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Here Comes The Boom
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Revisions by
FI
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by
Allan Loeb
&
Kevin James
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E:
Kevin James, Rock Reuben & Nick Bakay
White Draft
February 25th, 2011
FADE IN:
1
INT. SCOTT’S BACHELOR APARTMENT - MORNING
1
PAN across the messy bedroom:
- A collection of WRESTLING TROPHIES and a Division 1
Championship MEDAL.
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- A framed, black and white PHOTO of a muscular YOUNG MAN
posing in a PENN STATE WRESTLING SINGLET.
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hi
B
- A FRAMED CERTIFICATE reading: “Teacher of the Year
2004.”
TI
WE LAND on a LUMP in bed... this is SCOTT VOSS, 40, our
hero.
La
F
Scott processes this, then his eyes
od
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It reads: 7:42 am.
SNAP OPEN.
\S
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EN
TIGHT ON Scott’s face... sleeping peacefully. He opens
an EYE and glances at his ALARM CLOCK on the night stand.
D
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SCOTT
AHHHHHHHHH! No. No.
BOSTON STREETS - MORNING
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EXT.
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FI
Scott bounds out of bed...
2
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/S
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No. No. No.
SCOTT
EA
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In the distance, we HEAR the sound of a screaming engine - growing LOUDER. An old school TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLE RIPS
over a the top of a HILL -- GETTING AIR. Scott’s in the
saddle.
R
The motorcycle WEAVES through TRAFFIC.
A DELIVERY TRUCK cut’s Scott off, he skids between cars
to avoid it. He accelerates back up to speed.
3
EXT. WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL -- MORNING
3
Scott approaches a building, but he’s too late -- the
GATES to the parking lot are closed. He stops,
contemplating his next move.
He revs his engine and peels out.
4
EXT. WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL - NEW FOOTBALL FIELD
Scott comes ripping across the Football FIELD dodging the
SPRINKLERS as they KICK ON. Scott exits through the
GATES into the school.
4
White Production Draft 2/25/11
5
2.
EXT. WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL - PARKING LOT
5
Scott stops, takes off his helmet and sees...
BRUCE BETCHER -- the School Principal, 50s, closing the
front doors with his ASST. PRINCIPAL ELKINS 60’s.
Principal Betcher hasn’t noticed Scott. He looks at his
watch.
A
L
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Alright lock ‘em up.
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EXT.
SCHOOL - MOMENTS LATER
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6
Scott breaks into a
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The doors are closed and locked.
sprint around the building.
6
La
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DELINQUENT
od
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Hey Mr. Voss.
\S
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EN
Scott now runs parallel to the fence that surrounds the
school until he finds a HOLE which he rips back. He
slides through, passing TWO DELINQUENTS who are behind
the school.
D
FI
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Scott doesn’t break stride, running towards a DUMPSTER in
the distance.
INT. BIOLOGY LAB - MOMENTS LATER
E:
7
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HANDS pressed on glass, shimmy open a window. Scott’s
BACKPACK flies in. Hands grasp the radiator. Scott
pulls himself into the BIOLOGY LAB, filled with waiting
STUDENTS. He stands up, not realizing that Principal
Betcher is sitting, arms folded, at Scott’s desk.
SCOTT
(to the class)
It’s okay, the baby bird’s going
to make it, kids.
(ultra cheery)
Hey, Mr. Elkins. What brings you
by these parts?
As Betcher steps to Scott, and leans in...
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
I warned you if you were late one
more time, I’d dock you a vacation
day.
SCOTT
You were serious about that?
Dead serious.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
SCOTT
Come on, I was teacher of the
year.
7
White Production Draft 2/25/11
3.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Ten years ago...
SCOTT
Closer to eight, but...
Principal Betcher picks up a REFLECTIVE VEST off the desk
and hands it to Scott...
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PRINCIPAL BETCHER
I’m also giving you bus duty
today.
Scott deflates.
Principal Betcher exits.
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SCOTT
(then, to class)
Okay, open your books to whatever
we were doing yesterday.
\S
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A TOUGH KID, named DERRICK chimes in.
D
SCOTT
An
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D
Whatever.
od
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DERRICK
Yesterday was Sunday.
FI
Scott sits at his desk, throws on his SUNGLASSES,
reclines and puts his feet up on his desk.
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SCOTT (CONT’D)
Apparently this is now a vacation
day, so I’m gonna shut ‘er down.
EN
ER
/S
INT. BIOLOGY LAB - A BIT LATER
The class is half working on an assignment, half fooling
around. Scott peruses the SPORTS SECTION.
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EA
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TITLE CARD: “HERE COMES THE BOOM”
A student, MALIA, 17, a Filipino girl with cool specs and
a pair of HEADPHONES always around her neck, RAISES her
hand.
Mr. Voss?
MALIA
Scott HOLDS UP THE PAPER to tune her out. After a beat,
she POPS UP over the paper, having approached his desk.
Mr. Voss?
Yah?
MALIA (CONT’D)
SCOTT
(barely audible)
8
White Production Draft 2/25/11
4.
MALIA
Our text book says the discovery
of Penicillin was the most
important biological discovery of
the twenty century.
SCOTT
Okay...
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MALIA
But I read online that the use of
anti-bacterial agents actually
encourages more potent strains of
infections.
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SCOTT
That’s some very advanced collegey stuff. You need to focus on
what we’re working on. The magical
journey from tadpole to frog.
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MALIA
I finished the worksheet already.
od
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Scott PUTS DOWN the newspaper.
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SCOTT
Malia, truth is you’ll probably
never use anything you learn in
this class anyway. So, if you’re
finished, just do me a favor and
draw on your desk like Martinez.
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Malia SIGHS in frustration and heads back to her seat.
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/S
A tiny LITTLE GUY, probably weighs 90 pounds soaking wet,
lugging a huge STAND UP BASS CASE across the field.
Scott just SHAKES HIS HEAD and returns to his paper.
R
EA
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And Scott sets to return to his paper when he notices
something out the window that gets his attention.
9
INT.
HALLWAY - LATER
9
Scott, the Reflective Vest in his back pocket, stands at
a VENDING MACHINE, puts in some money and makes a
selection. The SKEWER that holds the DORITOS, TURNS
moving the bag forward, but they DON’T DROP. Scott
reacts.
No, no, no.
SCOTT
Not today
Scott waits until the coast is clear, then SMACKS the
side of the vending machine. Nothing.
Come on.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Then, Scott steps back and DRIVES HIS SHOULDER into the
machine, lifting it off it’s legs. Two bags of Doritos
and a sleeve of OREOS DROP.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
5.
Scott opens the hopper and removes the snacks.
pleased with his score, then notices...
He smiles
A weird looking KID staring at him from a door well.
Scott, considers a beat, then THROWS the Kid the Oreos...
SCOTT (CONT’D)
This never happened. We clear?
A
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The Kid nods in agreement, and moves off.
INT.
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MUSIC HALL - CONTINUOUS ACTION
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10
Wheels turning,
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Scott hears MUSIC from a nearby room.
Scott crosses into...
La
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EN
To find... MARTY STREB, early 60’s, currently conducting
the school ORCHESTRA.
\S
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It’s far from perfect. He’s shouting as he conducts,
completely wired... loving every second of it.
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MARTY
Cellos, come in a beat earlier!
Flutes, declare yourself -Mozart wrote his first symphony
for his father when he was eight!
You guys are twice that age, you
should be ashamed of yourselves.
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Scott sees that little FRESHMAN in the back... the one
lugging his stand up bass outside. The Kid has his eyes
closed with a smile... lost in his own world, playing
away.
MARTY (CONT’D)
Wait a minute! What’s that I
hear? Yes -- the beautiful sound
of improvement... play it louder!
Playing the PIANO in the front, Malia looks over to Scott
and SMILES.
Scott shakes his head at Marty's unbridled enthusiasm.
MARTY (CONT’D)
You’re ingenious! You’re
spectacular! Crescendooooo...!
(checking his watch)
And you’re done.
Music stops on a dime, Marty catches his breath.
THE BELL RINGS
But the students don’t pack their instruments just yet...
no they all look to Marty.
MARTY (CONT’D)
Right, I almost forgot... the
quote of the day.
(beat)
(MORE)
10
White Production Draft 2/25/11
MARTY (CONT’D)
I’ll go with Friedrich Nietzsche,
rock star philosopher, who said...
wait for it... drum roll please...
And literally from the back... a drum rolls.
students all LAUGH.
6.
The
MARTY (CONT’D)
“Without music... life would be a
mistake.”
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That hangs a beat. Then the Students gather their things
and start to leave.
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MARTY (CONT’D)
Practice people. Practice!
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Marty notices Scott.
La
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MARTY (CONT’D)
Mr. Voss, what brings you by?
od
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SCOTT
Heard the music. Sounds great.
Listen, is there any chance you
could do me a huge--
An
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Marty's cellphone PLAYS A CLASSICAL TUNE.
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MARTY
Sorry -- I’ve been waiting for
this.
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SCOTT
So... I got bus duty today, but...
/S
EN
A beat
ER
Marty falls into his chair -- exasperated.
EA
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He takes his phone out and reacts to a text.
then;
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I’ve got a little family emergency
-- and was kinda wondering...
could you cover for me? I
wouldn’t just ask anybody, but
I’ve seen the way you handle the
whole bus/safety situation. You
have a gift.
(noticing Marty's
state)
You alright?
MARTY
You teach biology -- what are the
chances a forty-five year old
woman can get pregnant?
SCOTT
That depends on what she looks
like.
Scott CHUCKLES, nothing from Marty who’s clearly
troubled.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
7.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Kidding. That’s really more of a
fertility question.
MARTY
I would have guessed... slim.
A beat, Scott waits impatiently.
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It’s in the
Scott regards him...
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SCOTT
Oh... of course not.
vault.
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MARTY (CONT’D)
My wife’s pregnant. You’re the
first to know. It’s still early,
so please, don’t say anything.
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SCOTT (CONT’D)
How old are you?
D
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Old.
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MARTY
(defeated)
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Scott’s not sure how to react.
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MARTY
(capitulating)
Yes... yes. It’s a beautiful
thing. It’s... wow. My son just
graduated from college. I thought
I was done writing checks.
(changes mood)
You know what -- I’m having a
baby! I’m having a baby.
EA
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SCOTT
Well, congrats... right?
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Scott holds up the vest.
SCOTT
So... should I leave this on your
desk, or..?
11
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Scott is heading towards the FRONT DOORS when he is
stopped by Assistant Principal Elkins.
ELKINS
Hey Scott, did you forget about
the meeting today?
What meeting?
SCOTT
11
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
8.
ELKINS
Betcher wants us all in the
auditorium in an hour... budget
stuff.
SCOTT
C’mon... are you kidding me?
Ahh.
ELKINS
It’s mandatory.
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ELKINS
Me too.
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SCOTT
Man, I wish you were still
principal.
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INT. SMALL AUDITORIUM - AFTERNOON
EN
12
12
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About 70 TEACHERS mill about. Some are seated, waiting
for the meeting to start. There’s a tense energy.
od
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Principal Betcher sits at a table reviewing some notes.
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Scott sits with his feet up talking to his friend and
fellow teacher, DUFFY, 40’s.
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DUFFY
I can’t believe we’re stuck here
this late.
SCOTT
(frustrated)
I wanna choke Betcher with his own
tie.
DUFFY
If it gets me to Harrington’s
before happy hour ends -- go for
it.
(and then)
You ever been there? They got
hotdogs for a quarter.
SCOTT
Not on Tuesday’s.
BELLA FLORES, late 30’s.
School nurse, enters the room.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Hey Bella -- You know I was
waiting for you for like three
hours.
BELLA
You waited... where?
SCOTT
The bowling alley. We had a date.
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
BELLA
You asked me and I
We did not.
said, “no.”
SCOTT
But I said “if you want to go
bowling with me, say “no” and
we’ll both know it’s code for
“yes.”
She regards him... there’s no chink in his armor.
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SCOTT
I waited for two hours.
EN
BELLA
You said three.
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I did.
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BELLA
You didn’t really go.
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SCOTT
(caught)
Well, I waited for two. Then met
another dude who was also stood up
by an incredible woman. So, we
both had a good cry and ended up
bowling together.
FI
She bites back a smile...
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SCOTT (CONT’D)
I’m in a league now.
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Playing along...
BELLA
Oh, are you really?
SCOTT
Know what -- givin’ you one last
chance.
BELLA
You’ve already given me fifteen
last chances, Scott.
Duffy just shakes his head.
SCOTT
How ‘bout this? I cook you a nice
dinner, my house.
Bella walks away smiling.
No.
BELLA
SCOTT
(to himself)
Okay... O for 16.
DUFFY
You’re making real progress.
9.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
SCOTT
Oh yeah, she’s falling... I’m like
quicksand. The more you fight
it... the more you fall. And
there’s no tree branch to save
her. Pretty soon, it’ll just be a
hat floating on top.
Betcher enters and takes the mic.
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PRINCIPAL BETCHER
(tapping mic)
Hello. Hello.
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Marty, opens the door and tip toes in wearing the
REFLECTIVE VEST from bus duty.
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PRINCIPAL BETCHER (CONT’D)
Thank you everyone. As many of
you know Wilkinson High has been
operating at a budget deficit for
the last several years. Now,
we’ve already conferred with your
union to do our best to minimize
the impact on the class rooms...
but I’m going to have to make
serious cuts.
FI
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Scott leans over to Duffy.
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SCOTT
How many times did this guy take a
pounding at the play ground?
DUFFY
The over-under is thirty seven.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
As of now we are freezing supplies
and unfortunately we’re going to
have to roll back to last year’s
pay scales.
The Teachers grumble.
SCOTT
(to Duffy)
The jokes on him, he didn’t give
me a raise last year anyway.
Me neither.
DUFFY
They BUMP FISTS.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Lastly, despite best efforts...
we’re cutting all extra-curricular
activity... which includes the
music program.
Marty reacts: Gut punched.
10.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
MARTY
Whoa... what? The music program?
Uh... excuse me, we can’t cut
music.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
I’m sorry, we simply don’t have
the funding.
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MARTY
But what about the car wash and
the auction?
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ELKINS
Marty, after expenses we only
netted seven hundred and fifty
dollars. It’s a drop in the
bucket.
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And suddenly Marty desperately blurts out...
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MARTY
Verbis defectis musica incipit!
od
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Now everybody’s looking at him...
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MARTY (CONT’D)
It’s Latin for “Music takes us
where word cannot.”
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PRINCIPAL BETCHER
And that reminds me... we’re also
cutting Latin.
MARTY
Well, why can’t you borrow the
money from the football program?!
They get new equipment every year-PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Wait... are you trying to equate
your music program with our
football team? You realize the
booster club alone makes up onethird of our charitable donations!
Scott sits up, getting agitated.
(caving)
Well...
MARTY
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
(hammering)
Answer me. You made a statement,
explain yourself.
Scott’s had enough...
SCOTT
(muttering)
Alright, why don’t you just take
it easy on the guy?
11.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Excuse me?
Duffy shakes his head.
No, no Scott.
DUFFY
Don’t...
Scott plows ahead.
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SCOTT
Just back off and let’s move on
already.
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PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Why don’t you not tell me how to
do my job.
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SCOTT
Then, why don’t you just tell him
the truth.
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DUFFY
(to himself)
This is how we got thrown out of
softball...
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PRINCIPAL BETCHER
What’re you talking about?
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SCOTT
You’re cutting the music program
so he loses tenure.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
That’s ridiculous. You’re wasting
everyone’s time here.
SCOTT
No, you’re wasting my time!
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Well, you’re free to go Scott.
SCOTT
(incredulous)
I’m free to go? You know what,
you’re free to go!
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Okay, how does a day without pay
sound?
Duffy SCOOTS HIS CHAIR AWAY from Scott.
SCOTT
That how you show your power? You
already took a vacation day from
me today.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
So, that’s what this is about?
Look, we need to move on. The
decision’s been made.
12.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
SCOTT
Oh really? How come every time
you make a decision, you ruin
someone’s life?
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Scott, now you have stepped over
the line.
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Marty reacts: Now everyone knows.
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SCOTT
You know what I think’s over the
line?
(indicating Marty)
Firing a man who’s having a baby!!
La
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SCOTT (CONT’D)
(realizing)
I could’ve been talking about
anyone.
SEVERAL TEACHERS give Marty a pat of congratulations.
od
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D
ELKINS
Scott you’re talking about a lot
of money. Money this school just
doesn’t have.
How much
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ELKINS
Forty eight thousand dollars.
SCOTT
(a bit taken back)
No. No. No. Just the music
program. Not the other stuff.
Forty.
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SCOTT
A lot of money? Really?
could it possibly cost?
Wow.
Yeah.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Eight. Thousand.
SCOTT
(wind out of his
sails)
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Marty hangs his head in defeat.
Scott.
This is not lost on
PRINCIPAL BETCHER (CONT’D)
(plowing ahead)
So, as I was saying... we have no
choice, but to make these cuts.
SCOTT
Or raise the money.
Bella perks up.
13.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
14.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
And, who’s gonna do that?
EVERYONE looks to Scott - he’s backed himself into a
corner.
SCOTT
We will.
A
L
And Scott just stands there... not sure of what he just
said, until... Marty turns to him and mouths...
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MARTY
Thank you.
EXT. SCHOOL TEACHERS’ PARKING LOT - MORNING
TI
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13
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Scott, still not fully awake, gets off his motorcycle.
He notices Marty waiting for him near the front doors.
Marty smiles and excitedly waving a cup of coffee he’s
gotten for him.
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Scott lets out a quiet GROAN.
OMIT
15
INT. HIGH SCHOOL LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER
E:
FI
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As Scott and an overly-excited Marty walk...
MARTY
I could hardly sleep last night!
My mind was racing. You know? By
the way, I spoke with Elkins and
we have to get the money by the
end of the school year.
