J.J. TOWER, a strong and healthy black boy, (18), is spurred
on by taunting TEENAGERS, while NICK COSTELLO and his best
friend, NORM, two white boys, (both 15), are innocently
caught in the middle of it.
INSTIGATING TEEN
I think Nick's better than you.
J.J.
Not on his best day!
MUSCLE-BOUND TEEN
Right on, J.J.! Just a scrawny
white boy. Look at them bony arms.
Attention turns to Nick's larger than average biceps.
NORM
Bony arms?
(to Nick)
What a muscle-head! He'd say Hulk
Hogan had bony arms just to start
trouble.
NICK
Norm, don't get involved. I'm
gonna hit the showers.
MUSCLE-BOUND TEEN
I thought I smelled somethin'.
STUDIOUS TEEN
The stench of fear - an unpleasant
aroma, isn't it?
J.J.
C'mon, you scared, Costello?
NICK
Okay, big boy, let's go. First one
to ring the bell wins.
Genres:
["Drama","Teen"]
Ratings
Scene
2 -
The Cost of Competition
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY
Nick and J.J. stand in the middle of the gym floor before two
adjacent climbing ropes. They look up toward the bells that
hang from the ceiling beam at the top of each rope.
NICK
Hands only then, right?
J.J.
Where’s the mats?
NICK
What?
J.J. points to the gym floor.
J.J.
The safety mats, let's get them.
NICK
Coach locks 'em up after last
period.
J.J.
Maybe we should wait until --
NICK
Oh, c’mon, you scared, Tower?
Sounds to me like you're chumpin'
out.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY
Norm’s voice echoes off the walls, out-shouting the others.
NORM
C’mon, Nick! You gotta ‘im, you
gotta ‘im!
Nick’s almost to the bell.
J.J., barely a foot beneath him, glances up at Nick. You can
see on his face that he doesn’t like to lose. He carelessly
bounds forward, tries to erase Nick’s lead.
Nick reaches up for a bell. THE BELL CLANGS and Nick beams
with pride as he turns toward the adjacent rope, which now
swings -- empty.
Hearing urgent YELLS for help, Nick looks down.
Twenty-five feet below him lies J.J., his motionless broken
body sprawled upon the hardwood floor.
SHEILA (V.O.)
Nick!... Hey, Nick!
Genres:
["Drama","Coming-of-age"]
Ratings
Scene
3 -
Cereal Chaos in the Kitchen
INT. NICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
SHEILA COSTELLO, (mid 30s), stands in the doorway - charming,
even in an old robe and ponytail.
SHEILA
Time to get up, sleepyhead.
NICK, (now pushing 40), specks of gray grace his temples,
wakes with a pained expression.
EXT. NICK'S HOUSE - DAY
Middle-class suburbia.
Mounds of plowed snow line the streets.
Nick jogs up a small grade, turns into his driveway. He
passes Super Snowman standing in a cape and lone ranger mask.
INT. NICK'S KITCHEN - DAY
Sheila butters toast.
Nick's three sons look over DREAMLAND BROCHURES while eating
breakfast.
SCOTT, (12), the up-and-coming jock in a Steelers jersey.
MARK, (9), wears glasses that give him a slightly nerdy look.
COREY, (4), absolutely adorable, props up a folded brochure
with a picture of Dreamland's DinoWorld.
Corey's superhero action figures, Spider-man and Superman,
slay the dinosaurs strolling across the open page.
COREY
Shazam!
Corey’s brochure goes flying, hits Nick in the face as he
enters the back door. Sheila turns and smiles.
SHEILA
Wow, that was fast! You just might
win the marathon this year.
NICK
I cheated, took a short cut. Just
too dang cold!
SHEILA
So is your breakfast. Want me to
heat some up?
Nick shakes his head.
COREY
When I grow up I'll win, 'cuz I'll
be faster than a speeding bullet!
Nick tosses his jacket over Corey's head - Corey brushes it
off with a giggle.
NICK
No doubt in my mind.
Nick pours a glass of water.
SCOTT
Mom, how tall is Corey?
SHEILA
I'm not sure. Why?
SCOTT
I think the runt's too short to
ride Cosmic Mountain, you have to
be forty-four inches.
COREY
Nah-uh! I'm not too short --
MARK
Listen to this one! It's called
Skyscraper of Doom. You get on an
old elevator that takes you up
about two hundred feet, and then it
plummets to the ground!
COREY
Pla... plummets?
MARK
It falls. The lights go out and
the floor drops from under your
feet! It all happens really fast!
Corey opens his mouth wide with a GASP.
SCOTT
Cool!
MARK
Mega cool!
Corey closes his mouth. Smiles bravely.
COREY
Ga-zillion cool!
Nick sits down across from Mark with coffee and newspaper.
Scott takes his bowl of Cream of Wheat to the sink and
glances at his reflection in a polished, stainless steel
toaster. He touches up his spiked hair...
MARK
Looks like pretty boy's gotta date.
Scott gives Mark a better-keep-your-mouth-shut look.
MARK
Oh, Tina, how do you like my hair?
Mark attempts a girl's voice, bats his eyelashes.
MARK
Oh, Scott, you look just like
Justin Bieber!
Mark giggles like a little girl. Scott picks up a spoonful
of Cream of Wheat and like a catapult, flings it at Mark...
Mark ducks...
Nick lowers his newspaper. His face is splattered with
cereal, milk drips from his chin. He calmly folds the
newspaper and rises.
SCOTT
Uh-oh.
Corey doubles over with laughter.
MARK
How mad at Scott are you, Dad?
Nick moseys to the sink.
MARK
Are you this mad?
(makes an ugly face)
Or are you this mad?
Now Mark looks like the Incredible Hulk.
Nick (facing sink) wipes off his face.
NICK
For Pete’s sake, Mark, it was just an
accident. Dads don't get mad.
Scott gives Mark a cocky smile, but it melts away as Nick
turns, holding the pan of Cream of Wheat.
NICK
They get even.
COREY
Cowabunga, dude! Food fight!
SCOTT
Just watch the hair!
Sheila sweeps Corey off the chair, out of harm's way.
Nick chases Scott and Mark around the table, finally catches
them. They tumble to the floor laughing as he plasters their
faces with the cereal, and then - adds some to Scott's hair.
SCOTT & MARK
Uncle! Uncle!
Nick gives Sheila a devilish grin. Sheila steps back.
SHEILA
Oh, no. No, don't. I just showered!
Nick, Scott, and Mark rise.
COREY
(instructs Mom)
To the bat cave, Robin!
The three goo-covered zombies pursue Sheila and Corey out the
swinging kitchen door.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
4 -
Sibling Rivalry and Family Bonds
INT. ANOTHER KITCHEN - NIGHT
The kitchen door swings open and a YOUNG BLACK BOY, (12),
runs into this upscale kitchen, chased by his SISTER, (10).
SISTER
Gimme that! I had it first!
He waves a DREAMLAND BROCHURE high above her head.
SISTER
Mom, tell him --
Her mother, MATTIE, (40s), drying a crystal glass...
MATTIE
Rodney --
The father, JAMES JOSEPH TOWER, J.J. that is, (now 40s),
seated at a large oak table, stops reading a document...
J.J.
Calm down. There are more
pamphlets on my desk.
The kids race from the kitchen.
MATTIE
They're sure excited.
J.J.
Do you think they'd be too
disappointed if I didn't go along?
(off Mattie's look)
That's what I figured... I'll
fit it in somehow.
J.J. checks his watch. He rolls his wheelchair from behind
the table, and grabs a jacket and leash from the coat rack.
A YELLOW LAB bounds through the swinging kitchen doors.
J.J.
Like a Swiss watch.
MATTIE
Give me a minute and I'll go with
you.
J.J.
It’s cold out, I can handle it.
MATTIE
Ron said you shouldn’t go out alone
anymore.
The Lab jumps at the back door.
J.J.
Ron's a worrywart - besides I'm not
alone, I'll have Peaches. You'll
protect me,
(MORE)
J.J. (CONT'D)
(grabs her collar)
huh, girl?
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
5 -
Night of Shadows
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Streetlamps cast a dim light as J.J. moves along the
sidewalk, past stately Victorian homes.
Peaches, on leash, leads the way to a small deserted park.
J.J. unhooks the dog and it races forward.
A burning ember of a cigarette in the darkness; a MAN'S
FIGURE steps out of the shadows, flicks the lit butt to the
ground.
J.J. gazes out over the river, broken chunks of ice float by.
A steep set of steps at his side leads down to the dock
below. He watches his dog run through the snow.
FOOTSTEPS on the sidewalk.
In the distance the dog looks up and BARKS.
BLACK-GLOVED HANDS GRAB THE WHEELCHAIR HANDLES.
The chair is pushed down the steep steps. It roughly bounces
from step to step, faster and faster gaining reckless speed.
Like a rag doll, J.J. jerks chaotically as he descends the
incline, gripping the armrests. As it crashes onto the
landing, J.J. flies forward - his head slams the concrete.
The wheelchair, overturned and empty. The large wheel spins.
A broken spoke lies beside J.J.'s unconscious body.
A pair of black boots comes into view. The black-gloved hand
lifts the broken spoke from the pavement, ready to thrust it
into J.J.'s chest...
BARKING, A PANICKED YELL.
MATTIE (O.S.)
James! James!
Mattie rushes down the steps behind the Lab.
The assailant disappears into the shadows of the night.
Peaches paces around her owner, whimpers. She tenderly licks
his cheek. J.J. regains consciousness.
With a slight moan, J.J. tries to push Peaches away from his
face, but she won't stop the kisses. He rubs the dog's neck.
J.J.
I guess you're more of a lover
than a fighter, huh girl?
MATTIE
(breathless)
My God, James! Are you okay?
A bolt of lightning shoots across the sky - odd for this time
of year. J.J. watches the streak rocket by.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
6 -
Electric Reflections
EXT. NICK'S HOUSE - SAME
FLASH! The sky is lit with a spider web of lightning.
INT. NICK'S GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
Nick has his head under the hood of an old Chevy.
All of a sudden a silent radio, setting on a workbench,
CRACKLES to life. It startles Nick; he bops his head on the
hood. He rubs his bump and looks toward the sound.
RADIO TALK SHOW HOST (V.O.)
This man has been destined for
great things. He could have
wallowed in self-pity when his
football scholarship to Pitt was
lost, due to the unfortunate
accident that put him in a
wheelchair.
Nick steps over to the radio and turns it off. As he turns
back to the car, the announcer resumes...
RADIO TALK SHOW HOST (V.O.)
Here he is today...
Nick spins around. He turns the knob again. Silence. But
just for a second.
RADIO TALK SHOW HOST (V.O.)
...will his disability ruin his
chances?
Nick grabs the radio's cord and yanks it from the socket.
THUNDER booms. The lights flicker.
SPARKS emit from the outlet. An electric pulse travels up
the wire and runs through Nick's body. He trembles.
It ends as quickly as it began.
Nick grips the cord like he’s strangling a snake, then flings
it away. He takes a deep breath and pats himself down.
Everything seems to be okay, except for the fact his hair is
now spiked, like his son’s. A sigh of relief.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
7 -
A Slip on the Icy Steps
EXT. PITTSBURGH PA PARKWAY - DAY
Bumper to bumper traffic greets the morning commuters on this
wintry day. A POSTAL JEEP makes its way through the traffic.
Nick looks into its rearview mirror, and with the aid of a
little spit, plasters down a tuft of hair that wants to stay
spiked.
EXT. PITTSBURGH STREET - DAY
Nick steps out of his jeep, mailbag flung over his shoulder.
The air cold and crisp, he can see his breath. The ice
CRUNCHES beneath his feet. Large trees line the street of
this quiet neighborhood; their overhanging bare limbs
sparkle.
A homeowner pushes his small snow blower. Nick gives a wave.
Faced with a steep set of very slippery steps, Nick uses the
handrail for much needed support.
As Nick steps on the porch and slips an ad into the door's
mail slot, a dog GROWLS. Nick turns to leave, the door
SQUEAKS open - it's OLD LADY MITCHELL.
OLD LADY MITCHELL
Not so fast there, young man.
Nick turns back to view the two snarls, hers and the dog's.
She taps the crystal on her watch.
OLD LADY MITCHELL
You seem to be running late again.
NICK
Well, this weather --
OLD LADY MITCHELL
Excuses are unacceptable. Every
single second counts in life.
Nick nods and turns to leave.
OLD LADY MITCHELL
You hear me, Nicholas?
Nick feels the tap of her cane on his shoulder and turns
back, looks into her old wrinkled eyes.
OLD LADY MITCHELL
Take some pride in your work, even
if you are just a damn mailman.
NICK
Yes, ma'am. Gotta run.
OLD LADY MITCHELL
That's the trouble with the world
today, everybody's in a hurry.
Nick turns away and mutters to himself...
NICK
Crazy old lady.
(in an old lady voice)
Every second counts, every second
counts - don't you know that every
second counts?
With a sigh Nick looks down at the ice-covered steps, grips
the railing and begins his descent, SLOWLY.
NICK
Maybe if some of my customers
would toss a little salt...
