Save the Cat rankings

DIE HARD 2 script analysis

DIE HARD 2 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

John McClane arrives at Dulles, clashing with airport authorities and discovering a mercenary plot to sabotage incoming flights. He debates his next moves as the power goes out, teaming up with unlikely allies and struggling with guilt after a disastrous crash. Renewed resolve leads him through tunnels to confront the villains in a final showdown atop a 747. In the end, his wife Holly safely lands, mirroring his journey from chaos to triumph.

85 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 81 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

McClane’s argument over the towed car introduces his wry, combative character and the airport setting.

I'm here, I'm here, false alarm, let's just let her down nice and easy -
2

Theme Stated

Scene 7 / 5% target

80%

Holly’s comment about the restraining order hints at themes of distance, reconciliation, and the personal costs of duty.

He means he has filed a restraining order against me. I'm not allowed within fifty feet of him...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

78%

We meet McClane in the busy terminal, see Stuart preparing his mission, and sense the looming clash between hero and villains.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

81%

McClane’s call to Holly establishes personal stakes as her plane becomes central to the terrorist plot.

Hello. This is Lieutenant McClane - Somebody there beep me?
5

Debate

Scene 10 / 20% target

77%

McClane clashes with Captain Lorenzo over procedure, debating how far he’ll go to prove there’s a threat.

Your boys just walked away from a crime scene - you need to seal it off, get a...
6

Break into Two

Scene 20 / 25% target

79%

After warning Trudeau of imminent danger, McClane fully commits to stopping Stuart’s plot despite official resistance.

I think something serious is going to happen here tonight -
7

B Story

Scene 16 / 30% target

76%

McClane reconnects with Powell, deepening his support network and grounding the subplot of loyalty and teamwork.

Hey, partner. Get that twinky out of your mouth and grab a pencil.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 29 / 40% target

78%

Exploring the basement with Marvin provides action, humor, and insight into McClane’s resourcefulness.

Who the fuck are you?
9

Midpoint

Scene 44 / 50% target

83%

A plane crashes and explodes, marking a devastating midpoint twist that raises the stakes and deepens McClane’s guilt.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 45 / 65% target

80%

Stuart’s broadcast demonstrates the villains tightening their grip by threatening future crashes.

That concludes our object lesson for this evening. If the 747 we requested is ready on time and...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 49 / 75% target

82%

McClane confesses he feels useless, embodying his lowest point of despair.

I never felt so useless.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 46 / 80% target

79%

Confronted with the crash’s aftermath, McClane’s devastation forces him to confront his perceived failure.

Relax, pal, I'm not a survivor. I'm just another victim. The last fucking victim he'll ever have.
13

Break into Three

Scene 55 / 85% target

81%

McClane secures the scrambler with Marvin’s help, igniting his plan to regain control and save the planes.

How about I let you live?
14

Finale

Scene 80 / 95% target

84%

The climactic battle on the 747’s wing showcases McClane’s resourcefulness and determination in stopping Stuart.

Hey, Colonel: Happy Fucking New Year.
15

Final Image

Scene 81 / 99% target

80%

Holly’s safe landing lights mirror McClane’s journey from chaos to resolution and reunite the couple.

Honey... there's your landing lights.