(handing Scott a
piece of paper)
So, I made fliers and passed them
out to all the teachers. I
figured we can all get together
tonight, and you can give us the
game plan.
SCOTT
Tonight? You know... I’m still...
sorting through everything.
MARTY
That’s great!!
Marty takes Scott by the shoulders and looks him in the
eye.
MARTY (CONT'D)
I wanna thank you again. Driving
in this morning, I heard “I Won’t
Back Down,” by Tom Petty and I
knew it was a sign.
14
15
White Production Draft 2/25/11
15.
SCOTT
I heard the “The End” by the
Doors... maybe that’s a sign too.
MARTY
Ha ha...
(off Scott’s
shoulders)
My goodness you’re solid.
INT. HALLWAY NEAR GYM - LATE AFTERNOON
16
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17
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Marty is holding a grocery bag full of snacks in the
FOYER.
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EN
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MARTY
I was thinking I’d say a few words
about the importance of music...
maybe talk about Mahler’s fight
against the Austrian Parliament or
tell that classic story about
Franz Schubert and his sister-inlaw... might be a little too
racy... what do you think?
D
An
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D
SCOTT
Why don’t we just wing it?
E:
FI
MARTY
Sounds good... I brought snacks.
D
ER
INT. GYM - LATE AFTERNOON
O
17
N
AM
N
They head into...
R
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
... which is completely empty.
SCOTT
Where is everybody?
MARTY
My fliers said six.
Is it six?
Scott glances at his WATCH.
Oh-five.
SCOTT
They just stand there in silence...
Am I early?
BELLA (O.S.)
Scott just shakes his head “no.”
Oh...
BELLA (CONT’D)
(realizing)
And the look holds.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
16.
MARTY
I’m going to see if I can find any
other teachers to join us.
BELLA
(hopeful)
Yeah... maybe they thought it was
in the cafeteria. I think I saw
some people.
Marty goes.
Bella turns to Scott.
TI
SCOTT
La
F
You showed.
ra
nc
hi
B
la
kn
ey
A
L
BELLA (CONT’D)
I guess it was unrealistic to
think anyone was going to show
when everybody’s got their own
problems.
\S
ha
ri
EN
BELLA
Well, I guess I’m unrealistic.
od
ge
D
Scott steps over to a rack full of BASKETBALLS.
one up.
He picks
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
I’ll bet you a million dollars I
hit this.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
Bella considers the shot.
Two million.
BELLA
SCOTT
You don’t scare me.
(and then)
You want me to bank it?
you prefer it all-net?
Surprise me.
Or would
BELLA
Scott sets himself, then let’s his shot fly...
Butter...
SCOTT
DOINK.
Bella laughs.
BELLA
Make the check to Bella Flores.
SCOTT
Alright, alright. Double or
nothing.
Scott takes another shot...
AIRBALL.
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
Four million.
17.
BELLA
I can add.
SCOTT
Let’s go double again.
No thanks.
BELLA
Pay up.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
You can’t deny a guy a chance to
go double or nothing.
It’s bad
sportsmanship.
ra
nc
hi
B
Bella rolls her eyes.
\S
ha
ri
BELLA
EN
You’re awful.
La
F
TI
Scott shoots... the BALL GETS WEDGED between the rim and
the backboard. It hangs a beat, then DROPS ANEMICALLY to
the ground.
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
Don’t get so happy with yourself.
I’m wearing a dress shirt, okay.
Michael Jordan couldn’t hit that
dressed like this.
N
AM
D
ER
O
N
E:
FI
BELLA
Wow, you stink at basketball, but
I gotta say its really nice what
you’re doing with Marty.
SCOTT
Yeah, we tried...
R
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
Scott plops down on stack of MATS.
BELLA
Whoa. You can’t give up now.
Marty’s so passionate about what
he does. The school needs more
people like him -- not less.
SCOTT
Yeah, no. I agree.
giving up.
I’m not
Bella takes Scott in for a beat, impressed.
BELLA
So what exactly is the plan?
SCOTT
I don’t know. I guess raise forty
eight thousand dollars... save
Marty's job.
Scott, gets an idea, springs to his feet and grabs
another ball...
White Production Draft 2/25/11
18.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Okay. Tell you what, forget the
four mill...
(re: basketball)
I dunk this and you have dinner
with me at my house.
Bella looks at the 10 foot rim.
back to the rim.
Then to Scott.
Then
BELLA
A
L
Deal.
la
kn
ey
Scott stands up and slides a GYMNASTICS MINI-TRAMPOLINE
that is off to the side, under the back board.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
BELLA (CONT’D)
That’s cheating!!
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
No it’s not. Your dream is about
to come true.
od
ge
D
D
Scott dribbles the ball towards the basket and bounces
off the trampoline. He JAMS the ball into the bottom of
the RIM, falling backwards out of FRAME, landing with a
THUD.
18
ER
/S
EN
Scott rides his motorcycle up the drive of this small
Cape Cod style home. He parks next to an old UTILITY VAN
with signage that reads: “VOSS PAINTING AND HOME
REMODELING.” From inside we HEAR pandemonium: KIDS
screaming, etc.
EA
D
C
R
19
ERIC VOSS’S HOUSE - DUSK
D
ER
EXT.
O
18
N
AM
N
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
SCOTT (CONT’D)
(wind knocked out of
him)
0 for 17.
INT.
ERIC VOSS’S HOUSE/ BASEMENT - NIGHT
Five CHILDREN, ages 3 to 11, run from room to room.
Scott sits next to his brother ERIC VOSS, mid 40s, still
wearing his work coveralls -- covered in paint. They both
have BEERS and eat CHILI.
SCOTT
(re: the chili)
This is amazing. It’s gotta kick
to it.
ERIC
Eight alarms guy... Eight. Wait
until you see what kinda dreams
you have tonight.
PETER, Eric’s five year old son, climbs all over him.
19
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
19.
Eric talks with Scott while keeping one eye on a COOKING
SHOW on TV.
SCOTT
Painting? Power washing?
Nothing?
ERIC
Sorry bro, no one’s hiring.
to lay off two guys myself.
Denisi just lost his house.
I had
Bobby
la
kn
ey
A
L
We hear ERIC’S WIFE shout from another room.
ra
nc
hi
B
ERIC’S WIFE (O.C.)
Eric tell Mary Shannon to get off
the damn phone!
La
F
EN
TI
ERIC
Mary Shannon get off the damn
phone!!
\S
ha
ri
ERIC’S WIFE (O.C.)
I could’ve done that!!
od
ge
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
ERIC
Then why didn’t ya?!
(then to Scott)
She’s so lazy. Sorry, I wish I
could help you out...
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
ERIC (CONT’D)
What exactly are you trying to
accomplish here?
ERIC’S WIFE (O.S.)
Where the heck’s Peter?!! He was
supposed to be in the tub ten
minutes ago!!
Peter brings his finger slowly to his lips: “Shhhh, I’m
not here.”
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
Eric looks up at his son...
ERIC
He’s not here!!
Peter fist-bumps his father, then picks up the remote and
flips through channels.
PETE
Dad your show’s over. Can I watch
World’s Deadliest Car Chases?
ERIC
Oh, I don’t know. How old are
you?
Five.
Five?
PETE
ERIC
(considers)
(MORE)
White Production Draft 2/25/11
ERIC (CONT'D)
(looks to Scott)
...can he?
20.
SCOTT
No.
A
L
ERIC
Sorry, dude.
(yells to his wife)
Found him!! Found Peter!!
(back to Peter)
Get upstairs and take a bath.
la
kn
ey
Peter begrudgingly exits.
La
F
TI
ra
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B
ERIC (CONT’D)
(to Scott)
You need me to front you a coupla
hunnies? I got some money in a
drawer that she don’t know about.
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
Thanks, but I need a lot more than
that.
od
ge
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
ERIC
(interest piqued)
We could bet a five game parlay.
It’s a stone-cold lock.
KID
Mom -- Dad’s betting again!!
N
AM
N
E:
Two more CHILDREN run through the room.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
The CHILDREN cross out.
ERIC
(yelling after)
Okay. Guess who’s not getting a
hamster?!!
(back to Scott)
What about that Citizenship class
you used to teach at night?
SCOTT
(remembering)
Oh, that was brutal.
(considering)
I guess I could.
Suddenly, the two Kids run back in, followed by Eric’s
wife, LAUREN. She picks up clothes wherever she walks.
LAUREN
(to kids)
You two upstairs, now!
(to Eric)
What are you doing? You’re
sitting there and you didn’t
shower? Uch -- you disgust me.
Good.
ERIC
Mission accomplished.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
21.
The Kids run off and she follows them out.
LAUREN (O.S)
Pig!
ERIC
There was a time when she
completed me.
CURTIS HALL COMMUNITY CENTER - NIGHT
On the chalk board:
“CITIZENSHIP
TI
A small classroom.
TEST PREP CLASS”
la
kn
ey
INT.
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B
20
A
L
A HORRIFIC CAR CRASH is heard on the TV.
\S
ha
ri
EN
Scott reads from a booklet.
La
F
Most of the students are ADULTS and are diverse in both
age and ethnicity.
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
Okay, question 3. “Women, such as
Susan B. Anthony, fought for
suffrage and were finally
successful in 1920.” What does
suffr--
N
AM
What’s that?
SCOTT (CONT’D)
D
ER
N
E:
FI
Scott stops when he hears a loud chant coming through the
wall...
R
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
As Scott realizes...
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Oh, okay, that’s the AA meeting
next door. Let’s let ‘em finish
the Serenity prayer...
Scott bows his head in respect. The CLASS looks around
confused -- SEVERAL bow their heads for no apparent
reason.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Right. Good for them. Okay, so
suffrage... what’s it mean?
An older Mexican Man, MIGUEL raises his hand...
MIGUEL
To be in pain?
No.
SCOTT
That’s suffering.
An ETHIOPIAN WOMAN, MUBA dressed in a CELTICS JERSEY,
chimes in...
No.
MUBA
(a la Scott)
That’s suffering.
20
White Production Draft 2/25/11
No, no.
Muba.
22.
SCOTT
We’re not repeating,
MUBA
Sorry.
A
L
SCOTT
It’s fine.
(plowing ahead)
Suffrage is the right to do
something.
la
kn
ey
A FRENCH MAN offers...
TI
ra
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B
FRENCH MAN
The right to not be in pain.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
(a bit frustrated)
Okay, we talked about this on
Monday people, remember? Suffrage
has nothing to do with pain. No
pain.
od
ge
D
D
MIGUEL
No pain, no gain?
N
AM
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
SCOTT
No, Miguel -- okay, you know what
everybody ... we’re getting off
track here.
D
ER
N
A tough-looking DUTCH MAN with a shaved head, utters
something under his breath.
EN
/S
ER
R
EA
D
C
O
NOTE: Niko always wears Crocs, in a variety of colors.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Uh... big scary guy -- you got
something?
NIKO
Niko. But forget it, I’m sure its
wrong.
SCOTT
Hey, there are no wrong answers...
actually there are, but give it a
shot.
NIKO
The right to vote?
SCOTT
Alright, scary and correct!
Suffrage is the right to elect
leaders... although sometimes we
swing and miss big time. But you
guys will figure that out, once
you’re official. You with me,
Muba?
A beat.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
23.
MUBA
I’m Muba.
No.
SCOTT
And you’re doing a great job.
Point is -- Niko’s right.
And the SMILE on Niko’s face now lights up the room.
EXT.
CURTIS HALL COMMUNITY CENTER HALLWAY - NIGHT
A
L
21
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B
la
kn
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As Scott makes his way towards the exit, he takes an
ENVELOPE out of his pocket and opens it. It’s his
PAYCHECK, it reads: $132.00
TI
Scott reacts to his check: this ain’t gonna get it done.
Just then Niko runs up.
La
F
SCOTT
An
dr
ew
D
Mmhmm. Mmhmm.
D
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
EN
NIKO
Mr. Voss, can I talk to you?
I was a good student but when it
comes to taking tests, I just get
all clenched in the tight spot.
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
NIKO
If I fail this test, they’ll send
me back to Holland. And things
here are just starting to twist.
SCOTT
In a good way?
NIKO
Yes, twisting good. So, is there
any way you could give me a little
extra help?
SCOTT
Extra help?
(considering)
Well, I kinda got a full plate.
Things are, uh “twisty” for me
too. I just don’t have the time.
I’m sorry.
NIKO
(sadly)
No, no. I understand.
Niko starts to walk off. Scott watches him go for a
beat, then... calls after him.
Niko...
SCOTT
Niko stops and turns.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I’ll help you.
21
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
24.
NIKO
Ho-ho! You’re unbelievable, man!
Thank you! Thank you! I can‘t
tell you what this means!
Niko does a crazy Dutch JIG.
himself.
22
Scott smiles in spite of
INT. NIKO’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
22
la
kn
ey
A
L
Scott walks into the apartment where he sees two other
DUTCH GUYS.
TI
ra
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B
NIKO
Scott, meet Koen and Nard. If you
ever need a tombstone... these are
the guys.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
Wow. Not at the moment, still
felling pretty good... but I got a
Great Aunt who’s on the bubble.
od
ge
D
D
Scott notices several TROPHIES, PICTURES of Niko in the
ring celebrating a win with his SIGNATURE LEAP, etc.
FI
An
dr
ew
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Hey, you used to fight?
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
NARD
He was unbelievable man! You
should’ve seen it! Bang, didda,
bang, bang, bang!
ER
Niko joins in -- Bong! Bong!
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
NIKO
A long time ago. Now I just teach
MMA at my gym.
SCOTT
Okay... we studying Niko?
NIKO
After we watch the UFC!
23
LATER: Scott is crowded between Koen and Nard on a small
couch, watching the UFC fight on television.
We see the show open, highlights, all the pageantry, the
scale, the energy of the UFC. Throughout the scene we
see Clips of fights, Dana White -- UFC’s outspoken
president, Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg the UFC play-byplay team.
Niko enters with a platter of food. WHOLE SALTED
HERRINGS with ONION SAUCE, CHEESE CUBES with DUTCH FLAG
TOOTHPICKS in them, COCKTAIL ONIONS also with FLAG
TOOTHPICKS and HARD BOILED EGGS.
Dig in!
NIKO (CONT’D)
23
White Production Draft 2/25/11
25.
Scott regards the platter -- yeesh.
Koen and Nard take a whole HERRING and down it.
Niko grabs an egg, and gestures to Scott to get in on the
action. Scott politely grabs a PIECE OF CHEESE.
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B
KOEN
(to Scott)
You hold money for bets.
la
kn
ey
A
L
As the fight starts, Koen and Nard animatedly argue their
bets IN DUTCH. Scott nervously looks back and forth at
them like he’s watching a tennis match. They both hold up
TWENTY DOLLAR BILLS.
TI
Scott sheepishly holds their money.
La
F
Later, the group is watching a fight in progress.
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
EN
SCOTT
(re: the fight)
He’s gotta change levels, doubleleg him! Take him down!
D
An
dr
ew
D
NIKO
You ever fight?
FI
SCOTT
Well, I wrestled in college.
N
AM
D
ER
O
N
E:
NIKO
(re: tv)
He’s a wrestler, this guy.
Wrestlers make great fighters.
R
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
Just then the FIGHTER takes down his OPPONENT with a
double leg take down and submits him.
Ho!
Scott smiles.
NIKO (CONT’D)
You called it! Twisty!
We HEAR from the tv...
MIKE GOLDBERG
AND IT IS ALL OVER!!
Nard snatches both twenties from Scott’s hands.
Sorry Koen.
NIKO
KOEN
Ech. He took his ten grand and
ran like a Shetland Pony.
This shocks Scott. Koen and Nard go back to arguing
their bets for the next fight.
Ten grand?
dollars?
SCOTT
He made ten thousand
White Production Draft 2/25/11
26.
NIKO
Yup.
But he lost.
SCOTT
NIKO
If he won, it woulda been fifty
with bonuses.
ra
nc
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B
TI
Scott reacts.
DAY
\S
ha
ri
Marty looks stunned.
La
F
WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL/ MUSIC ROOM -
EN
INT.
la
kn
ey
KOEN
You hold.
24
Suddenly, Koen and Nard
A
L
SCOTT’S FACE -- wheels turning.
hand Scott their WATCHES.
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
MARTY
Mixed Martial arts? Do you even
know how to do that?
SCOTT
FI
No. I do not.
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
MARTY
This is crazy.
SCOTT
Look, I watched a UFC event last
night and this guy got paid ten
grand to fight... and he lost. I’m
telling you, I was a really good
wrestler in college... I think I
can do it.
Do what?
Lose.
MARTY
SCOTT
MARTY
But don’t you need to win in order
to lose?
SCOTT
Okay, that doesn’t make sense.
MARTY
None of this does.
SCOTT
Marty, we only have to the end of
the school year. This is the best
chance we have. Alright?
MARTY
What about night school?
24
White Production Draft 2/25/11
27.
SCOTT
Between what I’m making there and
your private lessons, we’ll save
the music program in eighteen
years. You gotta trust me on
this.
Marty just regards him...
la
kn
ey
A
L
MARTY
Alright, if you’re gonna lose,
then... I’m gonna help you lose.
INT. CURTIS HALL COMMUNITY CENTER - NIGHT
25
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hi
B
25
TI
Scott is teaching his Citizenship class.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
Okay, so let’s review what we
learned today... No one is gonna
bring any unrefridgerated food to
class... especially cheeses.
od
ge
Scott shoots a look at Muba, who NODS, a bit EMBARRASSED.
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT (CONT’D)
And we all agree, after a vigorous
debate -- that Imelda should buy
the bus pass.
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
Miguel raises his hand, annoyed.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
We know you disagree Miguel.
(beat)
Okay, shifting gears-unfortunately, today is going to
be my last day. But, next week
you’re going to be in great hands
with a new teacher, and -FRENCH MAN
But you are new.
SCOTT
Well, yes. But this guy will be
new-er. Understand?
MUBA
So you are not new?