Old Lady Mitchell shuts her door, just as Nick slips. He
slides down the steps like an Olympic luge racer and comes to
a dead stop when his head bounces off the street sign.
He lies on the sidewalk, spread-eagle, unconscious.
Old Lady Mitchell's door reopens and the dog prances out.
OLD LADY MITCHELL
Hurry up now, Muffin. Go potty.
The dog spots Nick and with a snaggeltoothed snarl scampers
down the steps.
Little Muffin sniffs around Nick’s area, and just as he lifts
his leg in the direction of Nick's face, a SPARK shoots forth
from Nick and catches the dog's rump.
The dog springs away with an ARFF! He drags his hindquarters
through the snow, squelching a small flame, whimpers away
with a scorched hiney.
Nick comes to, none the wiser.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
8 -
Tension at Primanti Brothers
INT. PRIMANTI BROTHERS RESTAURANT - DAY
A cloud of steam billows from the grill as the COOK flips
piles of chopped steak for the LUNCH CROWD.
Nick pulls up a chair at a table occupied by co-worker and
old friend, NORM, (now pushing 40). Holding his back, Nick
slowly lowers into the seat. That tuft of hair is spiked
again. He looks a little ragged.
NORM
I ordered for ya. Runnin' a little
late, aren't-cha?
NICK
I just got that lecture from Old
Lady Mitchell, don't need it from
you, too.
NORM
Eww, touchy. Somebody woke up on
the wrong side of the bed... You
look tired. You okay?
NICK
Yeah. Sorry. I just need a break.
Really lookin' forward to this
vacation.
NORM
Dreamland, USA. That sounds relaxin'.
Not! That's a theme park, for God
sake. You should take the missus and
go on a cruise.
The WAITRESS sets down Nick's sandwich and Coke. She turns,
the Primanti Brother's slogan BITE ME, written above a
picture of their almost famous sandwich, is on her T-shirt.
NICK
Thanks.
Nick bites into his huge sandwich - steak and cheese, covered
with coleslaw and fries.
The bell on the door DINGS.
Nick glances toward it as STICKS, a suited, pencil-thin man,
enters, cautiously scans the interior then reopens the door,
holds it to allow...
J.J. to enter...
Followed by the powerfully built MASON CLARK.
Nick chokes for a second, then lowers his head.
NORM
Down the wrong pipe?
NICK
Look who just came in.
NORM
Wonder why he's here?
J.J. spots Nick and Norm, wheels over to their table.
Sticks and Mason stand between them and the other customers,
along with keeping a REPORTER and his CAMERAMAN at bay.
J.J.
So, this is why my mail's late.
Nick forces a polite chuckle, but it comes out as overly done.
He takes a big bite of his sandwich to shut himself up.
NORM
Now that could be a touchy subject,
politically speaking. You know we
are union men.
Norm extends his hand.
NORM
It's been a long time.
Norm and J.J. shake hands, then J.J. extends to Nick.
J.J.
(to Nick)
You carrying mail now, too?
Nick puts down his sandwich, wipes his hands - they shake.
Nick’s hand emits an iridescent glow, that only lasts a
millisecond and goes unnoticed by all.
Nick shivers, glances down at his now normal hand.
Nick hears J.J.’s thoughts.
J.J. (V.O.)
What a waste of potential.
Nick looks up at J.J., offended by the rude remark.
NICK
What did you say?
J.J.
Carrying mail? What happened to
the protect and serve guy? Heard
you went to the Police Academy.
NICK
Things don’t always go as planned.
J.J.
They call that destiny, Nick.
Nick appears uncomfortable, takes another bite of his
sandwich. He’s done with attempting polite chit-chat.
NORM
Heard you could'a used some protectin'
yourself recently.
J.J. touches the small bandage above his right eye.
J.J.
Yeah, guess so. I never dreamed
I'd have a need for bodyguards.
NORM
Yeah, who'd a thought my man here,
someone I spent many a detention
with, would be our next President?
J.J.
We still have a long way to go.
I haven't even won the nomination
yet.
NORM
You're a shoo-in. With Butler you
wouldn't know which face you'd be
votin' for.
J.J.
He tells them what they want to
hear. Sometimes that gets you
twice as many votes.
NORM
You’ll get ‘im in the debate, you
always had a silver tongue.
J.J.
Missed out on that opportunity, a
little too banged up to go.
NORM
Yeah, I read about the mugging.
J.J.
I still have another shot at it,
though. He agreed to some town hall
meetings and an appearance at the
Dreamland Convention Center.
NORM
Dreamland? That's odd.
Norm looks to Nick.
J.J.
Luckily, on short notice, the park
was able to accommodate us.
NORM
But a theme park?
J.J.
(grins)
Makes my kids real happy and our
party stands for family values, so
what better place to hold an
informal debate?
NORM
But he’s Georgia's State Senator -
you think it's wise to give ‘im home
field advantage?
J.J.
You know me and a challenge --
Stone-faced Mason Clark interrupts.
MASON
Sir, we have a schedule.
J.J.
He's right.
(raises his voice)
We just stopped in to fatten Sticks
up with one of our 'best in the
world' sandwiches.
Customers APPLAUD in agreement. Waitresses and cooks smile.
The Cameraman snaps a few photos as they head toward the
counter to order. J.J. stops and shakes a wall of
OUTSTRETCHED HANDS.
Nick exchanges a strange look with Norm.
NORM
Don't worry, bud. It's a big park.
The sound of a SIREN catches Nick's attention. He glances
out the restaurant window.
NORM (O.S.)
What's the chance you'll even bump
into him?
Nick stares at an ambulance as it drives by, siren blaring.
Genres:
["Drama","Political","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
9 -
Echoes of Concern
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY (FLASHBACK)
An ambulance is parked in front of an old-brick school.
The school's double doors fly open. THREE EMTs rush from the
building, wheeling a stretcher on which J.J., (18), lies
unconscious.
SCHOOL FACULTY AND STUDENTS follow through the doors. They
watch as the stretcher is quickly loaded into the back of a
waiting ambulance.
Worried glances and inaudible whispers convey their concern
as the ambulance pulls away - its lights flash, SIREN blares.
Their attention now turns toward...
Nick, (15), standing at the curb. His face is pale. The
sound of the ambulance’s siren fades away.
NORM (V.O.)
Nick? Earth to bud --
INT. PRIMANTI BROTHERS - DAY (BACK TO PRESENT)
Nick slowly turns back to Norm.
NICK
Yeah, you're probably right. It's
a big park.
A RUMBLE OF THUNDER rattles the window beside Nick, and he
and Norm catch a glimpse of a strange streak of lightning.
EXT. GEORGIA RURAL AREA - DAY
The sun sets, lightning streaks across the sky.
Dust flies as a pickup truck veers off a paved road onto a
dirt lane, continues to a clearing in the woods where a black
limo is parked.
Outside the limo stand TWO ARMED BODYGUARDS.
JOHN MYERS, six-foot-two, muscular arms, military style buzz
cut, steps down from the pickup.
A bodyguard opens the door and John enters the limo...
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
10 -
Stormy Negotiations
INT. LIMO - CONTINUOUS
SENATOR JACK B. BUTLER, (late 60s), puffs on a cigar.
JOHN
This is risky meeting like this. I
told you I'd take care of him.
BUTLER
(heavy Southern accent)
If you'd have done it in Pittsburgh
our business would be completed.
JOHN
It would've been clean if his old
lady hadn't shown up.
BUTLER
You should have taken her out, too.
JOHN
A little tough to explain two dead
bodies from one wheelchair accident.
BUTLER
Well now, thanks to you, his
accidental demise is out of the
question. He's finally gone and
hired himself some bodyguards
requiring a change of plans. You
have the details.
JOHN
But a terrorist act? There's no
need to involve that many people.
BUTLER
What did I hire myself, a hit man
with a conscience? If you can't
handle it --
JOHN
Oh, I'll handle it all right, but
it'll cost ya.
Butler passes John a briefcase.
BUTLER
I'm sure you'll find this more than
adequate.
INT. JOHN MYERS' PICKUP - DAY
The briefcase on the passenger seat SNAPS open. Its
contents, neatly stacked bills, still in wrappers. John
removes a DREAMLAND BROCHURE from its inner pocket and
studies it.
Suddenly a gust of wind kicks up and dark thunderclouds roll
in, releasing a downpour. As John winds up his driver's
window, the brochure flies from his hand...
INSERT BROCHURE SWIRLING THROUGH THE WIND
Genres:
["Thriller","Crime","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
11 -
Height, Heroes, and Household Chaos
INT. NICK'S HOUSE / BEDROOM - NIGHT
A DREAMLAND BROCHURE flutters to the floor as...
Corey drags a chair to an open closet and climbs up on it,
stretching up on his tiptoes to reach for a basket.
Corey carefully removes it from the shelf, climbs back down,
sets it on the floor, and takes out a tape measure. He runs
from the room, tape measure trailing behind him, and into...
COREY'S ROOM
Posters of superheroes decorate his walls.
With crayon in hand, Corey stands, back against the wall, and
marks the spot at the top of his head. He struggles with the
tape measure to calculate his height - he frowns. After a
brief moment he grins and runs from the room.
LIVING ROOM
Nick and Norm on the couch, with IC Light beer and a Penguin
hockey game on TV.
Scott is stretched out on the floor wearing a number 66
Penguin's jersey, his eyes glued to the tube.
Norm jumps off the couch, hands fly up in the air.
NORM
C'mon, ref, get in the game! He
barely hit the guy!
Corey sails through the room with his Batman cape over his
Batman pajamas, arms outstretched. He leaps over Scott and
lands beside him. His coloring book and crayons lie on the
carpet.
KITCHEN
Sheila, in conversation with BETH, (early 20s), pretty face,
punkish-style, sticks a bag of popcorn into the microwave.
SHEILA
...psychology classes.
BETH
Psychology? Oh, great! Just what
I need, more advice from my know-it-
all sister. And if Nick's paying
for this, then he does need his
head examined!
SHEILA
Nick? Humph... he wouldn't be my
first choice for show and tell.
As Sheila gestures to chalk one up, Beth snaps her with a
dishtowel. They laugh.
LIVING ROOM
At the computer, Mark searches the Internet.
Sheila walks through the kitchen door with the popcorn, Beth
with two beers. She gives the drinks to the guys and sits
down on the floor beside Corey, Sheila beside Nick.
Beth looks down at Corey's colorful Spider-man.
BETH
You see his latest movie yet?
COREY
Yep, Dad took me. Spider-man's so
awesome!
Beth studies his smiling face.
BETH
You know, you look more and more
like your daddy everyday.
COREY
I do?
Overhearing the enthusiasm in Corey's voice, Nick glances at
him with a proud look.
BETH
And you're getting so tall.
COREY
(nods proudly)
Forty-four inches!
SCOTT
Are not!
COREY
Am too, with my shoes on!
BETH
Are you gonna be a mailman like
your daddy when you grow up?
COREY
No way! I'm going to be a hero!
Nick slowly shakes his head with a look that says - ouch.
NICK
Dammit, Crosby, pass the puck!
The Penguins score in the final seconds to win...
Nick and Norm fly off the couch.
NICK & NORM
Yeah!
Scott jumps up, high-fives his dad; Corey does a victory
dance.
SHEILA
Okay, boys, time for bed.
SCOTT
Aw, Mom!
SHEILA
Say good night.
SCOTT, MARK, & COREY
Night.
NORM & BETH
Night, guys.
BETH
Have fun in Dreamland.
COREY'S ROOM
Sheila tucks Corey into bed. He bolts back up.
COREY
Dammit! Where'd I leave Spider-man?
SHEILA
Corey! That is a nasty word!
COREY
Dad says it.
SHEILA
I know he does, but he shouldn't.
I don’t want to hear any more potty
mouth from you, okay?
COREY
You mean if there's a monster under
my bed, I can't say - dammit,
there's a monster under my bed?
Sheila conceals a laugh and pretends to look stern...
SHEILA
Nope. Not even if you think
there's a monster under your bed.
Corey purses his lips - a brief moment to consider this -
then kicks off the covers.
COREY
Okay, but I gotta find him.
SHEILA
I'll find him. You go to sleep.
She tucks him back in and kisses his cheek.
SHEILA
Night, sweetie.
Sheila walks to the door. She stops to pick her measuring
tape off the floor and notices Corey's sneakers - a maxi pad
tucked inside each heel. With a puzzled look she chuckles,
shakes her head, then flicks off the light switch.
NICK'S BEDROOM
Nick returns the sewing basket to the top shelf of the closet
and as he moves the chair back to its spot he steps on
Corey's hero action figure lying on the floor just as Sheila
walks in.
NICK
Ouch, ouch, ouch! Dammit!
Sheila lets out a HUFF.
NICK
What? It hurts!
Nick grabs his foot and rubs it, then picks up the toy and
pitches it into the trashcan.
SHEILA
Hey! He was looking for that.
Sheila takes Spider-man back out of the trashcan and sets him
on the dresser as she walks into the adjoining bathroom.
NICK
I told him not to leave these things
lying around. They're all over the
house.
SHEILA (O.S.)
'Cuz he loves them. They're his
heroes.
NICK
Heroes? They're pieces of plastic
for Pete's sake. Real people are
the heroes, not some strange comic
book character! Firemen,
policemen...
