OPENING SHOT - EXT. DAY
Extreme close up of Starbucks Siren logo on side of a
grande' coffee. We see corner of the order sticker and a
Sharpie "Enjoy!" with a smiley face in the "O". There is
a dried streak of coffee down the side.
SHOT PANS BACK until we see the guy holding the cup. He's
in a very authentic AQUAMAN outfit standing at a bus
stop. He's staring blankly at 2 homeless guys, in army
fatigue jackets on the bench, eavesdropping on their
conversation.
Two gruff, street voices... down and out.
VET #1
You don't look so good friend? You
kickin'?
VET #2
Not by choice. You got 10 bucks,
Willie?
VET #1
Do I look like I got 10 bucks? You
back on the ice?
VET #2
Never really off.. ya know.
(pause)
Where you serve?
VET #1
Kabul...forward group. You?
VET #2
I sectioned 8 after crawling out of
Fallujah.
VET #1
Those are hard lines, brother. What
brings you here?
VET #2
Tried to stop my meds.. making me
foggy.. took swing at my wife..
cops gave me a free ride down here.
VA hooked me up with a shelter
flop.
He breaks his stare, begins looking down the road and
checking his watch. Someone's a bit late. Behind him in
the bus shelter is an advert LED TV.. shows ads and news
snippets. We see a short news piece of Pope Leo saying
mass on the big 50ft 4K screen in St. Peter's Basilica
with a huge crowd watching.
A SMALL car pulls up. AQUAMAN'S a bit miffed, body
language showing displeasure. He opens the passenger door
and gets in. Car signals and pulls ahead and makes a
right.
INT. SMALL CAR.
WOMAN In A EQUALLY AUTHENTIC WONDER WOMAN OUTFIT IS
DRIVING. WE SEE A ROSARY HANGING ON THE REAR VIEW. BELOW
THAT STUCK ON THE DASH IS A SMALL BUST OF THE VIRGIN
MARY. ENGRAVED IN THE BASE ARE THE WORDS |MATERA
DOLOROSA| (Mother of Sorrows.. Protector of the
Innocent).
AQUAMAN squirms in his seat, reaches down and pulls up a
dog eared copy of "Eat, Pray , Love" he was sitting on.
Holds it up and gives WONDER WOMAN a questioning look?
Really? She grabs it instinctively and throws it out the
window of the moving car without a thought. WONDER WOMAN
has an Angelino Hispanic dialect but her English is
perfect.
EXT. SIDE OF THE ROAD AS THE CAR PASSES.
An impromptu drum and meditation circle is in session on
a patch of grass. One woman in a chakra pose, arms out,
eyes closed gets clocked in the forehead with the book..
'OW!'
INT. WONDER WOMAN'S CAR
WONDER WOMAN
Bad break up a few months ago.
Useless.
AQUAMAN moves on.
AQUAMAN
That's a legit tardy, lieutenant. 7
minutes late.. again.
WONDER WOMAN
Ya.. well... even Wonder Woman has
make up issues.
INT. WONDER WOMAN'S WASHROOM EARLIER.
We see ANNIE/WONDER WOMAN's reflection in the mirror.
She's starting her makeup routine. In costume but without
the wig, hair in a sock mesh. She has a scar from a wound
down her right cheek.. shows some bad surgical field
stitching. She takes a breath, brings up a glob of old
pancake makeup filler and starts to cover up the scar.
Genres:
["Drama","Superhero","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
Job Assignments and Impatience
INT. CAR (CONT'D)
WONDER WOMAN
Don't think I don't appreciate the
irony. You lost the toss again for
Superman?
AQUAMAN
Did your Amazonian intuition clue
you in? What kid asks for Aquaman?
I had Thor dry cleaned and ready to
go.
WONDER WOMAN
It's double rate... stop
complaining.. richo client up in
the Palisades. Communion bash.
AQUAMAN
Double? Well, that's different. I'd
take clothes "off" for double.
WONDER WOMAN
Can I change lanes?
AQUAMAN checks his mirror and gives a quick glance back.
AQUAMAN
All clear. You know he just got his
cast off. What are the kids gonna
think of a Superman with a slight
limp.
WONDER WOMAN
He said he's fine. Physio worked
miracles. We'll just say we ran
into some Kryptonite along the way.
Problem solved.
AQUAMAN
(gravelly, almost bitter)
Hang gliding. Never catch me on one
of those things. Can see the
headline now, "Veteran of
Aghanistan Survives Only To Die in
Bizarre Hang Gliding Accident." No
thanks.
WONDER WOMAN
There he is. Shit.. He's mad.
EXT. ANOTHER BUSY CORNER
Their friend is waiting, naturally, in a very authentic
Superman get up.. cowlick and all. He is standing in
front of a full size, back lit, shelter poster ad. It is
FTD and the winged Mercury in full form. SUPERMAN sees
them, taps his watch.
Genres:
["Superhero","Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Superhero Impersonators: A Drive of Frustration
INT. CAR
WONDER WOMAN
Ya, ya... I'm late already...I
know. No gratitude.
She slows the car and pulls up. SUPERMAN gets into the
back seat, tucks in his cape before he closes the door.
SUPERMAN
10 minutes late.
WONDER WOMAN
Don't ask.
SUPERMAN
Where is this place?
WONDER WOMAN
Richie Rich country... Palisades.
Ivanhoe Place.
SUPERMAN
Ivanhoe Place? You're kidding. My
club is right around there.. you
could have grabbed me along the
way. I didn't have to rush down
here at all.
(3 beats)
Hey Aquaman... save any sardines
lately ?
AQUAMAN
Not in the mood.. Clark...
SUPERMAN gets testy.
SUPERMAN
Uhh... don't say it like that.
AQUAMAN
What.. "Clark"?
SUPERMAN
Ya.
AQUAMAN
Like what?
SUPERMAN
Like all sarcastic and stuff.
AQUAMAN
What do you want, dude? "Clark" is
your real name, remember?
SUPERMAN
(more indignation)
You said it like sorta funny...
like a dig.
AQUAMAN
Who names their kid, Clark
anyway... like it's no wonder you
do this for a living, man.
WONDER WOMAN
Easy boys... don't make me pull out
the lasso..
SUPERMAN
You sound bitter, man.
AQUAMAN
Damn right I am. 3 ex military on
vet pensions reduced to dressing up
like super heroes to make ends
meet. I gave my life to this
country and...
WONDER WOMAN
Here we go... every week.. must we?
SUPERMAN
Do a job and do it well... that's
how I look at it. Job is a job.
AQUAMAN
Easy to say when you're Superman
and kids aren't throwing food at
you calling you fish breath.
SUPERMAN
They're just kids. Not like they're
Taliban in Helmand, man. Relax,
John.
AQUAMAN does a frumpy, sinks into his seat a bit.
AQUAMAN
I dunno. Feels worse sometimes.
WONDER WOMAN
I've made my peace with it. It
sucks but it's like 150 an hour. I
don't bitch .. K? So I use to fly
jets over the Persian Gulf and got
fired at by Iraqi Air Defense... so
what. It's a 3 hour minimum this
time.. that helps.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
A Mythical Mishap
EXT. TRAFFIC LIGHTS.. LATE AFTERNOON.
We see WONDER WOMAN'S car pull up to a red light. There
is a movie shoot going on.. extras in costume eating
Craft bagels, and sipping coffee. In the background, we
see a lifesize portion of the Acropolis, Athena columns
in Styrofoam. A tall bearded, golden haired, white toga,
golden sandled, Zeus is chomping on a bagel while walking
about, stops mid chew, looks down.. has stepped in dog
turd. He grimaces and starts scraping it off on the curb,
cursing, looking around self consciously.
The light changes and WONDER WOMAN'S car pulls away.
FADE TO BLACK
SUPERIMPOSE with simultaneous hit of Indigenous drum,
Aztec clay flute and short snare roll.
"The Knights Errant"
FADE IN: Overhead drone POV following small car as it
climbs slowly into the Palisades... big houses, Porches,
swimming pools, movie stars. The car reaches it's
destination and pulls into the massive driveway and rolls
into the large, gated property and parks in one of the
many service or delivery spots.
Genres:
["Comedy","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Crisis at the Communion Party
EXT. PALISADES HOME DRIVEWAY - SIDE VIEW OF SMALL CAR AS
OUR HEROES PILE OUT.
SUPERMAN is preening his cowlick, AQUAMAN sniffs his pits
and WONDER WOMAN is doing a last check in a compact
mirror. She immediately notices the wide brim sunglasses
she is wearing and rips them off, stuffs them in her bag.
They assemble at the rear of the car, do a circle check
and then walk 3 abreast in stalwart fashion up the
driveway, in character. SUPERMAN briefly favors his left
leg/knee.. massages it as he walks,takes a moment, gets
back into posture in a few seconds.
AS THEY pull up closer to the rear servants entrance,
things are clearly amiss. Kids are being packed up and
parent's are scrambling to leave in a hurry, rushing out
the back door.