SCOTT
No, I am new. See-- we’re going
off the rails again. Next week.
I’m not gonna be here. So, with
that, I wish you all the best of
luck... and, you know what?
Welcome to America in advance...
that’s how confident I am. I’m
saying it.
The Class is not quite sure what’s going on.
further instruction.
They await
White Production Draft 2/25/11
28.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
So, thank you... and goodnight.
Scott gathers his belongings, Niko approaches.
NIKO
I can’t believe you would quit
like this! You know how important
this is.
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
TI
25A
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B
la
kn
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A
L
SCOTT
Niko Relax! The new teacher’s
gonna be great. But I need to
talk to you about something.
La
F
Scott leads Niko out into the HALLWAY...
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
EN
SCOTT
Okay, here’s the thing. I need
money to save my friend’s job. A
lot of money.
(steels himself)
So, as crazy as this sounds... I
wanna fight. But I need your help
-- I want you to train me.
R
N
AM
D
ER
No.
SCOTT
I can do this.
NIKO
How old are you, 50?
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
NIKO
You’re kidding?
No.
40?
SCOTT
NIKO
SCOTT
...ish.
(sincere)
I need you to help me. Look,
there are guys who run marathons
in their 80’s.
NIKO
Not when they’re being punched in
the face. You’re too old and have
no experience.
SCOTT
You said wrestlers make great
fighters. And I took jiu-jitsu -I quit after six months -- but I’m
in a different head space now.
25A
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
NIKO
There’s no way you can fight and
that’s the end of it.
Niko starts to walk away.
SCOTT
Wait, Niko!
A
L
NIKO
I don’t want to talk about it.
EN
NIKO
You just quit.
La
F
TI
Niko turns back.
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nc
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B
la
kn
ey
SCOTT
Alright, but we’re still studying
later right?
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
D
D
SCOTT
Look, you don’t wanna train me -that’s fine. But we started this
and we’re not stopping until
you’re a citizen.
An
dr
ew
Niko just stands there... taking that in.
Long beat.
R
EN
D
ER
N
AM
SCOTT
I never said it was. But I’m out
of options here. I’m a quick
learner, and I know if I got the
chance -- I could do this.
ER
/S
Niko regards him for a beat.
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
NIKO
Fighting is not easy.
NIKO
Okay. You want the chance...
there’s a small time show this
weekend. I’ll get you in.
Scott’s suddenly taken off guard...
Wait.
SCOTT
Fight right away?
Niko walks away.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Shouldn’t I train with you a
little first?
Calling back over his shoulder.
Nope.
NIKO
Trial by fire, baby!
SCOTT
Is there a pamphlet at least?
29.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
26
30.
INT. SCOTT’S BASEMENT - DAY
26
A FOOT slams into a mattress, thunderous and loud.
MUFFLED VOICE (O.S.)
Ow!
Scott has a TV in the corner with an MMA TRAINING DVD
playing. He follows along with the DVD, KICKING the
mattress repeatedly.
TI
ra
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B
SCOTT
C’mon, I gotta do this.
la
kn
ey
A
L
MUFFLED VOICE (O.S.) (CONT’D)
(between kicks)
Ow! Ow!
La
F
Behind the mattress...
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
EN
MARTY
This mattress is horrible. I’m
feeling everything! Don’t you
have anything with a foam core?
D
D
Scott stops kicking, a bit winded.
R
N
AM
D
ER
MARTY
Yeah, your world from 1987.
ER
/S
EN
As Marty gestures to the DVD playing... to the HIGH LEVEL
FIGHTERS training...
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
SCOTT
This is ridiculous. I’m never
learning this stuff. I’m just
gonna stick with my wrestling.
Keep the fight on the ground.
That’s my world.
MARTY (CONT’D)
Look at these guys, they know
multiple disciplines. You’ve
gotta train... run... go to
Brazil... something.
SCOTT
Fight’s in two days. What am I
gonna learn? It is what it is.
They sit in silence, contemplating their next move.
MARTY
(sudden thought)
I got it! I know what you have to
do! Beat this guy before the
match even begins... with the
ancient art of intimidation!
SCOTT
Alright, get back behind the
mattress.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
I’m serious.
31.
MARTY
SCOTT
Can I ask you a question?
ever been in a fight?
You
MARTY
No. Well, none with a boy anyway.
But this will work! Trust me.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
Okay, so based on your limited
experience fighting girls, how?
La
F
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
MARTY
Music. You need music to inspire
you. That’s why all the great
Gladiators entered the Coliseum to
thundering music.
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
Actually... they do that in the
UFC.
od
ge
D
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
D
MARTY
Exactly! Following in the
footsteps of the great warriors:
Gallus, Samnites. They all had
their own distinct musical themes
to deliver them into battle. This
brought fear into the hearts of
their opponents, rendering them
defeated before the match even
began!
(noticing something)
I am RIDDLED with goose bumps!
(thinking aloud)
You could go with Wagner or
Bach...
(changing his mind)
Ah, doesn’t feel right.
Marty--
SCOTT
MARTY
Mozart’s 35th in D major could be
interesting-Hey!
SCOTT
Marty stop talking and looks over to Scott.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I’m pickin’ the song.
27
EXT.
ABANDONED FACTORY - NIGHT
Scott and Marty pull up in Marty’s GREEN 2004 FORD
FIESTA.
27
White Production Draft 2/25/11
32.
SCOTT
Is this a factory?
MARTY
I think I bought sausages here
once.
28
INT. ABANDONED FACTORY - NIGHT
28
The place
la
kn
ey
A
L
A crappy CAGE sits in the middle of the floor.
is PACKED.
A
ra
nc
hi
B
In the cage a FIGHTER gets SLAMMED with a right cross.
KICK to the ribs and a LEFT to the head, dropping the
fighter. KNOCK-OUT.
La
F
TI
Scott and Marty find a tattooed MAN wearing a headset -seems like he works there.
\S
ha
ri
EN
MARTY
Excuse me. This is Scott Voss -he’s fighting tonight.
od
ge
D
D
TATTOOD MAN
Change behind the curtain.
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
MARTY
Is there a private space where he
can get dressed with a modicum of
dignity?
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
SCOTT
(quickly)
We’ll find it.
ER
/S
They walk off.
EA
D
C
O
N
The Tattooed Man glares at him.
MARTY
This place is certainly... unique.
Something scurries by, catching Scott’s eye...
SCOTT
Was that a chicken?
29
INT.
DRESSING AREA - NIGHT
Behind the curtain, FIGHTERS get ready and nurse their
wounds. Marty is in fear.
MARTY
This looks like a civil war
hospital.
Scott is STRETCHING next to some big INDUSTRIAL MACHINE,
doing his part to stay confident and look intimidating.
Niko approaches.
29
White Production Draft 2/25/11
33.
NIKO
You showed up. You’re not as
smart as I thought you were.
SCOTT
I knew this wasn’t gonna be the
UFC, but I’m eighty percent sure I
saw a chicken.
Scott is startled by something.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Okay, I’m a hundred percent.
That’s a chicken.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
D
INT. MAKE SHIFT TUNNEL - NIGHT
D
30
Scott grabs a DUFFEL BAG.
od
ge
Niko exits.
EN
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
NIKO
You wanted to fight. This is
bottom level MMA. This is where
you start.
(and then)
You’re next. Get out there.
FI
An
dr
ew
Scott takes off his SHIRT and he wears his wrestling
SINGLET. He joins Marty and Niko.
R
N
AM
D
ER
Yeah.
SCOTT
(deep breath)
ER
/S
EN
Scott pulls spiked SHOULDER PADS and a GLADIATOR HELMET
out of his duffel and puts them on.
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
MARTY
You ready to do this?
NIKO
(horrified)
What’re you doing?
We hear the ANNOUNCER over the PA system...
ANNOUNCER
... making his MMA debut tonight,
from Hyde Park...
SCOTT
(to Niko)
Don’t you worry about it.
Scott Voss!
ANNOUNCER
MARTY
(to Niko, confident)
Watch this.
(screams to Niko)
INTIMIDATION!!!
Suddenly “BOOM” BY P.O.D., blasts throughout the factory.
30
White Production Draft 2/25/11
34.
Scott and Marty begin to do a CRAZY DANCE to get
themselves psyched up. Niko shakes his head.
31
INT.
FACTORY - MOMENTS LATER
31
Scott and Marty exit the tunnel, through the screaming
CROWD, jumping up and down trying to get the people
involved.
TI
REF
C’mon guys, you ready?
ra
nc
hi
B
The Ref approaches.
la
kn
ey
A
L
Scott enters the cage. Marty goes to remove Scott’s
shoulder pads, but he has trouble.
La
F
EN
Scott HOLDS UP a finger, motioning for the Ref to hang on
a sec.
od
ge
\S
ha
ri
Scott’s OPPONENT, a six foot tall, African-American with
a stocky build, is already in the cage. He impatiently
GNAWS on his mouthpiece, waiting for Scott to finish.
D
D
Marty finally gets the strap off and exits.
FI
An
dr
ew
The music stops. Scott drops down into a WRESTLER’S
STANCE. FIRE in his eyes.
N
AM
N
E:
REF (CONT’D)
Let’s do this!
D
ER
ER
/S
INT. CAGE - MOMENTS LATER
32
Scott is on a STRETCHER, his gladiator helmet and
shoulder pads lay on his chest.
R
EA
D
C
32
EN
O
Scott RUSHES across the CAGE, going in for a double leg
take down and is KNEED IN THE FACE and immediately
KNOCKED OUT!
33
As the stretcher is wheeled out, “Boom” PLAYS again.
Scott gives the crowd a THUMBS UP. The crowd couldn’t
care less.
INT. HOSPITAL/EMERGENCY ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT
Scott sits on an EXAMINATION TABLE. He’s in a gown, with
an IV DRIP in his arm and an ICE PACK on his face. Niko
and Marty, who is a bit traumatized, stand at his side.
SCOTT
You know what Marty? I don’t
think he was intimidated.
MARTY
Yeah, I picked up on that too.
33
White Production Draft 2/25/11
35.
NIKO
(gently)
He knew you were a wrestler. It
was obvious. He had that knee
locked and loaded.
He hands Scott a wad of CASH.
NIKO (CONT’D)
Oh, here’s your seven fifty.
INT.
BIOLOGY LAB - DAY
TI
34
ra
nc
hi
B
NIKO (CONT’D)
So, we done with this?
la
kn
ey
A
L
Scott looks down at the money, defeated.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
Scott enters, wearing SUNGLASSES, sipping a COFFEE,
trying to clear the cobwebs. All the STUDENTS sit
around, texting, doodling, etc. Malia, headphones on,
ROCKING OUT while she STUDIES her text book.
od
ge
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
Okay, a little late here, so... I
want everybody looking at the
single cell organisms. Slides are
on the shelf. Break ‘em you buy
‘em.
N
AM
D
ER
O
N
E:
SEVERAL STUDENTS react to him. Malia TAKES OFF her
headphones. Derrick leans over to another Student.
DERRICK
Is he hung-over?
EN
/S
ER
The STUDENTS mill about grabbing supplies, talk, NOISILY
SLIDING CHAIRS...
R
EA
D
C
The Student shrugs.
Quietly.
SCOTT
DERRICK
(to Student)
He’s hung over.
Scott plops in his chair. Malia approaches him and puts
her WORK SHEET in front of him.
MALIA
Mr. Voss -- you made a mistake on
this. Archaea were originally
described in extreme environments,
such as-Scott leans over Malia’s lab report and a drop of BLOOD
drips onto the paper. Scott notices it and quickly
WRITES...
SCOTT
Great work Malia. You get an A+.
34
White Production Draft 2/25/11
36.
MALIA
(confused)
But I wasn’t finished-Scott holds a finger up to his eye.
SCOTT
There’s no grade higher than an
A+, let’s not get greedy.
A
L
Scott announces to the class...
la
kn
ey
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Be back in a minute.
NURSE’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
La
F
INT.
TI
35
ra
nc
hi
B
Scott gets up and EXITS.
\S
ha
ri
EN
As Bella WASHES out the small cut with a towel.
od
ge
D
BELLA
This is the best plan you could
come up with, fighting in a cage?
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
You smell great.
Shaking her head.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
SCOTT
Hey, as much as I enjoyed teaching
future Americans for eight bucks
an hour -- it wasn’t getting the
job done.
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
BELLA
Aye! What kind of example are you
setting?
R
Bella takes a swab of RUBBING ALCOHOL and dabs his wound.
Ow!!
SCOTT (CONT’D)
BELLA
Scott, It’s great what you’re
doing here, but look at you.
I’m fine...
SCOTT
Scott, stands up stiffly.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
(in pain)
Ah, that hurts.
BELLA
You’ve gotta be realistic.
Scott sighs as reality sets in.
35
White Production Draft 2/25/11
37.
SCOTT
What am I gonna tell Marty?
BELLA
He watched you get knocked out
cold, Scott.
SCOTT
I wouldn’t say “cold.”
half in, half out.
I was more
la
kn
ey
A
L
BELLA
I think he’ll understand.
MOLLIE, Marty's wife, opens
od
ge
Scott rings the doorbell.
the door.
36
\S
ha
ri
EXT. MARTY'S HOUSE - LATER THAT NIGHT
EN
36
La
F
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
(reluctant)
Maybe, you’re right... I’ll talk
to him.
D
An
dr
ew
D
MOLLIE
Can I help you?
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
MOLLIE
He had a private lesson, but he
should be home any minute.
Please... come in.
/S
ER
37
INT.
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
SCOTT
Hi, you must be Mollie, I’m Scott
Voss, I work with Marty. I didn’t
see him after school -- is he
around?
MARTY'S HOUSE - NIGHT
As Mollie walks Scott through the house, he notices
pictures on the wall... Mollie and Marty’s wedding...
their son when he was young...
MOLLIE
I’m sorry, Marty's instruments are
everywhere... oh, yeah... we’re
turning his music room into a
nursery. I’m expecting. No one
knows yet, it’s still early and
we’d rather people not know yet...
SCOTT
(feigning surprise)
Oh! Of course, goes right in the
vault.
Thanks.
MOLLIE
37
White Production Draft 2/25/11
38.
SCOTT
(re: instruments)
Does Marty play all of these?
Scott BREAKS one of the instruments and tries to put it
down before Mollie sees.
la
kn
ey
A
L
MOLLIE
Oh no. He buys them off the
internet and at garage sales, then
fixes them up for students that
can’t afford them. He doesn’t
want any of them to get left
behind.
SCOTT
ra
nc
hi
B
Wow.
La
F
TI
(beat)
It’s just crazy, isn’t it?
\S
ha
ri
EN
MOLLIE
Well, he just loves those kids.
od
ge
D
SCOTT
No, I mean what’s going on at
school.
FI
An
dr
ew
D
MOLLIE
What’s going on at school?
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
SCOTT
Nothing. No. They installed a
metal detector in the teacher’s
lounge... one teacher flashes a
piece and we all pay for it.
MOLLIE
Well, is there a message I can
give him for you?
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
And Scott realizes... Marty hasn’t told her.
38
Scott considers.
SCOTT
No... it’s not important.
INT. NIKO’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
There’s POUNDING on the door.
O2 TRAINER in his mouth.
38
Niko opens it.
SCOTT
Hey... this a bad time?
Niko takes out the O2 Trainer.
NIKO
No. I just finished endurance
training. For the lungs.
(takes a quick deep
breath)
What’s up?
He has an
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
39.
SCOTT
I need another fight.
Niko laughs.
What?
NIKO
You’re crazy, man.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
Look, I screwed up and got caught.
My game plan sucked. But I made
$750. In one fight. We need to
make $48,000 by the end of the
school year.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
NIKO
No, we’re done.
\S
ha
ri
La
F
*
*
od
ge
D
EN
SCOTT
Listen Niko, during my senior year
of college, I kinda lost my way...
and dropped out. That was a
mistake. Marty’s a guy that
wouldn’t let that happen... and
they’re trying to get rid of him.
I need to help him.
An
dr
ew
D
Niko just shakes his head: This guy’s got heart.
N
AM
D
ER
O
N
E:
FI
NIKO
I’ll see what I can do.
(and then)
Be at my gym tomorrow at four. I
can’t have my fighter getting
knocked out in five seconds. It
reflects badly on me.
EN
/S
ER
39
40 OMIT
40
39 OMIT
R
EA
D
C
A SMILE creeps across Scott’s face.
41
INT. ASST. PRINCIPAL ELKIN’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Elkins is at his desk doing some paperwork.
in.
ELKINS
Scott?
SCOTT
Just so you know -- we’re saving
Marty's job.
What?
How?
ELKINS
Scott walks
41
White Production Draft 2/25/11
40.
SCOTT
Doesn’t matter. All you need to
know is we’ve already doubled the
fund. Just make sure Principal
Betcher doesn’t cut anything.
ELKINS
Okay, but he’s not exactly
thrilled with you. He’s not going
to stop anything, unless we show
him a plan... something.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
Here’s my plan...
ra
nc
hi
B
Scott takes out the $750 and drops it on his desk.
\S
ha
ri
EN
Elkin’s regards the money.
La
F
TI
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Hang onto this and make sure you
keep Betcher off our back.
FI
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
ELKINS
You know I’m on your side on this,
Scott. I played French Horn in
high school. I loved wearing my
big hat...
(beat)
Those were some good memories...
ER
/S
EN
Scott enters an upscale fitness center. Confused, he
DOUBLE-CHECKS the address, then approaches the
RECEPTIONIST.
SCOTT
Hey, um, is there a Niko here?
R
EA
D
C
D
ER
INT. EQUINOX HEALTH CLUB - AFTERNOON
O
42
SCOTT
N
AM
N
E:
...okay.
The Receptionist GESTURES to a large AEROBICS ROOM.
Inside we see Niko, wearing a headset, leading a
KAROBIC’S class (half Karate, half Aerobics) to a group
of mostly MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN. He’s wearing a biking
outfit, with color coordinated Crocs.
