Save the Cat rankings

THE EXPENDABLES 3 script analysis

THE EXPENDABLES 3 script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Barney Ross and the Expendables are pulled back into action to confront their former comrade turned arms dealer, Conrad Stonebanks. After mourning Caesar’s death and disbanding the old team, Ross recruits a new generation of operatives and prepares a daring heist to stop Stonebanks. The mission escalates from globe-trotting recruitment to a high-stakes museum raid and a final bunker showdown, culminating in redemption and unity.

80 Save the Cat fit score 51% analysis confidence / 44 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

The film opens with The Expendables infiltrating a train to rescue The Surgeon, establishing the high-octane action tone and team dynamic.

Somethin’ I gotta do -
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

55%

Dialogue about returning after eight years hints at themes of loyalty, aging, and finding one’s place.

You just roll up on me after eight damn years? What’s up with that?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

58%

We meet the team at the airfield and on the transport plane, learn their mission to stop weapons smuggling, and see tensions flare with The Surgeon.

Can’t be... that’s not him...
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 4 / 12% target

60%

The unexpected death of Hale Caesar shocks the team and raises the stakes.

5

Debate

Scene 7 / Page 5 / 20% target

57%

Barney disbands the team at the bar, questioning whether they should continue risking their lives.

What we had is done. It’s over. Go do somethin’ else. Make a life while you still got...
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 5 / 25% target

55%

Barney decides to recruit a new team, transitioning from the old guard to the next generation.

7

B Story

Scene 11 / Page 6 / 30% target

54%

The recruitment of Wifi introduces the subplot of team bonding and technology’s role in their mission.

Goes by Wifi. Expert hacker. Drone pilot. No algorithm this guy can’t crack. Three tours.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-17 / Pages 6-9 / 40% target

60%

A globe-trotting montage sees Barney and Bonaparte enlisting Wifi, Reiko, Mars and Smilee, showcasing each new skill set.

9

Midpoint

Scene 19 / Page 9 / 50% target

58%

Church provides the crucial intel on Stonebanks’ location, shifting the mission from recruitment to retaliation.

Yeah, pal. I did. Stonebanks, interesting guy, when he’s not doing horrible things. A contradiction. Big time art...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 26 / Page 11 / 65% target

56%

Surveillance in Bucharest reveals Stonebanks’ formidable defenses, tightening the noose on the heroes.

This guy’s got more muscle than a cartel king.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 42 / Page 16 / 75% target

59%

Conrad Stonebanks kills the Colonel, the team’s key ally, marking their lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 43 / Page 16 / 80% target

55%

Injured and isolated, Christmas faces death before Surgeon's timely aid offers hope.

Whaddaya know? Size does matter.
13

Break into Three

Scene 44 / Page 17 / 85% target

53%

The surviving team regathers at the bar, renewed in purpose to honor Caesar by finishing the fight.

14

Finale

Scenes 40-43 / Pages 15-16 / 95% target

60%

A coordinated assault on Stonebanks’ bunker features teamwork, sacrifice, and heroic takedowns culminating in Stonebanks’ defeat.

Know if those charges aren’t fired up in five seconds - I kill you -
15

Final Image

Scene 44 / Page 17 / 99% target

58%

The team celebrates and toasts to Caesar in the Old Point Bar, completing their emotional and narrative journey.