WONDER WOMAN
Wow...something's up. Some kid drop
a turd in the pool?
(She can't resist.)
Looks like a job for Aquaman.
AQUAMAN looks about, eyes different elements.. A
professional assessment.
AQUAMAN
(gruff)
I dunno. Looks more serious than
kid poop.
SUPERMAN
Ya. They look scared shitless..
keeping a tight grip on their kids.
Something very bad happened here.
WONDER WOMAN breaks off from her scan of the situation,
turns and addresses the guys.
WONDER WOMAN
(puzzlement)
Nobody's on the phone. I've never
seen that in L.A. Literally nobody.
Not much could put an Angelino off
their phone.
AQUAMAN
Might still be in progress,
whatever it is..stay frosty. Look
around guys... a car out of place..
shitbox driven by gangbangers.
SUPERMAN
Just Porches, Mercedes and Teslas,
dude. Usual mix.
WONDER WOMAN
Anyone carrying?
AQUAMAN holds up his plastic trident.
AQUAMAN
Just my trident... hard plastic.
SUPERMAN
Just my wit and charm.
WONDER WOMAN
We gotta check it out. There are
children in there.
AQUAMAN
Let the cops handle it. We'll run
the perimeter. Observe and report..
basic.
WONDER WOMAN starts checking her large handbag. Lots of
digging about, loads of junk in there.
WONDER WOMAN
That could take 15 min. Somebody
could have a gun to their heads.
(takes a break from
digging about.. Looks
up.)
And why is no one calling the cops?
SUPERMAN
No cops.. only one thing scares
rich people away from cops. Dirty
money. Might mean organized crime..
mob... cartel.
AQUAMAN
Fuck it.. I'm calling the cops.
AQUAMAN stuffs his trident under his arm, pulls out a
cell from the back of his tights and starts to dial. A
maid comes running out screaming towards him.
MAID
NO POLICE! NO POLICE!CARTEL!
CARTEL!
She grabs AQUAMAN'S hand to stop him from dialing. She
takes a breath and then looks around at these 3
ridiculous figures standing before her.
MAID
Who the fuck are you guys?
AQUAMAN
We're superheroes, mam.
MAID
Are you fucking joking right now?
AQUAMAN
I know. The irony.
WONDER WOMAN
We were hired for the party. We're
actors.
MAID
Of course you are. Just go home and
don't talk to anyone about this.
Ever. Not unless you want the same
to happen to you.
SUPERMAN breaks off from looking at the house and turns
to the maid.
SUPERMAN
What did happen here?
MAID
Go home. They took the boy right in
the middle of his communion party!
This is El Diabolo! You can't help.
Just leave. I'm outta here..giving
notice. ADIOS!
MAID simply takes off in full uniform... no belongings,
just gleaming white orthopedic shoes at a full run down
the driveway. Our 3 heroes look on as shot pans back.
SUPERMAN'S cape catches a breeze and wafts dramatically
in the silence.
WONDER WOMAN
Cartel... La orginazacion..? Maid
got it wrong.. this is beyond
Cartel. Cartel probably wouldn't
desecrate a communion. Gotta be a
new crew, striking out, breaking
the rules. Mia madre. Either they
are stupid fucks using Cartel
window dressing … or Satan himself.
AQUAMAN
Cartel? (beat)
I vote we leave. Now.
SUPERMAN
That's the smart move. Not much we
can do here. Could just make things
worse.
WONDER WOMAN just stares at the house, thinking, sharp
facial tone. She doesn't hear anything the guys are
saying.
AQUAMAN
Oh shit.. She's got that look,
Clark.
CLARK looks over at WONDER WOMAN/ANNIE.. massages his
temple.
SUPERMAN
Yup. Strap in, dude. We aren't
going anywhere.
WONDER WOMAN gets back to digging in her handbag
frantically. She finds something..starts carefully
extracting it through the brick-a-brack.
WONDER WOMAN
Well... (continuing careful
extraction)...I've got a Beretta...
for L.A. dates... that go very bad.
Follow me.
She finally pulls out a shiny Beretta from her big
handbag with some satisfaction and checks the site..
cocks it. Starts walking toward the entrance. The guys
hang back... deciding.
AQUAMAN
(brandishes his trident)
Umm...great...I'll uh... cover you.
(he follows)
SUPERMAN.. Eye roll.. Head shake.
SUPERMAN
Oh jeez... here we go.
SUPERMAN winds up the rear and they check the door, look
about, take positions, nod to each other then enter.
END of SCENE.
Genres:
["Comedy","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Fate's Intervention
INT. LIVING ROOM OF PARTY HOUSE IN THE PALISADES.
BALLOONS, PARTY FAVORITES, CAKE AND CHIPS, ETC. (BUT IT
LOOKS LIKE THE MARIE CELESTE)
A man is being attended to by his terrified wife... he's
been worked over. She is still working on restraints that
tied him to a dining room chair. There are various
torture implements.. tasers, balpeen hammer, a syringe
and a vial in plain view.
WONDER WOMAN clocks the gear from across the room.
WONDER WOMAN
Restraints... syringes..taser..
these are ex-cartel guys.
AQUAMAN
Yikes... these guys do not fuck
around.
SUPERMAN
I dunno guys... I really don't stop
bullets, ya know?
WONDER WOMAN assumes professional posture, aims gun up
and holds it close.
WONDER WOMAN
Spread out... recon. I'll check
with the parents.
AQUAMAN
Cops aren't coming. We're probably
all there is. Just observe and
report. Agreed?
SUPERMAN
Quickly. Don't wanna hang around
here too long in case they come
back for 2nd crack.
(3 beats)
WONDER WOMAN
Very weird. Something is going on
here folks.
(2 beats)
Three trained military people show
up at the exact moment of a
kidnapping? Dressed as super
heroes?
(2 beats)
This...this is fate ..The big guy..
An intercession. My people are big
on this stuff.
(2 beats, then stares
off, softer tone)
"Elle destino ama a los valientes".
AQUAMAN
English?
WONDER WOMAN
(looks back to them)
"Fate loves the fearless"
SUPERMAN
Uh oh..
AQUAMAN
(exhales loud,uphill
against Annie's stance )
Sometimes..uh.. fate is a BAD
thing, Annie. And the costumes will
like just make it all the more
tragic when we finally do bite it.
(he eyes his trident
again.. eye roll.)
You forget.. most stories about
fate are tragedies.
AT THAT MOMENT, a breeze blows in from the open sliding
door. A white butterfly wafts in gracefully, chaotically
flapping about. AQUAMAN raises his finger to make another
point,stops dead as the butterly approaches and lands on
his shoulder.
AQUAMAN's eyes widen as he looks down on his shoulder.
His face concedes, something's up. Deadpan, looks back at
ANNIE. Her face says "You were saying?"
They all stare at it. If flies off momentarily. SUPERMAN
eyes the butterfly flapping off.. affected.
SUPERMAN
Uhh.. But what's the harm in
getting some intel... right?
WONDER WOMAN's eyes follow the butterfly in flight until
it leaves through the back door.. Turns back to the
guys.. Eyebrows raised.
WONDER WOMAN
Umm... agreed. Meet back here in 5
min.
WONDER WOMAN heads toward the shocked parents. AQUAMAN
looks toward the backyard, sees the balloons and a rented
pony standing nonchalantly by the pool, chewing on the
manicured lawn.. everything abandoned. He unconsciously
brandishes his plastic trident like a weapon again, looks
at it disappointingly. Eye roll.
SUPERMAN
I'll check the kitchen. Might be
some witnesses. Can get some
details, descriptions, car or a
plate. Back in 5.
SUPERMAN pivots 180 and starts toward the kitchen leaving
AQUAMAN on his own. He chirps after them.
AQUAMAN
(sarc)
So.. guess I'll uh.. just take the
pool then, eh...guys? (shrug)
Figures.
WONDER WOMAN walks up to the couple. The wife is having
trouble with the restraints. WONDERWOMAN pulls out a
military knife from her bag and slices them instantly
freeing the man. She takes a look at the interrogation
implements.. picks them up and examines each, then puts
them in her bag.
SUPERMAN enters the kitchen... totally empty. He sees a
cracked open bottle of Bushmills Black Label and takes a
haul to steady himself. Starts looking around the room..
spots something on the message board written in black
Sharpie. It reads "Air Tag Code: ID- 78894, PSSWD - |
Kitten".
There's a Sharpie stuck to the board, he grabs it and
writes the info on his hand. He looks around and sees a
small LED TV on the table.. the servants TV. It is
playing "Annie Hall" in dubbed Spanish.. he looks and
sees Woody Allen pull out Marshall Mcluhan from off
camera, who then criticizes the other guy in the movie
line up and Woody gives his line in Spanish "If only real
life were like this." ..with English subtitles. Blank
stare from SUPERMAN.
His eyes say "wow.. weird".
