Going Viral (2024) Movie Script
1
[thunder rumbling]
[radio static crackling,
frequency modulating]
[deejay] Hey, it's your
Cedartown rock station
with "Bad Boy" Brett Baddeley.
Don't forget
that coming up this weekend
it's homecoming weekend,
so, go, Cougars!
Looks like we've got
a few storm clouds rolling in,
so stay dry out there,
people.
Well, coming up next
we've got the latest
from Lisa and the Legwarmers --
"Space Girlfriend" --
only here on WBRL,
96 Rock FM.
[typing]
[mid-tempo pop music plays]
Space girlfriend
She's walking above me
[thunder crashes]
Space girlfriend,
she don't even know me
Space girlfriend,
she's floating above me
[beeping]
Come on, come on.
[man on television]
They say this is a time
for peace on earth.
[woman] Only together
Together we're sharing,
caring
[TV turns off]
[ up-tempo dance music plays]
["Space Girlfriend"
continues]
Space girlfriend,
she don't even know me
[beeping]
Love it.
It's just a burn.
Deep. In.
That's it. Yeah.
Kick! Kick!
Other side!
Come on.
[beeping]
Come on.
[thunder crashes]
[electricity powering down]
Ohh!
[thunder crashing]
[woman] Corey?
Just a second.
[sighs]
[buzzing and beeping]
Mom!
[thunder crashes]
[beeping]
Corey?
[Corey] Mom!
Corey?
[beeping]
Help!
Mom!
Please help me!
[woman screams]
[static crackles]
[power clicks off]
Coming up at 6:00,
authorities are
still searching for LegoBoy,
the missing 13-year-old
VTV star Corey Sullivan.
[announcer] "The Linda Show."
[cheers and applause]
[Linda]
It's no surprise that
the hottest item
this Christmas is the Vbox.
Well, today's guest
is Dr. David Weiss.
Well, it's a pleasure
to be here, Linda.
Thank you.
You know, studies have shown
that if you don't limit
your use
on these new technologies,
there can be serious
mental repercussions.
[woman] Frank, hurry up!
We have to be at the airport
in an hour.
[Frank] What?
We have to get
to the airport in one hour.
-[Frank] Hey, don't rush me.
-Oh!
You know I want to look good
for my main squeeze.
Oh, Cindy, honey,
I've worked on 278 people's
tax returns this year,
and I beat the office suck-up,
Bob Marcus,
who wins the Club Med trip
every year.
Well, we're not gonna
make it to Club Med
-if you don't hurry up.
-[chuckles]
Who gives away a trip
this close to Christmas anyway?
Ah, my boss is cheap. Ha ha.
Tax season ends in April.
Kimberly!
That girl is styled so hot
Like a perm but it's not
Get on the Hot Sticks,
Conair Hot Sticks
[announcer] Get that
Conair confidence.
From the minds
of Video Visionary...
...comes the Vbox.
It records video,
automatically connects
to the VTV network.
Upload and share
with your friends.
-I
-[Cindy] Kimberly.
Have got a perfect place
-Kimberly. Kimberly.
-For you and I
-Huh?
-We're leaving.
So go get your brother
so we can say goodbye.
Okay, Mom.
[music playing
through headphones]
[music stops]
[announcer]
...with clear acrylic --
The tough shine for your --
I am Beckett O'Connell,
and This Is Going Viral.
That was terrible.
[key thumps, computer beeps]
I am Beckett O'Connell,
and, um [clears throat]
This Is Going Viral!
What's up, VTV?
It's your boy, Kevin!
And this is KevinTube.
[breathes deeply]
[key thumps, computer beeps]
I am Beckett O'Connell,
and this...
[smack]
Ow!
Kimberly, what the heck?!
Come on, twerp.
Mom and dad are about to leave.
[KevinTube] If you want to learn
the freshest --
And is that my Vbox?
I...
Stay out of my stuff,
you little leech. Ugh!
He was making
another stupid video.
I'm Beckett the dork O'Connell,
and this is going nowhere.
-Shut up.
-Hey!
-Okay, you two.
-[Frank] Honey, we got to go.
-Yes, ma'am.
-We got to go.
We got to be at the airport
in less than an hour.
That is what I've
been telling you.
Alright, guys,
don't kill each other, okay?
Oh, goodness!
My sweetest Beckie-weckie!
Mm! [smooching]
Oh, what a sweet boy.
[horn honking]
Now, guys, everything is
on the fridge.
Okay?
And we're staying at the --
We know.
Just go and have a good time.
-No friends.
-We know.
And don't forget to take out
the garbage tomorrow.
We know.
We have it under control.
-I love you.
-Love you guys.
Hey!
No parties.
[Kimberly]
Of course not, Mom.
[up-tempo rock music playing]
[man] One, two, three, four!
[music continues]
[indistinct conversations]
[glass shatters]
Buzzards in the air
Dripping on this wall
I can't break my stare
'Cause I feel mighty old
Dancing to your smile
'Cause nothing's
making sense
My house
This is my house
This is my house
Aaaah!
Leave that girl alone
Just leave that girl alone
She is talking with the gods
So, you come here often?
[scoffs]
I'm no mathematician, but
I'm really good with numbers.
Why don't you give me yours
and then we can just...
Oh. Okay, um...
Nice talking with you, then.
-Hey.
-Dude!
This is insane.
Juniors and seniors and...
And us.
Yeah, and...
This is the best
thing that ever happened to us!
And look who else is here.
[down-tempo R&B music
plays]
Yep. Hope.
Now's your chance
to go talk to her, Romeo.
She can't see me
For she shines
too brightly
She warms me
She's the sun in my sky
[football thuds]
[record scratches]
Ohhh!
[laughter]
-Oh, my God.
-Oops! It slipped.
You just got Nerfed!
Chalmers, you jerk!
You better not have me
in that video, Paul.
I will kill you!
[whimpers]
Come on, Hope.
Quit overreacting.
It was just a joke.
It's cool, it's cool.
Just get back to your
regularly scheduled partying.
Come on.
Let's get
this party started!
[up-tempo hip-hop music
plays]
Again!
[indistinct conversations
and cheering]
[dog barking]
[glass shatters]
[music stops]
Oh, no.