Scott approaches the window outside the class and watches
as Niko and the Class kick, punch, and dance to some LOUD
POP MUSIC.
Miguel from Citizenship Class clocks this, then notices
Scott.
MIGUEL
Hey, no pain no gain!
42
White Production Draft 2/25/11
43
41.
INT. EQUINOX HEALTH CLUB - MINUTES LATER
The Aerobics room is now empty.
wipes his brow with a TOWEL.
43
Scott is with Niko who
SCOTT
I thought you said you owned an
MMA gym?
NIKO
I said I taught MMA at a
la
kn
ey
A
L
No, no.
gym.
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
That wasn’t MMA.
A SERIES OF QUICK SHOTS.
La
F
44
od
ge
44
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
NIKO
No, that was level two Karobics.
With you, I work the real stuff.
Let’s go. I have spin class in an
hour.
D
An
dr
ew
D
NIKO
We need to keep you out of
dangerous situations...
EN
D
ER
N
AM
NIKO (CONT’D)
To escape the rear-naked choke you
want to push back with your head
and upper-body as I lift my elbow.
Escape!
ER
/S
Scott tries desperately to get out of the hold, but
can’t. He starts FLAILING WILDLY.
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
Niko moves behind Scott and puts his arm around his neck,
choking him slightly. He demonstrates throughout.
NIKO (CONT’D)
You don’t want to do that -- that
just helps me sink it tighter.
Scott’s face starts turning purple -- he’s forced to TAP.
45
LATER
45
They’re on the mat.
Niko, now has him in an arm bar.
Escape!
NIKO (CONT’D)
Scott again tries to escape -- to no avail.
46
LATER
He taps out.
46
Niko has a hold of Scott’s foot.
Ankle lock.
Escape!
NIKO (CONT’D)
Very painful.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
42.
Scott tries to SQUIRM out but can’t.
NIKO (CONT’D)
Remember -- alligator! Roll, man.
Roll.
Scott rolls.
NIKO (CONT’D)
Wrong way... Now this.
la
kn
ey
47
Scott taps.
A
L
Niko applies more pressure.
LATER
47
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
Scott is sweating, rubbing his elbow -- miserable.
La
F
EN
NIKO (CONT’D)
Okay, you’re vulnerable like a
puppy.
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
D
D
SCOTT
Yeah, well, I let you get in
position. It’s easy. I could do
the same thing if I had you in a
hold.
LATER
48
FI
48
An
dr
ew
Niko just looks at him for a beat.
N
AM
D
ER
NIKO
49
/S
LATER
ER
Niko escapes an ARM BAR...
R
EA
D
C
49
I’m out.
In an instant
EN
O
N
E:
Scott has Niko in a STANDING REAR-NAKED.
Niko escapes.
I’m free.
NIKO (CONT’D)
50
OMIT
50
51
LATER
51
Niko escapes an ANKLE LOCK, spins and deftly grabs hold
of Scott’s ankle -- who TAPS immediately.
NIKO (CONT’D)
Okay, I’m bored. Let’s work on
take down defense.
Scott catches his breath... frustrated.
I wrestled.
shot.
SCOTT
I know how to stop a
With that, Niko charges Scott... and SLAMS him to the
ground with ease. Then throws a series of STRIKES...
White Production Draft 2/25/11
43.
NIKO
Elbow. Bong. Liver shot. Badda
bing. Knock out punch... but
you’re still awake to feel the
liver.
Niko gets up.
NIKO (CONT’D)
You get the point. I’ve gotta
run.
la
kn
ey
A
L
Niko walks away.
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
No cool down, huh?
La
F
TI
We TRACK Niko as he walks into the NEXT ROOM, where a
CLASS is waiting for him.
\S
ha
ri
EN
He puts on his HEAD SET, kicks off his Crocs and hits the
music: HARD CORE TECHNO. He jumps on a spin BIKE, and
begins to pedal furiously.
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
EXT.
BOSTON DOCKS - NIGHT
FI
52
D
NIKO
Alright ladies, let’s get those
legs warmed up!
N
AM
N
E:
A FIGHT CAGE is set up in the middle of the asphalt.
LOCALS cheer.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
Scott, Niko and Marty stand backstage, waiting to enter.
Niko looks to Scott, who now wears MMA SHORTS and no
SHIRT.
No helmet?
Scott forces a smile.
NIKO
Niko clocks his fear.
NIKO (CONT’D)
It’s okay to be afraid. Use it.
That last knockout -- never
happened.
SCOTT
Three migraines a week say you’re
wrong.
ANNOUNCER
Our first fighter is from Boston.
He’s 0-1. A wrestler...
Marty's RUBBING Scott’s shoulders... albeit delicately.
Scott GLANCES back staring at Marty's hands, clearly not
appreciating his efforts.
52
White Production Draft 2/25/11
44.
SCOTT
(to Marty)
You gotta stop that. Either dig
in, or call it a day.
What?
up.
MARTY
I’m trying to loosen you
Marty looks to Niko for backup...
ra
nc
hi
B
NIKO
TI
It is weird.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
No, no you’re not. You’re rubbing
me like you’re putting on
sunscreen.
ANNOUNCER
Voss!
\S
ha
ri
Scott Voss.
La
F
EN
Marty lifts his hands off: Message received.
D
D
LATER
53
An
dr
ew
53
od
ge
“Boom” PLAYS. Scott makes his way through the crowd to
the CAGE, flanked by Niko and Marty.
R
N
AM
D
ER
NIKO
Block the knees. Pull him in
close so he can’t strike!
Marty
ER
/S
EN
The Lanky Fighter drills Scott with a KNEE.
winces...
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
Scott is in a clinch against the CAGE, blocking some
sloppy KNEES from his OPPONENT, a tall, lanky fighter
just barely in his twenties.
AAHH!!
SCOTT
Time out. Time out.
The Lanky Fighter stops for a second, looks to the REF.
The Ref jumps in.
REF
There’s no time outs, guy.
The Lanky Fighter pushes Scott into the fence.
Defense!
NIKO
The Lanky Fighter lands a flurry of LOOPING PUNCHES.
action continues all over the cage.
The
The Lanky Fighter tries to take Scott to the ground but
Scott SPRAWLS -- negating the move.
That’s it!
NIKO (CONT’D)
Very nice!
White Production Draft 2/25/11
45.
The Lanky Fighter, a bit frustrated, steps back and KICKS
Scott flush in the NUTS -- doubling him over.
NIKO (CONT’D)
(to Ref)
HEY, HEY! Take a point!
54
DING.
Round’s over.
54
NIKO (CONT’D)
You okay?
la
kn
ey
A
L
Completely spent, Scott lumbers back to his corner and
SPITS out his mouthpiece.
EN
Scott looks around...
La
F
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
He kicked my left nut into my
throat... No, I’m not okay.
od
ge
MARTY
An
dr
ew
D
What stool?
D
\S
ha
ri
SCOTT (CONT’D)
(to Marty)
Where’s my stool?
R
MARTY
We didn’t have one last fight.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
NIKO
(to Marty)
You’re in charge of the stool!
SCOTT
I didn’t make it through the first
round, last fight!
MARTY
Okay, you know what? I’m not clear
on my job description! I’m a
music teacher! I don’t know the
rules!
SCOTT
(spent)
I can’t do this...
So Scott LAYS DOWN flat on his BACK and puts an ice pack
on his GROIN.
NIKO
What are you doing?
down! Get up.
You can’t lay
SCOTT
I’m exhausted. I’m done.
NIKO
That’s exactly the message you’re
sending him! He knows he’s got
you beat!
White Production Draft 2/25/11
46.
SCOTT
I think that’s been established!
The REF comes over to Scott.
REF
You can’t lay down, man.
continue?
Can you
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
It’s so soft down here.
la
kn
ey
A
L
NIKO
(to the Ref)
He’s fine.
(back to Scott)
Get up Scott.
Scott gets up... He’s dizzy.
La
F
The BELL rings.
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Ooh... got up too fast.
od
ge
NIKO
Remember defense.
N
AM
N
D
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
Alright! I heard you!
(to Marty, snapping)
Next time bring the stool!
Okay.
(stung)
MARTY
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
SCOTT
Hey, we’re a team.
R
EA
D
C
O
Scott starts for the middle of the cage, then doubles
back and puts his FIST up over the top...
Scott tries to FIST BUMP Marty and Niko.
so he gestures: All’s forgiven.
He can’t reach,
The fight continues, the LOOK on Marty and Niko’s FACES
let us know it’s not going great.
Tie him up!
NIKO
DING. The round ends, the fighters make their way back
to their corners. Scott is even more tired than before.
55
TIGHT ON: Scott receiving instructions from Niko, who is
applying the ice pack.
NIKO (CONT’D)
Listen to me, you’re giving him
too much space. Take away the
power! Close the distance, keep
it in the clinch so he can’t
strike. Understand?
WIDEN to REVEAL...
55
White Production Draft 2/25/11
47.
Scott is SITTING on Marty, who is on his hands and knees.
SCOTT
I’m trying.
MARTY
Only one more round.
Stay strong.
There’s a THUNDERCLAP in the sky and it begins to rain.
SCOTT
Okay, it’s raining.
la
kn
ey
A
L
NIKO
This isn’t baseball.
ra
nc
hi
B
No it’s not.
You fight!
It’s over.
TI
Niko pulls his HOODIE over his head.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
Scott notices the fans now open UMBRELLAS and bring up
their HOODIES... none of them are going anywhere.
od
ge
SCOTT
This is stupid.
D
D
The REF yells to the Lanky Fighter.
FI
An
dr
ew
REF
Fighter are you ready?
The Ref turns to Scott.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
REF (CONT’D)
Are you ready?
SCOTT
Not really... I gotta be honest.
Huh?
REF
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
The Lanky Fighter nods.
R
Niko yells from the corner.
He’s ready!!
Scott nods.
LIGHTENING.
He’s ready.
Perfect.
56
NIKO
Another thunderclap followed by
SCOTT
QUICK CUTS.
- The sloppiest, wettest, ugliest MMA bout ever.
- Getting poured on, Scott and the Lanky Fighter circle
each other. Scott sees Niko shouting instructions from
his corner but can’t hear a word he’s saying.
- Scott tries to take the Lanky Fighter to the ground...
but he slips. The Lanky Fighter tries to take advantage
of that with a kick to the head... but he slips.
56
White Production Draft 2/25/11
48.
- The Ref moves in, but he slips.
- Both fighters are on the ground... but they’re not even
close to each other. So Scott crawls over toward the
Lanky Fighter and they grapple on the wet canvas, until
the BELL RINGS and the REF slides in and pulls them apart
-- the fight is over.
57
INT. DINER - NIGHT
57
la
kn
ey
A
L
As Scott, Niko and Marty are working HOT CHOCOLATES and
GRILLED CHEESE sandwiches...
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
NIKO
Ho ho! We got it to a decision
this time.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
MARTY
And another fifteen hundred
dollars! At this rate, we’ll get
there after... thirty two more
fights.
od
ge
D
D
Marty and Niko regard Scott who’s not enjoying his moral
victory.
FI
An
dr
ew
MARTY (CONT’D)
What’s the matter, Scott? You did
good!
N
AM
SCOTT
I think I coulda beat that guy.
/S
EN
INT. BIOLOGY LAB - MORNING
ER
The Class is taking a test. Scott is at his desk reading
the paper. He inventories the BRUISES on his arms then
looks out the window to see... that little freshman,
happily lugging that huge stand up bass case across the
lawn.
R
EA
D
C
58
D
ER
O
N
E:
As he... SIGHS
Scott smiles, then glances at his watch.
SCOTT
Pencils down, people.
Scott notices Malia staring off into space -- she’s a
million miles away.
Malia?
SCOTT (CONT’D)
You done?
Malia shakes her head -- she’s not. She tries to focus
on her exam but can’t. Scott CLOCKS this. He watches
her a beat then...
THE BELL RINGS
Pencils down.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
58
White Production Draft 2/25/11
49.
The Students stop working, HAND IN their papers and file
out the door. Malia, sighs, hands in her EXAM and starts
to leave.
Scott looks down at her paper -- half the questions are
left BLANK.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Malia.
A
L
Malia stops in her tracks and reluctantly turns to Scott.
la
kn
ey
MALIA
Yeah.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
Come on, you’re smarter than me.
What’s going on?
\S
ha
ri
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Alright. What’s wrong?
od
ge
Okay.
La
F
Scott gets up and awkwardly
EN
Malia BURSTS into TEARS.
tries to comfort her.
D
An
dr
ew
D
MALIA
My father’s making me quit music.
FI
What?
Why?
SCOTT
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
MALIA
He says I have to work in his
restaurant.
SCOTT
Look, Malia I’m sure your father
has his reasons.
MALIA
He doesn’t understand. When I’m
playing music... it’s like nothing
else matters.
(beat)
When I moved here, I didn’t know
English, I didn’t know anything.
I had to learn everything all over
again, you know?
Scott nods.
MALIA (CONT’D)
So I used songs and stuff to
learn.
SCOTT
(confused)
Songs?
MALIA
Yeah, old Filipino folk songs and
Backstreet Boys.
Scott smiles.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
50.
MALIA (CONT’D)
Besides Filipino, the only
language that I knew... was music.
It helps me remember, if that
makes sense.
SCOTT
It makes perfect sense, Malia.
Growing emotional again...
la
kn
ey
A
L
MALIA
I don’t want to quit it!
La
F
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
Then you gotta tell him that.
(reaching)
You know what, tell him your
teacher won’t let you quit...
\S
ha
ri
EN
MALIA
He thinks school is a waste of
time.
od
ge
D
SCOTT
It’s not a waste of time.
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
D
MALIA
Come on, Mr. Voss. You said it
yourself -- learning this stuff
doesn’t matter. I gotta go.
N
AM
ER
/S
Marty is behind the wheel, with Scott riding shotgun and
Niko in the back. Scott is reading from a BOOK.
EA
D
R
EN
INT. FORD FIESTA - DAY
C
59
D
ER
O
N
Malia exits. Scott reacts: that hurt more than getting
punched in the face.
SCOTT
(off book, to Niko)
What are the three branches of
government?
NIKO
Three branches? Three branches.
Don’t tell me.
(off his watch)
Oh, you gotta eat now. You got an
hour before the fight.
As Niko goes back to racking his brain, Scott turns to
Marty...
SCOTT
You got my oatmeal?
Marty turns white as a sheet.
MARTY
Shoot! It’s in my classroom...
next to my brief case.
59
White Production Draft 2/25/11
NIKO
Three branches... The legal?
don’t count that.
51.
No,
SCOTT
(re: the oatmeal)
You forgot it?!
MARTY
I brought a stool.
ra
nc
hi
B
NIKO
You said “branches” right?
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
I gotta eat, man.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
SCOTT
(to Niko)
Yes. What are the three branches
of government?
od
ge
D
MARTY
Oh, you know what? I made apple
sauce, it’s in the back. Niko can
you grab it?
FI
An
dr
ew
D
Niko grabs a TUPPERWARE bowl off the REAR DASH and passes
it to Scott, who starts eating.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
NIKO
Got it! Democrat... Republican
and I forget the last one.
SCOTT
Not even close.
Ah!
60
MARTY
Nope.
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
SCOTT
Is there cinnamon in this?
NIKO
(frustrated)
INT. COMMUNITY COLLEGE GYMNASIUM - NIGHT
Behind the bleachers.
We can HEAR THE CROWD ROAR.
Scott, Marty and Niko get ready.
NIKO
Okay, we’re up next. Remember...
defense. Close the gap. And if
he shoots -- hips down.
Okay.
SCOTT
Niko puts in Scott’s MOUTHPIECE.
60
White Production Draft 2/25/11
52.
And from the arena, we hear “Boom,” so Scott gets psyched
up and starts his march for the cage. But Niko peeks out
into the arena and notices something...
NIKO
This isn’t you.
No.
Scott pulls out his mouthpiece, concerned.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
What do you mean this isn’t me?
This is my song!
ra
nc
hi
B
As Niko opens the curtain to reveal Scott’s OPPONENT, a
pale guy with a Green Mohawk, marching towards the cage
doing a CRAZY DANCE to get himself psyched up.
NIKO
It’s his song.
La
F
TI
This is him.
\S
ha
ri
EN
MARTY
(realizing)
This is his song too?
od
ge
D
D
SCOTT
He stole my song. I bring the
boom!
We gotta go.
NIKO
EN
D
ER
N
AM
SCOTT
We can’t both have the same song.
ER
/S
And Scott turns to Marty, panicked...
SCOTT
Get me another song!
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
NIKO
Well, he’s bringing the boom
tonight.
Huh?
MARTY
SCOTT
Go out there and tell them to play
another song!!!
Marty exits quickly.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
(to Niko)
I need a song.
Suddenly...
I got it!
State.
NIKO
Congress, Senate... and
White Production Draft 2/25/11
53.
SCOTT
Again, not close. Can we stick a
pin in this, please?
Niko reacts: Disappointed.
Marty rushes back and gives Scott the thumbs up.
Suddenly, we hear:
through the place.
Neil Diamond’s “HOLLY HOLY” blaring
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT (CONT’D)
What the heck is this?
TI
La
F
NIKO
EN
Who cares!
ra
nc
hi
B
MARTY
Neil Diamond. Holly Holy. Went
platinum in November of ‘69.
od
ge
\S
ha
ri
MARTY
I do! It got me through a very
difficult time.
D
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
It sounds like a revival.
E:
FI
MARTY
Blue-eyed gospel -- extremely
difficult genre. It picks up.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
We go now!
NIKO
SCOTT
(reluctantly)
Let’s go.
R
EA
D
C
O
N
And it does... as Neil Diamond declares “Sing!”
And they do. Scott, Marty, and Niko enter the gym.
of the FANS are confused.
Most
Marty is trying to make the best of it and begins to hop
around, waving his arms to get the crowd into it. Scott
reluctantly joins in and finishes the march filled with a
growing confidence. Even Niko gets into it.