He looks around a bit and walks out, nothing more there.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
Unexpected Discoveries
EXT. POOL SIDE - LARGE, FLOWING GARDEN WITH FOUNTAINS,
HEDGES, OUTBUILDING, BIG POOL AND CABANA. THERE IS AN ICE
SCULPTURE OF THE MEXICAN NATIONAL SYMBOL OF THE EAGLE
DEVOURING THE SNAKE.. MELTING, DRIPPING IN THE SUN AT THE
END OF A LONG TABLE FULL OF FOOD.
AQUAMAN steps into the scene from off camera.. not much
to see, nothing obvious. He moves toward the outbuilding.
He looks down at his feet. There's a silenced machine
pistol with a shoulder strap just laying there in the
grass. He picks it up. He checks the cartridge... full.
AQUAMAN
(spithballing)
Looks like someone was in a hurry.
Escaped out the back and into the
canyon.. avoid witnesses or
neighborhood video surveillance.
Pacific Coast Highway is right at
the bottom of this hill. Car
waiting. Smart.
He shoulders the weapon and continues. He turns around
and looks back at the house. There is a life sized,
inflatable of Aquaman on his seahorse with flashing LED
lights he didn't see walking out. He stops dead, stares
at it, mouth open.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Aquaman's Quiet Discovery
INT. MAINTENANCE BUILDING - DARK
The door cracks and light spills in. AQUAMAN sticks his
head in professionally for a look before committing.
Seems OK... he cracks the door some more and steps in,
flicks on the light.
AQUAMAN does prelimanary look about then his eye catches
something.. Looks left.
There's a pile of Aquaman themed pool toys and
inflatables, Aquaman mask and flippers, Aquaman stuff
everywhere. He pauses, lifts a few of the items.. Has a
pause.
(5 beats)
There is also an array of gardening and pool stuff,
rakes, fertilizer bags. He quickly notices a rack of hand
radios charging on a shelf that staff use to communicate.
He grabs 3 of the 4 on charge, shuts off the light and
walks out.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Breakthrough in the Living Room
INT. LIVING ROOM
SUPERMAN steps back in from the kitchen. WONDER WOMAN is
getting nowhere with the parents.. frustrated. They are
refusing to answer anything, shaking their heads
forcefully against any questions and gesturing strongly
for her to leave. She looks over at SUPERMAN.. he signals
he has something, thumbs up. She gestures to the couple
and throws up her arms in defeat, heads over to SUPERMAN.
They meet in the middle of the room, he silently shows
her the code and password on his hand.. she lights up and
they move to exit the room. There is a huge, custom
printed portrait shot of the communion boy underneath a
banner at the end of the room. ANNIE produces her cell,
steps once towards it and takes a flash shot, puts her
phone away. Continues outside.
Genres:
["Superhero","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Urgent Alliance
EXT. DRIVEWAY
SUPERMAN AND WONDER WOMAN exit the door onto the driveway
to find AQUAMAN waiting with the radios in his hand and
his trident leaning against the garage. They scrum.
AQUAMAN
I found these.. could come in
handy. (holds up the little radios)
SUPERMAN
(walks up holding the
face of his hand to
AQUAMAN.)
Got an Air Tag code and password..
probably the kid's. We can track
him.
WONDER WOMAN
They kidnapped the kid as
leverage...other than that, nada.
Told me to leave the property and
not to call the cops if we valued
our own lives and those of everyone
we know.
(deep breath)
I believed her. But I did get one
thing out of them.. only 3 guys
were here... that's it.
AQUAMAN
(skeptical, lower voice
register, gravelly)
I dunno. That changes things... I
guess.
AQUAMAN looks through the house and massive windows at
the pool area.
INSERT POV SHOT: He sees the back of the AQUAMAN
inflatable and the pony starting to dig into the cake on
the table. The ice sculpture is losing it's shape,
deforming more. One of it's wings finally gives way and
it lands with a thud. The glassware resonates, clinks in
response.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Strategizing in the Driveway
EXT. DRIVEWAY (CONT'D)
AQUAMAN
But I am still kinda worried about
all the irony.
WONDER WOMAN
(making her case)
We've got the location now. It's
just a few guys.. not a platoon. 3
hot doggers, goons looking to move
up.
SUPERMAN
I dunno, guys... we've got a small
caliber pistol and a dollar store
trident.
AQUAMAN
(coming around, listing
assets, less skeptical
tone)
And 3 radios. First rule of
engagement? The thing that
guarantees defeat?
WONDER WOMAN AND SUPERMAN (SIMUL)
Don't reveal your position.
AQUAMAN starts pacing slowly, making begrudged points.
AQUAMAN
And now.. we have theirs.
(beat)
Tag will lead us right there.
Radios provide concealment and
coordination. They won't be
expecting us..gives us the
initiative.
SUPERMAN
You've changed your tune. You
tryin' to say you can effect a
kill... with your Trident.. if we
get you close enough?
AQUAMAN pulls the machine pistol forward into view from
hanging around his back.
AQUAMAN
(deadpan, Snake Plissken)
No... I snagged this too. They
dropped it. Amateurs.. probably
high.
SUPERMAN
(grins)
Well... I think the irony factor
just went down considerably, gill
boy.
AQUAMAN resumes his pacing. Eyes on them.. sharper focus.
Voice low and steady.
AQUAMAN
Now...not saying we do a frontal
assault here.. but we aren't really
finished with observe and report.
We haven't observed the enemy yet.
We can't make a determination ..if
we're really going by the field
manual.
WONDER WOMAN
That's my point. We're still at the
intel and gathering stage.
SUPERMAN
(mock puzzlement)
What's up, fish man? One minute
you're mister irony, now you wanna
lead Seal Team Six behind enemy
lines.
AQUAMAN stops his back and forth.. long stare at
SUPERMAN.. then a nod.. exhale then a gruff concession.
AQUAMAN
I dunno.. the kid asked for me
special right? I can at least give
him due diligence.
WONDER WOMAN
Well.. with this pistol in my hand,
being surrounded by men in tights
and John's sudden unselfish
bravery, I think I'm a little
turned on here folks.
AQUAMAN fishes his iPhone from his tights in the rear and
looks at SUPERMAN.
AQUAMAN
What's the code and password. Let's
at least see if we even know where
he is before we charge in guns
blazing. Mission might end right
here, folks.
SUPERMAN holds the flat of his hand up to his face and
AQUAMAN types in code and password, stares at his phone,
waits for process.
(3 beats)
AQUAMAN
Got him! Moving north up the PCH
and out of the city most likely.
WONDER WOMAN
My, that's very "take charge". To
the car. I'll drive.
(To AQUAMAN as they start moving.)
Are you seeing anyone right now?
The crew turn and head toward the car off screen. AQUAMAN
is behind SUPERMAN looking at his phone, locked on the
location of the kid and accidentally steps on SUPERMAN's
cape, pulling his head back and knocking him of stride.
He turns at AQUAMAN who has stopped, looking impish.
SUPERMAN
Dude(!) Seriously?
AQUAMAN
Sorry, man..
SUPERMAN readjusts his cape, they continue towards the
car.
CAMERA holds on scene as the guys exit the shot. The
white butterfly flies through quickly,less chaotically,
as if struggling to follow.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
High-Speed Rescue Planning
INT. COMPACT CAR OF WONDER WOMAN. HEADING DOWN THE A
STEEP ROAD OUT OF THE PALISADES AND ONTO THE PCH.
WONDER WOMAN starts shifting gears hard to accelerate.
WONDER WOMAN
They still on the highway?
AQUAMAN
Well, they're bookin' it. Go
faster, Annie. If they drop out of
cell service in these canyons, it's
game over.
SUPERMAN leans in up between the front seats.
SUPERMAN
So what's the plan.
WONDER WOMAN
Gather more intel. We don't have
the terrain yet or enemy strength
confirmed.
AQUAMAN
(reviewing objectively,
residual skepticism)
Advantage.... 3 trained personnel
against 3 probable amateurs. This
is still a guess.
SUPERMAN
(worried tone)
Suppose they have a whole freakin'
elite Cartel posse who used to work
for El Chapo and found new jobs
with this crew. They'd be a
problem.. no amateurs there.
WONDER WOMAN
Exactly. Gather intel. Then decide.
AQUAMAN
We can still abort..what's the
dealbreaker? What's our "Go- No
Go"?.. Guys?
AQUAMAN looks back at SUPERMAN.. Both are stumped.
ANNIE's face says "fuck this". She slams the dash.
WONDER WOMAN
Are you kidding?! The fucking
DEALBREAKER is they kidnapped a
child!
WONDER WOMAN drops the clutch, engine revs up and she
punches in the next gear. The guys are thrown back a bit,
recover.
AQUAMAN screws up his eyes and pulls the phone closer,
trying to focus between car jumping about and gear
changes.
AQUAMAN
They're turning... sideroad.. about
6 miles up. It's a private road...
runs along a reservoir.
SUPERMAN
Shit. I fly over this place all the
time. That's a private camp for
kids... in a canyon, high hills
all around, Good cover. Buildings,
trees. The camp is closed for the
season. Ritzy... horseback riding,
boating,bonsai gardening classes,
tennis.. the works.