BATHROOM
Sheila gargles. WE HEAR HER THOUGHTS...
SHEILA (V.O.)
Ohmigod, he's jealous of Spider-
man.
BEDROOM
Nick also HEARS HER THOUGHTS and mutters to himself...
NICK
Jealous? I'm not jealous... even
mailmen save lives once in a blue
moon.
Nick stares out the frost-covered bedroom window at the moon.
In the window's reflection, we can see SPARKS surrounding
him.
Genres:
["Family Drama","Slice of Life"]
Ratings
Scene
12 -
A Tense Arrival at Dreamland
EXT. DREAMLAND GRAND GEORGIAN HOTEL - DAY
The sun shines over a grand hotel, with gabled roofs and
Victorian balustrades, nestled on a picturesque landscape.
INT. HOTEL - DAY
A PIANIST plays a MELODY on the Baby Grand while an ELDERLY
COUPLE relax at a small table nearby, listening and sipping
tea from fine china cups. HOTEL GUESTS come and go.
REGISTRATION
John Myers takes his key from the REGISTER CLERK. He lifts
his bags just as a BELLMAN reaches for them.
BELLMAN
I'll get those for you, sir.
JOHN
No thanks. I have them.
LOBBY
The Costello family enters. Corey stares up at the triple-
domed, stained-glass skylights, mesmerized by the sight.
The Costellos continue past the piano player, to the
registration line.
MARK
Wow! Look at that!
Mark and Scott leave to check out the large indoor aviary.
LOBBY
A flurry of NEWSMEN enters. Cameras flash. In the middle of
the entourage, under inquiry, are J.J. and Senator Butler.
The HOTEL CONCIERGE escorts them into a meeting room.
Remaining outside of the room is the PRIVATE SECURITY, among
them, Mason and Sticks.
REGISTRATION LINE
Nick, Sheila, and Corey, along with the other GUESTS in line,
watch as the flood of Press, POLITICIANS, and Security
recedes.
A COUPLE standing in front of Nick comment on the commotion.
HUSBAND
What a waste of time and money.
All this hoopla and we already know
who's gonna get the nomination.
WIFE
Not according to the latest polls,
in some states Tower's ahead.
HUSBAND
You can't run a country from a
wheelchair.
Nick's face tenses. Sheila notices and says loudly...
SHEILA
What a ridiculous statement!
Roosevelt won World War II from
his.
REGISTER CLERK (O.S.)
Next.
Nick stares at the couple as they walk to the counter.
Genres:
["Drama","Political","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
13 -
Rivalry in the Spotlight
INT. HOTEL MEETING ROOM - SAME
J.J. and Butler pose for the PHOTOGRAPHERS.
J.J. whispers to Butler...
J.J.
I'm not going to let you make us an
international laughing stock.
Butler, with a phony photo-op smile plastered on his face...
BUTLER
We'll see who ends up the butt of
this joke, boy.
J.J.
The choice is yours. Drop out with
your dignity intact or I'll be
forced to --
BUTLER
We all make our choices... Why,
Senator Johnson, so glad you could
make it!
Butler dismisses J.J. as he greets his colleague.
Genres:
["Drama","Political Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
14 -
Check-In Chaos and Aviary Antics
INT. LOBBY - SAME
Nick, Sheila, and Corey step up to the registration desk.
REGISTER CLERK
Checking in?
NICK
Yes.
REGISTER CLERK
Can I see some I.D., sir?
Nick hands her his license and a charge card. The Clerk's
manicured fingers fly over the computer keyboard.
REGISTER CLERK
Could your reservation be under a
different name, Mr. Costello?
NICK
No, I booked it. It's under my
name.
Sheila gives Nick a worried look.
NICK
And if I goofed it up, my new name
will be mud.
REGISTER CLERK
Well, Mister Mudd --
SHEILA
Wait a minute - you gave me the
confirmation. I have it somewhere.
Sheila digs through her large purse pulling things out onto
the counter: a hero action figure, a make-up bag, and a pack
of crayons that roll out of the box across the desk.
SHEILA
Ah, here it is.
Sheila hands the Clerk the wrinkled-up confirmation.
REGISTER CLERK
Excuse me one moment, please.
AVIARY
Scott coaches a parrot.
SCOTT
C'mon, say it - Scott's so cool!
The bird cocks his neck, but no response. Mark sneaks up
behind Scott.
MARK
(parrot voice)
Scott's a fool. Scott's a fool.
SCOTT
Hey!
(gives Mark a push)
Back off or you're toast!
Mark's not fazed. Obviously, he's used to brotherly shoves.
MARK
That's a cockatiel.
SCOTT
So.
MARK
So, first off, it would take months
to train him to say that, if ever,
and second, you gotta be smarter
than the bird.
SCOTT
Smart enough to kick your butt.
Scott notices a group of TEENAGE GIRLS, all in cheerleading
uniforms, sashay through the lobby - one flashes him a pearly
white smile.
SCOTT
Wonder what they're here for?
MARK
Probably for the Junior Brain
Surgeon's convention.
SCOTT
No, maybe there's a cheerleading
competition!
MARK
What gave it away, Einstein?
SCOTT
The uni --
Scott finally catches the sarcasm and flicks Mark in the
forehead.
REGISTRATION DESK
The clerk returns, again her fingers fly over the keyboard.
REGISTER CLERK
Problem taken care of. You've now
got yourself a two bedroom suite.
(hands Nick a keycard)
Great view too, it overlooks
Camelot's castle. Room five-thirty-
eight.
Nick hesitates as the charge slip is placed in front of him.
SHEILA
We really can't afford --
REGISTER CLERK
No extra charge, our mistake.
Management's goal is to ensure
you an unforgettable experience.
NICK
Sounds like my luck’s turning around.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
15 -
A Day of Cheer and Jealousy at Dreamland Park
EXT. DREAMLAND PARK - DAY
The Costellos stroll through the park, taking it all in.
Sheila snaps pictures of the boys with the costumed
characters of MR. SANDMAN and the TOOTH FAIRY. Scott tries
his best to hide his face, unsuccessfully, thanks to Mark.
Before Mr. Sandman scurries off, he circles around Nick,
sprinkling him with some sort of dream sand. It sparkles as
it falls, but makes a SNAPPING SOUND as it lands on Nick.
NICK
Ouch!
Not paying any attention to Nick, Sheila and the boys move
on. Nick follows, dusting the dream sand from his shirt.
EXT. DREAMLAND STAGE AREA - DAY
A cheerleading competition takes place.
The Costellos walk through the crowd.
On stage is A HIGH SCHOOL SQUAD led by CHRISTINA, the head
cheerleader. The squad's tasteless routine ends with
Christina's bootie-solo.
The AUDIENCE'S FACES: ADULTS, look of disapproval and
embarrassment, TEENAGE BOYS love it!
Scott releases a WOLF WHISTLE.
SHEILA
Oh, for heaven's sake!
Sheila covers Scott's eyes while curious Mark and Corey
(hindered by their height) try hard to sneak a peek.
Cheer ends. The adults stand silent. Boys HOOT and HOLLER.
The Costellos continue along their way as the...
NEXT SQUAD takes its turn led by JEN, the cheerleader that
flashed Scott a smile, the all-American-girl with her apple
pie routine.
The audience erupts into applause.
Christina glares at her competition; her eyes reveal a pent-
up jealous rage brewing inside her.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
16 -
Sibling Rivalry at the Park
EXT. PARK - DAY
THUNDER and streaks of LIGHTNING are the background for
the...
LIGHTNING MOUNTAIN RAILROAD, as the Costellos zip in and out
of a deserted gold mine on a runaway train. The roller
coaster travels through the steep mountain passes, into
caves, and under falling boulders.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Scott, Mark, and Corey rush from the exit of the ride. Nick
and Sheila lag a few yards behind, Nick green in the gills.
The boys head straight for a souvenir and photo stand.
NICK
I should'a known better!
SHEILA
Next time try closing your eyes.
NICK
When I do that, I see the rope.
SOUVENIR AND PHOTO STAND
Still photos appear on the screen behind the counter. The
boys check out the snapshots, laugh at the expressions of
previous riders shown as the coaster descended its steepest
drop. Their family photo appears on the screen.
SCOTT
Look at Dad's face! He looks like
he's gonna cry!
Scott and Mark HOWL. Corey's smile disappears.
With clenched fists and gritted teeth, Corey kicks Scott.
Scott pushes Corey down - then rubs his shin.
SCOTT
Hey! What was that for?
Corey jumps back up and belts out a battle cry.
COREY
It’s clobberin’ time!
He charges Scott.
NICK (O.S.)
Whoa! Stop it! What's the matter
with you two? Scott, you're old
enough to know better.
Corey backs up. Sheila hurries over to him.
NICK
Well?
Scott looks to the ground, Mark looks to the sky, and Corey,
still angry, stares daggers at his brothers.
SHEILA
Corey?
Corey shakes his head.
NICK
Okay, guys, maybe we need to cool
off. How's --
MARK
Splish Splash Mountain!
The boys take off.
NICK
I was thinking more along the lines
of lemonade.
Genres:
["Family","Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
17 -
Family Fun at the Fair
EXT. PARK - DAY
The Costellos work their way through the crowded fairway.
SCOTT
Dad, we gotta hurry up we only ---
NICK
--- have four days. That's plenty.
SCOTT
Can't we skip some of these baby
rides?
SHEILA
Not unless you'd like to skip some
of your rides. Like Cosmic
Mountain?
SCOTT
(whiny voice)
But they're so lame.
COREY
Whaa, whaa, whaa.
Scott silences Corey with a look. Corey grins, bites his
lip, and takes a step back behind his dad.
NICK
You heard your mom...
(to Sheila)
what's next?
Sheila looks at her map and smiles.
SHEILA
It's A Wee World.
Nick grimaces and all three boys GROAN.
SCOTT
Aw, Mom! That's a girl's ride!
SHEILA
What do I look like?
COREY
(innocently)
A mom.
NICK
Let's go check out that sub.
MARK
Yeah, or the Ghosts Of Treasure
Island!
Scott and Mark act macho, grunt like cavemen.
SHEILA
Hey, I want to see it! It's my
vacation too.
Nick and Corey join in, and a grunting contest begins.
SHEILA
And I think you Neanderthals could
use a little worldly culture.
The four look at each other, ending with a questioning grunt.
Genres:
["Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
18 -
Stormy Reflections
INT. JOHN MYERS' HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
The TV plays an old rerun of "Home Improvement" and Tim
Taylor gives the Tool Time audience his trademark GRUNT.
John sits at a table near the window, examining blueprints
and drinking a beer. He walks out onto the balcony as the
fireworks display comes to its explosive finale.
He returns and relaxes on his bed - withdraws a photo of a
man from his shirt pocket, picks up a matchbook from the
nightstand, strikes a match and places it to the photo.
The man's image disappears in the flame.
INT. HOTEL - NIGHT
Flashes of lightning illuminate the sky outside the lobby
windows. The doors open and the Costellos rush in. A CRACK
OF THUNDER echoes behind them and a downpour begins.
SHEILA
We made it!
Seconds later a DRENCHED CROWD storms in.
INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT
The Costellos exit the elevator with OTHERS and make their
way toward their room.
NICK
No foolin' around, you guys gotta
get right to sleep 'cause I'm
waking you up early.
SCOTT
I'll shower tonight so I --
SHEILA
You can't shower during a storm.
The lights go out. Total darkness.
NICK (O.S.)
Everyone, stay still. The auxiliary --
A CRACKLING SOUND as a BURST OF SPARKS briefly lights up the
darkness.
MAN (O.S.) & NICK (O.S.)
Ow!
The auxiliary power kicks in and the hall is dimly lit. Nick
turns toward a HANDSOME MAN who's now walking away.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
19 -
Dreams and Mishaps
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - NIGHT
Nick and Sheila sleep. A shower of sparks envelops Nick's
face.
INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT (DREAM SEQUENCE)
The Handsome Man stands at a hotel door, scans the area.
The Man knocks on the door. No answer. He then removes a
packet of cards, similar to credit cards, and one by one
inserts them into the keyless entry. The door opens...
INT. HOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The Man closes the door behind him and immediately goes to
work. He searches through a closet, tossing clothes here and
there. Next, he empties out the dresser drawers. He spies a
small safe behind an armoire door.
He listens closely to the tumblers as he turns the
combination lock. It opens. He smiles as he removes a
jewelry case, opening it to find a magnificent, diamond-
clustered necklace.
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - DAY (BACK TO REALITY)
Sheila applies her makeup as Nick paces.
NICK
It was so real. The guy reminded
me of Cary Grant. He played a cat
burglar in TO CATCH A THIEF.
Remember that old movie? That was a
classic!
Sheila sneezes.
NICK
Bless you.
SHEILA
Darn it!
NICK
What?
Sheila runs into the bathroom.
SHEILA (O.S.)
I got mascara all over me.
Nick looks in on the boys, who are only half-dressed.
NICK
C'mon, guys, get a move on.
(to Sheila)
I'm running down for a newspaper.
I'll be right back.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
20 -
Misunderstandings in the Hallway
INT. HOTEL GIFT SHOP - DAY
Nick pays the CLERK for the paper.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Nick looks at the front page of the paper.