As they arrive at the cage, the three of them are going
wild. Green Mohawk is waiting for him.
61
LATER
BAM!! Scott is kicked to the side of his head.
He recovers and rushes Green Mohawk, trying to take him
to the ground... but this kid’s too fast and moves out of
the way.
Scott, OFF BALANCE, awkwardly runs into the side of the
cage. He WINCES and ROLLS OUT HIS SHOULDER, which got
injured in the collision.
61
White Production Draft 2/25/11
No!
Defense!
54.
NIKO
Green Mohawk assaults Scott with a series of PUNCHES,
many landing. Scott’s getting his ass kicked... but not
going down.
Marty can’t watch.
62
Niko looks on concerned.
DING.
62
la
kn
ey
A
L
Scott, winded and battered, heads back to his corner and
sits down.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
NIKO (CONT’D)
What are you doing, man! Stick to
the plan!
La
F
I’m tired
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
I’m tired of the plan!
of defense!
od
ge
D
DING.
63
An
dr
ew
63
D
NIKO
Listen to me, if you get caught,
you’re done. We have a lot more
fights.
FI
Niko puts Scott’s mouth piece back in.
N
AM
D
ER
N
E:
NIKO (CONT’D)
Tie this guy up. Protect
yourself.
EN
ER
/S
He tries to clinch but this guy’s strong, he lands some
BODY SHOTS.
R
EA
D
C
O
Scott walks to the center of the cage and the fight
CONTINUES. Scott gets shoved back against the cage.
Green Mohawk makes some room and lands a VICIOUS FLURRY.
Scott looks like he might be about to drop...
Green Mohawk throws a nasty RIGHT HOOK.
blow, then...
Scott ducks the
SLO-MOTION: Scott throws a huge HAYMAKER out of nowhere
and nails his opponent with a direct shot to head.
Green Mohawk GOES DOWN.
Hard.
He ain’t getting up.
The REF pulls Scott away -- the fight’s over.
64
SCOTT’S POV: Green Mohawk struggles to get to his hands
and knees.
Marty goes crazy and hugs a stunned Niko.
An exhausted Scott walks over to check on Green Mohawk,
who is now surrounded by his CORNER MEN and the Doctor.
64
White Production Draft 2/25/11
55.
SCOTT
Hey, are you--?
BLAAAAH!
65
Scott violently THROWS UP on Mohawk’s BACK.
INT. FORD FIESTA - NIGHT - LATER
65
Marty, Scott and Niko ride in awkward silence. Scott
looks to Marty, who won’t make eye contact with him.
TI
Tense.
La
F
Marty turns to Scott.
ra
nc
hi
B
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
Who leaves applesauce on the rear
dash in the hot sun? Better
question: Who amongst us, that are
not Amish, makes their own
applesauce?!
od
ge
NIKO
SCOTT
NIKO
It’s unbelievable!
N
AM
E:
Ho ho!
N
D
We did.
FI
Wow.
An
dr
ew
D
We did it!
\S
ha
ri
EN
MARTY
Yes. Yes. I understand mistakes
were made... but we won.
D
ER
66
/S
EXT. FORD FIESTA - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS ACTION
ER
As the celebration continues, they ride off into the
night.
67
R
EA
D
C
66
EN
O
They celebrate. Marty turns up the MUSIC on the radio.
Scott raises his arms, he WINCES, and grabs his SHOULDER.
INT.
BELLA’S APARTMENT - LATER THAT NIGHT
The phone RINGS.
shirt, answers.
Hello?
Bella.
Bella, wearing sweatpants and a TBELLA
SCOTT (O.S.)
Hey, its Scott.
BELLA
What’s going on? It’s late.
SCOTT (O.S.)
Listen, you gotta second, I really
need to talk you?
67
White Production Draft 2/25/11
56.
BELLA
Okay, I guess so... what’s
Now?
up?
Just then the doorbell RINGS.
BELLA (CONT’D)
Hang on a second...
A
L
She heads over and looks through the PEEP HOLE. She
opens the door to reveal... Scott in obvious pain.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
la
kn
ey
SCOTT
(re: phone)
I wanted to call before I came
over. I’m a gentleman... you
should know that.
Scott enters.
La
F
She laughs, opening the door wider.
\S
ha
ri
LATER
68
od
ge
68
EN
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I’ve got a situation.
D
D
Bella stands in front of Scott... moving his arm around.
You
FI
An
dr
ew
BELLA
You separated your shoulder.
should go to the hospital.
N
AM
D
ER
O
N
E:
SCOTT
Yeah, here’s the thing. Last time
I went to the hospital, it cost
more than I made in the fight.
R
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
Bella continues to examine Scott.
BELLA
I’m going to have to reset it.
Sit.
She picks up TOWEL... regards him.
BELLA (CONT’D)
You know, you’re too old to be
doing this Scott.
SCOTT
Alright... just fix my shoulder.
She takes a strong hold of his shoulder and WRAPS the
towel under his arm.
BELLA
On three, okay?
He nods... and she does it right then... SNAPPING his
shoulder back in place. He recoils in pain.
Ahhhh!!
SCOTT
You never said one!
White Production Draft 2/25/11
57.
BELLA
Trust me, it would’ve been more
painful if you knew when it was
coming.
SCOTT
(in pain)
Still!
Scott sighs.
WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
la
kn
ey
INT.
ra
nc
hi
B
69
A
L
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Ugh... I am old.
69
La
F
INT. BIOLOGY LAB - CONTINUOUS ACTION
od
ge
70
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
Scott walks through the hall, he notices students looking
at him... some of them LAUGH, some of them SMILE or give
a THUMBS-UP, and some of them sheepishly look away.
Something’s up.
D
An
dr
ew
D
Walking in, he passes SEVERAL STUDENTS that start
LAUGHING.
E:
FI
DERRICK
Hey Mr. Voss, keep up the good
fight!
N
AM
D
ER
EN
SCOTT
Okay, today we’re going to learn
about gene mutation.
ER
/S
Scott pushes a DVD into a machine that sits on a CART.
ON TV: The movie “SPIDERMAN” begins to play.
R
EA
D
C
O
N
Scott’s not sure what’s going on.
Scott plops in his chair.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Guys can you keep it down?
A student, BRIAN, chimes in...
BRIAN
Can you keep it down?
A few Students LAUGH.
Scott calls Malia over.
SCOTT
What’s going on?
MALIA
You’re famous.
Scott’s confused.
Malia can’t help but laugh.
70
White Production Draft 2/25/11
58.
Malia pulls up YouTube on Scott’s computer. Scott
watches a video with the caption... “MMA Fighter Throws
Up”... the footage of Scott vomiting on his opponent’s
back.
A
L
MALIA (CONT’D)
Everybody in the music department
is talking about it.
(beat)
Mr. Streb told us you’re doing
this for us and I gotta say,
you’re our hero.
la
kn
ey
SCOTT
Hero?
La
F
EQUINOX HEALTH CLUB - NIGHT
\S
ha
ri
INT.
EN
71
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
Malia goes back to her desk. Scott leans back in his
chair. He looks over to see a GIRL SMILING at him. A
CLARINET sits by her desk.
od
ge
NIKO
Ankle lock.
An
dr
ew
Good.
D
D
Niko and Scott are ROLLING on the mat, working on
submission defense. Scott is improving.
R
N
AM
Yes!
SCOTT
NIKO
Very twisty!
EN
D
ER
Twisty?
ER
/S
Niko starts to shoot in, Scott stops him.
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
Niko grabs hold of Scott’s ankle... and applies pressure.
Scott ALLIGATOR ROLLS out of it, getting to his feet.
SCOTT
Hold on, hold on. This is still
defense -- I wanna start working
on offense.
No.
NIKO
SCOTT
Come on, Niko! I won.
NIKO
You landed a lucky shot.
SCOTT
Look, I know you don’t want me
gettin’ hurt. I get that. But I
made twice as much money last
fight. And, I don’t think my body
can take 30 more fights. So, if I
can actually win a few more -- I
can fight less.
Niko can’t argue -- he has a point.
71
White Production Draft 2/25/11
59.
NIKO
Okay. If you’re serious, you’ll
need to get good at striking...
quickly.
(he thinks)
I know the best guy... but he
probably won’t take you.
SCOTT
How much is he?
Why?
SITYODTONG USA GYM - DAY
72
TI
A small, dirty, packed gym.
la
kn
ey
INT.
ra
nc
hi
B
72
A
L
NIKO
It’s not about the money with him.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
Niko leads Scott through the space. MARK DELLAGROTTE,
30s, currently wrapping a FIGHTER’S hands. He stops,
shakes Scott’s hand and then goes back to wrapping.
od
ge
SCOTT
An
dr
ew
Good.
D
D
DELLAGROTTE
How you feelin’?
MOMENTS LATER
D
ER
73
N
AM
N
E:
FI
DELLAGROTTE
Let’s see how you are in an
hour...
R
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
Ready to fight, Scott waits in the RING. DellaGrotte is
now finishing wrapping ANOTHER FIGHTER’S hands outside of
it.
DELLAGROTTE (CONT’D)
This isn’t you learning
anything... this isn’t me teaching
you anything... this is me seeing
if you’re worth my time.
Scott finds himself SWEATING already.
SCOTT
Is it hot in here?
DELLAGROTTE
I cranked the heat to ninety.
This way you can get a nice sweat
goin’. You good with that?
SCOTT
Yeah, brings out the smell of the
place.
DellaGrotte finished wrapping the second Fighter’s hands
and the two FIGHTERS enter the ring -- one in each
CORNER.
73
White Production Draft 2/25/11
60.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Wait, which one am I fighting?
DELLAGROTTE
Both.
SCOTT
I can’t fight two guys.
la
kn
ey
AND BAM
74
ra
nc
hi
B
74
A
L
DELLAGROTTE
That’s perfect -- I can’t train a
forty-two year old biology
teacher.
La
F
TI
A fist SLAMS into Scott’s face. One of the FIGHTERS
pounces on Scott, but he’s keeping up, fighting tough,
sweating...
\S
ha
ri
EN
Suddenly, the guy he’s fighting is tagged out by the new
FIGHTER...
od
ge
Scott now getting kicked in the side from the other
FIGHTER. Wincing.
75
FI
An
dr
ew
75
D
D
And we do a series of quick cuts of the fighters having
at Scott at will. They actually look like they’re having
fun.
N
AM
N
E:
Now Scott’s battling two Fighters at the same time!
DellaGrotte finishes wrapping a THIRD FIGHTER’S hands.
The
D
ER
O
Suddenly, the third FIGHTER joins the fray.
PUMMELING continues.
EN
/S
AND FINALLY...
76
R
EA
D
76
ER
C
DellaGrotte motions for a FOURTH FIGHTER to come over and
grabs another roll of TAPE.
Scott is charged by the Fourth Fighter.
having at Scott. He goes down.
All four are
And lays on the canvas... sucking air...
DELLAGROTTE (CONT’D)
Alright boys... that’s good
Scott lays there... eyes closed. Then, he slowly works
his way to his feet. He’s wobbly.
I’m good.
SCOTT
Let’s go.
DellaGrotte shares a smile with Niko.
77
INT. SITYODTONG USA GYM - A BIT LATER
Scott limps in. He’s showered, but still looks like
hell. DellaGrotte is working with another FIGHTER.
77
White Production Draft 2/25/11
61.
SCOTT
I know I didn’t beat any of those
guys, but-DELLAGROTTE
Scott--
SCOTT
Let me try again--
ra
nc
hi
B
la
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A
L
DELLAGROTTE
Stop talking. You weren’t
supposed to beat any of ‘em.
(beat)
You were supposed to do exactly
what you’re doing -- ask for more.
TI
Scott attempts a smile...
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
DELLAGROTTE (CONT’D)
So, I’m going to take you on...
but there’s just one more thing ya
gotta do.
od
ge
INT. SITYODTONG USA GYM BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS ACTION
FI
An
dr
ew
78
D
D
Scott, now nervous, is led by DellaGrotte through a
doorway into...
N
AM
N
E:
Scott and DellaGrotte join all the fighters who are
seated at a table. Niko, and a few more FIGHTERS fill
the table, DellaGrotte takes the head.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
CAPPIELLO’S WIFE lays down a huge platter of PASTA, which
she places next to her homemade MEATBALL, SAUSAGE, etc.
The guys go to town.
DELLAGROTTE
(announcing to the
table)
Genesis 32:24.
They all look at him and immediately stop serving
themselves.
DELLAGROTTE (CONT’D)
“And when he saw he prevailed, not
against him. He touched the hollow
of his thigh; and the hollow of
Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as
he wrestled with him.”
(a beat)
Jacob was tough, man. He wrestled
all night with God at Peniel
CONNECTING EYES with each one of his guys at the table...
DELLAGROTTE (CONT’D)
He was tired, he was beaten, and
had a dislocated hip... but he
refused to submit. By sunrise...
he won the Lord’s respect.
(to Scott)
(MORE)
78
White Production Draft 2/25/11
DELLAGROTTE (CONT’D)
Well tonight you earned our
respect. And I want you to know,
I got your back.
62.
Scott nods.
They fighters CHEER and resume their feeding frenzy.
DellaGrotte looks at Scott, who isn’t eating.
la
kn
ey
A
L
DELLAGROTTE (CONT’D)
What’s the matter? You don’t like
my wife’s cooking?
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
Can’t lift the arms.
TI
DellaGrotte takes that in with a slight smile...
79
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
DELLAGROTTE
Good job boys.
INT. NURSE’S OFFICE - MORNING
od
ge
D
D
Bella is ICING DOWN Scott’s KNEE, which is a bit SWOLLEN
AND DISCOLORED.
FI
An
dr
ew
BELLA
It’s not broken. Just a sprain.
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
SCOTT
Good -- I gotta fight tomorrow.
BELLA
I’m gonna start charging you.
(then)
So how much have you made so far?
SCOTT
Seven thousand.
BELLA
Well, then I’m definitely gonna
start charging you.
A pack of STUDENTS walk past the office, LAUGHING. Bella
smiles, then regards Scott.
BELLA (CONT’D)
You’re doing a good thing, Scott.
It’s been a long time since I’ve
felt any energy at this school.
Yeah?
SCOTT
BELLA
I’m not sure how we got so far off
track.
SCOTT
We? It’s not our fault... it’s
the system.
79
White Production Draft 2/25/11
BELLA
So, it’s the system that’s
creating teachers who are too
beaten-down and tired to care?
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
You know how it is. We can’t
speed up to help the gifted kids.
We can’t slow down for the slower
ones. They just want us to get as
much cattle through the system as
we can. It’s about numbers,
moving the herd.
This hits Scott.
La
F
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
BELLA
At some point, we do better...
don’t you think?
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
D
EN
SCOTT
There was a time, when I couldn’t
wait for the school year to start.
I was like a freshman decorating
his dorm room. I hung up posters
and little plastic models.
FI
An
dr
ew
D
As Bella wraps an ACE BANDAGE around his knee, Scott
reminisces with a smile.
N
AM
N
E:
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I used to jump on my desk to get
the kids motivated.
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
Scott shakes his head.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
It was so stupid.
BELLA
I don’t think so.
R
EA
D
C
O
She smiles.
Bella finishes wrapping Scott’s knee.
SCOTT
You know what? I need to repay
you. Dinner, my place, Friday?
BELLA
I don’t think so.
SCOTT
Why do you keep saying no?
adorable.
I’m
Bella regards Scott...
BELLA
Do you realize that every time
you’ve ask me out... it’s been
from a seated position? You don’t
even bother to stand up.
63.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
64.
SCOTT
Well... that’s because I’m so
comfortable around you. When it’s
easy... it’s right.
BELLA
Goodbye, Scott.
Scott gets up and hobbles to the door.
la
kn
ey
INT.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER’S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
TI
Scott enters.
ra
nc
hi
B
80
A
L
SCOTT
(to himself)
0 for 18.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
You wanted to see me?
BETCHER
An
dr
ew
Come in.
D
D
od
ge
Scott heads in to find Betcher sitting behind his desk.
MR. DE LA CRUZ (Malia’s father) and Mr. Elkins sit across
from him.
FI
Scott slowly enters.
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
BETCHER
Scott, this is Malia’s father, Mr.
De La Cruz.
ER
/S
Scott nods at them.
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
SCOTT
What’s going on?
Yeah.
SCOTT
Is there a problem?
MR. DE LA CRUZ
There’s a huge problem, Mr. Voss.
Who the hell do you think you are,
telling my daughter to disobey me?
SCOTT
I didn’t say that. I said-BETCHER
And is it true you’ve been getting
paid to fight?
SCOTT
It’s Mixed Martial Arts... and
yes. What are you saying?
BETCHER
We’re saying our teachers should
not be promoting dangerous
situations, such as grown men
fighting in a cage.
80
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
65.
SCOTT
It’s a sport... that’s no more
dangerous than boxing or... auto
racing. And, I wouldn’t be doing
it at all -- if you’d been doing
your job!
la
kn
ey
A
L
BETCHER
Oh, I do my job Scott. And, guess
what? My job is to demand you
stop right away.
(then)
Did you really think you’d save
the music program doing this?
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
ELKINS
Actually... he’s made over ten
thousand dollars.
La
F
Principal Betcher is a bit surprised by this.
\S
ha
ri
EN
And Scott turns to Mr. De La Cruz...
Scott--
od
ge
D
ELKINS
N
AM
N
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
Do you know why I started this in
the first place? Because a wise
man once said “Without music...
life would be a mistake.” And you
know who that wise man was? Marty
Streb. The guy you’re trying to
can.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
Opening his arms... motioning to the school around him.
SCOTT
There’s nothing here anymore.
We’re failing your daughter! And
I’m just trying to stop the
bleeding. I’m not even that good a
fighter. I’m out there getting my
ass kicked. Let me assure you,
this wasn’t plan A.
(beat)
But I don’t know what else to do.
He looks at Mr. De La Cruz...
