Save the Cat rankings

21 JUMP STREET script analysis

21 JUMP STREET script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Two rookie cops, Hanson and Jenko, go undercover at a high school to bust a criminal ring while struggling with immaturity and their partnership. As they navigate teenage life, Hanson rediscovers his purpose and a budding romance, leading to a showdown that cements their bond.

70 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 24 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces school setting and tone through a disruptive student speech.

...I will work to reduce off-campus privileges for any students violating school policy...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Doug vows to one day grow up, hinting at the film’s theme of maturation.

Steve and Ronnie McQuaid, you may have me now! But one day... One day I'm gonna grow into...
3

Set-Up

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 10% target

80%

Hanson’s academy past and aimlessness are established when he’s caught drinking with Jules.

I'm excited cos this is the end of a four year marathon. A long, soul-sucking foot race where,...
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 3 / 12% target

80%

Hanson’s undercover bust at the hangar goes awry in a shootout, propelling him into real detective work.

What don't you know? You're in a financial pickle with some real nasty players and I'm offering you...
5

Debate

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 20% target

70%

Jules leaves Hanson for being directionless, underscoring his internal doubt.

Sorry. I was working on something. Check this out.
6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / Page 5 / 25% target

80%

Hanson arrives at 21 Jump Street and officially joins the undercover high school unit.

Hope you haven't been waitin'...
7

B Story

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 30% target

70%

Introduces Hanson’s romantic subplot with Jules, grounding his emotional stakes.

Sorry. I was working on something. Check this out.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 40% target

80%

Hanson infiltrates Troy’s estate and navigates criminal banter to prove himself.

I'm working on something here, McQuaid.
9

Midpoint

Scene 16 / Page 8 / 50% target

80%

Troy tests Hanson’s loyalty, marking a false victory as he’s accepted by the bad guys.

In other words... We love gettin' dirty.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 19 / Page 9 / 65% target

70%

Ioki plans a PDA clone, raising stakes as the criminal plot advances.

In the morning, I'm gonna take a stab at getting to Troy's PDA.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 22 / Page 10 / 75% target

70%

Cyrus’s crew infiltrates City Hall, foiling the team’s plan and leaving them powerless.

Me and Cliff are goin' in. You guys post up on the corners and run interference.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 23 / Page 11 / 80% target

70%

Penhall scores a touchdown, reflecting on his growth amid mission failure.

Your team's playing.
13

Break into Three

Scene 23 / Page 11 / 85% target

70%

Hanson’s success on the field reignites his confidence for the final push.

Suit up. They might need ya'.
14

Finale

Scene 20 / Page 10 / 95% target

70%

Hanson and Ioki split up to chase Cyrus through City Hall, culminating the action.

15

Final Image

Scene 24 / Page 12 / 99% target

80%

Hanson asks Jules on a date, showing he’s grown and found balance.

You know... skipping class... I was wondering... if you're free Thursday night...