INSERT PAGE
Two side-by-side pictures of J.J. and Butler in Dreamland as
they vie for votes. The headline reads - CANDIDATES ENJOY
THIS UNCONVENTIONAL SITE FOR THEIR FINAL DEBATE
BACK TO SCENE
INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Nick steps out of the elevator, refolds his newspaper.
As Nick rounds the corner he spots the Handsome Man again in
the hall, standing suspiciously at a hotel door.
Nick steps back out of view and watches as the Man withdraws
a packet of cards and one by one inserts them into the
keyless entry. The Man smiles as the door opens.
Nick charges forward and tackles the Man, applying a full
nelson. The Man's cards fly out of his hand.
HANDSOME MAN
What the hell are you doing?
NICK
I know what you're up to!
HANDSOME MAN
Connie! Connie!
CONNIE appears at the door in a frilly robe, slippers, and
curlers.
CONNIE
Hey! You leave him alone!
Connie removes her fuzzy, pink slipper and pummels Nick on
the head with it.
CONNIE
You nuts or what?
NICK
Lady, he was trying to rob you!
NICK & HANDSOME MAN
Call security!
Nick and the Man share a what-the-hell's-going-on look.
The Costello boys rush into the hallway, followed by Sheila.
SHEILA
Ohmigod, Nick, what are you doing?
NICK
This is the guy I was telling you
about!
COREY
I'll help you, Dad! This is a job
for - Superman!
Scott grabs Corey by his shirt collar.
SCOTT
Ya better stay put, small-fry.
CONNIE
Get your hands off my husband!
NICK
Husband? But he was breaking into --
HANDSOME MAN
My room! My freakin' room! Now
get the hell off me!
Nick releases him and offers a hand to help him up.
The Man slaps Nick's hand away and begins to pick up his
fallen cards. Nick stoops and picks up several cards.
NICK
I'm sorry, but what are these?
HANDSOME MAN
Old room keys! I'm a writer, you
idiot! I'm only doing research.
My character's a --
NICK
-- jewel thief?
The Man looks perplexed.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
21 -
Family Tensions Outside the Hotel
EXT. HOTEL - DAY
The Costellos leave the hotel.
SCOTT
Dad, you have to show me the hold
you put on that guy. That was a
real smooth move!
Nick doesn't respond.
MARK
I can show you how to do that -
it's all a matter of leverage.
COREY
I was gonna sock him for you, Dad,
but Scott held me back.
SHEILA
Corey, it's not nice to hit.
COREY
But Dad --
NICK
-- made a stupid, stupid mistake.
SCOTT
Yeah, the guy even called you an
idiot!
Nick rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
SHEILA
I don't want to hear another word
about it!
SCOTT
But why did Dad --
SHEILA
Zip it!
MARK
(whispers to Scott)
Way to go, meathead. Now you got
Mom mad.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
22 -
Unexpected Intrusion
EXT. DREAMLAND EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT - DAY
MITCH (the man from the photo that John Myers lit on fire),
dressed in a maintenance uniform, walks through the lot with
other MIDNIGHT SHIFT WORKERS, passing the DAYLIGHT CREW
arriving for their tour.
EXT. MITCH'S HOUSE - DAY
Mitch pulls into his driveway.
INT. MITCH'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
In a chair in the shadows of the living room, darkened by the
closed blinds, a FIGURE sits.
Mitch enters through the back door into the kitchen. He sets
his lunch box and keys on the counter, opens the fridge and
takes a swig from a milk carton.
Mitch hears movement coming from the living room. As he
turns a startled look appears in his eyes.
A man's silhouette crosses the far wall...
Mitch takes a step backward...
The silhouette raises a club...
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
23 -
Ghostly Humor and Family Fun
INT. DREAMLAND HAUNTED MANOR - DAY
The razor-sharp edge of the guillotine plunges through the
neck of HARRY, THE GHOST. The head drops to the wooden
floor...
HARRY'S HEAD
Ouch! That smarts!
(to the riders)
Anyone got a Band-Aid on 'em?
A plump and jolly LADY GHOST roars with LAUGHTER.
LADY GHOST
Oh, Harry, you always was such a
cut-up!
The Costellos ride past this scene, smiles on their faces.
EXT. PARK - DAY
Scott rushes through the CROWD toward Cosmic Mountain.
The line seems a mile long. Sheila gives Nick a tired look.
NICK
Hey, guys, it's been a long day.
SCOTT
But, Dad --
NICK
Whadaya say, we save the best for
last?
Scott looks down at his sneakers and kicks the pavement.
NICK
Once you ride that, these other
rides will seem pretty dull.
(whispers to Scott)
It'll build the suspense up for
your little brothers.
SCOTT
(nods slyly)
I'll make sure'a that.
NICK
C'mon, we'll grab a bite to eat,
catch the evening parade, then the
fireworks!
Genres:
["Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
24 -
Static Shocks and Cat Fights
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
The Costellos wait for the elevator. The doors open to...
the SHRIEKS of a vicious catfight. Arms and expletives fly
as Christina defends herself from Jen's attack.
Sheila and Nick hurry the boys into the next available
elevator.
JEN
You jealous ho!
The boys, wide-eyed, strain for a final glimpse as the
elevator doors close.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE COSTELLOS' SUITE - NIGHT
The Costello kids act up, laugh uncontrollably. They HISS
like cats and imitate the cheerleaders.
SHEILA & NICK
Shhh!
John Myers approaches just as Nick drops his room card key.
To avoid Scott's mime dramatization (that cracks his brothers
up even more) John sidesteps and bumps into Nick just as he
stoops for the key...
ZAP!
A bolt of static electricity crosses between the two of them.
Not your average jolt, but one so strong that it knocks Nick
to the floor, yet John doesn’t seem that fazed by it.
John extends a hand.
JOHN
Here, let me help ya.
Nick, recovers from the jolt, but still a bit confused.
NICK
Did you feel that?
JOHN
That little static electricity?
Yeah. Unusual with all this rain.
John turns and enters his room, which is right next-door.
SHEILA
Nick, maybe you should change your
shoes. That's the second time you
got zapped.
The boys, now with their new SOUND EFFECTS, shuffle their
feet and try to zap each other as they enter their room.
Genres:
["Drama","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
25 -
A Romantic Interlude Interrupted
EXT. COSTELLOS' SUITE BALCONY - NIGHT
Sheila, in a silk robe, leans against the balcony railing.
In the distance is Camelot Castle, lit by a color show.
Nick opens the French doors, his hands full - a bottle of
champagne and two long stem glasses. He takes a few
tentative steps onto the balcony. Sheila moves away from the
edge.
SHEILA
What, no caviar?
NICK
Eww. Fish eggs. Yuk!
Nick pops the cork, pours the bubbly and hands her a glass.
NICK
They finally settled down.
SHEILA
What a weird day!
NICK
You can say that again... but the
boys are sure having a great time.
I guess the weirder, the better -
for them anyway.
Lightning can be seen in the distance.
NICK
Looks like more rain.
They stand for a moment in silence. He sees her smiling.
NICK
Whatcha thinkin' about?
SHEILA
The boys.
(attempts a grunt/laughs)
They crack me up sometimes.
NICK
Yeah, they are something.
SHEILA
They'll be dreaming about this trip
for years and years.
NICK
And we'll be hearing all the
details - over and over and over.
Nick refills their glasses and Sheila begins to hum.
NICK
You're not really gonna serenade
me, are you?
Sheila nods, runs her finger around the rim of her glass and
dips it into the champagne.
SHEILA
I can make you mine...
She traces her finger over his lips. He smiles.
SHEILA
...taste your lips of wine...
Sheila kisses him lightly.
SHEILA
...anytime, night or day. Only
trouble is...
Nick joins her song, points to the bedrooms.
NICK SHEILA
Three kids... Gee whiz...
SHEILA
I'm dreamin' my life away.
Nick takes her in his arms, sings the next line.
NICK
I need you so.
Nick bends to kiss Sheila, but A LOUD CLAP OF THUNDER
interrupts the moment. They jump.
SHEILA
Whoa!
NICK
If anyone was dreamin', that should
of woke'em up!
Nick grabs her hand and the champagne as they rush inside.
Genres:
["Drama","Romance","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
26 -
A Stormy Night's Comfort
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - NIGHT
The storm continues. The lightning interrupts the darkness.
Sheila lies cuddled in Nick's arms, both asleep. Corey
stands beside their bed and whispers...
COREY
Dad...
(beat)
Daddy.
Nick opens his eyes.
COREY
I had a nightmare.
Nick gently releases Sheila and sits at the edge of the bed.
He pats the mattress. Corey climbs up and sits beside him.
NICK
What was it about?
COREY
The rides.
NICK
What about the rides?
COREY
I don't know. It was all mixed up,
but... I don't think I like sixpence.
NICK
Sixpence?
COREY
Scott was talking about the rides.
He was building up sixpence.
NICK
You mean suspense?
Corey nods, biting his lip.
NICK
You know how your brother likes to
tell stories. Sometimes he stretches
the truth a bit.
COREY
Like tell a lie?
NICK
Well, let's just say he enjoys
making the story a little more
exciting than it really is.
COREY
More scary?
Nick nods.
COREY
I don’t wanna be a scaredy-cat...
Were you ever scared?
NICK
Heck yeah, lots a times.
COREY
Tell me one time, the scaredest of
all.
NICK
Let's see... the scariest? ...
I was really scared to ask your
mom to marry me.
COREY
You were?
NICK
Yep. She was so beautiful.
COREY
She still is, huh Dad?
NICK
She sure is and she was so popular,
everybody liked her. She was the
nicest girl in the whole school.
Corey smiles real big.
NICK
You remember that when you grow up.
You'll see lots a pretty girls out
there, but make sure you find the
nicest.
Corey nods.
NICK
She could have had any guy she
wanted.
COREY
She wanted you?
NICK
I didn't know that then, so I had
to work up the courage to ask her.
One day I rented a lobster costume.
You know how your mom loves
lobster.
Corey looks up at his dad, head tilted, eyebrows furrowed.
COREY
A lobster costume?
Nick nods with an embarrassed grin. Corey GIGGLES.
COREY
You're so silly.
NICK
Well... I took her to a fancy
seafood restaurant and put on my
lobster suit. I got down on one
knee, and in front of everyone, I
asked her to be my wife.
COREY
What'd she say?
NICK
Did you ever hear your mother turn
down a lobster?
Corey covers his mouth, holds back another giggle.
NICK
I faced my fears and look what I
got. Your beautiful mom and
three... ticklish rug rats!
Nick tickles him and Corey lets out a little SQUEAL.
Nick puts his finger to his lips. Corey smiles.
COREY
Dad.
NICK
What, son?
COREY
I love you.
Corey wraps his arms around his dad giving him a big bear
hug.
NICK
Right back at ya, little man.
Nick lifts Corey off the bed and sets him down.
NICK
You better get back to sleep, we
have a big day tomorrow.
COREY
Yep, and lots a rides.
Hand in hand, Nick walks Corey to his bed.
Genres:
["Family","Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
27 -
Dreams of Connection
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - NIGHT
Nick and Sheila sleep.
INT. NICK AND JOHN'S ROOMS / DIVIDED BY THE WALL - NIGHT
An ELECTRICAL CHARGE flows between Nick and John.
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - NIGHT
Nick sleeps restlessly, tosses and turns.
INT. DINGY LOW RENT BATHROOM - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
Hot water flows into a bathroom sink rinsing long strands of
hair from the sharp blade of a straight razor.
Cold blue eyes stare into the steamed mirror as the razor
smoothly glides over the cleanly shaven head of John Myers.
The image of a tattoo on his forearm --skull and crossbones--
is lost in the heavy MIST.
DISSOLVE TO:
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
28 -
Haunting Awakening
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY (DREAM SEQUENCE)
NO SOUND - GRAY AND MISTY
Nick stands in the middle of a road in a downpour, the water
streams over his pale blank face. He stares at an ambulance
pulling away, lights flashing.
The sky lights up with a spider web of lightning that seems
to surround the ambulance.
Suddenly the ambulance EXPLODES.
SLOW MOTION
Metal fragments fly onto the street.
Nick emits a silent scream, a hand appears on his shoulder...
Nick turns to stare into the cold blue eyes of John Myers.
END SLOW MO
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - DAY (BACK TO REALITY)
Nick bolts upright from bed, beads of sweat on his forehead.
The phone RINGS - Sheila grumbles as she stretches awake.
SHEILA
Get that.
Nick runs his hand through his hair, picks up the receiver.
VOICE (V.O.)
(young, perky, cheerful)
Good morning! It's your wake up
call. Have a wonderful day in
Dreamland. We hope all your dreams
come true!
Nick - in a daze - hangs up the receiver.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
29 -
Tension on the Monorail
INT./EXT. HOTEL - DAY
The Costellos leave the hotel through its revolving door.
Entering through the same set of doors is John Myers.
SLOW MOTION
As John passes Nick he removes his sunglasses. Nick turns in
his direction, stares through the glass. Those eyes. He
knows those cold blue eyes.