SCOTT (CONT’D)
You’re having a tough time with
your business, I get that. But
don’t take it out on Malia.
ELKINS
We’re all having a tough time in
this economy, Scott. I’m swimming
in debt. What does that have to
do with anything?
(then)
Mr. De La Cruz, I’m sorry you have
to listen to this.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
66.
MR. DE LA CRUZ
(to Scott)
What do you suggest I do? My Chef
left. That means I’m in the back,
cooking. So, I need my daughter
up front.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
That sucks, nobody’s saying it
doesn’t... but that’s not your
daughter’s problem.
(beat)
It’s yours.
ra
nc
hi
B
BETCHER
No, Scott, it’s your problem.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
SCOTT
Really? Okay. Well, then maybe
you should fire me... oops, you
can’t. Because I have tenure and
teach a class that’s not “extracurricular.” And that’s the
problem.
od
ge
D
Taking one final look at Mr. De La Cruz...
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT (CONT’D)
We should be working as hard in
here as you do out there.
(beat)
And I’m sorry... but, we’re not.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a
class to teach and then I gotta
roll around with a sweaty guy from
Holland.
Scott nods politely, then goes.
81
R
EA
D
C
O
N
And the room... completely silent.
INT. BIOLOGY LAB - NEXT MORNING
Scott’s in class early for the first time in a long time.
The Students begins to file in. Malia sits, taking off
her headphones. Derrick enters, surprised to see him.
Whoa!
DERRICK
What’s goin’ on Mr. Voss?
SCOTT
Biology, Derrick.
Scott finishes writing on the CHALK BOARD: It reads...
Cells and their Environment. The last of the Students
take their seats.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Can somebody tell me what happens
when a cell stagnates?
81
White Production Draft 2/25/11
67.
The STUDENTS wonder what’s happening for a beat, then go
back to their normal routine; talking, texting, doodling,
etc.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Okay... Manuel’s hitting on
Rachel, and Rachel’s not loving
it. Jacob’s still texting. That’s
alright, I don’t blame you guys.
I’ll try again.
la
kn
ey
A
L
Suddenly, Scott JUMPS UP on the table and points to the
board.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT (CONT'D)
Anyone know what happens to a
stagnate cell?
La
F
Malia decides to bail him out and raises her hand.
EN
\S
ha
ri
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Malia?
od
ge
MALIA
It’s not good.
D
An
dr
ew
D
Scott claps his hands loudly.
FI
That’s right!
SCOTT
It ain’t good.
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
He has their full attention now.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
People... a cell that isn’t in
motion stops producing on its own.
It ends up assuming the other
cells are going to pick up the
slack somewhere... but they don’t.
(beat)
In fact, the other cells are very
impressionable... they’ll start
imitating the stray and basically
the whole organism will begin to
die.
He looks over the class...
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I know. It’s tragic.
(beat)
But the good news is this.
Biology is an amazing thing.
Because -- if the cells are given
the right chance -- all that
decays can be restored.
Another Student chimes in.
BRIAN
Like how a cut heals?
Exactly!
(beat)
SCOTT
(MORE)
White Production Draft 2/25/11
SCOTT (CONT'D)
Because once the cell is back on
the right track, it will create
energy amongst all the other
cells. And -- that energy will,
in turn, find its way back to the
original cell.
68.
Scott looks at Malia and smiles.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT (CONT’D)
So, as the restorative cycle
continues -- even if the entire
system was close to dead -- then
what happens? Martinez?
ra
nc
hi
B
Martinez doesn’t answer.
La
F
TI
Scott begins to walk across the STUDENT’S DESKS to get to
Martinez. The class cracks up.
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Dave, don’t be looking up my
pants. You’re better than that.
od
ge
D
The class laughs. Scott finally gets to Martinez.
stands on his desk, looking down on him.
He
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT (CONT’D)
C’mon man. Whaty’a say? If all
the cells work together -- what’ll
happen?
R
82
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
MARTINEZ
The entire system gets restored.
SCOTT
Exactly.
(re: Martinez’s desk)
That is a sick dragon.
EA
D
C
O
N
Martinez takes a long beat.
EXT. SOUTH BOSTON HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - SAME TIME
82
We see Bella and a few other FACULTY members including
Duffy, walking down the hall.
Duffy is talking to Bella, but she’s not listening -she’s watching Scott through the window, as he continues
his lecture from on top of the desk.
83
EXT. BOSTON ROAD - DAWN
The sun’s just coming up. Scott runs along the river...
flanked by Niko, DellaGrotte and the rest of his FIGHT
TEAM.
Marty rides in a GOLF CART that holds PADS, bottles of
WATER and a radio that’s blaring CLASSICAL MUSIC.
DellaGrotte SHOUTS out some instructions and everyone
immediately drops to the ground for PUSH-UPS.
83
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
They spring to their feet and continue running.
runs alongside Scott.
69.
Niko
NIKO
Hey, think I’m heading back to
Holland.
SCOTT
What?
la
kn
ey
A
L
NIKO
The test is too hard. And you’re
busy with this whole thing.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
No Niko. Don’t give up, we’ll
work something out.
Marty!.
\S
ha
ri
SCOTT (CONT’D)
EN
Ah!
La
F
Marty accidently BUMPS Scott’s heel with the golf cart.
od
ge
MARTY
Sorry, I was texting.
85
INT. SITYODTONG GYM - DAY
FI
An
dr
ew
D
OMIT
D
84
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
Scott is training, doing “FIREMAN” carries with Marty
over his shoulder. Marty looks down.
MARTY
Wow. You look as good going as
you do coming.
SCOTT
And you my friend sat in gum...
please be gum.
We pan over to reveal... MALIA AND NIKO.
tutoring Niko.
She’s now
NIKO
The President, Vice President
and... I forget. I have trouble
remembering all this stuff.
Malia nods, thinks for a second, then...
MALIA
What’s your favorite song?
NIKO
My favorite song?
MALIA
Yes, this’ll help. It’s something
I do. Tell me your favorite song.
NIKO
I like “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
84
*
85
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
70.
MALIA
The Bon Jovi song?
She looks at him, weird choice.
NIKO
It’s a long story.
A
L
MALIA
Right. We’ll close your eyes and
sing with me...
la
kn
ey
Niko closes his eyes... Malia starts to sing...
La
F
EN
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
MALIA (CONT’D)
(to the chorus of
“Shot Through The
Heart”)
“The Executive Branch of the
government...”
od
ge
\S
ha
ri
NIKO
(singing way off-key)
“The Executive Branch of the
government... “
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
MALIA
“Consists of The President, Vice
President and cabinet.”
N
AM
D
ER
MALIA
Yeah, that’s how music works.
Sing it.
/S
EN
NIKO
Hey it goes with the lyrics...
ER
As Niko closes his eyes and belts it out...
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
Opening his eyes...
NIKO
“Consists of The President, Vice
President and Cabinet.”
It may sound awful... but it’s working.
“YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME” cranks up, taking us into:
FIGHT MONTAGE
86
HIGH SCHOOL GYM
86
A fight is in progress. Scott is gassed, but working
hard. He submits the OTHER FIGHTER, who TAPS OUT.
Niko and Marty hug.
87
OMIT
87
88
PRINCIPAL ELKIN’S OFFICE - DAY
88
White Production Draft 2/25/11
71.
Scott enters Principal Elkin’s office and plunks down a
check for TWO-THOUSAND dollars.
89
OUTDOOR FAIRGROUND - DAY
89
A CAGE is set up in the middle of a STATE FAIR. As Scott
and his OPPONENT, a large Japanese man in his twenties,
get instructions from the REF...
la
kn
ey
A
L
REF
Alright, let’s have a clean fight,
obey my commands and that corner
of the cage is broken, so I would
avoid it.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT’S POV: The cage is severely PITCHED down in the
broken corner.
90
INT. SITYODTONG USA GYM
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
Scott and the Japanese Man BUMP KNUCKLES and nod to one
another, agreeing not to fight in that area.
90
FAIRGROUND
od
ge
An
dr
ew
91
D
D
Scott is hitting FOCUS MITTS. DellaGrotte stops and
INSTRUCTS HIM on proper striking technique.
91
92
ER
/S
EN
CENTER CAGE. Scott lumbers back to his corner... he’s
obviously getting dominated by a much larger, AFRICANAMERICAN FIGHTER.
Between rounds. Marty's on his game: he quickly sets the
stool, hands Niko an ice pack, etc.
R
EA
D
C
D
ER
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYM
O
92
N
AM
N
E:
FI
We rejoin the fight with the Japanese Man. The Japanese
Man picks Scott up and SLAMS him to the canvas -- THE
ENTIRE CORNER OF THE CAGE COLLAPSES -- AND SCOTT
DISAPPEARS.
MARTY
(trying to stay
positive)
I think you’re starting to wear
him down.
And Scott... completely exhausted and beaten...
93
LATER
93
NIKO
No. No. Get out!
The African-American Fighter has Scott in an ARM BAR.
Scott is in pain and taps.
The African-American Fighter STANDS UP and the Ref raises
his hand in victory. Scott and he HUG.
AFRICAN AMERICAN FIGHTER
Good fight, man.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
72.
SCOTT
You too. Hey, did you see
anything I could’ve done better?
Be brutal.
The Fighter is taken aback.
94
LATER
94
95
WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD
la
kn
ey
A
L
Marty FANS out a WAD of cash and places it on Elkin’s
desk. Marty crosses out. Elkins picks up the cash and
looks at it.
95
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
Scott is training with Several FOOTBALL PLAYERS HOLDING
BLOCKING PADS. Several STUDENTS have gathered to watch
him train.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
The Football Players run at him. Scott THROWS the
players off him, KICKS blocking pads, etc. The Players
HIGH-FIVE Scott. They circle and do the team PSYCH-UP
CLAP DANCE.
od
ge
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
Meanwhile, in the BLEACHERS, Malia and Niko STUDY. They
both wear HEADPHONES and bop their heads up and down to
the music. Niko gets several questions right! He and
Malia celebrate.
SITYODTONG USA GYM
96
E:
96
N
AM
LOMBARDOS CATERING HALL
R
97
Scott’s definitely
ER
/S
EN
Scott grapples with a MEXICAN MAN.
hanging in there.
EA
D
C
O
97
D
ER
N
Scott is hitting the Focus Mitts with DellaGrotte, his
combinations are crisp and fast...
NIKO
Don’t let him lock his arm in
place. Wrist control!
Hit him!
MARTY
Pound him!
NIKO
Scott, you need to-MARTY
Use your elbow!!
Niko turns to Marty...
NIKO
Hey, I give the instructions!
MARTY
What? He should use his elbow! I
see an opening. I’m just trying
to help out here.
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
73.
NIKO
Leave that to me. You’re here to
carry stuff!
MARTY
That was unnecessary.
Struggling to get out of a lock, Scott hears them
fighting...
NIKO
Shh!
la
kn
ey
A
L
One voice.
ra
nc
hi
B
MARTY
You shush! I’m just saying, he
has very sharp elbows.
La
F
TI
And Scott... wedged up against the fence, getting HAMMER
FISTED...
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
Can we please have this argument
in the car ride home?
od
ge
Scott takes two more SHOTS to the ear.
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Time and a place guys. Time and a
place.
N
AM
N
E:
Scott wiggles free and starts to make his move, reversing
and tossing a FLURRY OF ELBOWS, rocking his opponent.
D
ER
EN
/S
LATER
98
R
EA
D
98
MARTY
Is there something you want to say
to me?
ER
C
O
The CROWD erupts, Marty turns to Niko, smug:
Scott’s arm is hoisted in victory by the REF. Scott
turns and runs to his corner and JUMPS into Marty’s open
arms. Marty holds him up for a second, then his legs
give out and they drop in a HEAP.
Joe Rogan is in the stands, sitting next to a UFC
FIGHTER.
JOE ROGAN
I think he just killed his corner
man.
END MONTAGE
99
INT. BIOLOGY LAB - MORNING
Scott’s classroom has been made over. There are DISPLAYS
on the shelves. POSTERS AND PLASTIC MODELS have been hung
around the room.
Scott, energized, is teaching the class. Derrick, paying
attention for the first time, raises his hand.
99
White Production Draft 2/25/11
74.
DERRICK
I’m confused. Can carbon dioxide
molecules grow bigger or are they
always the same size?
Scott thinks quickly and heads for the door.
SCOTT
Let’s find out!
TI
EXT. PARKING LOT - MORNING
ra
nc
hi
B
la
kn
ey
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Come on!
100
A
L
The Students aren’t sure what do to until...
La
F
EN
Scott has the class in a semi-circle standing over a
plastic liter SODA BOTTLE with a PVC pipe sticking out.
\S
ha
ri
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
The carbon dioxide molecules in
this bottle -- street name
“fizz”... can only grow larger, if
they have something to react to.
In this case it’s Mentos -- street
name “the fresh maker.” Observe.
N
AM
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Now we should run.
D
ER
N
E:
FI
Scott nods for Derrick to drop the pack of MENTOS into
the soda bottle.
R
EN
/S
ER
An elderly TEACHER sticks her head out of the broken
window.
EA
D
C
O
Everyone SCATTERS and the bottle SHOOTS into the sky,
losing control mid-air and flying into a neighboring
classroom WINDOW, shattering it.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Sorry Mrs. Klein!
(then)
Alright everyone let’s get our
stories straight... Derrick did
it.
Scott takes off running. The Students quickly disperse.
Scott notices Bella and walks over to her.
BELLA
(kidding him)
Inspiring your students I see?
SCOTT
With a touch of vandalism.
Bella smiles.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
So... in case you hadn’t
noticed...
(MORE)
100
White Production Draft 2/25/11
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I’m standing and the offer for
dinner is still out there.
75.
BELLA
(considering)
If I was to let you cook for me-and I’m not saying I am -- what
would you cook?
SCOTT
INT.
la
kn
ey
101
A
L
Name it.
SCOTT’S KITCHEN - NIGHT
ra
nc
hi
B
TIGHT ON HANDS expertly chopping, dicing, etc.
La
F
EN
TI
REVEAL: ERIC is cooking. He’s got FOUR POTS going at
once. He’s still dressed in his PAINTING COVERALLS and
is covered in paint.
\S
ha
ri
Scott enters dressed for his date.
of cologne.
He holds two BOTTLES
od
ge
D
D
SCOTT
Which one do you like better?
An
dr
ew
Scott SPRAYS from each bottle.
E:
FI
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Enigma... or Volcano?
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ERIC
What’re you doing?! This is Coq
Au Vin -- the sauce is extremely
delicate.
ER
Scott SPRAYS them both on.
EA
D
C
O
N
Eric begins waving his arms.
SCOTT
You know what? I’m going both.
Enigma up top... and Volcano
downtown.
ERIC
Man, I haven’t seen you like this
in years.
What?
SCOTT
ERIC
I’m jealous. You smell good.
You’re passionate about
something... someone.
SCOTT
What’re you talking about?
You
got the kids. Lauren. You got your
business.
101
White Production Draft 2/25/11
76.
ERIC
Yeah, of course... but I don’t
know, every night I come home, at
least one my kids is locked in a
cabinet, last night Lauren said
good night by throwing a yogurt at
me... and my “business?” It’s a
15 hour a day grind.
(changing gears)
Can you hand me the pepper?
la
kn
ey
A
L
Scott does. Eric puts the PEPPER in between his hands
then DUSTS THE DISH with a FLOURISH.
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
I thought you loved painting?
La
F
EN
TI
ERIC
Nah. When Dad died I just kept
going with the business but it
wasn’t my dream.
\S
ha
ri
SCOTT
So why’d you do it?
od
ge
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
ERIC
I don’t know, we all knew you were
the one going to college... even
though it took you seven years to
finish.
N
AM
D
ER
N
E:
SCOTT
Hey, those two years I managed the
go-cart track taught me a lot of
life lessons.
EN
/S
ER
ERIC
(re: the food)
We’re done.
R
EA
D
C
O
The TIMER goes off.
Eric makes one last detailed adjustment to the dish.
ERIC (CONT’D)
This is perfect.
SCOTT
You can’t let you’re dreams die,
Eric. If you don’t make the
effort, nothing’s ever gonna
change.
You think?
ERIC
SCOTT
Absolutely. You need to find your
passion, let it guide you, then-The DOORBELL rings -She’s here.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
You gotta get out.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
77.
Scott ushers Eric out the back door.
102
INT. SCOTT’S DINING ROOM - A BIT LATER
102
Scott and Bella are sitting at the table.
really enjoying her Coq Au Vin.
Bella is
She takes another bite.
La
F
He smiles at her.
You made
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
BELLA
(suspicious)
This is incredible!
this?
ra
nc
hi
B
She does.
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
You know you picked a very
delicate dish. The sauce is
extremely... delicate -- hope you
like it.
od
ge
D
D
SCOTT
Yeah. Yes I did. I said I’d make
it. I made it. Next question.
FI
An
dr
ew
BELLA
Uh-huh. Well, whatever restaurant
you ordered it from, its amazing.
103
ER
/S
EN
Scott and Bella are now both working on setting up an
EXPERIMENT for Scott’s class. There are two BEERS on the
counter.
EA
D
C
R
N
AM
LATER
O
103
D
ER
N
E:
SCOTT
I’ll be sure to thank the chef.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
So, what got you into nursing?
BELLA
I went to school in a poor
neighborhood back in my country
Scotland?
SCOTT
She laughs.
BELLA
Yeah, just outside. And I was
lucky to have a teacher named Mrs.
Cano. She would make us each go
to the blackboard and write out
our dreams. She told us if we
underlined them, they would come
true... no matter what.
SCOTT
What did you write on the board.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
78.
BELLA
Have Scott Voss pretend to cook
dinner for me.
Scott smiles.
la
kn
ey
A
L
BELLA (CONT’D)
To be a doctor.
(beat)
And I became a nurse. And you
know what, that’s further than I
ever would have gotten without her
in my life.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
It’s not too late. Look at me,
I’m an over-the-hill MMA fighter
and “YouTube sensation.”
