Save the Cat rankings

KICK-ASS 2 script analysis

KICK-ASS 2 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An aimless teen, Dave Lizewski, becomes the amateur superhero Kick-Ass, struggling with self-doubt and training under Hit-Girl while a more ruthless villain, The Motherfucker, rises. Their paths cross as they build a ragtag team, suffer crushing losses, and prepare for an all-out battle. Ultimately, Dave finds his courage, unites the heroes, and confronts his nemesis in a rooftop showdown, affirmed by Hit-Girl’s loyalty.

75 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 74 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

54%

Introduction to real-life superheroes on NYC streets establishes the tone and hero motif.

I don’t know... a desire to help? To get off my ass--ssets and, uh, try to make the...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

60%

Dave hints at his desire to help and get off his ass, stating the story’s theme of doing good.

I don’t know... a desire to help? To get off my ass--ssets and, uh, try to make the...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / Pages 2-5 / 10% target

65%

We see Dave’s aimless high-school life, awkward social scene, and his home environment, establishing his ordinary world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 12% target

70%

Dave is ambushed by thugs while patrolling, the inciting incident pushing him into real danger.

5

Debate

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 12-13 / 20% target

68%

After a near-death hallucination and nightmare, Dave questions whether he should continue as Kick-Ass.

6

Break into Two

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 25% target

72%

Dave asks Mindy (Hit-Girl) to help him start a superhero team, committing to Act Two.

I’m in the NFL, Dave -- you play pee-wee.
7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 30% target

60%

Mindy trains at her father’s safe house, introducing her personal arc and relationship with Dave.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-20 / Pages 18-20 / 40% target

65%

Training montage shows Dave and Mindy improving and testing gear, the promise of the premise.

9

Midpoint

Scene 49 / Page 49 / 50% target

70%

Dave joins Justice Forever, raising the stakes with a formal team formation and false victory.

Welcome to Justice Forever.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 57 / Page 57 / 65% target

68%

Mother Russia and The Motherfucker attack HQ, killing Colonel Stars and Stripes, tightening the villain’s grip.

I’m the Motherfucker. And I’m here to end Kick-Ass. Not just kill him -- I’m gonna shit on...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 61 / Page 61 / 75% target

66%

Police arrive to arrest Dave, and his father takes the blame; it feels like the worst possible turn.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 64 / Page 64 / 80% target

67%

At his father’s funeral, Dave is attacked, reflecting his despair and isolation.

13

Break into Three

Scene 65 / Page 65 / 85% target

60%

Chris rallies villains while Dave resolves to fight back after loss, setting up the final act.

We’re gonna make them see that we do what we want, when we want to...
14

Finale

Scenes 67-70 / Pages 67-70 / 95% target

70%

The big showdown in the lair with a full-scale brawl and police intervention plays out the climax.

What’s the matter, Chris? Your shit just hit your shorts?
15

Final Image

Scene 74 / Page 74 / 99% target

75%

Mindy helps Dave escape on the rooftop, ending with a tender moment and growth confirmation.

That was my first kiss.