SUPERMAN and AQUAMAN brace themselves as WONDER WOMAN
makes a snap lane change. She is passing cars at a good
clip.
SUPERMAN
(recovers from turn,
leans back in)
It would be a tough assault, not
impossible. Some open ground.
AQUAMAN
Back to basics. It's a beachhead
essentially. Think people..it's
Normandy. What's the classic attack
pattern.
WONDER WOMAN
(revelation, remembering
- 2 beats)
Land, sea and ... shit we got no
air.. or sea!
AQUAMAN
(lightbulb moment)
They must have boats right? We just
boost one and slow motor in when
it's dark. They don't expect us.
WONDER WOMAN
Slim.
Car continues to scream along as they collectively mull
this some more.. they look stumped.
(5 beats)
SUPERMAN
(exclamation face)
I have an idea. Sounds wild but
hear me out. Give me the silenced
Uzi. I can grab a hang glider..
elevation is right. Silent
approach..No noise at all.. I can
pick off sentries at will without
raising the alarm.
(he points specifically
at a spot on the phone
map)
Opens a corridor in by land. That
would be you.
WONDER WOMAN
You're wide open up there, Clark.
Easy target.
SUPERMAN
Got a better idea? Clocks ticking.
WONDER WOMAN
OK.. No choice. Time's wasting.
SUPERMAN
Drop me off ... club's about a mile
away. I'll call you by radio when
I'm in position.
AQUAMAN
(furtive)
Guess I'm water again. Any more
intel?
SUPERMAN
Dead easy, dude. Place has these
little kiddie boats.. probably
electric.. quiet as hell... they
won't hear a thing.
AQUAMAN
Got it.
They sit in silence.. take it all in as the car whines
along, little bumps here and there along the highway.
The circumstances are insane. It slowly registers on
their faces.
(3 beats)
WONDER WOMAN breaks the silence, steps up.
WONDER WOMAN
Alright... we have a plan. Where
should I drop you off?
SUPERMAN
We're close. Radio check. Channel
3. Squawking now.
SUPERMAN clicks the mic button on his radio a couple of
times.. quiet beeps respond on the other two.
WONDER WOMAN
Radio check completed. Ammo?
AQUAMAN lifts GUN strap and slides Uzi off of his
shoulder, presents it to SUPERMAN.
AQUAMAN
Check. One full clip on the UZI...
about half a dozen short bursts,
Clark. Make them count.
Car hits bump and makes a big noise. Our crew goes silent
again at the interruption. More deep thought about the
insane thing they are about to do. Blank stares looking
ahead.
WONDER WOMAN
A tactical assault against the
cartel in superhero costumes... not
the first thing on my mind while I
was choking down my Metamucil this
morning.
SUPERMAN brings up his arm up between the seats and
points.
SUPERMAN
K.. this is me here.. slow down.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Urgent Departure
EXT. SIDE OF PCH. PROPERTY WITH A WIRE GATE. A
HANDPAINTED SIGN WITH AN AIRFIELD NAME, A SWINGING SIGN
BELOW THAT SAYS "HOLLYWOOD HANG GLIDING CLUB".
Small car pulls into shot and SUPERMAN gets out. A moment
of grave reflection.. he looks into the car.
SUPERMAN
I guess we are doing this. No more
discussion necessary.
(5 beats.. big silence hangs)
Good luck, guys. Don't die.
AQUAMAN
(gruff, gravelly macho)
Ditto.. now get out of here. Clocks
ticking and there's some poor kid
with a gun to his head.
SUPERMAN fetches himself up, assumes professional
posture, closes the car door, turns around and starts a
military canter, climbs the closed gate and then onto the
property, continues military trot, holding machine pistol
against his side in a professional manner. He does a
quick run on his sore leg, massages it mid-stride,
carries on.
Sun is fading fast, long shadows everywhere.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Mission Planning on the PCH
INT. OF WONDERWOMAN'S CAR.
They are looking off at Clark moving away. Radio squawks.
SUPERMAN(V.O. RADIO)
Radio check. Golden Lasso.. come
in.
WONDERWOMAN puts her radio up to her mouth, squawks in.
WONDER WOMAN
Copy Man of Steel.. 5 by 5. Lasso
out.
WONDER WOMAN turns to AQUAMAN in the next seat. AQUAMAN
is zooming in on his phone map.
WONDER WOMAN
So where's this camp?
AQUAMAN
(still gruff but
professional)
Well..it's a bit of a hike around
the property to get to the
boathouses..there's a service road
to the launch. The camp gate is a
couple of miles up. Park half a
mile away.. we'll continue on foot.
WONDER WOMAN leans in, hovers over the phone.. focussing.
It's an aerial photo view.
WONDER WOMAN
There's a dock off the main
building.. I'd put a guard there.
And at the security guard booth at
the entrance to the main building .
Leaves one guy in the building
guarding the kid. Let's move.
EXT. CAR ON SIDE OF PCH
Little car is a stick, she gives the gas and punches the
clutch and it kicks up the soft shoulder in a flurry of
dust.
FADE TO BLACK:
SUPERIMPOSE with simultaneous hit of indigenous drum,
rattle and snare short roll.
"The Three Realms"
FADE IN..
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
Midnight Recon at the Hang Gliding Club
EXT. HANG GLIDING CLUB - CLOSED - NIGHT - NOT A SOUL
ABOUT.
Open air hangar and storage. There are some gliders tied
down. SUPERMAN enters the shot, looks down the line of
hang gliders. A raven flies through cawwing and lands on
the 3rd or 4th one down... caws some more.
SUPERMAN clocks the bird, is curious, goes to the hang
glider to find it perched perfectly on the leading edge.
SUPERMAN
Well.. A raven.. grunt's best
friend. Best watchdogs in
Afghanistan.
(2 beats)
What's up, buddy?
It caws once, loudly, then takes flight. Glider is jet
black. He smiles. He squawks the radio..
SUPERMAN
Come in LASSO.
AQUAMAN (RADIO)
Copy.. this is POSEIDON. LASSO
driving. Over.
SUPERMAN puts his hand confidently on the front framing.
SUPERMAN
We have a bird... repeat.. bird
acquired. Over.
AQUAMAN (RADIO V.O.)
(stern military order)
Copy. Wait for instructions and
line of approach. Over.
SUPERMAN
Copy.. uh.. POSEIDON. Seriously?
That's a bit of an upgrade there,
fella. Over.
AQUAMAN (RADIO V.O.)
Just give me this.. OK?
SUPERMAN
Whatever.. POSEIDON. Over and out.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Stealth Preparations
EXT. SIDE OF PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY A HALF MILE AWAY FROM
GATE.. SOME EUCALYPTUS AND PINES.
WONDER WOMAN'S car pulls into shot and off the road using
the trees as cover. They exit the car. AQUAMAN is still
carrying his trident purposefully. WONDER WOMAN eyes the
trident and she stops dead.
WONDER WOMAN
Jesus.. leave that here.
AQUAMAN
(shoulders drop)
I dunno.. I feel naked without it..
I need something in my hands.
WONDER WOMAN reaches into her bag, digs a bit, produces
her military knife, hands it over.
WONDER WOMAN
Stealth, dude. The night is your
friend. Silent but deadly. Toss the
toy.
AQUAMAN sighs, shrugs and throws the toy trident in the
scrub. Takes the knife and sheathes it in side of his
pants. He pulls up his phone.
AQUAMAN
The main camp road is that way..
about 400 yards. Service road to
the boathouses is the other way..
couple of hundred yards.
WONDER WOMAN
Alright, John.. I guess this is it.
(3 beats)
See you on the other side. Semper
Fi.
AQUAMAN
Thanks, Annie. Hooorah.
They hug long and turn in different directions, start
trotting to their appointed positions.
EXT. GLIDING CLUB HANGAR - NIGHT
He approaches the Jet black glider and steps into the
harness area... lifts it up, checks the weight with a few
bounces, balances it and then carries it skillfully out
of shot.
EXT. HIGHWAY ALONG THE CAMP PROPERTY - NIGHT
It is almost entirely dark now. AQUAMAN trotting along
side the highway... he spots the service road for the
marina and turns off... stops. He pulls out his cell to
double check, rotates slightly to get true north and his
bearings.. confirms the road, slips cell back into his
tights and continues in a military jog down the road.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Stealthy Surveillance
EXT. SIDE OF ROAD APPROACHING CAMP GATE - NIGHT
WONDER WOMAN.. skipping more than jogging in her heeled,
authentic WW boots. She grimaces and wobbles at the
effort occasionally. She arrives at the camp gate. Takes
up position behind some scrub. The guard booth at the
main building is visible and she begins observing. There
is one henchman. He's lazily hanging about in the glare
from the booth's exterior lighting , machine gun leaned
up against the structure. He's got a bottle in his hand.
She pulls up the radio and squawks it.
