Download pdf - Earthbound screenplay - part 1

8/9/2019 Earthbound screenplay - part 1

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SCENE 1 - OPENING TO BUZZ BUZZ

Fade in from black with the words: Sometime in the 90s...

WE SEE A SLOW ESTABLISHING SHOT OF ONETT.

Text reads: Onett, a small town in Eagleland...

SLOWLY PANNING TO A HOUSE, A GOOD BIT OF DISTANCE FROM THETOWN PROPER.

Text reads: The boy named Ness is sleeping soundly...

We can see out the window, a small pinpoint of light getsrapidly bigger as the meteor descends to Earth. NESS is stillsleeping quietly. The meteor connects. There is a loud crash,and Ness is jolted awake.

CUT TO:

INT. NESSS LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

NESS is seen coming down the stairs in a hurry, putting hisclothes on over his pajamas as he frantically descends thestaircase. He runs past his MOTHER, who is sitting on thecouch.

MOTHERGoing to check on that noise, Ness?

Do you have any idea what time itis?

NESS skids to a halt and turns to face his mother.

NESSOh... I... Uh...

(defeated)Yeah. I was. Sorry.

NESS starts to march up the staircase, disappointed.

MOTHEROh.. You go on ahead. If I say no,youll just sneak out anyway. Justbe careful, Ness.

NESS looks excited again. He races to the door withoutlooking back.


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NESSThanks, Mom! Ill tell you allabout whatever it was that madethat noise when I get back!

He slams the door.

MOTHER(sighs)

That boy. Just like his father.

CUT TO:

EXT. MOUNTAIN PATH - NIGHT

NESS rounds the corner to the police blockade. POKEY is seenbothering one of the officers. NESS pauses for a moment, then

walks up to one of the other officers.

NESSHey, I know this is police businessbut I was wondering wha--

OFFICER(interrupting)

Oh, Ness, thank God youre here.Listen, Pokeys buggin the crapoutta me. Hes your friend, ainthe?

NESS

(without skipping a beat)No.

OFFICEROh, come on. You aint friends, butyoure neighbors, right? Just...get him to stop talking to me!

POKEY pops up behind the officer.

POKEYHey, Ness, dont be rubberneckin!Tomorrow, I, Pokey, will tell youall about the meteorite!

NESSMeteorite?

OFFICERHey!

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POKEYSorry, officer!

(back to NESS)Now get outta here! Youre gettingin the pigs... I mean... officers

way!

NESS sighs heavily and starts heading home.

CUT TO:

INT. NESSS LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

NESS walks in, looking disappointed. His MOTHER is watchingsome sort of TV drama. Shes really engrossed in it,clutching a throw pillow close to her chest in anticipation.As she notices NESS, she hastily shuts it off, knowing itssomething a boy his age probably shouldnt be seeing.

MOTHEROh, Ness! Did you see what madethat crash?

NESSNah, Pokey wouldnt let me up. HEsaid it was a meteor, but it isPokey.

MOTHERA meteor? Now, wouldnt that beinteresting. Oh well, Im sure

well find out about it tomorrow.Head off to bed, its late.

NESSYeah. Gnight.

NESS heads up the stairs. As soon as hes gone, his MOTHERturns the TV back on.

FADE OUT.

INT. NESSS BEDROOM - LATER

NESS is asleep. It is almost morning, but still dark out. Aloud knocking is heard. Ness awaks with a jolt, looking quiteangry at being woken up again. He walks downstairs in anannoyed stupor. His MOTHER is just ahead of him.

MOTHERWho could be knocking at this timeof night?

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NESSs sister, TRACY, comes up behind them.

TRACYWhoever it is, tell them I hatethem.

NESS approaches the door and opens it. Its POKEY. He looksrather flustered, almost franting.

POKEYNess! I took Picky to the place

where the meteorite landed and I--(noticing Nesss MOTHER)

Oh... hello maam. Youre lookinglovely as usual.