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
And they sit there... looking at each other... not saying
anything... until...
od
ge
BELLA
Well, it’s late, I should get
going. Thank you for dinner.
D
D
They get up and walk to the door.
N
AM
N
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
SCOTT
I know you want me to kiss you
right now... I think we have
something special here, and I
don’t wanna rush the magic.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
Bella smiles.
BELLA
Goodbye Scott... By the way, a
little cologne goes a long way.
SCOTT
Yeah, you’re right. My eyes are
burning... and I don’t even wanna
talk about what’s going on
downtown.
Bella leaves.
104
INT. ERIC’S HOUSE - DAY
104
Scott is at the front door. There’s the usual CHAOS in
the house. Eric opens the door with his THREE-YEAR OLD
under one arm.
Hey.
ERIC
SCOTT
Hey, can you get out for an hour?
ERIC
Not a good time.
(re: kid)
(MORE)
White Production Draft 2/25/11
ERIC (CONT'D)
This one thought the Ex-lax was
chocolate... I’m up to my eyes in
it. Lauren says it’s my fault.
79.
LAUREN (O.S.)
It is!!!
A
L
ERIC
(calling out)
Whatever!!
(back to Scott)
Alright, where we going?
la
kn
ey
Eric puts the Kid down.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
Time to shake things up around
here.
La
F
EN
Eric starts to walk out.
od
ge
WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL/ ESTABLISHING - NEXT DAY
105
D
EXT.
D
105
\S
ha
ri
SCOTT (CONT’D)
You gotta wash your face first.
FI
An
dr
ew
A beautiful spring day in South Boston...
INT. WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL - HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
106
E:
106
N
AM
D
ER
N
End of the day, Scott walks down the hallway, STUDENTS of
all kinds congratulate him -- not just the music kids.
EN
ER
EXT. WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL - CONTINUOUS ACTION
Scott exits the building to find DellaGrotte waiting for
him.
R
EA
D
C
107
/S
O
Scott smiles and heads out the front doors.
SCOTT
What’s up?
(a bit confused)
Were we supposed to train today?
DELLAGROTTE
Look, I told you when you joined
my team that I had your back.
Right?
Yeah...?
SCOTT
DELLAGROTTE
I just thought you should know
Dana White called Niko -- he wants
you to fight in the UFC... it’s
ten grand.
As it washes over Scott...
107
White Production Draft 2/25/11
80.
SCOTT
To lose?
DellaGrotte nods.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Yeah!!!
Scott throws his hands in the air.
SCOTT
108
La
F
INT. EQUINOX HEALTH CLUB - DAY
EN
108
TI
What?
ra
nc
hi
B
Scott deflates, dropping his hands.
la
kn
ey
A
L
DELLAGROTTE
Niko turned it down.
od
ge
\S
ha
ri
Niko is teaching a YOGA class. At the moment, the CLASS
is in the “Sleeping Child” position. NEW AGE music
plays.
D
An
dr
ew
D
Scott comes in with a head of steam.
NIKO
FI
Ho ho!!
Niko sees Scott.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
NIKO (CONT’D)
(to Class)
Relax! Relax!
(now soothing)
You’re back in the peaceful
meadow.
ER
/S
Niko goes
Niko makes his best BIRD SOUNDS. He walks by FRANK
CORACI’S CAMEO, who is in the Sleeping Child with his
plumber’s crack EXPOSED. Niko points the ass crack out
to Scott and GIGGLES.
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
Several members of the Class JUMP, startled.
to Scott.
109
INT. EQUINOX HEALTH CLUB - LATER
Scott’s in Niko’s face.
SCOTT
Why would you do that?!
NIKO
You’re not ready for a fight like
this!
SCOTT
I haven’t been ready for any of
‘em.
(beat)
We’re six grand away and the
semester’s almost over.
Uttering under his breath...
109
White Production Draft 2/25/11
NIKO
It’s too dangerous.
SCOTT
Obviously, Dana White doesn’t
think so.
NIKO
Because you’re on YouTube! It’s
about the story -- nothing more!
ra
nc
hi
B
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT
What difference does it make?
I lose this fight, we’ll have
enough money! That’s why we’ve
been doing all this.
La
F
TI
NIKO
There are other fights you can
take to get the money.
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
But this could be one and done!
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
NIKO
The UFC is the real deal. It’s big
time. There are no broken cages
or chickens running around.
FI
Scott shakes his head in frustration...
N
AM
N
E:
SCOTT
I’m really not getting what the
problem is here!
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
Niko musters the courage to tell Scott...
NIKO
The problem is we’re the same age.
So?
SCOTT
NIKO
And I could kick your ass!
Okay?!
SCOTT
What’re you saying?
NIKO
(exploding)
You’re a teacher!!
Niko breaks a piece of EXERCISE EQUIPMENT.
taken back by this.
SCOTT
(re: equipment)
Do we need to tell somebody about
that?
NIKO
I devoted my whole life to
fighting --
Scott is
81.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
Niko sits on an EXERCISE BALL, drops his head.
realizes...
82.
Scott
SCOTT
And you should’ve been given this
shot...
la
kn
ey
A
L
NIKO
When I fought I was beating
everybody. I was unstoppable.
And then, I finally got my big
break to fight in the UFC.
(beat)
But I destroyed my back when I was
training... and it was over.
A beat.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
Scott looks at him, not sure what to say.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
I’m sorry. I didn’t know.
(beat)
Look, if you don’t think I deserve
this fight... I won’t take it.
od
ge
Niko considers for a long beat.
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
NIKO
No, no. I’ll set up a meeting
with Dana.
N
AM
/S
ER
Mr. De La Cruz, dressed in a suit, walks Scott through
the CROWDED restaurant. There’s an energy to the place.
Far from the struggling business he described.
EA
D
R
MALIA’S FATHER’S RESTAURANT - NIGHT
EN
INT.
C
110
NIKO (CONT’D)
Sorry. It’s just... yoga makes me
emotional.
D
ER
O
N
E:
They hug.
DE LA CRUZ
Business has never been better. I
want to thank you for your help...
Mr. De La Cruz stops at a table, shakes Scott’s hand and
moves off.
Scott approaches Dana White who sits at the table.
NIKO
Dana, this is my friend, Scott.
DANA WHITE
Scott, good to meet you.
Scott shakes Dana’s hand and he sits.
SCOTT
I just wanna say, I’m a big fan.
110
White Production Draft 2/25/11
Thanks, man.
83.
DANA WHITE
SCOTT
(star-struck)
Dana White. Wow, what a month I’m
having. First I met the guy from
that show... Oh. Dammit... come on
-- he was a robot... well, he had
robot parts... you know him!
A
L
Niko winces.
la
kn
ey
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Ahh... I can see his initials--
La
F
od
ge
SCOTT
D
Thanks.
D
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
DANA WHITE
Okay, I gotta flight in like 20
minutes. Rogan showed me some of
your fights. Especially the last
one against Romero. He was a UFC
guy we sent down to do some more
work and you dropped him. Nice
job.
FI
An
dr
ew
Eric sets down a plate of food -- Scott got him a job as
the Chef at this restaurant.
N
AM
N
E:
ERIC
Lettuce wraps. I did it with very
little oil and a hint of curry.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
Enjoy.
ERIC (CONT’D)
Eric moves off.
EA
D
C
O
Eric lingers a bit -- looking for feedback that never
comes. Scott gestures to Eric: Scram.
DANA WHITE
Here’s the deal. We had a fighter
fall out in an under card against
Ken Dietrich next week in Vegas.
Dietrich’s a beast. He’s nervous
you might puke on him.
SCOTT
That was a one time deal... bad
applesauce... it won’t happen
again.
DANA WHITE
Well, Rogan thinks you’ll do great
and I agree with him. I’m gonna
give you a shot.
(to Niko)
Now, I know you had some concerns
Niko...
Niko regards Scott.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
84.
NIKO
He’s ready.
Scott and Niko exchange a smile.
Dana gets up...
DANA WHITE
Great! I gotta run. I’m taking a
lettuce wrap. And I’ll see you
boys in Vegas.
And Niko turns to Scott with...
NIKO
You just got your fight.
Then...
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B
Scott is lost in thought.
la
kn
ey
A
L
Dana exits.
La
F
Niko stops Scott.
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
SCOTT
Lee Majors!! That’s who I met. I
gotta tell him it was Lee Majors.
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
NIKO
I think you might have to let this
one go.
INT. BIOLOGY LAB - MORNING
FI
111
111
N
AM
D
ER
N
E:
Scott enters. Turns on the lights and SEES a handmade
BANNER saying: “WITHOUT MUSIC, LIFE WOULD BE A MISTAKE.”
It’s drawn Graffiti style ala the work Martinez was doing
on his desk.
EN
/S
INT.
ELKIN’S OFFICE - A FEW MOMENTS LATER
R
EA
D
112
ER
C
O
All the Students in the school have SIGNED it with
messages, etc. Scott smiles as he reads it.
Asst. Principal Elkins is at his desk when Scott enters.
SCOTT
I’m heading to the airport. Next
time I see you, we’ll be in the
clear.
ELKINS
I just want to say that what
you’re doing is admirable, Scott
and I’m sorry you had to go
through all this. I wish I
could’ve stopped it before it got
so out of hand.
SCOTT
It’s not your fault Betcher came
in. You’ve suffered as much as
anybody.
Elkins nods.
112
White Production Draft 2/25/11
85.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I’ll see you when I get back.
He exits.
After a moment, Asst. Principal Elkins looks at a form on
his desk... it’s a foreclosure notice.
113
INT. LOGAN AIRPORT - DAY
113
ra
nc
hi
B
TI
SCOTT
We’re doing it boys.
la
kn
ey
A
L
Scott, Niko, Marty and DellaGrotte check their BAGS at
the counter.
\S
ha
ri
EN
MARTY
I can’t believe it.
GUYS!
La
F
NIKO
Bing ding ding!
I LOVE YOU
od
ge
D
D
Scott, finished checking in, turns to Bella who’s
standing with a very pregnant Mollie, who approaches.
FI
An
dr
ew
MOLLIE
Scott, I want to thank you for
doing this for my family.
N
AM
D
ER
MOLLIE (CONT’D)
To keep you safe.
EN
O
N
E:
Mollie takes out a Saint Christopher MEDAL and hands it
to him.
R
/S
ER
EA
D
C
Mollie gives Scott a kiss on the cheek.
Thank you.
SCOTT
It’s been an honor.
Scott notices Marty with a MAN playing a GUITAR. They’re
talking about music. Marty TOSSES A COUPLE OF DOLLARS in
the guy’s TIP CUP.
He’s my hero.
Mine too.
SCOTT (CONT’D)
MOLLIE
Just then Marty takes the guitar and begins to play and
sing “Boom.”
MARTY
(sweetly)
“Boom Here comes the Boom, ready
or not.”
Scott turns to Bella...
White Production Draft 2/25/11
Alright.
me luck.
86.
SCOTT
I gotta get going, wish
Scott LEANS IN...
A
L
BELLA
(she whispers)
I know you want me to kiss you
right now... I think we have
something special here, and I
don’t wanna rush the magic.
la
kn
ey
Scott smiles.
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
SCOTT
You know what? A lot has happened
since I said that...
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
BELLA
(sincere)
Be careful. Niko says this guy
you’re fighting is very dangerous.
FI
LATER
N
114
od
ge
Eyes closed, as he finishes the song.
N
AM
E:
BACK TO MARTY:
D
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
Don’t worry. I’ve been working on
protecting myself.
(beat)
We’ll get our ten grand and get
outta there.
114
D
ER
EN
/S
EXT.
LAS VEGAS/ESTABLISHING - MAGIC HOUR
115
EA
D
115
ER
C
O
Walking through the terminal, in SLO-MOTION... Our RAG
TAG DREAM TEAM makes their way to the gate.
R
As the strip patiently waits to truly shine.
116
INT.
LAS VEGAS HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT
As the sun SETS into the desert floor. Marty, Niko and
DellaGrotte are eating everything out of the mini-bar.
They’re all in a jovial mood.
Scott is playing along, until something catches his eye.
On the JUMBOTRON MARQUEE: the greatest KNOCK OUTS of the
UFC are playing.
On the screen comes KENNY DIETRICH, a BEAST of a fighter.
We see Dietrich just DESTROYING opponents right and left.
Fear washes over Scott as the reality of what he’s about
to do sets in.
Scott’s cell phone RINGS.
INTERCUT:
116
White Production Draft 2/25/11
87.
SCOTT
Hello?
BELLA (O.S.)
Scott, its Bella.
117
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY - NIGHT
117
la
kn
ey
A
L
Bella calls from her CELL PHONE. In the back ground
there is POLICE ACTIVITY. An OFFICER interviews
Principal Betcher.
SCOTT
Glad you called.
ra
nc
hi
B
Hey.
\S
ha
ri
EN
SCOTT
What?
Elkins
La
F
TI
BELLA
Have you heard the news?
was arrested today.
od
ge
D
An
dr
ew
D
BELLA
It’s horrible. Apparently he’s
been embezzling from the school
for years.
FI
Scott reacts...
SCOTT
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
Wow.
BELLA
He took it Scott...
What?
SCOTT
BELLA
All of it. All the money you
raised for the music program...
it’s gone.
SCOTT
That’s impossible.
BELLA
I wish it was.
(beat)
I’m sorry.
Scott is thunderstruck. He sits there for a long beat,
not knowing what to say.
BELLA (CONT’D)
It’s over... come home.
Scott looks at Marty, laughing with Niko and DellaGrotte.
They’re throwing GRAPES at each other.
Scott thinks.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
I can’t.
88.
SCOTT
I gotta do this.
BELLA
Scott, the money’s gone. There’s
nothing to fight for anymore.
A
L
SCOTT
Nothing to fight for? Everyone’s
quit on these kids. Elkins, the
system, the school... even me. I
can’t do it again.
La
F
TI
ra
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hi
B
la
kn
ey
BELLA
You could get really hurt... or
worse. There’s no reason left to
fight. You’re a teacher. What
are you teaching these kids if you
go through with this?
\S
ha
ri
EN
He shakes his head... holding strong in his conviction...
od
ge
SCOTT
What am I teaching them if I
don’t?
D
An
dr
ew
EXT.
LAS VEGAS NEVADA - NEXT DAY - AFTERNOON
FI
118
D
And as that question hangs...
118
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
MIKE GOLDBERG (V.O.)
Welcome to UFC 128 at the
beautiful MGM Grand Casino. My
partner, as always, Joe Rogan.
ER
Scott walks around the VEGAS STRIP, taking it all in.
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
WE HEAR: JOE ROGAN AND MIKE GOLDBERG THROUGH THE
FOLLOWING.
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
Thanks, Ken. What a great night
of fights we have! I haven’t been
this excited in a long time.
There are some unbelievable matchups on tonight’s card.
Scott pulls the SAINT CHRISTOPHER MEDAL from his pocket,
it comforts him a bit.
119
EXT.
MGM GRAND ARENA - LATER THAT NIGHT
As the crowd begins to file in...
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
Of course in the main event, we
have Junior dos Santos versus
Shane Carwin. It should be a good
one as both these guys are at the
top of their game.
119
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
119A
89.
INT. MGM GRAND ARENA BACKSTAGE - NIGHT
119A
Scott and Marty walk into the BACKSTAGE AREA and see...
TWO AMBULANCES that are kept right outside the arena...
at the ready...
Scott grows concerned, bad thoughts racing through his
head. Niko clocks this.
la
kn
ey
A
L
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
There are some interesting fights
on the under card as well.
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nc
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B
MIKE GOLDBERG (V.O.)
Absolutely Joe.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
INT.
MGM LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
od
ge
120
EN
TI
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
Light heavyweights Stephan Bonnar
and Brian Stann squaring off in
what could get them “fight of the
night.”
120
D
An
dr
ew
D
We pan past VARIOUS FIGHTERS preparing for their bouts.
FI
Backstage: Scott, Marty, Niko and DellaGrotte hold hands
and BOW THEIR HEADS IN PRAYER.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
We also have an interesting UFC
debut tonight. Scott Voss, a
biology teacher from Boston. Now
this is gonna help him -- he was a
D-1 college wrestler out of Penn
State. But this is not gonna help
him -- that was twenty years ago
and he’s fighting Ken Dietrich.
R
Ken Dietrich SHADOW BOXES, death stare in his eyes...
MIKE GOLDBERG (V.O.)
One of the up and coming stars in
the UFC and he is vicious.
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
Yeah, not the guy you want to be
looking at across the Octagon in
your first UFC fight.
121
EXT.
LAS VEGAS MGM GRAND - NIGHT
MUSIC: The haunting “OPTIMUS BELLUM DOMITOR” theme music
of the UFC PLAYS.
As we get a shot of the whole venue... the large neon
billboard advertising the UFC. Vegas in the back ground.
MIKE GOLDBERG (V.O.)
ARE YOU READY FOR UFC 128?!!
121
*
White Production Draft 2/25/11
122
INT.
90.
LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
122
Scott’s hitting the FOCUS MITTS with DellaGrotte -faster and better than ever. Niko heads over.
NIKO
Remember, don’t do anything
stupid. This guy’s on a different
level. Protect yourself.
la
kn
ey
A
L
DELLAGROTTE
Keep your hands up and, circle
away from his power.
ra
nc
hi
B
Scott, racked with fear, manages a NOD.
La
F
TI
NIKO
Alright we should start heading
out.
\S
ha
ri
EN
Scott crosses to Marty who is sitting on a STOOL, still
ROCKED by the Elkin’s scandal.
od
ge
D
D
SCOTT
I need you tonight. Forget about
Elkins. No matter what happens...
we’re gonna figure this thing out.
FI
An
dr
ew
Marty forces a smile and joins the guys, as they exit the
dressing room.
N
AM
N
E:
We STAY in the empty room...