END SLOW MO
INT. DREAMLAND MONORAIL - DAY
Seated across the aisle from their parents, the boys look out
the window of the monorail as it speeds them through the park
- they’re preoccupied.
Sheila and Nick keep their voices low.
SHEILA
...another dream, poor baby. You
want me to leave the light on
tonight?
NICK
Don't patronize --
SHEILA
Patronize? Nick, I'm only kidding.
NICK
Well, I'm not. I think just
knowing J.J.'s here is making me
nuts.
SHEILA
You've gotta quit feeling
responsible for him.
NICK
Don't you think I've tried?
Sheila sighs.
NICK
That guy. That was so strange.
SHEILA
You bumped into him last night and
put him in your dream. That's not
that strange.
NICK
And why would I do that, Dr. Phil?
SHEILA
I don't know, but it makes more
sense than thinking you've been
suddenly blessed with psychic
powers.
Nick gets a strange look on his face. With a flick of his
fingers he snaps Sheila’s arm. No zap. No sparks.
SHEILA
Ow! What are you doing?
NICK
(guessing)
I know what you’re thinking.
You’re thinking I’m an idiot!
SHEILA
Well, you don’t have to be a mind
reader to figure that one out. The
way you’ve been acting. God, Nick,
you had that writer pinned down.
We’re lucky you aren’t in jail.
Nick shakes his head, still thinking.
NICK
I should warn J.J. - you think
they'd let me in to see him?
SHEILA
And tell him what?
(half laugh/half sigh)
I'm no Sigmund Freud, but it was
just a dream. Furgetaboutit.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
30 -
Panic at the Skyscraper of Doom
EXT. PARK - DAY
The Costellos stand before the SKYSCRAPER OF DOOM. It rises
200 feet, the tallest building in the park. The ride's
entrance sign reads: BEWARE! YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE
TWILIGHT ZONE.
SHEILA
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do.
Nick Costello has now entered the
Twilight Zone.
NICK
If that's your final diagnosis, I
may want a second opinion - even
though I think you're right!
Nick’s smile melts as he scans the skyscraper's height.
Corey tugs on Nick's shirt. Nick looks down at him.
COREY
Is this what they call sa-pense or
am I just gettin' scared again,
'cuz I sure do have a funny feeling
in my belly.
Mark sneaks up behind Corey and clucks like a chicken.
MARK
Are you coming, or are you chicken?
Corey elbows Mark away and heads for the ride’s line.
SHEILA
Guess he's really getting on, so...
so am I! I'll see you in few
minutes with all the details.
NICK
Spare me.
Left alone, Nick is people watching. The faces represent all
corners of life. He lifts his iphone and begins recording.
NICK'S POV SEEN FROM PHONE
A FAMILY from India passes by, ladies young and old, wrapped
in their long silk saris.
A YOUNG JAPANESE COUPLE with their huge Sony long lens
camera, excitedly speaking in their native tongue. She
points at something and he captures it on film.
LATINOS, FRENCH CANADIANS, VIETNAMESE -- languages all
different, but smiles all the same.
THE SKYSCRAPER OF DOOM
line moves forward. As the Costellos turn the bend to enter,
Nick spots them and ZOOMS IN.
The look on each boy's face says it all.
SCOTT
(Cool!)
MARK
(Mega cool!)
COREY
(can't wait to get this
over!)
Nick continues filming the crowd.
A walking advertisement passes before him. THE FAUCET DOCTOR
and his SMALL SON. The man looks about a month overdue from
the size of his belly hanging over his low riding belt. He
wears a company T-shirt with a plumber's logo.
The Faucet Doctor drops something and bends to pick it up. A
plumber's pose...
BUTT-CRACK.
Nick chuckles and returns the focus back to the SKYSCRAPER OF
DOOM. He freezes...
Coming from the exit of the ride is John Myers.
Nick sees this face for one brief moment and then it's lost
in the crowd. He searches, finds him again.
A cloud of pink appears before his lens...
BACK TO SCENE
Nick lowers the camera to find a large, spiral, cotton candy
being held, in his view.
He quickly moves through the crowd. He does a three-sixty,
fear shows in his eyes.
He runs to the entrance, pushes past the people in line.
He moves ahead of an outspoken CHICK, who isn’t taking that
crap.
CHICK
Hey! Who you think you are?
Nick pays her no mind.
CHICK
(hands on hips)
I'm talkin' to you, fool! You
think you're better than everyone
else?
Nick rams into a TALL TEXAN, knocks his cowboy hat off.
The Texan grabs Nick by the arm.
TALL TEXAN
Whoa there, partner. Maybe you
didn't hear the lady. The line
forms back there.
Nick pulls free of his grip and struggles forward, reaches
the YOUNG DREAMLAND EMPLOYEE.
NICK
Stop the ride!
EMPLOYEE
What? No can do.
NICK
I said stop it! Now!
EMPLOYEE
I don't have that authority.
NICK
(a crazed look)
Just do it!
Nick grabs the Employee by the collar, pleads with him.
NICK
Look, I think there's a bomb.
The Employee nervously looks in all directions for help.
The PEOPLE IN LINE watch as the drama unfolds. A LADY, in
the front of the line, whispers in shock...
LADY IN FRONT
He said there's a bomb!
Like an echo this information passes. It turns to line rage!
The chain of tourists unravels; some shove and jump the maze.
YOUNG HIPPIE TYPE
Get outta the way, old man!
Almost knocking the GRAY HAIRED GENTLEMAN off his feet.
CHILDREN CRY, utter chaos.
INT. SKYSCRAPER OF DOOM ELEVATOR - SAME
Sheila and the boys stand among a SMALL GROUP in this rickety
looking service elevator, a decked out HOTEL BELL CAPTAIN at
the controls.
Something doesn't sound quite right, the car jerks. The
lights flicker, then total blackness...
SCREAMS in the dark.
Genres:
["Comedy","Action","Adventure"]
Ratings
Scene
31 -
Pepper Panic at the Skyscraper
EXT. SKYSCRAPER OF DOOM - DAY
Nick talks with TWO GUARDS, while a THIRD GUARD speaks into a
walkie-talkie.
THIRD GUARD
(into walkie-talkie)
Not necessary, Pepper. We have it
under control.
EXT. SKYSCRAPER OF DOOM - CONTINUOUS
A large crowd of SPECTATORS has formed.
The guard, a skinny little guy called PEPPER, struggles
through the rubberneckers. Irritated glances follow him as
his over-equipped, SWAT team-like belt catches on everything
it passes...
PEPPER
Security, coming through.
Pepper reaches the inner circle.
Nick stands (hands in his pockets) with the Guards.
The Guards exchange an oh-no-not-him glance.
PEPPER
Good job, men!
(into his radio)
Perpetrator apprehended.
(to guards) )
You locate his explosive device?
Nick's hands fly out of his pockets and into the air as he
denies this charge.
NICK
What? I'm not the --
Pepper whips out his pepper spray. All hell breaks loose...
SLOW MOTION
The Guards dive for cover...
GUARDS
(resoundingly)
No! Not again!
The crowd, trampling on each other's toes, recedes as the
liquid pepper streams into Nick's face.
END SLOW MO
Genres:
["Comedy","Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
32 -
Tension in the Interrogation Room
INT. POLICE STATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
DETECTIVE SANCHEZ enters and eyes Nick, who has a damp rag
pressed to his face.
He gives his partner, DETECTIVE HUDACKO, sitting at the desk
across from Nick, a questioning glance.
HUDACKO
The Dreamland bomb scare.
SANCHEZ
Ah yes, Pepper strikes again.
Well, Mr. Costello, just be
thankful they don't issue those
guards firearms.
Red-eyed and blotchy-faced, Nick nods in agreement.
INT. POLICE STATION - SAME
The Costello boys are seated at the side of the room.
Sheila pulls out antibacterial wipes from her large purse,
rips open the foil packets and neurotically disinfects the
boys' chairs, lifting their elbows to get to the armrests.
SHEILA
Stay right here. I mean it, don't
move an inch. I've gotta find out
what's going on.
The boys stay put, wide-eyed, watching the OFFICERS escort
SHADY CHARACTERS through as Sheila goes to the Desk Sergeant.
MARK
Whadaya think Dad did?
Scott shrugs.
MARK
It's gotta be a mistake.
SCOTT
Yeah, maybe a case of mistaken
identity! They think he's a serial
killer or something.
Corey, sitting between his brothers, defends his dad.
COREY
Dad likes cereal... but not those
tiny marshmallows. He sure does
get mad if you eat those and leave
the rest.
Scott and Mark look at Corey and shake their heads.
Their attention turns toward a MUSCULAR POLICE OFFICER as he
strong-arms an UNRULY SUSPECT.
SCOTT
Ya know, Dad wanted to be a cop.
COREY
(excited)
A real policeman? Like Grandpa?
SCOTT
No, idiot, a plastic one, like your
Spider-man!
Scott grabs Spider-man, but Corey quickly snatches it back.
MARK
When was this?
SCOTT
Before he married Mom. I heard Mom
and Aunt Beth talking one day. He
flunked out of the Police Academy
cuz of his fear of heights. When I
asked Dad about it, he got real
grouchy.
Genres:
["Comedy","Family","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
33 -
Dreams and Disillusionment
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - SAME
Nick, totally frustrated, leans back in his chair, runs his
hands through his hair, then continues...
NICK
...it explodes and then he's there,
staring at me, eye-to-eye. It was
like a premonition.
SANCHEZ
It was a dream.
NICK
I know it was a dream. I'm not
crazy. You have my phone, can't
you take a look at the video?
Maybe you'll recognize him.
Sanchez nods at Hudacko who leaves the room - snickering.
NICK
I know it's not much to go on, just
bits and pieces, you know how ---
SANCHEZ
--- dreams are. Exactly my point.
I think you've watched one Stephen
King movie too many.
Hudacko returns with the phone and hands it to Nick.
SANCHEZ
Point him out.
They stand over Nick's shoulder as he plays the video.
There’s the plumber. Nick quickly fast-forwards, missing
John.
HUDACKO
What was that? Back it up.
Reluctantly Nick backs it up.
HUDACKO
Stop.
Butt-crack pose.
HUDACKO
I think we got ourselves a pervert.
NICK
It's not what you think.
HUDACKO
Yeah, that's what they all say.
NICK
I thought my wife would find it
funny.
Nick restarts the video, gets to John and pauses. He points
him out.
NICK
There... that's him. In my...
(sigh)
...he was a skinhead. Has a skull
and crossbones tattoo on his right
forearm.
HUDACKO
I think we're getting somewhere
now.
Nick looks hopeful.
HUDACKO
Maybe he's one of them pirates from
The Ghosts Of Treasure Island!
Nick looks slammed.
ON VIDEO, John raises his right hand to put on his
sunglasses.
SANCHEZ
Back up and pause it... There, his
right forearm, no tattoo.
Nick looks bewildered.
Genres:
["Mystery","Crime","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
34 -
Beauty and Insecurity
INT. DESK SERGEANT - SAME
Sheila anxiously waits in line behind TWO OTHERS.
A well-endowed BLONDE BOMBSHELL flirts with the DESK SERGEANT.
Sheila watches closely, scrutinizing her every move as this
Blonde uses her physical attributes to her advantage.
The Blonde moves closer to the tall desk, giving the Sergeant,
and only the Sergeant, a nice view down her low-cut blouse.
SERGEANT
Outstanding...
Momentarily lost in his daydream, the Sergeant awakens to
reality and clears his throat, red-faced.
SERGEANT (CONT'D)
...ah, your, ah, parking tickets
that is. They must be paid today
or --
The Blonde strokes her long nails over her soft skin, stops at
a dangling locket nestled between her breasts and with the
sweetest of voices...
THE BLONDE
I promise, sir, they'll be taken
care of real soon. I just need a
little more time.
Sheila stares as The Blonde walks away scot-free.
As the next person in line moves forward, Sheila steps back
behind a large covered support beam and peeks around to make
sure she's not being watched. Everyone seems preoccupied.
Sheila pulls a compact mirror from her purse, peers into it,
and slowly shakes her head. She's definitely in need of a
touch up. Mascara, blush, lipstick...
She leans forward, tousles her long hair and flips it back,
then a spritz of hairspray...
She glimpses down at her flat chest and sighs. Rummaging
through her bag she pulls out a pack of tissues and one by
one, stuffs them into her bra...
She takes a deep breath, adjusts her new boobs, turns toward
the Sergeant and, after a few awkward steps, manages to put a
new swing in her hips.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
35 -
Dreams and Laughter
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A LADY OFFICER in uniform comes to the door with a report.
Hudacko takes it and scans it, shakes his head.
INT. DESK SERGEANT - CONTINUOUS
Sheila stands before the Desk Sergeant with her best attempt
at a pouty smile - a little too Shirley Temple-ish.
SHEILA
...So, it was just a dream,
Sergeant. You really can't blame
him for that.
Childlike, Sheila twirls a strand of her long curly hair. As
the lock wraps around her fingertip, a curl creeps out from
beneath her T-shirt, where it was unknowingly tucked in with
the tissue.
The Sergeant holds in a laugh at the sight of the tissue
slowly revealing itself, with each draw of the curl. Sheila
follows his gaze and with a defeated sigh, she nonchalantly
tucks the tissue back into place.