WONDER WOMAN
This is LASSO. In first position.
Eighty yards out. I can see the
booth. One guy.. taking hauls from
a bottle of scotch. Small calibre
machine gun. Over.
AQUAMAN(V.O. RADIO)
Copy LASSO. Entering the marina..
no guards. Can see transport. Will
acquire. POSEIDON out.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Night Preparations for a Rescue
EXT. HANG GLIDING CLUB - NIGHT - LAUNCH AREA NEAR A DROP
OFF
SUPERMAN WALKS INTO SHOT CARRYING BLACK HANG GLIDER. He
gently sets it down and steps out, looking down at his
take off point... fifty yards of ground followed by a
cliff drop off.. He is quite a ways up, can see the whole
canyon.
WE HEAR a distant eagle's cry echoing through the canyon.
SUPERMAN pauses, looks up toward the sound, then back
down at the target below.
WE HEAR a single, long note from an Aztec clay flute..
stops in a discordant harmonic 5th 2 octaves up.
SUPERMAN
MAN OF STEEL. In first position. I
can see target clearly. I only got
one pass. No updrafts at night, so
make it good,folks. Over.
SUPERMAN swings his shouldered machine gun forward on the
strap, grips it for feel, cocks and checks the chamber.
All good. He swings it back under his cape and out of
view.
RESUME WONDER WOMAN IN COVER.
She pulls up her radio.
WONDER WOMAN
LASSO here. The lights are on in a
couple of rooms, ground floor.
Kid's gotta be in there like we
thought. Goon posted at the
door..armed.
RESUME SUPERMAN
SUPERMAN
Acknowledged. ETA is 3 to 4
minutes. Just need a GO from your
side. Out.
WONDER WOMAN(V.O. RADIO)
Godspeed, friend.
SUPERMAN tucks the radio in his belt, steps over to the
glider and shoulders it skillfully. He rips up a clump of
grass and tosses it to check for wind speed and
direction. He puts himself into a ready posture, waits
for signal.
RESUME AQUAMAN in marina.
He is moving stealthily along the darkened dock. There
are a half dozen or so kiddie boats tied up, a charging
station on the dock. He tries the boathouse door and it
opens.. he steps in.
INT. BOATHOUSE - MOONLIGHT STREAMING IN THROUGH A FEW
WINDOWS.
AQUAMAN steps in, doing recon for something useful, picks
this and that up from shelves.. a bat or something,
anything. He moves in further.. finds scuba gear,
flippers, etc. He puts on his cell flashlight and scans
around, then up. His eyes widen. On the wall is hanging a
gleaming, steel fishing trident loaded into a spear gun.
He smiles. He grabs it and heads to the dock.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Mission Coordination at Night
EXT. DOCKSIDE - NIGHT
He moves along, carrying the steel trident like a weapon,
and hops quietly into each KIDDIE BOAT, checking the
battery charge.
First boat... a fiberglass My Little Pony.Indicator shows
red, flashing ... dead.
Next boat... a classic swan.. same... dead.
He steps into 3rd boat..Eureka.. 50% charge.. Green light
indicated. He squawks radio.
AQUAMAN
(pumped)
This is POSEIDON. Transport
acquired... am a GO. Repeat am a
GO. Over.
He clips radio back onto his side, looks up at the
front, notices the boat theme and character... and
grimaces. It is a giant seahorse head and bridle.
EXT. CAMP ROAD - NIGHT
WONDER WOMAN is still retreated behind cover. She squawks
her radio.
WONDER WOMAN
LASSO here. Alright, Clark.. you're
on. GO! Repeat GO! POSEIDON..
depart in 60 seconds, repeat , 60
seconds. Over.
EXT. HANG GLIDING CLUB - LAUNCH AREA - NIGHT
SUPERMAN pulls out radio and answers.
SUPERMAN
MAN OF STEEL ...acknowledged. Out.
He stuffs radio back into his belt, sets his legs and
hefts up the glider skillfully. He does a few quick, deep
breaths and starts a run down the hill toward the drop
off, cape starts flowing dramatically. He gets some
speed, gets aloft and lifts his feet behind him.
SHOT follows him from behind as he literally flies away,
diminishing, cape flowing.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Silent Departure and Aerial Grace
EXT. BOATS AT DOCK - NIGHT
AQUAMAN checks his watch, unties the boat and throws
rope in...he grabs the little kiddie steering wheel and
flips a switch. The little boat begins to putter along
silently. He turns and approaches POV from the front.
We see AQUAMAN, trident in hand and upright, gleaming in
moonlight, mist, coming forward with seahorse under
bridle pushing ahead some white water.
CUT TO:
A massive cell tower in the area.. side aerial shot from
a hundred yards, way up. We see the plethora of massive
broadcast dishes pointed in every direction. The flashing
safety lights glow on and off in perfect rhythm. It looks
like a post card Notre Dame lit up on a summer night.
SUPERMAN/CLARK flies in a perfect line through the shot
next to the tower, looks tiny in comparison. Straight
flight then a highly skilled arc and turn then exits the
frame.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
A Night of Surprises
EXT. CAMP ROAD - NIGHT
(2 beats) then..
CUT TO:
Cell phone aerial map zoomed in. We see the AirTag
location pulsing slowly on the building in the map. A
finger swipes the screen and the picture of the boy in
the living room pops up.. she zooms in .. little innocent
child with a huge smile.
SHOT ZOOMS OUT TO INCLUDE WONDER WOMAN HEAD/SHOULDER
PROFILE
She is looking at the boys picture on her cell phone. She
tucks the phone in her costume in the back. She closes
her eyes and mouths a prayer silently.
She pulls her Beretta from her bag and cocks it, watches
the skies. She squints into the distance.. sees a vague
form, closing. She checks her watch underneath her golden
bracelets, confirms and looks skyward again.
INSERT: POV SHOT OF WONDERWOMAN
Shot imitates her focus shifting, accumulating clarity.
SUPERMAN comes into focus, silhouetted. The jet black
glider is nearly invisible.. she can only see the
cowlick, the flowing cape and Clark's chiseled military
physique in the suit and tights, cape flowing in the
classic style. He passes over her momentarily at about 40
feet up and looks impeccable in flight.
EXT. CAMP ROAD - NIGHT
WONDERWOMAN in cover.. eyes skyward. She blinks and
double takes... does a head shake at the extraordinary
image in front of her. She adjusts her golden belt and
lower garment.
WONDER WOMAN
(sotto))
Jeez.. you guys(!). Well.... that's
it for my dry cleaning deposit...
that's for sure.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Despair and Hope
INT. BACKROOM IN THE MAIN BUILDING - LOW LIGHTING
We see the poor kid, apparently locked in a room, bound
to a chair by a window, moonlight streaming in. He has
been crying, is a lonely, desperate mess. He has a habit
of looking out the window onto the lake to see if any
help is coming.. he looks again.. nothing. His head
sinks. Some silent sobs.
EXT. GRAND SHOT OF HANG GLIDER IN FLIGHT JUST OVER
SUPERMAN'S FORM
Cape billowing dramatically, his arms outstretch holding
on to the frame in perfect flying form.
The landscape is passing below in a grand, panoramic
fashion, moving silently. We pass over WONDER WOMAN'S
position, her upward stunned, agape expression appears
briefly below as the glider approaches the first guard
post.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
A Drunken Encounter
EXT. MAIN BUILDING FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT
GUARD is sitting on the steps watching Shakira videos on
his phone. We hear the shitty speaker music spilling into
the night. He takes another swig from the bottle. As he
lifts his head up, he catches the barely visible
silhouette of CLARK's approach.. his eyes squint...
struggles to focus.
INSERT: POV OF GUARD
The image soon becomes clear... it is literally SUPERMAN
in flight almost directly above him, arms stretched out,
cape flowing, cowlick, red boots.. he shakes his head,
looks at the bottle.
EXT. MAIN BUILDING FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT
GUARD is looking up, eyes wide. Shakes his head.. Then
shakes it again.
CARTEL GUARD
Jesu Cristo.. what the fuck?
CUT TO:
SUPERMAN IN FLIGHT - PROFILE
SUPERMAN whips around the machine pistol on the shoulder
strap into his right hand, points and fires a short,
perfect burst.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Night Operations: A Heroic Coordination
EXT. NIGHT - MAIN ENTRANCE
Burst hits the guy in the chest, shattering the bottle.
Guy keels over, drops the phone. It continues playing the
Shakira song obliviously.
CUT TO:
SUPERMAN IN GLIDER, PROFILE SHOT.
He lets the gun drop and hang from the strap, pulls out
the radio and squawks in.
SUPERMAN
This is MAN OF STEEL... first
position eliminated... condition
GREEN.. CONDITION GREEN. Heading to
POSEIDON for backup. Out.
He returns the radio to his belt, shifts his weight and
changes flight path to head to the lake.
EXT. OPEN LAKE - NIGHT - MIST
We see AQUAMAN in the little boat. In profile,noble
posture, with whiny little electric motor sound, pushing
boat at 5 miles an hour.. Small wake noises.