I'm late for school.
[up-tempo punk-rock music
plays]
Have you come alive?
Or are you just living
to survive?
If you had the chance,
so why'd you let go?
Do you feel alright?
Does the mood
stir you up inside?
When it starts to shake
around you, you'll know
Oh
Running 'round
like a wild chimpanzee
Being chased
by the girl next door
Oh, life's a vicious cycle
Hiding out by the fence
behind the old record store
Like, oh, my God.
And the kid on the video
will say
"This Is Going Viral"
T-T-This --
This Is G-Going Viral
T-This Is Going Viral
T-T-This Is --
This Is Going Viral
[boy] Ohh!
That was rad, Chalmers.
[bell rings]
Hey, O'Connell, why don't you
show us what you got?
-No, thanks.
-Oh, come on!
What, do you got a skirt
under there or something?
[stifled laughter]
Record this.
[music continues]
[Chalmers]
Come on, O'Connell.
Let's go.
[music continues]
[students gasping]
[groans softly]
[laughter]
[groans]
[bell rings]
[squeaks, body thuds]
[indistinct conversations]
[Jay] Dude, last night
was unbelievable.
Except for the part
when Chalmers
threw the football at you
and embarrassed you
in front of Hope.
-Yeah.
-And embarrassed you in front of
most of the senior class.
Yeah, I know. I've somehow
become somewhat of a target.
But lucky for me,
they haven't gotten anything
on video yet.
[whistle blows]
[man] Boys!
How about a little participation
in P.E. this afternoon?
Uh, sorry, Coach.
I'm just a bit injured here.
What the hell happened
to you, O'Connell?
Uh, well, I, uh, um...
He cracked his huevos,
Coach.
[Coach] Huevos, huh?
You know, when I was in 'Nam,
I learned a thing
or two about survival.
When your bozak
gets into a pinch,
Sarge used to always say
you got to place
your right leg over your left,
and then you got to go
up and down, up and down,
up and down, up and down,
up and down.
Few of those,
and you'll be just fine.
Thanks, Coach.
[whistle blows]
Mr. Pinsky! Get over here.
I don't know what
you were thinking earlier.
I know you're a good skater
and all,
but Chalmers has won
the Death Bowl tournament
for the past two years.
Yeah, I know.
It's just
that he thinks he is so cool.
And I know if I just had the
chance, that I could take him.
What are your balls
telling you?
Oh. What's that?
[high-pitched] "Please don't
make us suffer anymore.
We need to be here for you
down the road."
-Funny.
-[chuckles]
I'm just saying that I'd like
to show that jerk up one day
and be the one to give him
what he has coming to him.
Hello, boys.
-Hey, Carly.
-Hey, Carly.
Are you watching
Donkey Kong?
Dude, like, get a life.
What? It's Classic Samurai.
He's the best.
[beeping]
Was the best.
So I heard your lame-o sister
had quite the event last night.
And all the class-A snobs
were there.
It was so rad.
Really.
Oh, I'm sure. I'm so upset
that I missed it.
You're not saying much,
Beck.
Beck?
Earth to Beck.
Yeah, it was alright.
[scoffs]
I don't know
why you torture yourself.
You're too good
for her anyway.
[laughter]
Hey!
You dropped something.
Jerk.
Hey, O'Connell,
get your dog on a leash.
What?
You want to say something?
[man] Son.
Go to class.
Okay, Dad.
Dang, dude, I guess
you got your huevos back.
[up-tempo pop music
playing]
[Jay] How many likes
in the last video did we get?
[computer chime]
[Beckett] Um, two.
The one before that.
[beeping]
Two.
Seriously?
-Yeah.
We've got to figure out a way
to get more likes.
And with that comes
fame, popularity,
and Hope.
Oooh!
And you get Hope
if you get fame and popu--
Alright, young Jedi,
settle down.
Let's do some digging.
Way ahead of you there,
buddy.
Picked this up
on the way over.
KevinTube blew up
after his first video --
"Gummy Worms Challenge."
Check this out.
Remember the girls
that put on all the makeup?
MakeUp Twins.
Yeah, well,
one year after they made it big,
they had just hit
a million likes.
Sue Lee and Chunua "Tuh-saw"...
Tsao [chow].
[Jay] ...went missing.
Hm.
Well, that's weird,
but maybe they went into hiding,
like, after their popularity.
Like Elvis.
Yeah, yeah, sure.
Like Elvis.
Okay,
but what about LegoBoy?
I mean, he's just got
millions of likes.
[mockingly]
What about LegoBoy?
[laughs]
He's got, like,
100 gazillion likes.
[girls laughing]
What's up, dweebs?
Still dreaming about becoming
a VTV star, are we?
Reality check.
It ain't ever gonna happen
because you are a nontubular,
grody little
sphincter biscuit.
[girl] Ouch.
What do you want,
Kimberly?
Um, we're playing
Shermer High tonight
and I won't be back
until late,
so, like,
don't burn the house down.
[girls laugh]
Says the responsible child
that already threw a party.
You know what?
I don't like your attitude.
And I'm a little dry
on cash,
so I'm gonna need
about 20 bucks.
[chuckles] 20 bucks?
I don't think so.
Yeah, it's either that,
or I upload this to VTV.
[Cindy]
My sweetest Beckie-weckie!
Mm! [smooching]
You wouldn't want
everyone at school thinking
you're her little Beckie-weckie,
now, would you?
Come on, Kimberly, you know
that I'm saving for my Vbox.
Well, it's your choice.
What's it gonna be?
Fine.
That's what I thought,
chump.
Well, we've got to go
because we,
unlike the two of you,
[scoffs] have a life.
Ta-ta.
Hey, Kimberly?
Give me a B!
Give me a I!
Give me a T!
Give me a --
Bite me.
-Losers.
-Losers.
[door closes]
[thunder rumbling]
[computer beeping]
[man] How to turn your VTV video
into a million views overnight.
How to turn your VTV video
into a million views overnight.
How to turn your VTV video
into a million views overnight.
[beeping]
[thunder crashing]
"How to turn your VTV videos
into a million views overnight."
[beeping]
[electricity humming]
[power shuts off]
No!
No.
[digital music playing]
Welcome to Viral University.