(snicker)Anyway, as I was saying, the policeguarding the meteorite left to deal

with the sharks. Then I noticed

Picky was gone! It was those lousypolice! It certainly wasnt myfault at all. Please, Ness, Ivegot to find him before my dad getshome! Will you help me?

NESS looks apathetic, he shrugs and looks behind him to hisMOTHER and TRACY. They look concerned.

POKEY (CONTD)If you dont come with me, Ill saysomething thatll cut you like aknife.

POKEY reaches into his inner coat pocket. There is a flash ofsilver. NESS looks mortified.

NESSSure... P-Pokey. Ill help you findPicky. Just... let me go get mybat. I-I-In case we run intotrouble.

Without waiting for a response, NESS dashes upstairs andgrabs his cracked bat from his room. As if not wanting toleave Pokey with his family, he sprints back down. POKEY issitting on the couch eating cookies.

NESS (CONTD)Cmon. Lets go.

POKEYDont you want to say goodbye toyour mother before you go?

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NESS grumbles and backs up a bit before turning his back toPOKEY to talk to his mother.

MOTHERBe careful out there. I know hes abit unreliable, but you should

probably take King with you.

She gestures to the side of the couch, where a large shaggydog is asleep near the foot of the couch. NESS kneels downnext to him and starts to nudge the dog.

NESSKing... King... wake up. Cmon boy,

were going for a walk.

KING barks and stands behind Ness.

NESS (CONTD)

I guess well see you in a bit,mom. Lets go get Picky.

As soon as NESS grabs the doorknob, the phone rings.

MOTHERSo much going on tonight! Its beena really eventful night!

NESS answers the phone.

NESS...Hello?

FATHERHey, Ness! Hows it goin?

NESSDad? Do you know what time it is?

FATHERWhat? ...Oh, sorry. I forgot aboutthe time change! If you want me tocall back later--

NESSNo, no, its fine.

FATHEROk, Ill keep it short then. I just

wanted to let you know that Ivedeposited your allowance into yourbank account. You have your card?

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NESSYes, Dad.

FATHERAll right. You sound like youre inthe middle of something, so Ill

let you go. Just remember, Imalways behind you 100%, even whenIm away on business. I know thatyoure brave, you can do it! I feellike such a hero. Well... thefather of a hero at least. Ha haha!

A click, followed by a dial tone.

NESSI think Dads trying to make up forall his long-distance parenting.

All right. Pickys waited longenough. Lets go.

NESS, POKEY, and KING start to leave. NESS looks back in fora moment, as if something else will distract him again.Nothing does, so he leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT. OUTSIDE NESSS HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

NESS, POKEY, and KING exit the house and start walking along

the path up the mountain. POKEY looks scared, like any quickscare might send him fleeing. A serpentine hiss is heard.POKEY yelps and latches onto NESS. A snake slithers out fromthe bushes. Its eyes are red. It heads straight towards thekids.

NESSDont worry... he wont attack.Hes just as scared of us as we areof--

The snake strikes. It launches itself at NESS, who holds hisbat up to his face to defend himself. The snakes fangs biteinto the bat, keeping it latched on. NESS starts franticallyswinging the bat. POKEY is in hysterics. KING is barking

madly. NESS manages to swing the snake against a tree. Itlets go of the bat and collapses to the ground. NESSapproaches it, looking fearfully quizzical. He examines it,turning it over with the bat.

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POKEYIts dead. I think it might havebeen rabid. Did you see its eyes?

NESSI hope Picky is all right.

A howl is heard. KING starts to growl. A stray dog jumps outof the brush. It looks wild and feral. Its panting, andsalivating as it turns to the boys. The dog runs at them,leaping at NESS, who swings his bat, scoring a direct hit onthe dogs head, sending it flying. He grabs POKEYs sleeve.

NESS (CONTD)Come on, its not safe here!

They run up the mountain path, the dog chasing them. Everyonce in a while, NESS fends off the dog again. Soon, Crowsdive at them from the trees. NESS puts his bat above his head

and continues running. Soon, the animals stop. Theyve nearedthe peak. NESS climbs up the last bit of rock to get to thetop. The meteorite is seen clearly now.

