Save the Cat rankings

BAD BOYS script analysis

BAD BOYS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Two Miami narcotics detectives, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, become guardians for a key witness, Julie, in a high-stakes drug deal case. As they chase Fouchet’s gang through clubs, streets, and a hangar, their partnership and family bonds are tested before a climactic rescue and reunion.

75 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 167 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

An unmarked van prowling Miami at night sets the mood and world of crime.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 10 / 5% target

78%

Lowrey and Burnett bicker about style and survival, hinting at themes of partnership and loyalty.

Miami's the perfect town for you, Burnett. You drive like a one-hundred-seven-year-old lady with her turn signal on.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-9 / 10% target

80%

The detectives pursue a staged cop shooting, raid drug dealers, and clash personalities establishing their world and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / 12% target

88%

They discover Orona’s body and missing drugs, propelling the investigation.

Where are the drugs?
5

Debate

Scenes 19-20 / 20% target

77%

Julie calls Lowrey, sparking debate over taking her into custody and the danger it brings.

He's not here. How can I help you?
6

Break into Two

Scene 21 / 25% target

84%

A shootout forces them into the active witness-protection world with Julie on the run.

7

B Story

Scenes 25-26 / 30% target

80%

Lowrey tucks in Marcus’s kids and argues with Theresa, showing the personal side of their partnership.

... so your daddy and I are trapped in this crack house in Little Havana. These dudes were...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 33-35 / 40% target

82%

Undercover in a trailer park they hunt a lion and bicker in comedic stake-out moments.

What are we gonna be today? Postal Inspectors or Water and Power?
9

Midpoint

Scene 42 / 50% target

86%

Fouchet spots the detectives in Club Hell, raising the stakes: “My three little angels told me I’d get a visit…”

My three little angels told me I'd get a visit from the cops tonight and there they are....
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 50 / 65% target

88%

Fouchet orders Julie’s execution: “Forget the cop. Kill the girl!” closing in on them.

Forget the cop. Kill the girl!
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 57-58 / 75% target

83%

Noah’s car explosion at the gas station destroys their only lead, leaving them stranded.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 60 / 80% target

79%

Lowrey comforts Theresa in Burnett’s house, feeling lost after the explosion and threat to Julie.

Theresa. Listen to me. Nobody's slipping away from you. Especially not Marcus. You can take my word on...
13

Break into Three

Scene 72 / 85% target

81%

Internal Affairs shuts down their unit, forcing them to take drastic action on their own.

Yeah, yeah. It's exactly how it looks. I.A.'s shutting us down. We're all being reassigned until their investigation...
14

Finale

Scenes 133-153 / 95% target

90%

The garbage-truck rescue at Hangar 3 leads to a massive shootout, fire, and Julie’s rescue.

15

Final Image

Scene 166 / 99% target

85%

Burnett returns triumphant to his family, echoing the opening but now victorious.

Daddy Daddy Daddy the hero!!!