He pulls out his radio for a quick reply.
AQUAMAN
Copy. POSEIDON is 60 seconds out.
Via con Dios, my friends.
He pockets the radio and then looks upward, quick side to
side, checks for SUPERMAN.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
Emergence from the Mist
EXT. CAMP ROAD - NIGHT
WONDER WOMAN is already underway. She is making a good,
professional clip, has her weapon pointed skyward in good
training form. She gets to the main door of the building,
checks the fire window.. scans about and opens it, steps
in quietly.
EXT. OPEN WATER - NIGHT - MIST
AQUAMAN, trident ready, plowing through water and mist
behind the snarly seahorse in bridle.
EXT. DOCK AT MAIN BUILDING, SAME NIGHT.
CARTEL Henchman guy is standing guard under a post light
on the dock.. also has a flask.. takes a swig, lights a
smoke.. settles in for boring watch duty. Pulls out his
phone, starts surfing the web.
WE HEAR the subtle water sounds of the little boat
pushing ahead, little splashes. The CARTEL GUY looks up,
slight head tilt listening. Getting subtly louder.. he
pockets his phone, tosses his cigarette... might be
something, might be nothing.. still listening. He looks
straight out into the lake distantly, eyes focusing..
more wake noise now. The mist is obscuring everything.
INSERT: POV OF CARTEL GUY
Just mist and a still lake, the water splash sounds
increasing.
(5 beats)
Sounds are more pronounced now.
ALL of a sudden we see the figure of AQUAMAN breaking
through the mist with the mist billowing out beside him
in an heroic flourish.. narly faced seahorse, AQUAMAN
perched on one side, leg up, trident aimed straight at
him.
EXT. DOCK AT MAIN BUILDING - NIGHT
CARTEL GUY blinks his eyes... does not believe what he is
seeing..
CARTEL GUY
Jesu Cristo.. what the fuck... ?
He snaps out of it fairly quickly, pulls gun out from his
inside pocket, points to fire.
INSERT: AQUAMAN IN BOAT
He tightens aim and fires the speargun with a springy
clip sound.
CUT TO:
Trident in flight, profiled.. turning slowly.. gleaming..
a divine instrument.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
Nightfall on the Dock
EXT. DOCK AT MAIN BUILDING
CARTEL GUY still postured for a shot but..
We hear the ting of steel in flight and the trident nails
the guy's hand to the post.
He screams.
CARTEL GUY
AAAAAaaaaagh.. MY HAND! You fucking
loco GRINGO!
Not over. Guy reaches with his remaining hand into the
small of his back, pulls out a small back up pistol and
aims again. He looks up in astonishment.
CUT TO:
SUPERMAN AND GLIDER SWOOPING IN TANGENTIALLY IN FRONT OF
AQUAMAN.
SUPERMAN one hands a couple of bursts.. muzzle flash
lighting up the mist in a seeming halo around the 2
extraordinary figures approaching.
EXT. DOCK AT MAIN BUILDING - NIGHT
Both bursts hit the torso and he drops... he is hanging
from his nailed hand on the post in a pathetic posture.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
A Bittersweet Farewell
EXT. OPEN LAKE - NIGHT - MOONLIT
SUPERMAN is in flight, hovering above and over from
AQUAMAN in moving boat.
SUPERMAN hovers 15 feet up and over from the little boat.
CUT TO:
SUPERMAN AND GLIDER-PROFILE
He is in a slight bob, controlling the glider... looks
left and smiles... money shot with the big teeth, cowlick
and hair, and smiles down at AQUAMAN.
SUPERMAN
VERY Poseidon, John!... great shot
man! We still gotta move it.. have
to find the kid and Annie's on her
own.. see you on land.
He gives a very Superman slow wave, leans and steers away
out of shot in a grand arc.
CUT TO:
AQUAMAN/JOHN in boat.. holding the spent spear gun up..
gives an equally profound wave. He is visibly emotional.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
A Glimpse of Hope
INT. MAIN BUILDING - BACK ROOM - LOW LIGHTING
WE see the boy tied in chair.
He hears some of the activity outside and leans his head
to look out the small window.
CLARK/SUPERMAN flies into view just in front of the
window, very low and about to land. Again, it looks like
he is flying.. the black hang glider is almost invisible.
His expression is rapturous.
BOY
SUPERMAN!!! YOU CAME!! HOLY SMOKE!!
I KNEW IT!!!
INT. MAIN BUILDING | MAINFLOOR ENTRY/RECEPTION
Building is dark inside save for a sliver of light coming
out of a room down the hall from reception. Someone in
the room is listening to music again on their cell
phone ..another Einstein.
ANNIE steps in stealthily and backs up against a wall,
gun pointed up professionally. She sees the light from
the door and hears music from a shitty cell speaker,
looks over. She steps over to the door jam and flattens
herself against it. She leans over and takes a peak
through the sliver of a gap quickly and then back up
straight away.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Silent Strike
INT. ROOM IN MAIN BUILDING - LIGHTS ON.
Last GUARD is sitting with his back to the door, smiling
at a George Michael video, bopping his head lightly like
a doofus, oblivious to his nemesis on the other side of
the door.
The door blows open and WONDER WOMAN storms in, cracks
the guy on the skull with the butt of the gun.. his eyes
cross and he hits the floor, starts moaning.
She whips out the lasso and starts frantically tying him
up.. it's so long, she ends up sitting him up in a chair
in his injured state and wrapping it around him multiple
times (sort of like the comic strip.) After he's tied up
she reaches into her bag and pulls out the vial and
syringe, sticks the needle in the vial, pulls back on the
syringe and fills it up.
QUICK CUT
TO:
CLOSE UP ON VIAL LABLE "PFIZER- SODIUM PENTATHOL"
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Truth and Aria
INT. ROOM IN MAIN BUILDING - LIGHTS ON.
The CARTEL GUY starts coming to. He looks up at ANNIE..
blinks hard, then down at the golden rope wrapped several
times around his body... shakes his head.. looks back up
at ANNIE.
CARTEL GUY
WHOA.. what the fuck is going on..
who the fuck are you?! Is this some
kinda joke?
ANNIE backhands him in the jaw with the barrel of pistol.
WONDER WOMAN/ANNIE
No joke, seniore. You're gonna tell
me everything I need to know... got
it? Where's the boy? How many are
coming to get you and when.. is the
place booby trapped?
CARTEL GUY
(blinking, shaking off
the jaw hit, recovers)
Lemme get this straight. Just cuz
some Wonder Woman puta has tied me
up in her golden lasso, I'm
supposed to spill the beans? Now
THAT's funny! I paid a prostitute
to wear this costume and tie me up
in Bogota once..they were WAY
better, you low life puta.!
WONDER WOMAN/ANNIE
Oh.. you're GONNA talk amigo...
you're gonna sing me an opera.
She brandishes the full needle in front of his face. He
grows pale and doesn't look so good now.
CARTEL GUY
No.. no .. please. My life won't be
worth shit if they find out... in
the name of Santa Maria de
Guadalupe...
ANNIE ignores this and jabs his leg with the needle,
poignantly pushes the plunger then empties the syringe,
extracts it then tosses it out of shot.
She does a few pacing back and forths, the intimidating
interrogator, locked on his eyes the entire time.
WONDER WOMAN/ANNIE
Alright. We'll try it out. Say
something truthful.
Guy is affected by the shot, head rolls around, eyes
glassy..
CARTEL GUY
I am a dead man.
ANNIE
Hmmm... that is true.. this is
working. Anything else?
CARTEL GUY
(becoming emotional,
teary)
I am secretly bisexual and sneak
out to the clubs in Bogota. The
name I use there is Rosie. I have a
boyfriend there.. we want to get
married in secret.
ANNIE
WHOA.. pump the breaks there,
amigo.. a little more than I need.
Just need to know three things ..
k?
Guy is oblivious, maudlin and keeps gushing.
CARTEL GUY
His name is Desmondo.. he writes
poetry and works in the cafe, looks
after his elderly mother.
(tears start forming)
He has such a good heart.. (sobs)
ANNIE
Oh jeez... come back to me amigo..
(she snaps her fingers in
his face.. he startles)
There.. listen to me. Is anyone
else coming?
CARTEL GUY
(head is still unsteady,
eyes rolling about)
Not for a few hours.. they will
land a plane on the lake and
collect the boy, fly back over the
border..
(he pauses, another gusher builds)
Desmondo, my love.. look at me
now.. I should have gotten out like
you said...
ANNIE
We'll be long gone by then. Uh..
what's your name?
CARTEL GUY
(maudlin, emotional stupor)
Don't laugh.. but it's Elvis.. my
mother was a huge fan... a gangster
named ELVIS.. nobody knows .. oy
mia madre.. I use my middle name..
Francisco.. after the saint. My
poor mother..(sob)
ANNIE
(small titter)
Wow.. you are just one surprise
after another, aren't you,
Francisco. Well the drug is
definitely working now.