/S
EN
INT. MGM GRAND ARENA - MINUTES LATER
ER
In the TUNNEL.
check.
DellaGrotte gives Scott’s gloves one last
R
EA
D
C
123
D
ER
O
A beat, then Marty re-enters, GRABS the stool and hustles
out.
Scott hears the crowd, takes a deep breath: this is
happening.
From the arena... we now hear “Holly Holy” blare out
and...
NIKO
Okay, let’s go!
With that, Scott begins his entrance... “Holly Holy”
playing.
And as they reach the mouth of the arena... Scott
notices...
SCOTT
It sounds different...
Marching out into the lights...
Marty realizes...
123
White Production Draft 2/25/11
91.
MARTY
That’s because it is.
And Scott sees....
THE WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
In all its glory... playing “Holly Holy” from the seats
that line both sides of the tunnel. Scott’s stunned...
la
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A
L
SCOTT
How did they... ?
ra
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hi
B
And he sees Malia on a MICROPHONE, SINGING HER HEART
OUT... her father sitting next to her.
La
F
\S
ha
ri
MARTY
EN
Wasn’t me.
TI
SCOTT (CONT’D)
You put all this together?
od
ge
... and in the front row of the section... Bella standing
on her feet, CHEERING.
D
D
She gives Scott a big smile as he passes.
FI
An
dr
ew
SCOTT
How did you do this?
N
AM
N
E:
BELLA
I called him...
R
124
D
ER
EN
ER
/S
The arena is just filling up, but most of the people
there are CHEERING for Scott.
EA
D
C
O
Bella points to Dana White, who’s standing nearby talking
to THE TAP OUT GUYS. Scott looks to Dana, who throws him
a modest SHRUG.
INT. ERIC’S DINING ROOM - SAME TIME
124
Eric, clean shaven and nicely dressed, serves Lauren a
nice candle lit DINNER. There is ZEN MUSIC playing and
it is clear that he is all about her right now.
She takes a bite of the food and smiles at him.
LAUREN
This in incredible honey.
(she motions to
something)
Turn it up.
We reveal the UFC is on a SMALL TELEVISION, sitting on
the edge of the dining room TABLE.
Eric SMILES, grabs the REMOTE and turns it up.
and watch.
They eat
White Production Draft 2/25/11
125
92.
INT. MGM GRAND ARENA - SAME TIME
125
A HARD ROCK SONG TBD blares out...
Ken Dietrich enters the cage, and jogs around it -- NEVER
TAKING HIS EYES OFF Scott.
JOE ROGAN
This dude’s the real deal.
Wow.
la
kn
ey
126
A
L
Scott looks at Marty, Niko and DellaGrotte throwing him
encouragement from the side.
KEN DIETRICH’S CORNER
126
SCOTT’S CORNER
127
La
F
TI
127
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Dietrich’s CORNER MEN unfurl a banner. It lists his
sponsors: TAPOUT, XYIENCE ENERGY DRINK, etc.
\S
ha
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EN
Niko and Marty unfurl SCOTT’S BANNER...
od
ge
INT. WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL/GYM - SAME TIME
128
FI
An
dr
ew
128
D
D
IT’S THE BANNER FROM SCOTT’S CLASSROOM that reads:
“Without Music, Life Would Be A Mistake” with all the
Kid’s signatures.
N
AM
N
E:
Duffy sits in the gym, which is packed with STUDENTS and
FACULTY -- GOING CRAZY!
D
ER
O
INT. BAR - SAME TIME
EN
/S
INT. MGM GRAND ARENA - CONTINUOUS ACTION
R
EA
D
129
ER
C
CITIZENSHIP CLASS STUDENTS watch stone-faced.
Ken Dietrich and Scott move to the center of the cage and
receive the REF’S instructions but...
Scott hears none of it. He’s lost in his thoughts. He
SEES: the music students; their parents; Malia; her
father; Marty, and finally Bella. A SERENITY washes over
him.
REF
... so let’s touch gloves and
fight.
Scott and Ken Dietrich touch gloves and go back to their
corners.
NIKO
Remember. Take him to the ground
as fast as possible. Use your
power.
Scott turns towards the center of the Octagon, stares at
Dietrich for a beat and then turns back and takes his
mouthpiece out.
129
White Production Draft 2/25/11
93.
SCOTT
Let me ask you something.
(beat)
How much do I get if I win?
Niko is confused. DellaGrotte, confused for a second,
then realizes where Scott’s heading with this...
DELLAGROTTE
(smiling)
Fifty grand!!
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B
TI
SCOTT
Let’s win this thing!
la
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A
L
NIKO
What are you saying?
Start of Round 1
130
\S
ha
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DING
EN
130
La
F
Scott puts his mouthpiece back in, fire in his eyes.
od
ge
D
D
Marty CHEERS as Scott rushes into the center of the
Octagon.
131
N
AM
AS BELLA
N
131
E:
FI
An
dr
ew
It’s immediate... no dancing around... no feeling each
other out... Ken Dietrich attacks. Using his superior
reach and strength, Dietrich BATTERS Scott, mixing it up
with shots to the face and body. Scott’s OVERWHELMED.
ER
/S
Shouts...
EA
D
R
132
EN
AS NIKO
C
132
D
ER
O
Looks away...
NIKO
Protect, Scott! Protect!
Scott backpedals, but Dietrich chases him down, picks him
up and DRIVES him into the mat.
JOE ROGAN
Vicious slam! And I gotta tell
you, Dietrich is at home down
there... he’s lethal on the
ground.
Dietrich easily TURNS Scott onto his back and begins to
GROUND AND POUND him.
Scott PULLS GUARD.
Dietrich drops some elbows on him.
NIKO
Don’t let him pass!
Cover up!
DELLAGROTTE
White Production Draft 2/25/11
AS SCOTT takes the beating.
forehead.
94.
A CUT now opened over his
And Ken Dietrich lands another BOMB to Scott’s head.
The REF moves in for a closer look, considering stopping
it.
A
L
JOE ROGAN (ANNOUNCING)
Voss has to hang on! There’s only
a few seconds left!
la
kn
ey
Scott’s desperately trying to defend against the FLURRY
OF BLOWS that Ken Dietrich is raining down on him.
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B
DING
La
F
SCOTT’S CORNER
EN
133
TI
End of Round 1
133
\S
ha
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Scott’s exhausted, Scott sits.
od
ge
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
(to Niko)
You were right. This guy is on a
different level. He is really,
really good. He’s so good. He’s
so good.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Stitch. I can’t believe you’re
working on me. I’m a big fan.
What a month!
ER
/S
Stitch just smiles.
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
DellaGrotte waves over STITCH, UFC’s premiere cut man,
who comes to Scott and GOES TO WORK on his wound.
DELLAGROTTE
The ground ain’t working.
SCOTT
Yeah. It’s really not.
DELLAGROTTE
Okay, then try to keep it
standing!
JOE ROGAN (O.S.)
Man, that was a beat down! Voss
took a surprising number of hard
shots.
DING.
MIKE GOLDBERG (O.S.)
Absolutely, with no answer, Joe.
Here we go!
134
START OF ROUND 2 (the Stadium should be a lot fuller)
134
White Production Draft 2/25/11
Scott fakes a take down, then throws a WILD PUNCH.
circles around Dietrich.
95.
He
JOE ROGAN
Wow. Voss seems to want to keep
it on it’s feet.
Scott’s getting pummeled.
are all on target.
His shots MISS.
Dietrich’s
la
kn
ey
A
L
Scott, barely able to stand, get’s THROWN INTO THE FENCE
and POUNDED some more. His legs are wobbly, but he
doesn’t go down.
AS BELLA winces and buries her face in her hands.
136
Scott defends and ATTEMPTS to strike. BOOM! Dietrich
lands a SHOT sending Scott’s MOUTHPIECE FLYING.
End of Round 2
\S
ha
ri
EN
DING.
La
F
TI
ra
nc
hi
B
135
od
ge
D
D
Wobbly, Scott tries to PICK UP his mouthpiece, but has
trouble on the first two attempts. Finally, he gets it
and puts it in.
An
dr
ew
Scott, foggy, HEADS TO THE WRONG CORNER.
SCOTT
I know, just wanted to say you
guys are doing a great job.
N
AM
D
ER
O
N
E:
FI
DIETRICH’S CORNER MAN
Wrong corner, man.
R
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
Scott doesn’t know where to go. He looks to another
corner.
Nope!
NIKO
Next one! One over!
Scott LOOKS AROUND, confused.
NIKO (CONT’D)
Just follow my voice!!
Scott finally makes his way to his corner and SITS on his
stool, sucking WIND big time.
DELLAGROTTE
You gotta stay away from him!
SCOTT
(gasping for breath)
I’m. Trying.
NIKO
(to DellaGrotte)
He’s gotta go back to the ground.
Marty has had enough.
135
136
White Production Draft 2/25/11
96.
MARTY
Can I say something?
DELLAGROTTE
(to Niko)
The ground was just as bad!
MARTY
I need to say something.
la
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A
L
NIKO
(to DellaGrotte)
Lesser of two evils!
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B
MARTY
Will you guys LISTEN TO ME!!
La
F
TI
Niko and DellaGrotte both look at Marty, taken aback by
his assertiveness.
od
ge
Marty moves into Scott.
\S
ha
ri
EN
NIKO
Okay, jeez... go ahead.
D
An
dr
ew
D
SCOTT
Sorry buddy, I don’t think I’m
gonna be able to do this.
The hell
N
AM
N
E:
FI
MARTY
Scott, you already have.
with my job.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
MARTY (CONT’D)
Look at those kids up there...
ER
Scott looks in the direction, but...
EA
D
C
O
Marty looks up to the STUDENTS in the stands, then...
over to Scott.
SCOTT
It’s a little blurry.
MARTY
Okay, then let me tell you what
you would see. You’d see a group
of our students witnessing
complete resolve in the face of an
unbearable obstacle.
(beat)
And they’re invested, Scott...
they’re inspired.
Scott looks towards the kids again.
MARTY (CONT’D)
That’s all we’re supposed to do as
teachers... inspire them. You can
quit right now and everything we
worked for will be accomplished.
Mollie told me you said I was
you’re hero.
(MORE)
White Production Draft 2/25/11
MARTY (CONT’D)
(beat)
Well, you’re mine.
Marty's words just hang there.
97.
Then...
SCOTT
Marty...
Scott gestures for Marty to move in closer...
la
kn
ey
A
L
SCOTT (CONT’D)
I ain’t quitting.
Scott, smiles and gets to his feet -- energized.
La
F
TI
DING.
EN
137
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B
SCOTT (CONT’D)
Besides, I’m feeling twisty.
137
\S
ha
ri
START OF ROUND 3 (even more people in the Stadium)
od
ge
D
Scott comes out and faces Ken Dietrich... who immediately
CHARGES for a take-down which Scott defends.
FI
An
dr
ew
D
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
Wow. Voss stuffs the take-down
nicely.
N
AM
D
ER
EN
JOE ROGAN
Oh! I don’t believe what I’m
seeing!
ER
/S
Dietrich comes back, returning a VICIOUS ATTACK. Back
and forth, both fighters are UNRELENTING and leaving it
all in the octagon...
R
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
And then it happens... Scott goes on the OFFENSIVE...
NAILING Dietrich with a COMBINATION that STAGGERS him.
138
The CROWD ROARS!! SIGNALING to PEOPLE from all over the
arena, who START FILING IN to watch the fight.
AT THE CONCESSION STANDS
138
PEOPLE in line forget their orders and RUN INSIDE.
139
INT. OCTAGON (the Stadium should be pretty much full now) 139
Scott throws a leg kick that BUCKLES Dietrich's knee.
As Scott circles him, Dietrich shakes out his arms...
JOE ROGAN (CONT’D)
Dietrich’s starting to gas! He
may have punched himself out in
the first two rounds.
Scott lands a FLURRY OF BLOWS, sending Dietrich into the
fence.
White Production Draft 2/25/11
Scott charges Dietrich and lands a FLYING KNEE.
by a nasty RIGHT ELBOW.
98.
Followed
BELLA jumps to her feet...
140
141
DUFFY AND THE STUDENTS IN THE GYM GO INSANE. Duffy
springs to his feet and starts throwing AIR PUNCHES and
KICKS, losing his balance.
141
142
THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE now cheers for the underdog...
142
143
ERIC, LAUREN AND ALL THEIR KIDS now watching the fight
together, all CHEERING. Eric looks at Pete.
143
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B
ERIC
Should he be watching this?
la
kn
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A
L
140
\S
ha
ri
AND SCOTT hits Ken Dietrich with FLYING KNEE, sending him 144
back into the CAGE, then unleashes a volley of BODY
SHOTS, making room to nail him with a HEAD KICK, which
buckles him and finally... takes him down.
od
ge
144
La
F
EN
TI
LAUREN
(totally into it)
He’s five, he’s fine!
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
JOE ROGAN (V.O.)
Look at that! The fight finds the
mat with Voss in control!
N
AM
N
E:
Scott is PULLING Dietrich into the center of the Octagon.
He MOUNTS him, dropping BOMBS on Dietrich’s head. The
Ref moves in to see if Dietrich can continue.
R
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
When suddenly Dietrich rockets an UP KICK, drilling Scott
in SLO-MOTION. As Scott falls, Dietrich transitions to
an ARM BAR.
JOE ROGAN (O.S.)
Oh man! What an up kick! Voss is
in trouble now!! That arm bar is
deep!!
Scott, in incredible pain, looks like he’s about to tap.
Scott grits his teeth and insanely... PICKS DIETRICH UP,
from the arm bar hold and...
SLAMS DIETRICH TO THE GROUND!!
Dietrich is OUT AND THE REF STOPS THE FIGHT!
JOE ROGAN (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Scott Voss, the teacher from
Boston... wins his first UFC
bout!!! THAT MAN IS MY HERO!!!
MARTY AND NIKO run into the cage and hug him.
145
BELLA rushes through the arena...
145
146
THE MUSIC STUDENTS celebrate by JUMPING UP AND DOWN LIKE
MANIACS...
146
White Production Draft 2/25/11
99.
147
DellaGrotte calmly stands, connects a look with Dana
White, then... slowly nods... “we may have one here.”
147
148
ERIC jumps up and down with Lauren -- they kiss for the
first time in a long time...
148
149
THE CITIZENSHIP STUDENTS still sit there STONE FACED,
except for...
149
SCOTT makes his way to Ken Dietrich...
la
kn
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150
A
L
MIGUEL
No pain, no gain!!!
150
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KENNY DIETRICH
Good job, man.
EN
CAGESIDE
La
F
TI
They HUG and we’re now...
od
ge
\S
ha
ri
Scott sees Bella running for him and smiles... She can’t
make it into the cage, so Scott works his way through the
crowd of CORNER MEN, etc., meeting her on his side of the
cage.
FI
An
dr
ew
D
D
SCOTT
Are you ready to kiss me?
ready...
BELLA
N
AM
N
E:
I am!
Cuz I’m
ER
/S
Scott finishes gathering his things, Marty at his side.
Bella and Niko wait across the locker room.
EA
D
R
LOCKER ROOM - LATER
EN
INT.
C
151
D
ER
O
They KISS through the chain links of the cage wall.
SCOTT
We did it Marty.
Yes.
We.
MARTY
Did.
Scott and Marty hug again.
Scott.
DANA WHITE (O.S.)
You got a minute?
Scott nods, walks over and EXITS with Dana. We stay on
Bella... looking on intensely... getting worried.
And after a few moments, Scott comes back in.
BELLA
What was that about?
SCOTT
I won “fight of the night.”
151
White Production Draft 2/25/11
100.
BELLA
What does that mean?
SCOTT
Another eighty grand.
He holds up a check.
Bella can’t believe it.
la
kn
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A
L
SCOTT (CONT’D)
And...
(tentative)
He also offered me another fight.
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B
BELLA
(concerned)
What did you say?
She kisses him again.
EXT. WILKINSON HIGH SCHOOL- DAY
od
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152
La
F
Bella exhales, relieved.
I told
\S
ha
ri
EN
TI
SCOTT
What do ya think I said?
him... I’m a teacher.
152
D
FI
An
dr
ew
D
School’s in session. The place is REFURBISHED, case in
point, A PAINTER is putting the finishing touches on a
wall.
N
AM
N
E:
We see several STUDENTS with brand new musical
INSTRUMENTS as they practice in the quad.
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
Principal Betcher approaches.
PRINCIPAL BETCHER
Thank you Scott. The donation you
made, was more than generous.
This should keep us in the black
for quite awhile.
EA
D
C
O
Marty and Scott smile.
R
Marty takes his new BABY BOY from Mollie with a kiss.
153
INT. BIOLOGY CLASS - DAY
153
Scott takes Bella’s hand and leads her to his classroom.
On his blackboard is written: DR. BELLA FLORES.
*
SCOTT
You gotta underline it, so it
comes true.
Bella goes to the blackboard and UNDERLINES the words.
BELLA
No matter what.
154
EXT. FEDERAL BUILDING - DAY
An AMERICAN FLAG flaps in the breeze.
*
154
White Production Draft 2/25/11
101.
GROUP (V.O.)
"... I will support and defend the
Constitution and laws of the
United States of America...
We REVEAL Niko, dressed in a suit, proudly SINGING the
Naturalization Oath of Allegiance with his FELLOW
CLASSMATES.
Scott, Bella and Marty look on like proud parents.
connects eyes with Malia, who smiles.
Niko
TI
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B
la
kn
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A
L
GROUP
... and I take this obligation
freely without any mental
reservation or purpose of evasion;
so help me God."
La
F
\S
ha
ri
EN
OFFICIAL
Congratulations, you are now
citizens of the United States.
Niko looks to Scott and Marty, raising his hands in
triumph...
od
ge
NIKO
D
An
dr
ew
D
Ho ho!!
R
N
AM
D
ER
EN
/S
ER
EA
D
C
O
N
E:
FI
Ho ho!!
SCOTT & MARTY
FADE OUT: