Save the Cat rankings

TMNT script analysis

TMNT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The film opens with philosophical ruminations on family and loyalty, then introduces multiple protagonists—the Turtles, April, Casey, and Winters—with their conflicts. An inciting portal disaster forces alliances among them against the Foot Clan and the Stone Generals. The story balances character development among the brothers with escalating monster battles leading to a final confrontation at Winters Tower.

25 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 101 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Splinter’s voice-over narration over the star-filled sky establishes the film’s thematic focus on brotherhood and destiny.

A sensei once counseled a grief-stricken boy, as his older brother prepared to leave for battle.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

10%

Splinter reiterates family bonds in the jungle scene, stating that a family is a bond that transcends distance.

Child, why do you cry? You are both part of a family. And a family is a bond...
3

Set-Up

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 10% target

12%

Introduces the Turtles’ lair conflict, April and Casey’s relationship, and Winters preparing for his board meeting.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

10%

Winters’ portal experiment fails, triggering chaos and drawing all main characters toward conflict.

5

Debate

Scene 3 / Page 3 / 20% target

8%

The heroes debate the vigilante Nightwatcher’s methods while rescuing Leo, questioning the right approach.

6

Break into Two

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 25% target

10%

The Turtles leave the sewer to confront the street monsters, moving into the ‘upside-down world.’

7

B Story

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 30% target

10%

April and Casey’s relationship subplot deepens as they spend the evening together and discuss their differing missions.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 5-8 / Pages 5-8 / 40% target

9%

Montage of the Turtles and allied heroes battling monsters around NYC, showcasing the action and fantasy elements.

9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 50% target

11%

Donatello uncovers the ancient curse’s history as the Generals capture a demon, raising stakes with a ‘false victory.’

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 11-12 / 65% target

10%

The Stone Generals and Foot intensify their monster hunts, and Mikey is beaten, showing rising pressure.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 62 / Page 62 / 75% target

12%

Gato corners and seriously injures Raph, marking the low point for the heroes.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 63-64 / Pages 63-64 / 80% target

10%

The team mourns Raph in April’s loft as they question their ability to stop Winters.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 84-85 / Pages 84-85 / 85% target

10%

Donnie pinpoints the portal alignment location; the Turtles resolve to mount a final assault.

14

Finale

Scenes 86-90 / Pages 86-90 / 95% target

10%

The heroes infiltrate Winters Tower, culminating in a showdown during the celestial portal opening.

15

Final Image

Scene evidence pending / Page 91 / 99% target

8%

The closing shot mirrors the Opening Image with stars realigned, symbolizing restored family unity.