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CAPTURE THE FLAG, EH?
By David McPete

GENRE: Family, Comedy
LOGLINE:

When 17-year-old Bobby becomes the first Canadian to EVER grab the American flag in the 50th Annual Capture the Flag game between Mammoth Heights, USA, and Grebe, Canada, it's a wild race to the finish and, perhaps, the greatest upset in history.

SYNOPSIS:

Received a RECOMMEND from WeScreenplay (top 2%), Screenplay Awards Network, the Chicago International Screenplay Awards, and the New York International Screenplay Awards.

The story begins with the 49th Annual Capture the Flag game between border towns, Mammoth Heights, USA, and Grebe, Canada. Grebe is gallantly trying to stop Mammoth Heights from advancing their flag over the finish line, when 16-year-old Bobby (16), playing in his first game, becomes the goat by making a catastrophic mistake that propels Mammoth Heights to victory.

Or should we say, another victory? Out of the 49 times the two towns have played, Mammoth Heights has won each and every one of the games, usually with relative ease. It's generally a mismatch. (1) Each team can field 200 players, but Grebe has trouble coming up with 100. (2) Their fire power is unbalanced. Mammoth Heights has the newest paintball innovations. Grebe still uses equipment from years ago. (3) Mammoth Heights training sessions would do Marines proud. Grebe holds seminars on how to be like Americans. (4) And Mammoth Heights is under the leadership of the merciless General Musgrave.

Fast-forward a year later to the 50th Annual Capture the Flag game. Bobby's parents and friends hint that he might want to sit this year out. Bobby is determined to redeem himself.

The Grebe team comes up with a plan. They will surround their flag with their entire team, making it virtually impossible for Mammoth Heights to grab the flag before time runs out, thus causing a tie. To Grebe, a tie would feel as good as a win.

However, General Musgrave gets wind of the plan through information gathered from a Canadian traitor.

The day of the event arrives. General Musgrave decides to send 98% of his team after the Grebe's flag. "There will be no tie."

As Mammoth Heights marches into Grebe, Bobby slips into Mammoth Heights unnoticed. Everything is going smoothly for Bobby until he comes across a yapping weiner dog that gives away his position. Just as three Mammoth Heights guards are about to shoot Bobby, a fellow Canadian and paintball gun sharpshooter, Jasmine, saves him.

With Jasmine's help, Bobby becomes the first Canadian to ever grab the Mammoth Heights flag (in an ode to Raiders of the Lost Ark scene), setting off a wild race to the finish.

Bobby had always been told that a Grebe would never walk a flag across the finish line. Bobby triumphantly says, "Mammoths walk. Grebes fly," as he leaps off of the rooftop of his Uncle Bill's apartment complex in Mammoth Heights in a hang-glider and soars across the finish line, barely able to land in bounds. His landing sets off a tremendous celebration with both towns. A tearful 75-year-old Walter O'Leary, who just retired after playing in (and losing) the first 49 games, salutes Bobby for his achievement.

This victory is not only great for Grebe, but it's great for the game. Viva la Canada - and America, eh?

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