SHEILA
I'm not very good at this, am I?
With a grin, the Sergeant shakes his head. They both laugh.
Genres:
["Comedy","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
36 -
Relief and Revelations
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - SAME
Sanchez tosses the report on the desk.
SANCHEZ
Humph... checks out squeaky clean.
Seems he's just a damn mailman with
a suite at the Grand Georgian, la
de da.
HUDACKO
Must'a saw his bill and went
postal.
Hudacko chuckles at his little joke.
SANCHEZ
You're one lucky fellow, pal.
Looks like the park isn't gonna
press charges being no one got
hurt. Not worth the bad publicity.
(MORE)
SANCHEZ (CONT'D)
But let me warn you - if you show
up here again, you better bring
your toothbrush.
HUDACKO
Yeah! Keep your freakin'
nightmares to yourself.
(points in Nick's face)
In this state mailmen deliver
letters, plain and simple. We’ll
take care of the bona fide bad
guys, not your damn bogeyman.
Sanchez opens the door and waits for Nick.
Relieved, Nick heads for the door. He stops...
NICK
You're not gonna warn Mr. Tower?
SANCHEZ
Not even if you were Nostradamus in
the flesh.
Nick gives up, walks out. Hudacko follows behind him.
HUDACKO
(to Sanchez)
God, these crazy snowbirds.
INT. DESK SERGEANT - CONTINUOUS
Nick walks to the Desk Sergeant. Sheila looks relieved.
The boys rush over and immediately hammer him with questions.
SCOTT
What did you do, Dad?
MARK
Did they take your mug shot? Did
you get a copy? Can I see it?
COREY
You like cereal, don't ya, Dad?
Sheila gives them a look, locks her lips, and they back off.
HUDACKO
He's free to go, Sergeant.
SERGEANT
Here's your I.D., dream boy.
Genres:
["Comedy","Mystery","Crime"]
Ratings
Scene
37 -
Tensions and Tissues
EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY
The Costellos silently leave the Police Station.
As they walk out the main door, Corey sneezes...
Without giving it a second thought, Sheila quickly withdraws
a few tissues from inside her blouse. One, two, three - they
pop out just like they're coming from a Puff's box.
Scott and Mark gawk at their mom, dumbfounded.
Nick gives her a look, shakes his head.
Sheila hands Corey the tissues and turns back to Nick.
SHEILA
Don't you even go there.
(whispers)
I was trying to save your butt.
Scott and Mark make a yuk! face as Corey uses ‘that’ tissue.
SCOTT
What'd they want with you, Dad?
NICK
Just some questions.
MARK
Did they turn on the bright light
and shine it in your eyes?
SHEILA
Give your dad a break. They just
thought he witnessed something.
SCOTT
Ah man, is that all?
(whispers to Mark)
I thought this could be my get-
outta-jail-free card.
MARK
You mean like Monopoly?
SCOTT
No, I mean like - aww, gee, Dad, at
least I didn’t get arrested.
MARK
You would blackmail your own father?
SCOTT
Call it bargaining power.
MARK
Well, you got the wrestling match
in the hall, this, and we still got
one more day.
Scott and Mark move ahead, conniving. Corey lags behind.
SHEILA
Okay mister, fess up, what the heck
happened?
NICK
Let's go eat. I'm hungry.
SHEILA
Nick!
NICK
In the words of a 'not so famous'
psychologist - furgetaboutit.
SHEILA
Forget about it? You almost ended
up in jail! Seriously --
NICK
Seriously, I want to forget it.
SHEILA
But what --
NICK
It's over, all right? Enough time
wasted.
(old lady voice)
Every second counts, every second
counts. Don't you know that every
second counts?
Sheila throws him a strange look.
SHEILA
I almost called my dad.
NICK
You what? What could he do? He
already thinks I'm a loser.
SHEILA
No he doesn't! I just thought he
might have some pull --
NICK
Pull? A city cop from Pittsburgh?
They reach their car.
SHEILA
All right, all right...
(points her finger at him)
but no more playing detective!
NICK
Trust me, nobody's listening
anyhow.
Genres:
["Comedy","Family","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
38 -
A Family Detour at the Grand Georgian
EXT. POLICE STATION PARKING LOT - DAY
The Costellos get into their car and drive off.
INT. GRAND GEORGIAN HOTEL - DAY
The Costellos, dressed for dinner, step out of the elevator
into the lobby. A small ORCHESTRA plays BIG-BAND MUSIC.
Corey be-bops to the rhythm as they walk past.
SHEILA
I forgot my scarf.
NICK
You don't need it.
SHEILA
Yes I do. That's why I bought it,
to go with this dress.
NICK
You look fine. Our reservation's --
SHEILA
Go ahead - get the table. I'll
catch up with you.
Sheila turns back toward the elevator.
SCOTT
Wait, Mom. I forgot my camera.
NICK
Why the camera? It's only dinner.
SCOTT
Oh ya never know - might just catch
a Kodak moment.
Scott and Mark share a mischievous look and dash towards the
elevators. Corey runs behind them.
COREY
And I forgot Spider-man!
Nick sighs as Sheila and the boys enter the elevator.
SHEILA
Honey, try and get a table with a
view.
The elevator doors close.
Nick looks at his watch and heads toward the revolving doors.
He slows as he notices the house phones by the exit, steps
into the revolving door only to complete the full circle.
Nick re-enters and picks up the house phone.
NICK
James Tower's room please.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
39 -
Press Chaos and Family Humor
INT. JAMES TOWER SUITE - CONTINUOUS
REPORTERS surround J.J. Standing off to the side of the room
are Mason and Sticks.
The phone RINGS. A SECRETARY answers it.
SECRETARY
(into phone)
James Tower's suite, may I help
you? ... I'll have to take a
message, he's with the press. May
I ask who's calling? ... Warn him?
About what? ... A dream?
The Secretary motions to Mason - he heads over to her.
SECRETARY
(into phone)
Let me connect you with security,
sir.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - CONTINUOUS
Nick replaces the receiver.
NICK
(mutters to himself)
Had enough security for one day.
INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - DAY
John Myers waits for the elevator. Sheila and the boys walk
out of their room, and over to it. John nods and Sheila
politely smiles.
Scott and Mark conspire, checking out the disposable camera.
MARK
You know how to work it? It isn’t
digital.
SCOTT
Duh! It’s not rocket science.
When he does something we can use,
we just...
Scott demonstrates, holds the camera out to take a selfie,
puckers up, and snaps a photo of ALL of them.
The FLASH was much brighter than a cell phone.
Anger appears in John's eyes for one brief second.
SCOTT
Oops - sorry, Mister.
Sheila takes the camera and slips it into her handbag.
SHEILA
I'll hold this for safekeeping.
(to John)
What can I say? I'm raising two
future blackmailers.
Scott and Mark sulk.
John's southern gentleman facade returns.
JOHN
Blackmailers? What could they have
on a beautiful lady like yourself?
SHEILA
Oh, it's not me they're trying to
frame.
The elevator arrives with a few hotel guests. John holds the
door open for Sheila and the boys.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
40 -
A Fairy-Tale Arrival with a Hidden Betrayal
EXT. HOTEL - DAY
Parked outside the main entrance is a glass carriage drawn by
two magnificent white horses; colorful ribbons flow from
their manes.
Sheila and the boys exit from the revolving door, John
directly behind them.
COREY
Oh man, look at that!
The COACHMAN, wearing a black tux with long tails and a tall
black hat, steps down from the carriage. Trumpet in hand, he
BLOWS THE HORN announcing their arrival.
The Coachman opens the carriage door and takes the hand of
his passenger, a beautiful BRIDE, followed by her handsome
GROOM.
This Cinderella setting captivates the HOTEL GUESTS.
John stands very close to Sheila, slowly reaches in her bag.
He lifts Scott's camera, walks away and pitches it into a
nearby waste can.
Sheila and the boys continue on their way.
Genres:
["Drama","Family","Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
41 -
A Splurge at Sunset
INT. DREAMLAND RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The Costellos sit at a table overlooking Camelot's castle.
The sun sets and the sky is aglow with amazing color.
Sheila studies the menu.
NICK
Why don't you get the lobster?
Sheila continues to glance at the menu as she answers.
SHEILA
It's so expensive.
NICK
You're on vacation...
(winks at Corey)
...splurge a little.
Sheila gives a slight shrug and closes the menu.
SHEILA
Okay.
Corey giggles. Nick smiles.
SHEILA
What's so funny?
CORY
Dad in a lobster suit.
Corey giggles some more.
NICK
I was telling Corey about the night
I proposed --
COREY
Yeah, to the most beautiful mom --
SCOTT
Someone else said Mom's beautiful --
MARK
Yeah, the zapper man --
NICK
What? Who?
MARK
The man in the room next to ours,
the one you zapped.
SCOTT
I think he was hittin' on her.
SHEILA
No sir, he was just being polite.
The WAITER comes for their order.
NICK
I'm sure Jack The Ripper had his
polite moments too --
WAITER
Do you need a few more minutes?
SHEILA
I'll have the lobster.
Genres:
["Drama","Family"]
Ratings
Scene
42 -
A Splash of Tension
INT. RESTAURANT BAR AREA - SAME
John Myers walks in and takes a seat at the bar.
INT. RESTAURANT DINING AREA - LATER
The Costellos have dessert.
Nick looks up and through the railed partition separating the
dining area from the lounge, he sees John Myers walking
toward the men's room.
Sheila and the boys speak, but Nick hears nothing.
NICK
I'll be right back, gotta use the
restroom.
INT. MEN'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
John exits a stall and walks to the sink.
Nick enters, walks directly to the sink to the right of John,
nods a simple acknowledgement.
As John washes his hands...
Nick places his hand underneath the faucet, turns on the
water full blast, spraying John.
NICK
Oh jeez, sorry, bud. First I zap
ya, now I soak ya.
Nick quickly grabs a paper towel and wipes John's right
forearm with it. Nick sees a faint image -- the skull.
John scowls.
JOHN
You make a habit of annoying people?
He brushes Nick's hand from his arm, walks out.
Nick stares into the mirror.
NICK
Doesn’t look like a freakin’ pirate
to me.
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
As the Costellos leave the restaurant Nick sees John being
seated for dinner.
Genres:
["Drama","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
43 -
Thunderstorm Tensions
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
The doors open. THUNDER. The Costellos rush in.
SCOTT
Dad! It's raining again!
NICK
Sounds like you're blaming me for
the weather.
SCOTT
(a little too loudly)
No, but we lost half our day
gettin' you outta jail --
Sheila glances around to see if anyone heard. An OLDER
COUPLE check Nick out.
SHEILA
Let's just call it a night. We’ll
watch TV --
SCOTT
We can do that at home!
MARK
Yeah, we can do that anytime.
SCOTT
This is why I wanted to bring my
laptop.
MARK
Yeah, I could have gotten a
headstart on my science report!
Scott’s mouth drops open, shakes his head, rolls his eyes.
SHEILA
I told you, no screen time on
vacation. In my day...
Scott and Mark notice a Video Arcade, full of teenagers and
walk away from her mid sentence.
NICK
Would you rather play some games?
Scott and Mark nod. They all wait for Sheila's approval.
SHEILA
Guess it’s not the internet. All
right, but I want you back in the
room by nine o'clock.
Corey remains by Sheila’s side.
COREY
(to his mom)
Did they have TVs back in your day?
Genres:
["Family","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
44 -
A Night at the Hotel
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - NIGHT
Corey lies on his bed watching TV.
NICK AND SHEILA'S BEDROOM
SHEILA
I'm gonna soak in the tub. A nice
hot bubble bath sounds good.
Sheila goes into the bathroom.
Nick paces - antsy. He yells into the bathroom...
NICK
I'm runnin' down to the gift shop
for something to read.
He heads for the door and turns back to grab the ice bucket.
EXT. HOTEL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
Nick walks to the ice machine and fills the bucket. He then
goes to John Myers' room and knocks. At no response, he
proceeds down the hallway to a door that reads - Housekeeping.
He raps on the door, opens it slightly and sticks his head in.
A MAID sits folding linen.
MAID
May I help you, sir?
NICK
Yes, I went for ice...
Nick flashes his friendly smile and holds up his ice bucket.
NICK
and forgot my key.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
45 -
A Rainy Escape
INT. JOHN MYERS' SUITE - NIGHT
Nick closes the door behind him and slowly scans the empty
suite. He crosses the dark room and enters the
BEDROOM
This room is lit by streetlight coming through the balcony's
open drapes.
Nick opens the closet. A few shirts and trousers on hangers.
A suitcase on the floor. Nick kneels, opens the suitcase and
searches the contents. Nothing unusual.
Nick rises, sees a duffel bag on the shelf in the corner,
hidden behind two extra pillows. He reaches for it...
THE SOUND OF THE DOOR UNLOCKING
Nick quietly slides the closet door closed and heads toward
the balcony.
The ice bucket remains by the closet.
Nick doubles back, snatches the bucket and ducks behind a
love seat just as...
John enters the room, turns on the light and goes into the
bathroom.
THE SOUND OF WATER RUNNING
Nick's faced with a choice: go past the open bathroom door or
out onto the balcony. He takes the balcony just as John
returns to the room.
