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G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA script analysis

G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The screenplay opens with the capture of arms dealer James McCullen, establishes the G.I. Joe team’s mission to secure stolen nano-mite warheads, and introduces personal stakes between Duke and Ana. The midpoint sees the Baroness successfully stealing the warheads, raising the stakes as the team scrambles to recover and destroy them. A low point hits when Duke is beaten and Ana is held captive, but the team regroups for the final assault. The story concludes with the defeat of Cobras and a twist revealing Zartan’s deception.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 79 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Introduces McCullen’s imprisonment and grim stakes.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

25%

Dialogue about arms dealing and the promise of Nobel Peace Prize hints at themes of power and ethics.

Guess you'll be the first arms dealer up for the Nobel Peace Prize.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-8 / Page 1 / 10% target

30%

Establishes McCullen’s nano-mites, Duke’s recruitment, and the convoy attack.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

30%

The convoy carrying warheads is attacked, triggering the Joes’ involvement.

5

Debate

Scene 17 / 20% target

25%

Duke pleads to join G.I. Joe, revealing his internal conflict about worthiness.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

30%

Duke asserts himself and officially joins the team on the Howler.

Then whoever you are, whatever this unit is, I want in.
7

B Story

Scene 20 / 30% target

25%

Flashback to Duke’s proposal to Ana establishes their emotional subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 21 / 40% target

30%

The team trains in accelerator suits, showcasing their skills and camaraderie.

If you're going to shoot at something, kill it. Otherwise take up knitting.
9

Midpoint

Scene 33 / 50% target

35%

Ana steals the warheads from the main vault, marking a major reversal.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 34 / 65% target

30%

A battle erupts over the warheads, increasing pressure on the Joes.

Put the case down, Ana,
11

All Is Lost

Scene 66 / 75% target

30%

Duke is beaten and Ana held captive in the ice cave, seeming irrecoverable.

NO! McCullen has plans for him!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 64 / 80% target

25%

Tense Night Raven conversation underscores desperation and betrayal.

He thinks I should kill you.
13

Break into Three

Scene 67 / 85% target

30%

The team tracks the stolen weapons aboard the submarine and resolves to act.

14

Finale

Scene 70 / 95% target

30%

The Joes coordinate the destruction of the warheads in a daring operation.

15

Final Image

Scene 79 / 99% target

25%

Zartan’s impersonation of the President provides a final twist.