I'm Mr. Viral.
Are you ready to start
getting more video likes?
Great. Please type
your full name and birth date.
[typing]
[thunder crashing]
Well done.
You have taken
your very first step
to becoming a VTV star.
Now I need you to like this
video and leave the rest to me.
[thunder crashing]
If I could just get
more views...
...then I could be popular.
[thunder crashing]
[energy whirs]
[beeping and humming]
Greetings, Beckett,
and congratulations
on being accepted
to Viral University...
...where you will become
the VTV star
you've always wanted to be,
among other stars.
LegoBoy, the 11-year-old
brick-building phenom.
Teen-sensation Slimegirl.
Star-gamer Samurai.
The Tsao Twins.
And let's not forget
the one and only KevinTube.
And now you,
Beckett O'Connell,
with your username name called
This Is Going Viral,
is on its way
to becoming just as big,
if you follow
my instructions carefully.
Are you ready?
Great!
But first
here's a quick legal disclosure
I'll need your initials for.
It's a standard agreement.
Please read over.
Mr. Viral has exclusive
ownership of all the content
featured on the VTV platform.
This is not valid in Alabama,
Alaska, Rhode Island,
or North or South Dakota.
So, Beckett,
what did you want to do?
Who do you want to be?
A gamer?
A pop star?
No.
[chuckles]
I think I know...
I know.
[thunder crashes]
[alarm beeping]
Mnh.
That had to be a dream.
[beeping continues]
Oh, man, not again!
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Baby, take a ride with me
and find what's in my soul
Dude, I can't believe
you did it without me.
What?
What without you?
Aah! Oh!
[Jay] Principal Tighty-Whities!
Principal Tighty-Whities!
[laughs]
It's a classic!
What?
I don't understand.
I mean, how?
You're one ballsy guy, Beck.
I can't believe
you guys just did that.
You guys?
He did this solo. [chuckles]
Well, I hope
it was worth it.
[device vibrates]
-Of course it was worth it.
-It definitely wasn't.
Come on, come on, baby,
let's go dancing on the floor
Hi, Bennett.
Hi.
It's Beckett.
You know
we're gonna let it loose
Anyways, I love the video.
Totally rad.
Thank you.
Thanks.
You know we're gonna get
there in time
Unbelievable.
Dude, this is it.
What is it?
I'm dead.
How am I gonna dodge
Principal Belinsky?
[Belinsky] Mr. O'Connell!
My office! Now!
Come on, come on, baby,
let's go dancing on the floor
[bell rings]
[indistinct whispering]
[ticking clock echoes]
-[chuckling]
-Aah! Oh!
[bell rings]
Alright, you delinquents.
Get out of here.
-Aah! Oh!
-[Carly] So, how was detention?
Well, considering it was
my first time, not too bad.
Even Coach Johnson
was cool to me.
Well, you've certainly made
a name for yourself,
Mr. Going Viral.
Yeah. Right?
I mean, it's so weird.
Last night was just
kind of a blur.
-So what's next?
-Next?
Well, yeah, what's your
next video gonna be?
Now that you have an audience,
O great one.
I don't know.
Well, just remember us
little people.
What is it?
-Nothing.
-What up, my VTVers?
So, what are
we doing tonight?
'Cause tonight
I'm not missing out.
Man, I don't know.
What? [sighs]
Come on, dude.
Let's see what we can think of
for the next video.
Uh, a stunt?
Another prank?
A way to get back at Kimberly,
perhaps?
The sky's the limit.
Whoop-whoop!
[laughs]
Okay, whatever.
See you dorks later.
[Jay] Let's just retrace
your steps, shall we?
All I remember was...
...I came across a user...
...that brought me to Viral U.
The storm knocked out the power,
and my device was on the fritz,
so I rebooted it.
And?
And?
I mean, I don't know.
It's weird.
Like, maybe I got shocked
or something.
Or maybe you're not telling
me something, Beckett.
Your name is Beckett,
right?
No, I'm just kidding.
Pull up your recently watched.
[typing]
So weird.
I mean, nothing.
It's like everything
that I recently watched is gone.
[doorbell rings]
Aah! Oh!
Beckett.
Wait.
I do remember something.
I was chatting with someone...
...named Mr. Viral.
Mr. Viral?
It was probably just
a computer program.
Oh, you mean like Joshua?
Did he ask you
[robotically] to play a game?
That's funny.
[chuckles]
[normal voice] Try Mr. Viral.
[typing]
[beeping]
This one looks familiar.
"Mr. Viral gets you views."
[click]
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
What is this?
It's just so confusing.
Whoa!
Where'd you get that?
No, no, no.
Hey, um, it was in my jacket
this morning.
Check me out.
It's -- It's pretty rad, right?
[Kimberly] Beck!
Downstairs still looks
like crap!
Well, that's my cue.
[grunts]
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
[man] Get up on your feet.
Do as I tell you.
The way all
the Frankenhausers have obeyed
and will obey
until the end of time.
Get up on your feet.
[Beckett snoring]
[frequency modulating]
Welcome to the v-v-viral U
e-e-electric 92.3.
Ew. Disgusting.
Good catch!
[beeping]
-[beeping]
-[auto-tuned] Hello
It is you
I'm looking for
Aah!
It's okay, Beckett.
It's only me -- Mr. Viral.
No, no. This is a dream.
This is a dream.
Just go to bed
and wake up in the morning.
Aah!
So, are you ready
to start your next video?
What? What?
"Principal Tighty-Whities"
was good...
...but your next one
is sure to be better.
Yeah. Why is it all
just a bit hazy?
Sorry about that.
The shock from the computer
must have fried a little
of your memory.
It happens.
Let's get to work,
shall we?
[grunts]
I don't know.
I'm just -- I'm still a bit --
What?
[energy powering up]
Afraid?
But isn't this everything
you've ever wanted, Beckett?
Let me see
if I can remember correctly.
"If I could only get more views,
then I'd be popular."
Yes, but...
But?
This is your chance,
Beckett O'Connell.
Don't you want to be
something bigger?
Don't you want to have
the power
to be more
than just a cog in the system?
Times are changing,
and you need to move beyond
just being one of the masses.
You have everything
you need right here.