EXT. JOHN'S BALCONY - CONTINUOUS
Nick stands in the pouring rain, five floors above ground.
He looks toward his own balcony, about twelve feet away;
through the sheer curtains he can see Corey, on the bed.
Nick turns toward the adjoining balcony, divided only by a
three-foot gap. He looks like he’s going to throw up.
He takes a deep breath, puts the ice bucket under his arm,
gazes up toward Heaven and makes the sign of the cross, then
begins to climb over the railing. The bucket almost drops,
the ice falls from it - staring at it he mutters...
NICK
I really am an idiot.
He sticks the bucket on his head and proceeds over the
railing, inches across the ledge, clinging to the exterior
wall like a cartoon cat.
He reaches the adjoining balcony, kisses the railing before
he crawls over it and crumples to the landing.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
46 -
A Wet and Awkward Encounter
EXT. ANOTHER SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Nick peers through French doors into a darkened room. He
tries the knob - it opens. He quietly slips into...
INT. THE NEWLYWEDS' BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
An ambiance of romance: candles lit, Barry White's CD plays,
the unmistakable SOUNDS OF KISSING.
Nick's eyes widen as he catches a glimpse of the couple in
bed. He dives for the floor. On hands and knees he crawls
across the room, over a trail of bridal garments.
Nick, tangled in petticoats, clumsily makes his way through.
INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT
Nick stands at his door, drenched, holding his ice bucket.
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - CONTINUOUS
Nick steps in to hear Sheila singing. He peeks into the
bathroom - she's still soaking in her bubbles.
He peeks into the boys' room - Corey's softly snoring. Nick
breathes a sigh of relief.
SCOTT
Dad?
Startled, Nick spins around to face Scott and Mark.
MARK
Why are you all wet?
NICK
I... I...
Nick holds out his ice bucket, like that's an answer.
NICK
...ah --
SHEILA (O.S.)
Is that the boys, Nick?
SCOTT
Yeah, Mom, it's us.
Nick strips off the wet clothes.
NICK
Keep this between us and I'll owe
you one.
SCOTT
(whispers to Mark)
This is getting even better than I
expected.
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - NIGHT
With a haunted look in his eyes, Nick stares at the ceiling,
Sheila asleep beside him.
Genres:
["Comedy","Family","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
47 -
Orientation at Cosmic Mountain
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
Inside this 190-foot tall building is housed a maze of steel.
Iron beams support an enormous track.
John Myers, duffel bag in hand, walks in - accompanied by the
SUPERVISOR.
Scattered throughout the building, checking the track, the
coasters, every square inch, are WORKERS IN COVERALLS.
John scans the building.
JOHN
I thought this shift was a skeleton
crew.
SUPERVISOR
It is. This PM Crew is the park's
finest. They go over every ride
with a fine-tooth comb. They'll be
done and moving on any minute now.
He points up to a glass control tower. CHARLIE, (60ish),
stands at the window looking down, coffee cup in hand. He
nods.
SUPERVISOR
That's Charlie. He'll let you know
if there's any electrical problems.
They walk to the break room, pausing a moment to look through
the door's window. Two men, LENNY (tall) and JEFF (short),
sit with coffee and magazines.
SUPERVISOR
And there sit our two janitors.
'Scuse me, Custodial Engineers.
The owner's nephews, that should
explain the need for two of them.
(points)
There's the locker room. I'll
introduce you to them, then you can
go get ready.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
48 -
Pressure in the Break Room
INT. BREAK ROOM - CONTINUOUS
SUPERVISOR
Lenny, Jeff, this is Steve Burton.
He'll be filling in for Mitch while
he's laid up. They shake hands.
(hands John a key)
Locker seventeen.
John and the Supervisor head for the door.
The Supervisor stops in the open doorway, turning back...
SUPERVISOR
You guys fix that ripped seam yet?
LENNY
Ah, well, ah... no, not --
SUPERVISOR
When this ride starts up today
there better be two picture-perfect
astronauts hanging right there...
The Supervisor points up toward a spacecraft suspended from
the ceiling near the center of the track. Two astronauts in
full silver spacesuits walk along the underside of the ship.
SUPERVISOR
...or there'll be somebody in
coveralls hanging there tomorrow.
Genres:
["Drama","Mystery","Comedy"]
Ratings
Scene
49 -
Beneath the Surface
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT
John (alone) opens his duffel bag and removes his uniform
lying on top of a timer.
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN ELEVATOR - NIGHT
John carries two vending machine coffees, enters an elevator.
The doors close. He glances around, even at the ceiling. He
removes a vial of liquid from his pocket, flips the lid, and
pours a drop into one of the cups.
John exits at the control tower...
INT. CONTROL TOWER - CONTINUOUS
Charlie looks up from his crossword puzzle as John enters.
JOHN
Don't mean to disturb you.
CHARLIE
Nonsense. Not much happening on
this graveyard shift. That's what
I like about it.
John hands Charlie one of the coffees, but Charlie doesn't
reach for it.
CHARLIE
Taste it.
JOHN
What?
CHARLIE
It's poison.
John sets the cups down. His friendly persona changes a bit.
CHARLIE
Tastes like it anyway.
John relaxes, his smile returns.
CHARLIE
Cups should have a Mister Yuk face
on them instead of those playing
cards.
(holds up his own mug)
Now this is coffee, my special
brew.
Charlie grabs an extra mug off a table set with a coffee pot,
cream and sugar. He pours John a cup and hands it to him.
CHARLIE
Name's Charlie.
JOHN
Steve. I'm filling in for Mitch.
CHARLIE
Yeah, that's a shame about Mitch.
Heard he got the crap kicked out of
him. This world is going to the
dogs.
JOHN
I agree, not even safe in your own
home anymore.
John looks at the large computer screen.
JOHN
Looks like a NASA set-up.
CHARLIE
Yep, this equipment's state-of-the-
art. I'd know if an uninvited ant
crossed that track.
JOHN
Really? How's it work?
Charlie points to a radar-type screen on the dash above his
desk. He runs his finger over the thin white lines.
CHARLIE
These are the tracks.
John nods and leans on the desk.
CHARLIE
Each section has a sensor that runs
the length --
While their attention is on the screen, John withdraws the
vial from his pocket, flips back the cap and pours some
liquid into Charlie's mug.
JOHN
So what time does it start up?
CHARLIE
Takes off at nine-ten on the dot.
Open at nine, get ‘em loaded and
get ’em runnin’. Gotta have four
runs an hour. Regular as clockwork.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
50 -
A Mishap in Space
INT. CONTROL TOWER - LATER
John opens the door to leave.
Slumped over his desk, Charlie softly snores, his empty mug
beside him.
INT. COSTELLOS' SUITE - DAY
The boys are sound asleep.
Sheila is sound asleep.
Nick looks at the clock: 6:00 a.m. He rises, walks into...
THE BATHROOM
and begins to shower. He looks emotionally drained.
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - DAY
A TIMER counts down on a BOMB secured beneath a track.
Lenny and Jeff stand on a catwalk beside that track. Hanging
off to the side are the two astronauts.
JEFF
I don't see it. What's he... oh
wait - you see that, Lenny?
Jeff points. Lenny squints his eyes.
LENNY
All I see is a tiny little thread
hanging.
JEFF
Guess that's it. Let's haul him
in.
Jeff pushes a control button located on the railing to lower
a thick link-chain, with a large hook on its end.
Next, Jeff pushes another button to send it forward. The
hook catches onto the floating astronaut and reels him in.
They lift the heavy mannequin off the hook.
LENNY
Oh cripes, is this thing heavy.
The dust flies as they drop him to the catwalk. They COUGH.
The astronaut's gloved hands dangle over the edge.
Lenny removes a roll of duct tape from his pocket.
Jeff inspects the tear while Lenny checks all his pockets.
LENNY
I forgot the scissors. You got
any?
JEFF
Nope.
As Lenny tries to rip the tape with his teeth, Jeff pulls on
the tiny thread hanging from the small tear. It unravels.
The astronaut's arm disconnects from the shoulder and slides
from the catwalk. As it descends through the air...
JEFF
Ohhh nooo!
LENNY
Holy cow! You ripped his friggin'
arm off.
Kneeling down, both lean forward and watch it fall. The arm
lands on the edge of a catwalk about ten feet beneath them.
Lenny and Jeff breathe a sigh of relief...
But then, the hand falls off and continues through the air,
crashes to the floor, shatters into pieces.
They slowly turn to look at each other.
LENNY
Houston, we have a problem.
Flakes of dusty cotton filler, streaming from the astronaut's
ripped off armhole, float down through the air.
Genres:
["Comedy","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
51 -
The Great Escape
EXT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - DAY
The door to the employee entrance slightly opens. Lenny and
Jeff peer out the crack. The coast is clear.
They step out, almost on tiptoes. Trying to act nonchalant,
Jeff whistles a tune as they nervously advance to a run.
A moment after they round the bend, out of sight, the
Supervisor steps into view. He enters...
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - CONTINUOUS
Charlie punches out at the time clock. The Supervisor arrives.
SUPERVISOR
Where's Mutt and Jeff?
CHARLIE
(yawns)
You just missed them.
SUPERVISOR
Steve still here?
Charlie's response delayed by another big yawn.
CHARLIE
Yeah, in the locker room.
SUPERVISOR
You better go home, get some sleep.
You look beat.
CHARLIE
Can't seem to keep my eyes open.
The Supervisor walks toward the locker room. He drops his
keys. Bending to pick them up, he doesn't notice the wires
that run the length of the track, just inches from him.
INT. LOCKER ROOM - CONTINUOUS
John (Steve) stands at his locker.
SUPERVISOR
How was your first night?
JOHN
Kept busy.
SUPERVISOR
You mind sticking around a while
longer?
JOHN
Is there a problem?
SUPERVISOR
No, no problem. Just got word that
we're having some special passengers
today, V.I.P.s. Their private
security wants to check out the ride
before it starts up.
John's eyes narrow; he slowly nods in agreement.
Genres:
["Mystery","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
52 -
Heightened Tensions at Cosmic Mountain
EXT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - SAME
A GROUP OF MEN in sunglasses and suits are huddled together.
Mason gives out instructions as he points to various
locations surrounding the ride. The Bodyguards scatter.
The Costellos approach the ride entrance gate. Scott and
Mark run ahead.
Nick notices something odd sticking out of Corey's shoes.
NICK
Hold up there, buddy. You have
something stickin' outta your --
Sheila shakes her head, giving Nick the eye.
NICK
What? He's got something --
Sheila whispers to Nick.
NICK
Your what?
Nick laughs.
NICK
Not only taller, if they have wings
he can fly, huh?
Nick laughs harder and Sheila shushes him.
COREY
What, dad? What's so funny?
NICK
Oh, nothing, bud. Look...
They come to the gate.
NICK
...you guys might be the first ones
on.
Scott and Mark excited, high-five each other.
Corey walks up to a small wooden astronaut that measures a
child's height. He stands proudly beside it, showing he
reaches the mark - forty-four inches tall.
He charges back into line.
COREY
To infinity and beyond!
Corey gives Scott an I-told-you-so look. Scott shrugs.
SCOTT
I guess the shrimp's gettin' on.
Sure ya don't wanna ride too, Dad?
Nick shakes his head.
MARK
Oh c'mon, Dad. You're not scared,
are you?
SHEILA
Mark, that's enough.
A PARK GUIDE escorts a LARGE ENTOURAGE towards them.
Nick stares at the group as Sheila and the boys move forward
in line.
The Park Guide ropes off the admittance.
MARK
Hey! What's going on?
GUIDE
Sorry, folks. We have a special
guest today.
Scott sees the large group escorted past them.
SCOTT
What a gyp, we were here first!
Nick steps up to the side of the line to speak with Sheila.
NICK
That's J.J.'s group.
Panic overcomes Nick.
NICK
Get outta line!
SHEILA
What?
SCOTT & MARK
No way, Dad!
NICK
Something's not right about this.
SHEILA
You're being ridiculous! The boys
have waited --
SCOTT
Yeah, you made me wait --
NICK
I don't care, just do it!
SHEILA
No! It's your fear of heights, not
ours. Don't try to --
The Park Guide removes the rope, allowing them to move ahead.
NICK
It's not that! The dream --
SHEILA
That's even more absurd! I'm not
gonna fight with you about this.
We'll see you at the exit.
Sheila, Scott and Mark walk away from Nick.
Corey pats his dad’s belly.
COREY
I know how it feels, Dad, but you
gotta learn to face your fears.
You don’t wanna be a scaredy-cat.
Corey hurries to catch up to his mom.
Nick remains frozen in his tracks.
LADY
You in line, sir?
Nick steps away. He sees the Supervisor and A SMALL GROUP OF
EMPLOYEES at their entrance to Cosmic Mountain.
Nick starts towards them until...
Pepper shows up. Nick quickly turns away.
PEPPER
What's going on?
SUPERVISOR
Security check.
PEPPER
Why wasn't I informed?
The Supervisor shrugs. Pepper charges through the door.
Genres:
["Family","Adventure","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
53 -
Ambush at Cosmic Mountain
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - CONTINUOUS
Pepper looks around, sees only Mason and John, their backs
toward him.
