Save the Cat rankings

Con Air script analysis

Con Air script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Con Air opens with federal agents monitoring dangerous inmates before we meet ex-soldier Cameron Poe on his way to prison transport. The plane hijacking catapults Poe into conflict, intertwining his fight for justice with family themes. As allies and enemies escalate threats, Poe faces a personal low before rallying for a final rescue.

20 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 8 parsed scenes

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

15%

Agents Larkin and Malloy surveil inmates, establishing the crime-thriller tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

20%

Poe and White discuss their children, hinting family as his driving force.

You have children -- ?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-2 / 10% target

18%

We meet key players: agents planning transport and Poe boarding the plane.

4

Catalyst

Scene 3 / 12% target

22%

Cyrus executes the hijacking, shattering the status quo.

COME... FLY... WITH... ME...
5

Debate

Scenes 3-4 / 20% target

15%

Poe grapples with intervening among dangerous convicts after the takeover.

6

Break into Two

Scene 3 / 25% target

14%

Following the hijack, Poe decides to act inside the plane’s confines.

7

B Story

Scene 4 / 30% target

16%

Poe’s bond with Garland White deepens through shared family stories.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 5-6 / 40% target

13%

Agents scramble to track the plane while Cyrus plans the landing.

9

Midpoint

Scene 6 / 50% target

17%

Discussion of runway limits ups the stakes—no easy escape.

It's a 4000 foot runway... Plane this big requires at least 8000 feet. We could go "tango union",...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 7 / 65% target

18%

Johnny 23 attacks Poe, showing villains tightening control.

Cyrus is a maggot. So's that Billy Bedlam maggot and all the rest of them maggots. But the...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 7 / 75% target

15%

Poe is beaten and left vulnerable during sabotage.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 8 / 80% target

12%

White’s casino scene underscores disillusionment and stakes.

13

Break into Three

Scene 8 / 85% target

10%

Poe musters resolve to stop Cyrus after reflecting on family.

14

Finale

Scene 8 / 95% target

8%

Climax implied as Poe’s final confrontation looms.

15

Final Image

Scenes 1-8 / 99% target

7%

Bookends echo the opening with high-stakes surveillance now personal.