Beckett...
...I gave this to you...
...so we can trust
each other.
Will you trust me,
Beckett?
Good.
[beeping]
You must obey the irresistible
call of our blood,
the way all
the Frankenhausers have --
Well, I recommend this book
here by Victoria Principal.
[doorbell ringing]
Now, it's not just
about exercise.
You have to eat right.
[ringing]
We're famous, dude!
Oh! Oh! Ah! Oh!
Aah! Aah!
Dude, dude!
Put some pants on.
Uh!
One! Two! Three!
Hit me!
Huh!
Get up, get down
Yeah, that's right
Get up, get down
Come on, get down
Easy, man
Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay
Come on
Saxophone, y'all
Huh, yeah, like that
[snappers popping]
[girls screaming]
Come on
Get up, get down
One time
Get up, get down
Two times, y'all
Get up, get down
Get up, get down
[whistles blowing]
[beeping]
Get down, y'all
Come on
Like that
Come on
Yeah
Whoo
Blow, man, blow
Beckett!
Beckett!
Beckett!
Get up, get down
Yeah, that's right
Get up, get down
Come on, get down
[indistinct shouting
and screaming]
Easy, man
Ay, ay, ay, ay
[song ends]
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Ow!
Unh!
198, 199, 200 smackeroos.
-Here you are, my good man.
-Thank you.
Hey, guys.
So the Pranksta strikes again.
Pranksta.
Still can't believe
they're calling you that.
Hey, Bennett.
Can we sit with you?
[Jay] Of course.
Have a seat, ladies.
So, this is
getting crowded.
I'm out.
Carly, you don't
have to leave.
It's cool.
Um, we'll catch up later.
Much later, I hope.
[girls laugh]
So, ladies,
uh, come here often, hm?
Who wants pizza?
[Chalmers] Shut it,
both of you.
Oh, no.
Hey, Hope.
Hi.
Don't you think
we should talk, like now?
Mm, no, thanks.
-Bennett's buying me lunch.
-It's -- It's Beckett.
Sorry.
Beckett's buying me lunch.
Isn't that right?
Yeah.
Yeah, it looks like I am.
See?
So buh-bye.
Bye, dudes.
Come back anytime.
Love the pastel look.
Did you two
color-coordinate?
[boy] Shut up, dork.
That was, like,
totally awkward.
I mean, get a life, loser.
Did you two break up?
I don't know.
Kind of.
Are you the Pranksta?
Yeah, yeah, I am.
I am the Pranksta.
Can we have your autograph?
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
That'll be $2, kids.
It's true
I've got a vision for you
[Beckett] Money, money
That's what we got
Lots of new friends
Back on the block
Money, money
That's what we got
Got a new girl?
She thinks I'm hot?
[laughs]
This is unbelievable.
So, what's next?
Next?
I mean...
Well, first, I --
I got a date with Hope later.
Dude,
I so wish I were you.
Anyway, I'll catch you later
so we can
take over the world!
[laughing]
[Vbox chimes]
[engine idling]
[music continues]
[Vbox chimes]
[music continues]
[indistinct conversation]
-Oh!
-Ohh!
-Hey, come on, kid!
-I'm sorry!
[tires screech]
[horn honks]
Hey!
[music continues]
[barking]
[dog barking]
[engine revs]
[dog barking]
[man] Hold up.
[engine revs, dog barks]
[whimpers]
[grunts]
[tires screeching]
Hey!
What are you doing?!
[man]
Get out of the way!
[engine stalls]
[engine cranking]
So your last video had
almost a million likes,
but your next one is sure
to top that.
Are you ready?
Um, sure.
"Um, 'sher'"?
Yeah.
I'm not "sher" if I need to.
I mean, I got the follows,
I got the fans...
...plus [chuckles]
got a date with Hope.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no,
my good man.
Have you forgotten
our agreement?
No.
Do you think Hope would have
any interest in you without me?
Do you think you would have any
of this popularity without me?
I don't know.
You don't know?
I think.
Alright? I don't know.
I got this now.
[beeping]
I want you to listen, Beckett,
and remember this.
No one
backs out of my contract.
And if you try...
Oh, Beckett.
You wouldn't want anything to
happen to any of your friends.
[crackling]
Hmm?
That's what I thought.
-Now --
-[Kimberly] Beckett?
I'm heading out.
Who were you talking to?
No one.
I thought I heard voices.
I was watching a video.
Okay.
Mom and Dad
get home in two days,
and we need to make
this place look like
we never had that party.
It still needs
to be picked up,
and I have practice tonight.
-So you need to get on it.
-Ten-four.
I mean it, turd burglar.
Get to work on it, and stop
focusing on silly pranks.
-I heard you the first time.
-Whatever, weirdo.
Remember what I said.
[energy whirs, fades]
[woman] Hey, guys,
save it for the movie.
Hi.
Um...
One?
Okay, one popcorn, please,
and then just a drink.
[indistinct conversations]
What up, Pranksta?
I didn't know
you were gonna be here.
What are you guys watching?
"Rad" or "Short Circuit"?
[mockingly] Uh,
"Short Circuit."
[laughter]
Come on, Beckett.
Um, I got to go.
Catch up later.
What is she wearing?
Does she shop at, like,
Consignments "R" Us?
or something?
[laughter]
Just -- Just, uh,
some popcorn, please.
No disassemble.
Kill Stephanie.
[laser whirring]
[explosion]
[Ben] Run, girly!
Run faster!
[explosions]
[Stephanie] Aah!
[Ben] Johnny 5,
what are you doing?
[Stephanie]
He's shooting at me!
[laser whirs, explosion]
Aah!
[Ben] Oh, he almost got
the farmer on that one.
[Johnny 5] No disassemble
Johnny 5.
Bad humans.
[laser whirring, explosion]
[Stephanie]
Stop, Johnny 5.
You don't know
what you're doing.
[Ben] He just watched
Rambo "First Blood."
I think he knows
exactly what he's doing.
[sirens wailing,
laser whirring]
[engine revving]
-[Johnny 5] Uh-oh.
-What is that about?
[music continues]
What?
[siren wailing]
Alright, man,
show us how it's done.
[as John Wayne] Well, take it
easy there, pilgrim.