Pepper heads their way, walks along the track. He slips on a
spot of grease and catches himself on the rail.
He notices something on the track -- the WIRES.
PEPPER
(into his radio)
Red alert! Cos --
Pepper's put in a choke hold, cutting off his words.
VOICE (V.O.)
(over radio)
Come back.
Pepper claws at the uniformed figure standing behind him,
then reaches down for his pepper spray...
John sees the pepper canister pointed in his direction and
shoves Pepper forward...
Pepper sprays himself right in the face...
VOICE (V.O.)
(over radio)
Pepper, is that you? My shift's
over. Cry wolf to someone else.
As Pepper grabs his face, the butt of a handgun slams into
his skull. He falls to the floor.
Mason aims the gun at Pepper's head.
JOHN
No! Someone will hear.
John rips Pepper's radio from his shirt, tosses it to Mason,
and drags the unconscious body into a closet.
JOHN
This place will be leveled before
he comes to.
Genres:
["Thriller","Action"]
Ratings
Scene
54 -
Locked Out
EXT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN EMPLOYEE ENTRANCE - DAY
Mason and John step out.
MASON
All clear.
The Supervisor opens the door and the EMPLOYEES enter.
Nick sees John with J.J.'s bodyguard, walking toward him.
Mason puts on his sunglasses, gives John a nod and walks off.
John, still in uniform, heads in the opposite direction.
Nick hurries to the entrance and tries the door. It's locked
with a magnetic scanner. Frustrated, Nick starts back up the
lane.
A LATE PARK EMPLOYEE hastily rounds the corner, searching her
purse for her admittance card. She runs smack dab into Nick.
LATE EMPLOYEE
Oh, sorry!
She rushes past him, places her card in front of the scanner
and enters. As the door closes, a hand stops it...
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
55 -
Unraveling Tension
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - CONTINUOUS
Nick steps in and waits in the shadows as the Late Employee
runs for the service elevator. He looks around the building
and sees no one else in this area.
Nick spots the pepper spray canister lying on the floor,
picks it up and puts it in his pocket. Black scuff marks
lead Nick to a utility closet door. He opens it...
On the floor lies Pepper, propped up against the shelves.
Nick checks for a pulse, followed by a sigh of relief. An
I.D. badge falls from Pepper's hand. Nick picks it up and
stares at John's picture.
NICK
And the dream continues. It has to
be a bomb.
Nick returns to the track - he sees the wire that Pepper saw.
EXT. PARK DRINK STAND - SAME
John watches Cosmic Mountain as a VENDOR hands him a Coke,
takes his money and notices that the clip where John's
employee ID badge should hang is empty.
VENDOR
Did you know you're missing your
I.D. badge? Bosses frown on that.
John looks down at his work shirt, reaches for the badge.
The Vendor glances in the cash register, making change.
She looks back up, his change in hand. He’s gone.
Genres:
["Thriller","Mystery"]
Ratings
Scene
56 -
Confrontation at Cosmic Mountain
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN - DAY
John enters, scans the area as he walks to the utility
closet.
He pushes against Pepper's legs and arms, searches for his
badge. Nothing. He checks his watch.
He heads toward the locker room, but stops, noticing a
movement across the building. He spots Nick on the metal...
STAIRS
Nick, white as a ghost, covered in sweat, struggles up the
steps. He trails the wires, discovering small charges
located at intervals, and follows them higher and higher.
He braces himself with a death grip and leans over the
railing to get a better look. He sees the large bomb above
him, at the point where the tracks crisscross.
Nick hears something below him and makes the mistake of
looking down. His knees buckle, his vision blurs...
He sees a figure approaching a few flights below.
His vision returns to normal to see John racing towards him.
Forgetting his fear, Nick runs up the stairs and onto the...
CATWALK
A hand on Nick's shoulder swings him around, a sharp blow to
the head knocks him off his feet, and a kick to the ribs puts
him into a fetal position. Another kick. Then as the boot
rises again, Nick grabs the ankle and John goes down...
Nick brings his knee up and makes contact with John's jaw,
then picks himself up and staggers forward, stumbling over
the broken astronaut...
John, just a step behind him, shoves him up against the
railing. His elbow pressed tightly against Nick's throat.
JOHN
Who the hell are you?
NICK
I'm your damn mailman.
Nick pulls the pepper spray from his pocket and blasts John
in the eyes...
John releases Nick and with both hands, reaches for his
face...
Nick grasps the link chain hanging down and in a split second
wraps it tightly around John's torso...
As John tries to free himself from the chain...
Nick yanks the broken astronaut's heavy helmet off and whacks
John in the head with it; John is knocked unconscious.
Winded, Nick slips the helmet over John's head. He fastens
the large hook of the chain to a link, lifts John off his
feet and thrusts him over the railing.
Nick sees the controller, slams his fist on the button.
John soars away, stopping in the missing astronaut's
position.
NICK
We always deliver.
Genres:
["Action","Thriller"]
Ratings
Scene
57 -
Tension in the Cosmic Boarding Zone
INT. COSMIC MOUNTAIN BOARDING ZONE - SAME
The special guests are in the black starry region of the
Boarding Zone.
J.J. and his group, including his wife and children, are
secured in the coaster seats.
An EMPLOYEE begins to seat Senator Butler, who - strangely -
is accompanied by only two BODYGUARDS.
BUTLER
Hold up there a minute, son. I never
expect preferential treatment. Let
the good people ahead of us go first.
We'll get on with the next group.
LINE ATTENDANT
Next crew to the launch pad.
Sheila and the boys advance and are seated directly behind
J.J.'s group.
Mason steps into the scene and gives a thumbs-up to J.J.,
then turns and stealthily relays information to Butler.
MASON
Everything's on schedule, we have
less than three minutes.
Mason and Butler discreetly walk away from the Boarding Zone
as the attendants prepare the rocket coaster.
The coaster's clear outer shell lowers to form a shuttle.
Genres:
["Thriller","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
58 -
Countdown to Chaos
INT. SHUTTLE - CONTINUOUS
The boys' faces light up with excitement as the spaceship
moves slowly forward to a 45-degree angle.
FILTERED VOICE (V.O.)
(through speaker)
Cosmic 13 will now prepare for lift-
off. Turbulence expected as we
leave the Earth's atmosphere.
A WHIRRING SOUND as the turbines power up.
INT. TRACK - SAME
Trembling, Nick crosses the wide gap dividing the catwalk
from the track. He stares at the tunnel from which the
coaster will emerge - the DETONATOR directly beneath him.
He lowers himself over the side and hangs from the narrow lip
of the track, inching toward the ticking timer.
Nick's fingers slip. He hangs by one arm. He closes his
eyes tightly.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Nick reaches up for a bell. THE BELL CLANGS and Nick beams
with pride as he turns toward the adjacent rope, which swings
-- empty.
Hearing urgent YELLS for help, Nick looks down.
THE FLASHBACK TURNS INTO NICK’S WORST NIGHTMARE
Twenty-five feet below him lay Sheila and the boys, their
motionless broken bodies sprawled upon the cement floor.
INT. TRACK - BACK TO PRESENT
Nick opens his eyes and gets a firm grip on the girder.
The Bomb's Timer reads - 00:11.
Genres:
["Thriller","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
59 -
Countdown to Chaos
INTERCUT BETWEEN INT. SHUTTLE AND TRACK
The faces of passengers mentally preparing for the rush...
FILTERED VOICE (V.O.)
Ten...
The Bomb's Timer - 00:09
Nick’s close to the bomb...
FILTERED VOICE (V.O.)
Eight...
The Bomb's Timer - 00:07
Nick releases one hand and with trembling fingers...
FILTERED VOICE (V.O.)
Six...
The Bomb's Timer - 00:05
Nick reaches for a wire. He hesitates - which one? His
shaking finger SIZZLES. Looking into his eyes, we see the
reflection of a burst of SPARKS. A battery of electrical
flashes shoots for a wire.
Then BRILLIANT STREAKS OF LIGHT, emitted from the shuttle's
simulated lift-off blast, flood the blackness.
Nick is now suspended in darkness, his only light - the
flickering stars and the illumination from the nearby
floating astronaut's workstation.
The track vibrates beneath his fingers. SWISH! The rocket
coaster crosses above him, followed by a meteor shower.
Sheila's eyes open wide as the coaster zooms past the
astronauts, aghast by the inconceivable sight of a man in a
maintenance uniform, hanging by a chain.
UTILITY CLOSET
Pepper stumbles from the closet, holding his head. The
coaster flies by Pepper...
TRACK
Nick strains to pull himself back onto the track...
EMERGENCY ALARM
Pepper breaks the glass...
TRACK
THE HIGH-PITCHED, EAR PIERCING SOUND OF THE ALARM causes Nick
to jerk. He loses his grip and falls.
SLOW MOTION
Nick floats downward, reaching out for, but unable to grasp
onto the steel girders. His body lands hard, on a catwalk
about ten feet below.
END SLOW MO
Nick lies, in obvious pain. His leg twisted over the
railing. He MOANS. Gazing upward, Nick stares at the galaxy
of twinkling stars. The SOUND OF THE ALARM begins to fade.
ZOOM IN ON ONE STAR, MAGNIFY IT TO A GLITTERING BLUR.
A SPARKLING SNOWFLAKE SLOWLY COMES INTO FOCUS.
Genres:
["Thriller","Action","Drama"]
Ratings
Scene
60 -
A Hero's Morning
INT. PITTSBURGH NICK'S BEDROOM - DAY
THE RINGING OF AN ALARM.
Buried beneath a warm comforter, safe and sound, is Nick. He
wakes, opens his eyes to watch the star-shaped crystals float
through the air outside his frost-covered bedroom window. He
stretches as he rolls over to turn off the ALARM.
A tuft of his hair is standing tall.
Corey runs into the room, leaps into his father's arms.
COREY
Dad, save me! Mark's gonna make me
toast!
Mark runs into the bedroom with a mischievous grin, but comes
to a screeching halt as he sees his father awake. He smiles
and turns back, shuffles down the hall WHISTLING.
NICK
(yells to Mark)
Scramble me some eggs with that
toast.
(MORE)
NICK (CONT'D)
(to Corey)
Where's Spider-man when you need
him, huh?
Corey giggles, puts his arm around his dad's broad shoulders
and snuggles up to him.
COREY
Dad, Spider-man's only plastic.
You're my real hero.
Nick smiles.
Scott and Mark run in all excited.
SCOTT
It’s on TV!
Scott snatches the remote off the nightstand.
Sheila, wrapped in her warm terry cloth robe, hair up in a
towel, comes from the adjoining bathroom. She hurries to the
bedside and sits down next to Nick.
As the TV comes into view we see Nick's leg - propped up and
cast to the hip, crutches lean against the bedpost.
ON TV
An Award Ceremony...
Nick stands with the help of crutches, fidgets nervously.
Sheila and the boys are at his side, beaming with pride.
J.J. sits in the background. Nick glances back at him and
they exchange a look of mutual admiration.
As the Civilian Medal Of Honor is presented to Nick, J.J.
smiles and initiates the applause that fills the room.
TV ANCHORWOMAN (V.O.)
Last evening the Steel City paid
honor to one of its own, Nicholas
Costello...
The TV scene changes to show film taken at Dreamland:
Senator Butler, John Myers, and Mason Clark - handcuffed and
assisted into the back of police cars.
TV ANCHORWOMAN (V.O.)
...His valiant acts and amazing
intuition led to the arrest of one
of Washington's powerful insiders.
The TV scene changes once again, mikes are shoved in Nick's
face as REPORTERS bombard him and his family...
REPORTER 1
What are your plans for the future,
Mr. Costello?
REPORTER 2
Is it true that you'll soon be
joining James Tower's staff?
NICK
I don't have the answer to that
yet, but I can tell yunz this -
next time, we're going to Disney
World.
LAUGHTER.
BACK TO SCENE
SCOTT, MARK, & COREY
Disney World! Disney World!
Disney World!
NICK
Me and my big mouth!
SHEILA
I still don't understand. How
could you have known?
COREY
I think a spider bit him.
SCOTT
Get over Spider-man, or he's goin'
in the toilet.
MARK
Maybe it was all those storms!
They zapped him with telepathic
powers, like Captain Marvel!
SCOTT
You mean - Dad can read our minds?
Mark looks at Scott, just realizing the consequences of this
possibility. Their eyes grow wide and they turn to their
father. Nick purses his lips and nods.
NICK
Shazam!
SCOTT & MARK
Aaahhh!
Scott and Mark cover their ears, as if they can hide their
thoughts, and run from the room.
Corey laughs, hops down from the bed and follows them out.
COREY
Aaahhh!
The Spider-man action figure rolls from the bed, falls to the
floor. It is now dressed in a handmade mailman’s uniform.
SHEILA
Nick! Really?
NICK
Nah, but that ought'a keep 'em in
line for awhile.
Sheila smiles, rises and heads toward the bathroom. Once
again we HEAR HER THOUGHTS.
SHEILA (V.O.)
What's with that hair?
Nick coolly touches up his Alfalfa-do and smiles.
THE SCREEN GOES BLACK, INTERRUPTED BY A BOLT OF LIGHTNING.