NESS (CONTD)Wow... it really is a meteorite.

POKEYTold ya.

Audible snoring is heard from behind a lone tree.

NESS

Picky? Picky, is that you?

PICKYWha-! Oh! You woke me up... Oh!Pokey! Ive been looking all overfor you since you got scared andran away!

NESS looks at POKEY, who laughs weakly.

PICKY (CONTD)Anyway, Im glad youre all right.Lets get home. I bet Mom and Dadare worried sick.

He starts to walk away.

PICKY (CONTD)Geez, sometimes I wonder which ofus is the real older brother.

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A bright light shoots out of the meteor. POKEY squeals andleaps behind PICKY. NESS readies his bat. BUZZ BUZZ startscircling the air in front of them.

POKEYIs that a bee?

BUZZ BUZZA bee I am... not. Im from tenyears in the future. And in thefuture, all is devastation. Giygas,the universal cosmic destroyer,sent all to the horror of eternaldarkness. However, you must listen!Where I am from, there is a well-known legend that has been handeddown from ancient times. It sayswhen the chosen boy reaches thepoint, he will find the light. The

passing of time will shatter thenightmare rock and will reveal thepath of light. You see, it is myopinion that you are that boy,Ness.

NESSWhat? ...Me?

BUZZ BUZZThis I believe. Giygas monstrousplan must have been set in motionsomewhere on Earth... If you set

out to confront the enemyimmediately, you might have time tocounter the evil intentions ofGiygas. Three things are of utmostimportance: wisdom, courage, andfriendship. The legends from theancient times tell of three boysand a girl who defeat Giygas.

POKEYIm not one of those three, am I?

NESSGod, I hope not.

There is a bright flash. NESS and company cover their eyes.When they open their eyes again, a large, silver star-shapedspaceman is standing on the path down the mountain. When theSTARMAN JR. speaks, it is in a robotic tone, but notcompletely monotone.

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STARMAN JR.IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME, BUZZ BUZZ.YOU HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT FOILINGMASTER GIYGAS PLANS. BUT NOW YOUMUST SURRENDER, BUZZ BUZZ. YOU ARENO LONGER A HERO, BUT A USELESS

INSECT. I WILL STOMP YOU HARD.

BUZZ BUZZI will tell you more later. We mustdefend ourselves from this pawn ofGiygas.

The STARMAN JR. points its arm at the group and a wave ofpsychic fire leaps toward them. POKEY cowers, NESS is toosurprised to dodge. BUZZ BUZZ flies in front and the firebounces off of a psychic shield, in an incredibly spray ofcolors. BUZZ BUZZ fires a bolt of psychic lightning at theSTARMAN JR. NESS rolls around behind him and bashes him in

the back of the head with his bat. The bat snaps in two overits head. The STARMAN JR. turns toward him and backhands him.NESS is taken off of his feet into the air with this attack,and the STARMAN JR. follows up with an explosion of PSI fire,sending NESS flying into a tree trunk. He crashes into it,hard. BUZZ BUZZ shoots through the STARMAN JR. in a samurai-style slice using his stinger, causing the STARMAN JR. tofall into two pieces, exposing his circuitry inside. NESS isin a heap at the bottom of a tree, his face cut up and burnedfrom the attack and the fire. His cuts and burns start toshrink, eventually disappearing all together by the timePICKY runs up to him.

PICKYNess! Ness! Are you all right? What

was that?

NESSSo you could see it too? Good. Imnot crazy.

NESS stands up. BUZZ BUZZ flies over to him.

BUZZ BUZZWhew!... I was taking a big chancethere... He came from ten yearsinto the future to kill me, so wecant relax yet. From now on,youll be fighting enemies sent byGiygas, as well as humans who haveevil thoughts. Animals are alsobecoming violent due to Giygasinfluence over the evil in their

minds! We must get somewhere safeand I will tell you all I know.

