic attraction, which he intends to use to subdue and capture the monsters. As he prepares to demonstrate it, however, the Turkeynator short-circuits.

 

The Turkeynator proceeds to wreak havoc in Normalton, using its "Gravy Cannons" and "Stuffing Shooters" to try to subdue both the townsfolk and the monster animals.  Earl tries desperately to wrangle the Turkeynator back under control, but ends up being splattered under a giant blob of stuffing and gravy. Jack rallies the animals together to fight it. The fight drags out through Main Street, and ultimately ends when the giant mechanical turkey is stunned by one of Frankenswine's farts (which, it must be said, are extremely noxious), knocked over by Goatzilla, and wrapped up in cloth by Cowapatra. The Turkeynator falls to the ground, defeated, and Earl begs Jack to free him from the stuffing. Frankenswine asks what would be in it for them if they did, and Earl pauses, not sure how to answer. Zombeef says Earl should go to jail for what he did, but Jack has a better idea.

 

We cut to a week later, with the monster animals now beloved heroes in Normalton. Jack's run-down farmhouse has been upgraded to something much more livable, and Earl, much to his humiliation, now makes a living cleaning up after the monster animals. The movie ends with him walking into the animals' bathroom after Frankenswine leaves and complaining about the smell.

 

 

*fictional

 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2023 by El Squibbonator

[YM!]

DC’s The Siege of Savage 
Studio: Endless Entertainment 
DC
Release Date: 5/22/Y10
Genre: Superhero/Sci-fi/Action
Director: Jeff Fowler
Writers: Pat Casey, Josh Miller, Craig Luck and Ivor Powell
Score: Tyler Bates 
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action violence, disturbing images, and peril
Budget: $275m
Theater Count: 4,430
Format: 2D, 3D, Dolby Cinema and IMAX
Runtime: 145 minutes

Cast:
Charlie Hunnam as Oliver Queen/Green Arrow
Jake T. Austin as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle
*Lance Reddick as J’onn J’onnz/John Jones/Martian Manhunter (posthumous role)
Niles Fitch as Virgil Hawkins/Static
Asa Butterfield as Michael Carter/Booster Gold
Laurence Fishburne as Ma’alefa’ak J’onnz 
Jay Baruchel as Maxwell Lord
Rose Byrne as Sally Erdel
Jay Hernandez as President Julian Cortez
Arden Cho as Jade Nguyen/Cheshire
Lana Condor as Artemis Crook/Arsenal
Lyric Ross as M’gann M’orzz/Megan Moores/Miss Martian
with
Benecio del Toro as Vandal Savage
and
Bill Hader as Patrick O’Brian/Plastic-Man

 

Also starring:
 

Spoiler

Michelle Rodriguez as Black Beetle
Nicholas Hamilton as Hotstreak
Billy Magnessun as Chuck Brown/Kite-Man
Lee Madjoub as Rudy
Marcus Scribner as Ronnie Raymond
Jamie Lee Curtis as Dr. Marnie Stein
Tracee Ellis Ross as Elaine Raymond
Blake Cooper as Richie
China Anne McClain as Sharon Hawkins
Sterling K Brown as Robert Hawkins
Sierra Capri as Permafrost

 

Previous Films Gross: DOM/WW

• Blue and Gold - $260,758,302/$673,094,229 (Y4)
• Static Shock - $210,117,717/$447,058,972 (Y5)
• Green Arrow - $160,250,223/$515,760,220 (Y6)
• Plastic-Man - $174,776,195/$450,442,936 (Y7)
• Static Shock: Frozen Summer - $244,380,585/$543,067,967 (Y8)
• Green Arrow: The Ninth Circle - $153,887,104/$500,055,345 (Y8)
• Martian Manhunter - $182,251,701/$516,572,166 (Y9)

 

Plot: (7977 words)

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S0vUd9zUVeY0lPgK9oH6fbelneX8f8aj2YgapLGctdM/edit?usp=sharing

Edited November 3, 2023 by YM!