[officer] Freeze,
and drop your weapon!
[Johnny 5] Weapon?
A thing designed and used...
Come on, man.
We thought you were cool.
Bodily harm?
[chanting softly] Pranksta!
Pranksta! Pranksta!
Pranksta! Pranksta!
[Johnny 5]
Ahh-ahh-ahh-ahh!
[retching and coughing]
[retching]
Whoa-whoa-ohh!
[crash]
[Carly] Let's just
get out of here.
[Johnny 5] Stephanie.
Benjamin.
I had the weirdest dream.
So...
I had fun tonight.
Yeah.
It was fun.
Um...
Let me ask you something.
[people laughing]
Would we be going out...
...if I wasn't, you know...
What?
-The Pranksta.
-[chuckles]
Of course we would, silly.
Because you never really
paid any attention before.
Hope.
Let's go.
So, um,
I'll see you tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Yeah, tomorrow works.
[music continues]
[Vbox chimes]
Hey, dork.
You might be fooling
all these people, but not me.
You're still that same little
computer nerd under it all,
and you're still gonna pay for
what you did
to my dad, you geek.
I want you to stay away
from Hope.
Well, it looks to me
like she's made her decision.
Is that a fact?
You're just mad
because a guy like me
can get a girl like Hope.
You think you are
so much better than everyone.
But you're not.
The truth is, I am the better
man and the better skater.
-Don't make me laugh, O'Connell.
-[Beckett] That's right.
I can skate circles
around you.
Are you challenging me?
Maybe I am.
Okay. The old skate park.
Tomorrow.
Done. Tomorrow.
[Vbox chiming]
[Vbox chimes]
Are you ready?
There's a lot
of people here.
Everyone heard
what happened last night.
I know you'll be great...
for me.
I'll see you in a few?
Alright,
everybody gather around.
-Hurry up.
-Come on, come on.
Okay.
Beckett, Chalmers,
the two of you have five tricks
to do in the bowl.
Whoever has the raddest
tricks -- or survives -- wins.
That simple.
Got it?
Easy breezy.
[boy] Okay, we're gonna do
a coin flip.
Chalmers, call it.
Tails.
-Tails it is, my good man.
-[Chalmers] I'll go last.
Well?
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Down on my knees
I'm banged up and broken
Time's standing still
All lifelines have frozen
And through it all,
I miss you
'Cause I took the fall
Just this one last time
Turn it up
Shining bright
That's the only thing
that matters
Burning on
through the fight
For when times get tough
and you've had enough
Turn it up
[cheers and applause]
That looked rad, O'Connell.
Good luck.
I don't need luck.
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Gonna love me,
I'll go all night
Set me up another round
Light the fuse everywhere,
I will fight
Burn the baby
to the ground
You better get ready
Yeah
Come on
[music continues]
[moans softly]
Dude.
Dude, you alright, man?
Oh, man.
Someone call an ambulance!
Are you smiling?
How could you be happy?
What?
Maybe he had it coming.
[sniffles]
He should check his bearings
next time.
Did you have something
to do with this?
You ready, wuss?
[music continues]
What is wrong with you?
[moans softly]
[shower running,
Kimberly singing indistinctly]
All the little birds
on Jaybird Street
Love to hear the robin
go tweet, tweet, tweet
Okay, Beck.
What have you been up to?
[beeping]
Who's this Mr. Viral?
Let me see
if I can find that user.
Welcome to Viral University.
I'm Mr. Viral.
[energy whooshes]
[rumbling, alarm blaring]
Uh...
[energy crackling]
Uh! Uh! Aaah!
[music continues]
Oh. [chuckles]
Hi, Beckett.
Hi, Mrs. Ricci.
Is Jay here?
No, uh,
he left this morning.
I thought he was with you.
Okay, um, if you see him,
can you just...
...can you just tell him
I'm -- I'm looking for him?
Will do.
Hey.
Are you okay?
Yeah. Thanks.
[music continues]
Kimberly!
Are you home?!
[beeping]
I don't remember
leaving this on.
[mouths "What?"]
[Vbox chimes]
[music continues]
[computer] New recruit
has arrived.
[chuckles]
Activated -- mega worm.
Engage.
Hello? Hello?
Can anybody hear me?
[Mr. Viral chuckles]
Can anybody help me?
[snarling]
[doorbell rings]
[knock on door]
Wait! Carly, please.
I was a jerk.
I know, I'm sorry.
Go away!
Please.
I don't have time to explain.
I think Jay might be in trouble,
and I need your help.
[scoffs lightly] Wow.
You need my help?
After totally dissing us
yesterday
and what happened to Jay
at the movies?
And -- And now Chalmers.
You think I want to help you?
Listen, have you heard
from Jay?
No.
And what do you mean by trouble?
I just messaged him
a little while ago.
Yeah, I know.
-Why do you have his Vbox?
-Just come with me now.
I need to tell you on the way
to the police station.
[siren wailing]
So you're saying
that a superintelligent
computer program kidnapped Jay?
You sound crazy.
I'm not sure I even believe it.
Yeah,
I know it sounds crazy...
...but how do you explain
my VTV just blowing up
and instant fame
in a matter of days?
Dumb luck?
Look, I want to believe you,
Beck,
but it's pretty far-fetched.
Missing persons.
So how long has
your friend been missing?
We think
since this morning.
This morning?
Look, kids, you can't file
a missing-persons report
until it's been 24 hours.
24 hours?
But we have evidence.
Listen, if he doesn't
show up by morning,
come back,
and we'll file the report.
-Come on, Beck, let's go.
-No, you don't understand!
I'll take it from here,
Officer.
Come with me.
[sighing] Alright.
Have a seat.
My name is Detective Sullivan.
I've been investigating
a handful
of missing-children cases
for the past few years.
But you've been following me...
...before Jay went missing.
I'll get to that.
One of the most recent cases
was a missing 15-year-old girl
named Emma Jordan Wright.
Emma Jordan Wright?
Why does
that sound familiar?
Wait, Slimegirl?
The VTVer?
[Sullivan] That's right.
She had a huge VTV following
before she disappeared.
-Disappeared?
-[Sullivan] Yeah.
Gone without a trace.
