Save the Cat rankings

Semi Pro script analysis

Semi Pro script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A washed‐up ABA player, Monix, is traded to the Flint Tropics where eccentric owner Jackie Moon attempts to keep the team alive during a possible NBA merger. Monix wrestles with coaching responsibilities while rekindling his self‐worth and relationship with Lynn. The Tropics struggle through comedic misadventures before uniting under Monix’s fundamentals to win their final game.

75 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 59 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

85%

Bob Costas’s documentary introduction offers a cinematic ‘before’ of the ABA league.

Before the NBA was the NBA, there was another basketball league in America...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 16 / Page 4 / 5% target

78%

Lynn warns Monix to quit or face lifelong injury, stating the film’s stakes of ambition versus self‐destruction.

You're going to end up walking with a cane the rest of your life. You have to quit.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

80%

We meet the ABA’s history, Monix’s fight, his trade to Flint, and Clarence’s introduction, establishing characters and world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 2 / 12% target

83%

Monix’s abrupt trade to the Flint Tropics propels him into new challenges.

5

Debate

Scene 16 / Page 4 / 20% target

75%

Monix grapples with his physical decline and whether to coach the Tropics.

You're going to end up walking with a cane the rest of your life. You have to quit.
6

Break into Two

Scene 38 / Page 13 / 25% target

81%

The players unanimously appoint Monix as coach, launching Act Two.

Nice leg kick Kong. Those flexible hips are a coach's dream. Now big finish -- and freeze. And...
7

B Story

Scene 36 / Page 11 / 30% target

76%

Lynn confronts Monix and challenges his self‐worth, deepening their emotional arc.

Ms. Quincy told me the Tropics asked you to coach them.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 29 / Page 7 / 40% target

82%

The Tropics’ chaotic road games and fights showcase the film’s comedic promise.

SOMEBODY HIT SOMEBODY!
9

Midpoint

Scene 32 / Page 8 / 50% target

79%

Monix’s harsh halftime rant exposes team discord and raises the stakes internally.

--This is bullshit guys. They're kicking our ass in basketball and they're kicking our ass during the commercials,...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 34 / Page 9 / 65% target

77%

New league requirements force the Tropics to build their own court, straining resources.

I guess the Ice Capades sold out.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 48 / Page 19 / 75% target

80%

The Commissioner announces the Tropics can’t join the NBA, crushing the team’s dream.

I don't know. I'm trying to.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 50 / Page 20 / 80% target

78%

Lynn confronts Monix about his lack of motivation, leaving him adrift.

I wanted fourth place! Okay? That was the whole fucking thing!
13

Break into Three

Scene 52 / Page 21 / 85% target

81%

Monix delivers a rallying speech, deciding the final game truly matters.

Well I've got news for you. This game does matter. It matters because this is the last real...
14

Finale

Scene 56 / Page 23 / 95% target

84%

In the climactic Mega Bowl, the Tropics overcome adversity to play their best game.

15

Final Image

Scene 59 / Page 24 / 99% target

82%

The Tropics’ Mega Bowl victory mirrors the Opening Image with triumphant closure.

Hey, it's the Mega Bowl.