(steps in front, eye
level)
Alright... WHERE's THE BOY?
FRANCISCO
(has recovered a bit, could still
blow any at time)
Next room over.. he is tied up.. I
tried not to tie him too tight.
(head starts leaning)
She snaps her fingers again.
ANNIE
Stay with me, Francisco.. you can
see Desmondo when this is ALL
over.. OK? Last question. IS .. THE
ROOM... BOOBYTRAPPED?
FRANCISCO
(another gusher
building)
No.. we aren't that smart. We were
low on the organizational ladder.
This has always been a source of
frustration.. no advancement.
That's why we started our own
group.. did this stupid job..
(sob)we needed funding.. we are
holding the boy to get codes to
offshore accounts.. how can I look
at Desmondo.. such a failure..
ANNIE
Is the door locked? Do you have the
key?
FRANCISCO
(he is getting
drowsier... slurred)
The door is locked.. I hid the
key.. I am too drugged to remember
where.. ohh Desmondooooo...
(his head bolts up
suddenly)
.. .hey!... you said you wanted an
opera.. I had voice training...
(belch) when I was young.. this is
from "Don Carlo"...the basso
profundo.. King Philip 1st..
(pauses... takes a deep
breath)
Ella giammai m'amòooooooooo!!!
IT IS PERFECT... AN UTTERLY MAGNIFICENT VOICE.
ANNIE is stunned... WOW. She is dead still, wide eyed at
this man's delivery. The vibrato seems to go on for
ages... then ELVIS conks out, head falls over to one
side.
QUICK CUT TO: AQUAMAN and SUPERMAN have since taken up
positions on either side of the door to the room. They
also heard the magnificent voice.. expressions are
equally stunned. SUPERMAN mouths "HOLY FUCK!".
AQUAMAN has since retrieved his trident. He looks at the
center prong.. there is a single, bloodied complete
fingernail stuck on it.. he gives a slight "ew" look,
gingerly picks it off and throws it aside.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Unexpected Allies
INT. ROOM IN MAIN BUILDING - LIGHTS ON.
ANNIE
(eyes wide, shock)
What the Holy fuck, Elvis!!!?
Jeesus!
She wavers in emotion, cups her hand to her forehead in
disbelief. She waits a bit... snaps her finger next to
his ears. He is out COLD. ...dead to the world.
ANNIE
Perfect. Looks like I gave you
little too much (checks his
pulse)Sleep it off, Elvis. When you
wake up, you can see Desmondo on
visiting days. Sweet dreams, amigo.
Just then the door bursts open again.
SUPERMAN jumps in professionally with gun aimed, AQUAMAN
coming in behind. ANNIE raises her hands in surrender.
ANNIE
DON'T SHOOT!! IT'S MEEE!!
SUPERMAN instantly lowers his weapon.
SUPERMAN/CLARK
WOW..You've been busy. Uhh.. Did
you just have NPR on in here at
full blast?
ANNIE
I'll tell you later.
AQUAMAN eyes the scene, clocks the rope, vial.
AQUAMAN/JOHN
Nice work. What did you find out?
ANNIE
(rhymes off everything in
a rush)
The kid's in the next room...no
trip wires..nobody else is here..
they're coming in a couple of hours
in a float plane to take the kid
back over the border. Let's move.
They rush out of the room. ELVIS starts snoring.
FADE TO BLACK:
SUPERIMPOSE with longish Aztec clay flute note.
"iCommunion"
Genres:
["Action","Thriller","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
The Locked Door Dilemma
INT. SAME HALL IN MAIN BUILDING.. DOOR OF ONE ROOM OVER.
Our heroes arrive and gather in front. WONDER WOMAN tries
the door just in case.. The door is locked.
ANNIE
Damn! It's locked... just like
Elvis said.
SUPERMAN/CLARK
(Huh? look )
Elvis told you the door was locked?
He's dead.
ANNIE
Long story. Kick it in.
SUPERMAN
I just got my cast off.. don't look
at me.
AQUAMAN enthusiastically steps up and starts kicking the
door.. big hits. It finally gives way.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Rescue in Slow Motion
INT. NEXT ROOM OVER
We see the lad utterly apprehensive, ecstatic about his
rescue. Eyes wide, big smile.
The door gives way in a flurry of door jam wood, flying
splinters in slo mo. Our heroes enter professionally in a
room clearing fashion.. SUPERMAN gun aimed up, WONDER
WOMAN straight ahead, followed by AQUAMAN with his
trident spear gun framed and centered perfectly in a
Superhero portrait fit for a comic cover. A grand, slo
motion spectacle, wood flying end over end, etc.
CUT TO: Boy bound in chair.. dried tears, big smile.
BOY
Aquaman..!!!! YOU CAME!!
AQUAMAN relaxes his entry posture and looks at the kid,
smiles.. he may weep.. a true moment.
They converge on the boy and begin loosening his ties..
AQUAMAN is still standing off, collecting himself
emotionally.
ANNIE
Are you alright? Did they hurt you?
BOY
I'm OK .. now.. this is SO AWESOME!
I was praying for you guys to come.
ANNIE is now emotional.. lost for words. CLARK steps up
like George Reeves.. a 1950s gentleman TV SUPERMAN
addressing a young fan.
CLARK
You're a brave boy. What's your
name, son?
BOY
Julio. Thanks.
SUPERMAN
Well, Julio, we arrived right after
they grabbed you. We followed the
trail here. You're AirTag... that
saved you.
JULIO
I know.. I swallowed it soon as I
saw the guy hit my dad with his
gun. They checked me...but they
never found it.
INT. JULIO'S HOUSE - STAIR LANDING(FLASHBACK)
JULIO hiding on a stair landing while all hell is
breaking loose in the house in the moments before his
abduction. He pulls the gleaming white AirTAG from his
dress jacket pocket, sticks out his tongue, places it
gently in the center, closes his teary eyes in seeming
prayer, pulls his tongue back in slowly and swallows the
tag.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
A Moment of Respect and Revelation
INT. BACKROOM IN THE MAIN BUILDING - LOW LIGHTING
SUPERMAN/CLARK impressed, bends slightly in a respectful
posture and extends his hand in a grown up gesture, man
to man.
SUPERMAN/CLARK
It's an honor to finally meet you,
Julio. You are very brave, indeed.
JULIO first wipes his eyes on his very expensive dress
jacket sleeve then takes CLARK'S hand and shakes it like
a little man.
CLARK
My name is Clark. It's actually my
real name. This is (gestures to
Annie)...
Julio interrupts..
JULIO
Anita.. Annie.. Annie
Babenco...Lieutenant First Class...
US Air Force.. Retired. And you are
Clark Czikowski, Corporal, retired.
(Smiles at Aquaman)
And Aquaman!You are John Darby,
Sargent Major, Army Fifth Corps..
retired.
They each turn their heads in some amazement and have
expectant expressions.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Heroes of the Past
INT. JULIO'S DAD'S WORK DESK IN THE HOME IN THE
PALISADES.(FLASHBACK)
Julio's Dad is at his PC, waves young Julio over.. starts
scrolling through the head shots and action photos of our
heroes on the agency website. JULIO gets excited.. his
dad rubs his head gets up and leaves the room. JULIO
steps to the desk and grabs the mouse.. sees a |BIO|
button on Annie's pics. He clicks it and her real photo
pops up , her in a flight suit, portrait shot.. personal
and professional details along the side margin.
JULIO (V.O.)
My dad showed me your photos on the
computer to let me know my favorite
superheroes were coming. He left
the web page open on your agencies
website.. I read all your bios.
INT. BACKROOM IN THE MAIN BUILDING - LOW LIGHTING
JULIO
You are all decorated veterans.
JULIO'S VOICE OVERLAYS EACH FLASHBACK CLIP IN TURN. ALL
CLIPS ARE SILENT.
CUT TO:
SILENT clip of footage of F18 blazing across the sky with
a missile in pursuit. The jet goes into evasive
maneuvers, highly skilled, barrel rolls and then a
tangential upward arc, more evasive rolls. The missile
still finds the jet and goes off next to the cockpit.
CUT TO:
INT. SILENT COCKPIT(FLASHBACK)
Annie is the pilot.. smoke, mayhem, flashing lights. Her
visor is cracked and there are streaks of blood. Obvious
disorientation, horizon turning in the background, but
she manages to reach up behind her and pull eject
handles. Explosive bolts fire and the canopy is ejected..
seat launches straight up and out of shot.
JULIO (V.O.)
Annie.. Flying Cross and a Purple
Heart..
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Superhero"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Echoes of War
EXT. DIRT ROAD - AFGHANISTAN(FLASHBACK)
JOHN/AQUAMAN sitting roadside in Afghanistan, both eyes
bandaged, being attended to by a medic. Stunned, shocked
look.. distant.
JULIO (V.O.)
John .. Distinguished Service Medal
and 2 Purple Hearts..