In fact,
the case was almost buried
till I started doing
a little digging.
And I discovered several other
VTVers have also gone missing
throughout the years.
So I dug a little bit more.
Check it out.
That's Kevin
from KevinTube.
And Corey -- LegoBoy.
And the Tsao Twins?
I don't understand.
[Sullivan] I don't have it
figured out completely,
but I do know that they're
all linked to Viral U...
...a user that you
most recently communicated with.
Isn't that right,
Mr. O'Connell?
Do you know
who Mr. Viral is?
-Beck.
-Mr. who?
Mr. Viral.
He's an AI.
He is behind this.
He's got Jay all because of me.
[chuckles softly]
I can't claim
that an artificial intelligence
committed kidnapping.
But my investigation has shown
that there is a common link.
A man by the name of Eric Emos.
You may know him
as the gamer Samurai.
-Samurai?
-Samurai?
[knock on door]
[man] Detective.
I need you for a moment.
I'll be just a minute.
[Vbox vibrating]
-[Beckett] Look, it's him.
-[Carly] Who?
Viral.
Keep an eye out.
What are you doing?
Oh, my God.
Jay always said that
while everyone knows him
as Eric Emos,
Emos is his middle name.
His real last name is Canu.
If I can cross-reference
Samurai's last legal residence
with that last name,
then I think I can find him.
[chuckles]
You're such a nerd.
[beeping]
-I found it.
-Hurry up!
[music continues]
[chuckles]
[music continues]
Welcome to the party,
Mr. Ricci.
Or should I say,
welcome to Viral University JRK!
Aah!
[siren wailing]
[woman] I told you to get your
behind over here earlier.
-[man] What?!
-You heard me.
[dog barks in distance]
[music continues]
[Vic] I'm funny enough
to kick you upside the butt.
[knock on door]
I said fine,
and I ain't kidding.
[Blood] One does not say
"ain't," Albert.
Simply say,
"I'm not kidding."
[Vic] Fine, dogmeat.
And stop calling me Albert.
[Blood] You would stone
a poor defenseless animal,
wouldn't you?
Yes, I can tell what you would.
I can tell by your short breath
and your disgusting, aggressive
behavior that you would.
That's because you're not
a nice person, Albert.
You're not a nice person
at all.
[music continues]
-Whoa!
-[gasps]
What the hell
are you kids doing in here?!
-Get out of here right now!
-Wait.
-You're Samurai, right?
-Why do you know who I --
Wait. No. Who's that?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Okay, you're Eric Canu, right?
How do you know my name?
Oh, wait a minute,
I get it.
You guys are fans, right?
That's what's going on here.
You're fans.
Well, I got news for you.
I don't do any more
fan favorites.
I'm done with all that stuff.
No more autographs, nothing.
Alright?
Those days are over.
So I got a P.O. box...
Sir, we need one minute
of your time.
I just gave you a minute
of my time.
Now, why are you
still standing in my apartment?
Come on, Beck, he obviously
doesn't want to help us.
-Let's just go.
-No!
I cannot just sit by
and lose Jay.
I will not do it,
and I don't --
I don't care if
I have to fight Viral by myself.
What did you just say?
I cannot -- I cannot believe
that you --
you are really
[chuckling] Samurai.
-I mean, it's actually him.
-[Beckett] Yes.
I don't really
look the same so much,
but I still got it in there.
Booyah! Ha ha!
I'm the Samurai.
That's me.
Can you tell us more about
what you know about Viral?
Viral.
He came into my life
and he changed everything.
I mean, he gave me a life.
He gave me fans.
He gave me followers.
He gave me everything
for a minute.
I was the king
of Donkey Kong.
The best player ever.
Held my title for years.
My VTV channel had more likes
than I could ever imagine,
and my videos were always the
first to show up.
[chuckles]
I went to all the big shows,
all the conventions.
Even all the events for gaming,
all the competitions.
I was featured
in all the arcade magazines.
[energy powering down]
But people moved on.
[beeping]
Started losing
my sponsorships,
and I saw my likes dwindle,
and...
I just couldn't believe,
after all the time and energy
I gave to that game...
and to my fans,
that Viral could just drop me
like that.
So that's what happened.
[scoffing] Yeah.
Viral happened.
But...
...once I got pissed off,
I started doing some research.
And, uh, what I found out
was pretty tubular, actually.
Oh, yeah.
By the way, check this out.
That's the real deal.
Pretty cool, huh?
[beeping]
Look at this.
I found out that Viral was
a top-secret program
created
by a private government agency
to test against foreign enemies.
Something they called
Operation Snake Eyes.
They even built
a video tool to use
for domestic
and international spying.
Wait. That's VTV.
Very smart, missy.
You got that right.
And it worked.
Worked a little bit too well.
I mean, Viral became
more and more powerful.
Kept using all of this energy
to -- to control people,
to -- to get into
people's minds.
And the bigger he grew,
the more powerful he grew,
the harder it became
to control him,
until eventually
he found a way
to totally cross over
from his world into ours.
[Carly] Well, why didn't
they just erase the program?
It doesn't work. It's too late.
He's already got control.
Like, he's too powerful.
What's even worse
is the more VTVers he gets,
the more likes he gets...
...the more powerful he becomes.
I mean, what happens
to my friend, huh?
He -- He's one of your biggest
fans, and he needs your help.
I do have a theory that maybe,
if we could find a way
to get inside his world...
...there's probably some kind of
a power switch in there
that he's feeding off of.
And if we could
get to that power...
...uh, maybe there'd be a way to
get in there and shut it down.
And then we could stop
all of this.
So help us do it.
I already told you, man,
I can't do that.
Listen,
you got to understand, dude.
People think I'm dead, and I'd
like to keep it that way.
My best friend,
he might be gone forever.
Except that he can't fake
that he's dead.
Come on, Carly, let's go.
Here.
So now what?
I'm gonna have to go home
and face him.
Alright, give me your Vbox.
I have an idea.
[music continues]
[music continues]
[muted]
Okay, you know the plan.
Yeah.
I'm gonna take Jay's Vbox
so we can communicate
to find him.
I've got the video on mine.
Okay, no matter what,
if anything goes wrong
and we don't make it back --
Don't say that.
