Save the Cat!

Save the Cat!

book

2005

WISE
88%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

The 'paint-by-numbers' guide to Hollywood storytelling that actually works, even if the critics think it's too simple.

Amazon4.7
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is constantly saying 'I have an idea for a movie' or 'I want to be a YouTuber,' buy them this book.

It’s the industry standard for a reason. Yes, it’s a bit 'formulaic,' and some professional screenwriters think it ruined Hollywood by making every movie feel the same, but for a beginner? It’s pure gold. It gives them a map.

It’s a 2005 book, so they’ll have to ignore some of the dated references to DVDs and blockbusters, but the logic of how to keep an audience's attention hasn't changed a bit. It’s a great way to turn 'screen time' into 'learning-how-to-create-screens' time.

Age Fit

Best for teens (13+) or motivated middle schoolers who are already writing their own stories or obsessed with how movies are made. Younger kids will find the industry talk boring.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
70

It's a professional craft book, not a moral fable. It's clean and focuses on the 'why' of likable characters, though it treats storytelling like a business—which it is.

Imaginative
82

While critics call it formulaic, for a kid staring at a blank page, these 'beats' are the ultimate imagination-unlockers. It turns 'I don't know what happens next' into a puzzle to solve.

Safe
98

It's a book about writing. Unless your kid is allergic to paper or learning about the 'B-Story,' there are no safety concerns here. It references various movies, some of which are PG-13 or R, but the text itself is safe.

Enriching
92

This is a masterclass in media literacy. Once a kid reads this, they'll never watch a movie the same way again. They'll start seeing the skeleton beneath the skin of every story they consume.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Demystifies the 'magic' of movies into 15 manageable steps.
  • Perfect for the kid who has 'big ideas' but no clue how to actually finish a story.
  • Teaches kids to analyze what they watch rather than just zoning out.
  • The 'Save the Cat' concept itself is a great lesson in empathy and character building.
⚠

What to Watch For

  • The movie examples are from the late 90s and early 2000s—your kid might not know 'Miss Congeniality'.
  • It's very 'Hollywood formula.' If your kid wants to write weird, experimental indie art, this might feel like a straitjacket.

Conversation Starters

  • "Did the main character in that movie have a 'Save the Cat' moment where we started liking them?"
  • "Can you spot the 'All Is Lost' moment in the show we just finished?"
  • "If we had to pitch your day as a movie title, what would the 'logline' be?"
  • "Why do you think almost every Disney movie follows this same 15-point plan?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Save the Cat!? Put this WISE score on your site