INT. SILENT - APC (FLASHBACK)
CLARK among a platoon seated, bumping along with dust,
grime, etc. CLARK takes a look through square porthole to
recon things.
QUICK CUT
TO:
SUPERMAN POV - A raven on the roadside, on a fencepost.
It looks directly at him, flaps quickly and flies off in
a hurry.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Fantasy"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Chaos in the APC
INT. SILENT - APC
CLARK pulls back, registers something, some concern..like
the bird has tipped him off somehow...an old infantry
myth/legend. Very brief. Turns around quickly, opens his
mouth to shout..
AN IED goes off and the entire crew is slammed to the
ceiling.. then slumps to the floor.. major injuries are
obvious, unconscious soldiers, other flailing injured.
CLARK is the least injured and immediately begins
assisting his comrades. They come under fire.
JULIO(V.O.)
Clark.. nominated for the
Congressional Medal of Honor,
Purple Heart.
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
A Moment of Redemption
INT. BACK ROOM
At this point, they all have pretty floored expressions.
JULIO continues...
JULIO
I know.. I'm a kid.. but I'm not a
2 year old. I know you guys are
actors. But I saw your service
records and knew you'd be arriving
at the party soon. That you would
do something, wouldn't run away
like everyone else.. they just ran.
Everybody ran. I prayed that you
wouldn't be like everyone else..
that you would come.
JOHN is now a mess, turns away.. puts his finger to his
eye.
JOHN
Wow.. something just landed in my
eye... 'scuse me folks.. oy..
ANNIE is now staring in wonderment as this powerful
little boy. She reaches down and hugs him. SUPERMAN is
trying to hold it together.. turns and checks his eyes
like JOHN.
ANNIE
Well Julio.. you're right.. we
couldn't walk away like the others.
It seems you knew we were
coming ...even before we did. You
know... We kinda knew too. Let's
get you home.
ANNIE grabs his hand and leads Julio towards the door.
She turns to the guys..
ANNIE
You guys coming?
JOHN and CLARK are still collecting themselves...they are
both useless at this point.. overwhelmed. CLARK speaks
for both of them.
CLARK
Uhh... Yup.. ya.. just need a
minute... we'll catch up.
ANNIE
Got it. Enough already .. I'm gonna
cry too. I gotta get this kid outta
here. When we get clear, make an
anonymous call for a black and
white and a bus to pick up the poor
soul in the next room.
CLARK gives a silent, emotional thumbs up.. not there
yet.
ANNIE gets it, smiles and turns, leads the boy out of the
room.
EXT. MAIN BUILDING, MAIN ENTRANCE, NIGHT.
The main door opens and ANNIE and JULIO exit in slow
motion and onto the driveway, head toward the main gate.
The light fades behind them and we only see their
silhouettes eventually...
CUT TO: FRONT SHOT.. still slo mo.
They are now on the road leading off the property.
They pass the last street light on the way out, a
gleaming red rose bush in a half barrel at it's base.
SHOT FOCUSES CLOSER ON THE BUSH.. SLOW ZOOM TO CLOSE UP.
A white butterfly, drawn by the light, clumsily but
gracefully flies in and lands on a rose. SHOT HOLDS
THERE.
A long Aztec clay flute note, low then trailing off.
RESUME FRONT SHOT , EXT. CAMP ROAD - NIGHT
They are soon silhouettes.. WONDER WOMAN'S big hair and
crown now look like a veil in dark relief, fields of
stars behind them...the universal mother walking with a
child.
FADE TO WHITE
Genres:
["Action","Adventure","Fantasy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Camaraderie in Recovery
EXT. SAME BUSY INTERSECTION WHERE JOHN/AQUAMAN WAS PICKED
UP BY ANNIE/WONDER WOMAN IN THE FIRST SCENE. SUNNY.. A
PERFECT DAY. MORE BIRDSONG, LESS INDUSTRIAL.
The same 2 homeless veterans are on their favorite bench
in fatigue jackets chatting it up. Their conversation
overlays the following scene.
CUT TO:
CLOSEUP ON A LEVI STRAUSS TAG ON A PAIR OF JEANS.
(2 Beats)
SHOT PANS BACK SLOWLY.
The STARBUCKS SIREN logo clear view on a cup adjacent in
close up, sunlit, clean and unblemished.. looks more
smiley. We begin to overhear the growing conversation of
the HOMELESS VETERANS.
VOICE #1
Hey friend, you look happy. That's
not normal.. for you.
VOICE #2
Just came from court. I get to see
my kids.. got visitation. It's a
good day, man.
VOICE #1
WOW.. that is great man. Truly.
Congratulations. Supervised?
VOICE #2
Ya. For now. I showed them my
starter chip for NA. Worked like
magic. If I can get a place,
they'll lift the supervision.
VOICE #1
So that's it. I noticed you're
slightly less pale today. This a
con for your public defender or you
bein' real?
VOICE #2
It's real. One day at a time,
friend.
VOICE #1
I thought about it..got my own chip
a year back. Didn't stick. Not
there yet friend.. still got the
nightmares from too many wet ops..
Know what I mean? But you run with
it, boy... let me know how it goes.
VOICE #2
Thanks, friend. Things are lookin'
up. Got some clean underwear and a
script for my meds. Gonna give it
my best.
VOICE #1
Well this is a good day. Who knows,
maybe I'll join ya one day. Always
thinking about quitting.. it's my
first thought every morning when I
wake up with the crazies, ya know?
SHOT PANS BACK FURTHER, CONTINOUSLY UNTIL IT SHOWS THE
STARBUCKS CUP IS IN A TRAY WITH 2 OTHERS. PANS FURTHER
BACK AND WE SEE IT IS BEING HELD BY JOHN/AQUAMAN.
He's in civilian clothes, looking at the 2 veterans. Not
the 1000 yard stare now, but more focused, purposeful. He
walks over and engages the 2 guys, they instantly clock
him as an army vet, brother hand shakes and smiles. He
hands them each a coffee, tosses the tray into the
recycling slot in the garbage and takes a seat next to
them, smiling and chatting them up.
SHOT PANS BACK SLOWLY.
JOHN is now gesticulating like he is sharing an old war
story, humorous anecdote, acting things out. The 2 vets
are locked in, smiling and anticipating.. JOHN drops the
punchline and all three break out into roaring laughter.
Goes on for a bit as they each recover and catch their
breath.
SHOT PANS BACK SLOWLY ON THE SUNLIT SCENE as...
The boys settle into normal exchanges. The one veteran
reaches into his pocket and shows JOHN his chip. JOHN
smiles big and shakes the guys hand again, pats him on
the back in support.
SHOT CONTINUES TO PAN BACK SLOWLY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY
FADES TO WHITE FLASH.
Genres:
["Drama","Character Study","Redemption"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
Everyday Heroism
EXT. BUS STOP IN THE SURBURBS. SAME DAY. SUNLIT,
BIRDSONG, ETC.
CLARK/SUPERMAN is in full costume, sitting waiting for a
bus on a bench, heading out for a solo gig. Bus pulls up
and SUPERMAN attempts to stand. There is a slight
hesitation as he grabs then massages his knee very
briefly, shakes it off. The bus door opens with a hiss
and he gets on confidently.. no sign of his injury.
INT. FORWARD SHOT TOWARDS FRONT OF BUS.
SUPERMAN gets on.. has a bit of superhero swagger and
stride now, takes a seat at the front.. tucks his cape
beside him. Bus driver knows him from his daily routine.
BUS DRIVER
Hey Clark.. off to a gig?
CLARK
Hey Norm.. ya.. just me this time.
CUT TO: 2 young kids with their moms clock his entrance
once they hear his name "Clark".. they whisper loudly.
KID #1
The bus driver said "Clark".. he
must be the real Superman.. WOW!
They stop whispering and look over, long stare of fan
worship, admiration.
CUT TO:
CLARK.. catches their look, turns and looks over. He
looks away briefly, tilts his head in thought, a moment
of realization, reckoning...then contentment and a
private smile. He steps up. He looks back at the kids.
He puts on his best cowlick, CHRISTOPHER REEVE smile and
grin. He tips his hand off of his forehead in a big, slow
Superman gesture/salute back at the kids, very genuine
and heartfelt.
Genres:
["Superhero","Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Moment with Superman
INT. BUS AT REAR
They are wide eyed, excited in response. One kid produces
a comic book, whispers to his Mom. She produces a marker
from her purse, gestures to him to go ahead, gives
permission. The kid walks toward SUPERMAN O.S.
INT. BUS - FRONT SEATS
Kid walks excitedly into shot, slows then approaches
nervously, hands over comic and marker. CLARK smiles big
and takes it, pops off the marker top, positions it for
an autograph.
CLARK/SUPERMAN
Why sure, son! What's your name?
SHOT PANS BACK INTO SILENCE
The KID gives his name, nervously, kicking the ground in
a "schucks" excited anticipation. CLARK/SUPERMAN begins
to sign a big long message before the autograph.
SHOT CONTINUES TO PAN BACK