I need you to promise me that
you're gonna put that video up
at 9:00.
No matter what.
Are you ready?
'Cause we are
his only chance, Carly.
Wouldn't say only chance.
Alright. Pretty impressive setup
you got here, kid.
I mean, seriously,
you're smarter than you look.
Except there's only
one problem,
which is that there's no way
you could ever find
your way out of this maze
unless you've been there.
And the only one
that's ever been there
and managed to make it out
is me.
Yeah, but, I mean,
we need a map of Viral's world.
Good point.
[beeping]
How did you do that?
Well, because I'm Samurai.
This is like a maze.
Actually, it's more
of a labyrinth.
Uh, kind of
if you look at it that way,
this section right here
is where he keeps all the kids.
So think of it as
like the worker bees, right?
And then over here
we have the power tower,
which is the centralized
power source.
So what we need to do
is figure out a way
to get into
the centralized power source
so that we can
essentially shut it down.
But the only way to do that
is by authenticating it
with a particular code.
And the only one who has
access to that code is Viral.
How do we disable the code?
Well, leave that to me.
Because I'm Samurai.
[chuckles]
What's the password?
Um, BO#8675309.
[soft laugh]
Really?
[Beckett] Yeah.
[Samurai exhales]
Cheesy, but okay.
[typing]
[beeping]
It works.
[music continues]
[energy whooshes]
Hey, kid.
I know it looks trippy
and stuff,
but try not to touch it.
[video game music playing]
What?
Okay, what's the plan?
The plan is you're
gonna go find your friend
and you're gonna get him free.
And if you see any other kids
in there, let them free, too.
Okay.
What about you?
Me? I'm gonna be busy
trying to find the power tower.
And once I do find it,
I got to shut it down.
So the main thing
for you to worry about
is not what I'm doing,
but getting yourself
out of here.
'Cause, remember,
this place is one giant maze.
So the most important thing
you can do is not get lost.
You're gonna go
straight down this corridor.
You're gonna make
your first left,
then a right, and then
you're gonna come to a room
where there's gonna be
multiple doorways.
When you get to that room,
I want you to make
your second left.
Got it?
Um, yes. First left,
second right, first right.
That's not what I said.
No, I was very specific.
First left,
second right, second left.
-Second left. Okay.
-Right.
-Left.
-Right. Not left.
-Yeah. Good luck, kid.
-Thank you.
-You're gonna need it.
-Yes.
[sighs]
[music continues]
Crap.
Did he say first door
on the left
or second door on the right?
Or was it left?
No, it was right.
Right, for sure.
[music continues]
[chittering]
-[growls]
-[gasps] Aah!
Second door on the left.
Idiot.
[beeps]
That's weird.
Where'd he go?
[beeping]
[music continues]
Jay.
[music continues]
Jay.
Jay.
[music continues]
Money, money,
that's what I got
Lots of new friends
back on the block
Money, money,
that's what I got
[Jay]
That's what I got
That's what I got,
that's what I got
Lot of new friends...
[energy whooshes]
-Jay, Jay.
-Where am I?
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
This is all my fault.
I've been such a jerk to you.
You wouldn't be here
if it wasn't for me.
Here?
Where?
Uh, we're kind of inside
my Video Visionary 2250.
Be serious.
This is a dream, right?
No.
And...I'm here with Samurai.
Wait, Samurai?
Like, the Samurai?
Oh, well, it doesn't matter
if it's a dream or not.
Let's go see Samurai.
Come on, let's help them.
[energy whooshing]
Hey, hey.
It's okay.
Help her out like I did you.
Get the glasses.
We got to go.
We got to go right now.
Right now.
Are they gonna be okay?
[whisperings from kids]
[beeping]
You found him!
Thank God.
[Vbox chimes]
It's Carly.
Tell her I said hi.
Jay says hi.
[typing]
Eyes on the prize, boys.
The tower's just ahead.
[music continues]
[overlapping talking]
So you want to learn the
freshest breakdance moves?
Then stay tuned to KevinTube.
[overlapping talking]
[Mr. Viral chuckles]
Welcome, Beckett.
I'm glad you could make it
to your new home.
I am done, Viral.
I'm out!
Now let us go, or else.
Or else what, boy?
Or I'll expose you.
[mockingly]
Or I'll expose you.
[laughing]
That's right,
I have a video waiting
to share with everyone.
And this is my evidence.
It's all right here.
All I have to do is press
this button and you're finished.
Give that to me.
You want it?
Come and get it.
[beeping]
Now, Beckett,
give me the device,
or it's going to be the end
for your friend, Samurai.
[worm roars]
Samurai!
Wow! Samurai!
What are you going to do,
Beckett?
[roars]
Here!
Take the stupid thing.
I wish it never came
into my life.
Now let him go.
[groans]
Thanks.
That was a little rougher
than we agreed on.
What do you expect?
He made me an offer
I couldn't refuse.
I mean, really,
my life was -- was crap.
It was destroyed.
It was nothing.
He gave me a chance
to get it all back --
my -- my life, my fans,
my -- my views.
I can't believe it!
How could you be such
a conniving...
Douchebag.
[music continues]
[beeps]
I hope you're right
about this, Beck.
[Kimberly] Beckett,
whose crappy car is that
leaking oil
in the drive...way?
What are you doing here?
And where is my brother?
Your brother?
Now you see, Beckett,
I have all the power.
There is no escaping.
I'm going to use you
like I used him...
[clinks]
...and take over the minds
of kids all over the world.
And my power will be endless.
[Samurai] Yeah, no, no,
this is -- this is too much.
I think you're going a little
far with this whole power thing.
You're no stranger
to bad contracts.
I get you run on power.
I get that.
-You want the fame?
-But you're a power freak now.
Come on, Carly.
[overlapping arguing]
-[Mr. Viral] I'm a freak?
-[Samurai] It's a
little too far.
-You like freaks.
-This is you.
Enough!
You two look a little stiff.
How about something
to warm you up?
Please, Samurai.
Help us.
Wait, we never
discussed this, man.
This isn't right.
You're absolutely right,
Samurai.
Neither was this.
Aaah!
You psycho binary butthole!
One down, two to go.