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NESSLets get Pokey and Picky backhome. I think you guys have seenenough for one night.

POKEY

Yeah, take me home. Im starving!

FADE OUT.

INT. POKEYS HOUSE - LATER

NESS, POKEY, PICKY, and BUZZ BUZZ enter the house. It is alarge, lavish house, with immaculate tile floors and elegantdecorations. We can see the Minch family is quite well offfor themselves. ALOYSIUS MINCH is at the kitchen tablereading a newspaper. There is a large amount of food in frontof him. LARDNA MINCH is hard at work cooking more food. POKEY

and PICKY run towards their mother and hug her.

POKEY AND PICKYMommy!

LARDNAOof... uh... hello boys.

ALOYSIUS(lowering his newspaper)

Where the hell were you two?!?

POKEY and PICKY flinch as ALOYSIUS stands up.

ALOYSIUS (CONTD)Go on! Get up to your room! NOW!

POKEY and PICKY run up the staircase, scared. ALOYSIUSfollows, undoing his belt and cracking it like a whip. Aseries of loud smacks and the kids crying comes from theroom. ALOYSIUS comes back down, and talks to NESS on his waydown the staircase.

ALOYSIUS (CONTD)Im really sorry my kids troubledyou so much...

NESSNo, its fine...

ALOYSIUSNo, it isnt.

(He walks back to thekitchen table)

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Anyway, Id appreciate if you leftsometime soon. Im tired of yourfamily living next door. Weveloaned your father a lot of money.It must have been a hundredthousand or more. Well, it could

have been less, but either way,because of that loan, my family nowlives in poverty!

He takes a large bite out of a turkey leg.

NESSDont worry, Mr. Minch. Im surehes working on it. Hes out of thecountry on business now.

ALOYSIUSHed better be.

ALOYSIUS angrily picks up his newspaper again. LARDNA puts aplate of pancakes on the table near the now colossal displayof food and turns to NESS.

LARDNA

Oh, he loves those boys, he justwants to make sure they haveeverything they need. Sometimes Ithink hes to lenient with them. Oh

well, nice guys finish last Isuppose. Thats the story of our

lives.

BUZZ BUZZ lands on LARDNAs shoulder. She turns to it lookinghorrified.

LARDNA (CONTD)Ayaaaeee! I think its a dungbeetle!

She shakes BUZZ BUZZ off and dives for the newspaper

NESSNo!

LARDNAIll smash your guts out!

She smacks BUZZ BUZZ out of the air with the rolled-upnewspaper.

NESSNo! Buzz Buzz!

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ALOYSIUS (CONT'D)


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NESS runs over to BUZZ BUZZ, lying injured on the ground.

BUZZ BUZZAgh!

(gasp)I was... much weaker than I

thought... so you must now beginyour adventure... see.. you...

NESSNo! Nooo!

BUZZ BUZZOh! I just remembered... listen to

my final words... to defeat Giygas,your own power must unite with theEarths... the Earth will thenchannel your power and multiplyit... there are eight points you

must visit. Make these places yourown... Each of these locations isYour Sanctuary. One of them isnear Onett. It is called GiantStep. Go there first... You are avery intelligent young man...and... Oh! The pain! Everything isgetting dark... urgh!

(gasp)Before I pass on, I want to giveyou something... It is the SoundStone.

A small stone levitates toward NESS. He grabs it.

BUZZ BUZZ (CONTD)You can record the melodies fromthe eight Your Sanctuarylocations into this stone... Itsalready dawn outside... but itdoesnt matter to me. Im fadingfast... Argh!

BUZZ BUZZ gasps one last time, then lies motionless.

NESSBuzz Buzz? Buzz Buzz! No! BuzzBuzz!!

NESS bows his head for a moment, then clutches the SoundStone tight and stands up. He heads outside into thesunlight.

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NESS (CONTD)Giant Step, huh? All right, BuzzBuzz. Ill do it. Ill fightGiygas.

Roll opening credits.

END SCENE

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