Feature: Coming-of-Age, Comedy. By David Jensen
Logline: On the night before their high school graduation, rebellious teenagers from a small beach town participate in a debaucherous scavenger hunt tradition for one last hurrah.
Summary: It’s the last day of school for the graduating class of 2012 at Harbor High School and the entire grade is excited for The Great American Challenge, a debaucherous scavenger hunt that takes place every year the night before graduation. Michael, a crude nerd, tries to convince his best friend Brian, the rule-abiding valedictorian, to take part in the tradition as a ditch effort to become a school legend, however, Brian is more concerned about writing his class address in time for the graduation ceremony. Meanwhile, Dylan, a talented fashion photographer, struggles with his decision to move across the country and tries to make the most of his last day with his mischievous friend group. Chaos arises when Dylan and Alej, a notorious prankster and Dylan’s best friend, incite a school-wide walkout as a distraction to break Dylan’s crush Roxy, a badass musician, out of detention. Brian joins in the disorderliness when he sees an opportunity to spend time with his long-time crush, Jade.
That night, the entire senior class gathers at the local beach for The Great American Challenge to begin, but the teams have varying levels of success. Brian’s car breaks down at the beach parking lot and he’s forced to call an Uber, but on the other hand, Dylan’s friends start strong by stealing a street sign and a fast food joint’s mascot. Brainless jock and bully Wyatt takes the lead by interfering with other teams’ tasks. Brian’s luck changes when his Uber Driver turns out to be his recently fired science teacher and the co-founder of The Great American Challenge, Mr. Greg Gallagher, who has a blood feud with the grouchy principal, Mr. Hugh Hower. Brian and Mr. Gallagher go to the high school and pull off several pranks. At the same time, Dylan and his friends throw toilet paper all over Mr. Hower’s house and accidentally wake him up. Mr. Hower chases after them and vows to put an end to the teen rebellion.
A final ‘Great Challenge’ to steal the School Statue is sent out, and all contestants rush to Harbor High School. Just as Brian is about to successfully steal the statue, Wyatt jumps him. Michael rushes to Brian’s aid and launches a firework at Wyatt which sets the entire school on fire. Just as this happens, Mr. Gallagher gets into a physical altercation Mr. Hower, and the police arrive to put an end to the mayhem. The police arrest Mr. Hower and Mr. Gallagher, and the teenagers disburse. Later that night, a keg party is thrown on the beach. Dylan and Roxy dance together and Michael gets recognition as a legend for burning down the school. Brian and Jade go for a walk together and Brian has a realization of how important friendship is. Dylan confesses his feelings for Roxy, and they lay down the groundwork for a future romance before falling asleep together on the beach. The next morning, Roxy drives Dylan to the airport.
To request the full script, please contact David Jensen.
Email: djensen@chapman.edu
Phone Number: (310) 893-4008