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TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES script analysis

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A novice reporter stumbles into the hidden world of four mutant turtles trained in ninjutsu. Through rescues, backstory revelations, and escalating threats from the Foot Clan and Shredder, April O’Neil and Casey Jones join the Turtles to save their mentor and defeat their nemesis. The journey tests their courage, deepens bonds, and culminates in a final rooftop showdown and triumphant celebration.

75 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 82 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Deserted NYC streets and a manhole cover opening introduce the secret sewer world.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

TV report hints at organized crime affecting the city as a whole.

... much more than just a series of small, isolated incidents.
3

Set-Up

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

70%

We meet April, witness random street crimes, and glimpse the Turtles in the sewer.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / Page 10 / 12% target

75%

April is attacked by thugs and saved by the mysterious Turtles.

5

Debate

Scenes 12-15 / Pages 11-15 / 20% target

70%

April grapples with the reality of Turtles, hides the sai, and debates trusting them.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 13-15 / Pages 12-15 / 25% target

70%

April is brought fully into the Turtles’ world as they return to the sewer den.

We have had our first battle, Master Splinter. They were many, but we kicked... we fought well.
7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 15 / 30% target

65%

Casey Jones is introduced, setting up his ally storyline.

Wise man say: Forgiveness is divine - but never pay full price for cold pizza!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-30 / Pages 16-30 / 40% target

70%

Lighthearted training, pizza scenes, and city patrols showcase the Turtles’ unique life.

The class is Pain 101. Your instructor: Casey Jones...
9

Midpoint

Scene 38 / Page 30 / 50% target

75%

April awakens in the den, fully immersed in the Turtles’ reality – stakes and friendships deepen.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 56 / Page 50 / 65% target

75%

Foot Clan ambushes April and the Turtles in the junk shop, raising the threat.

Man, we could really use Raph right about now...!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 62 / Page 52 / 75% target

75%

Shredder captures Splinter, interrogating him about the Turtles.

What are these... freaks? How do they know how to fight like this? You will answer!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 66-69 / Pages 53-55 / 80% target

70%

Splinter recounts tragic backstory and loss, deepening despair.

... But my master felt he had done nothing wrong, and so decided to flee with Tang Shen......
13

Break into Three

Scene 74 / Page 56 / 85% target

75%

Casey discovers Splinter’s life is in danger and rallies to rescue him.

They're gonna kill Splinter!
14

Finale

Scenes 75-80 / Pages 57-60 / 95% target

80%

Climactic battles: Turtles versus Foot soldiers, Splinter versus Shredder, and April negotiates her future.

Well, then just shut up and kiss me, will ya? I've got a report to do.
15

Final Image

Scene 82 / Page 61 / 99% target

70%

April’s comic pitch is rejected, echoing the opening’s underdog theme with a hopeful twist.