So...
you're telling me
that my brother is in
some video-game world
trying to save Jay,
who is being held by,
like, a virtual Freddy Krueger?
[scoffs] Come on.
I'm not the smartest
cheerleader on the squad,
but I'm not
the dumbest either, sister.
[beeps]
Look! That's him now.
[Beckett]
I am Beckett O'Connell.
Most of you watching know...
...that my videos
over the past week
have exploded in popularity.
I've gotten everything
that I thought I ever wanted.
Fame...
...popularity at school...
...the girl I thought
I always wanted.
For what?
And at what cost?
I hurt a lot of people
this week,
and some
that I thought deserved
-their share of embarrassment.
-[sighs]
[Beckett] But I'm so sorry
that I hurt any of you.
But how does
something like this happen
to an unpopular kid
like me overnight?
How is it even possible?
What I am about to say ...
...will sound
so far-fetched that...
...you may think
it's another prank.
But it's not.
An artificial intelligence
by the name of Mr. Viral
made this happen.
He is the one that is behind
all of the famous VTVers
on his network, Viral U.
He is found only
in complete desperation --
those kids, myself included...
...seeking and willing to do
anything...
...to be famous.
I -- I am going to try -- try...
...to put an end to this.
[clapping]
Well done, Mr. O'Connell.
But you forgot one thing.
You can't prove that I exist.
[beeps]
So I win and you lose.
[beeps]
So I win and you lose.
So I win -- I win
and you...
[crackling]
[alarm blaring]
It's gonna blow.
Let's get the hell out of here.
Aaaaah!
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay.
[Carly cries]
He's okay. He's okay.
It's okay.
[buzzing and rumbling]
[beeping]
Ohh!
I didn't know what
I was gonna tell Mom.
[laughs]
[telephone ringing]
Sullivan.
[woman exclaims]
-Hey, honey.
-[woman] He's here!
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down. What?
He's back home!
-What are you saying?
-Corey's back home!
He's back home!
[Linda] And our last story
is a heartwarming one
just in time for the holidays.
In an unexplained event,
hundreds of missing VTV kids
have suddenly
returned home today,
including famed LegoBoy
Cory Sullivan.
This strange phenomenon
has everyone,
including authorities,
completely baffled.
Well, one thing is for sure --
This is truly
a Christmas miracle.
Until next time,
I'm Linda Richards.
Thanks for watching.
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Come on, come on
-Are you gonna?
-Yeah.
-There you go.
-Thank you.
-What size skates, darling?
-Ten.
-And you?
-[Carly] Seven.
Wait.
Are you the Pranksta?
[Carly snorts]
Uh, I was.
Well, here's your skates,
Formerly Known As.
Come on, let's go.
That's my brother.
You know, you should still
call yourself the Pranksta.
It has a nice ring to it.
No, um,
I actually think that
Formerly Known As,
it actually sounds cooler.
So, now what?
Uh, now?
Now everything is back
to the way it's supposed to be.
Chalmers,
he's back with Hope.
I've got
my unpopular life back.
And?
And?
And you have me.
And you have me.
Hey.
You want to go skate?
[Jay] Yeah.
[mid-tempo pop music playing]
When the rain is falling
And you're lost in the night
I'll be here to tell you
It will be alright
When the world's against you
And you can't find a friend
I will be the one who
Lifts you up again
When your dreams are fading
And you can't see the light
I will be here to hold you
Just keep your hand in mine
Boy, I'll never leave you
You're safe with me tonight
If the ground
beneath you crumbles
And the fire shows you scars
Oh, I'll be right beside you
To remind you who you are
I will be here
When the rain is falling
And you're lost in the night
I'll be there to tell you
You're gonna be alright
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Have you come alive
Or are you just living
to survive?
If you had the chance,
so why'd you let go?
Do you feel alright?
Does the mood
stir you up inside?
When it starts to shake
around you, you'll know
Oh!
Running 'round
like a wild chimpanzee
Being chased
by the girl next door
Oh, life's a vicious cycle
Hiding out by the fence
behind the old record store
And the kid on the video
will say
"This Is Going Viral"
T-T-This --
This Is G-Going Viral
T-This Is Going Viral
T-T-This Is --
This Is Going Viral
What are you doing?
Movie's over.
Go home.
Go.
[thunder rumbling]
[radio static crackling,
frequency modulating]
[deejay] Hey, it's your
Cedartown rock station
with "Bad Boy" Brett Baddeley.
Don't forget
that coming up this weekend
it's homecoming weekend,
so, go, Cougars!
Looks like we've got
a few storm clouds rolling in,
so stay dry out there,
people.
Well, coming up next
we've got the latest
from Lisa and the Legwarmers --
"Space Girlfriend" --
only here on WBRL,
96 Rock FM.
[typing]
[mid-tempo pop music plays]
Space girlfriend
She's walking above me
[thunder crashes]
Space girlfriend,
she don't even know me
Space girlfriend,
she's floating above me
[beeping]
Come on, come on.
[man on television]
They say this is a time
for peace on earth.
[woman] Only together
Together we're sharing,
caring
[TV turns off]
[ up-tempo dance music plays]
["Space Girlfriend"
continues]
Space girlfriend,
she don't even know me
[beeping]
Love it.
It's just a burn.
Deep. In.
That's it. Yeah.
Kick! Kick!
Other side!
Come on.
[beeping]
Come on.
[thunder crashes]
[electricity powering down]
Ohh!
[thunder crashing]
[woman] Corey?
Just a second.
[sighs]
[buzzing and beeping]
Mom!
[thunder crashes]
[beeping]
Corey?
[Corey] Mom!
Corey?
[beeping]
Help!
Mom!
Please help me!
[woman screams]
[static crackles]
[power clicks off]
Coming up at 6:00,
authorities are
still searching for LegoBoy,
the missing 13-year-old
VTV star Corey Sullivan.
[announcer] "The Linda Show."
[cheers and applause]
[Linda]
It's no surprise that
the hottest item
this Christmas is the Vbox.
Well, today's guest
is Dr. David Weiss.
Well, it's a pleasure
to be here, Linda.
Thank you.
You know, studies have shown
that if you don't limit
your use
on these new technologies,
there can be serious
mental repercussions.
[woman] Frank, hurry up!
We have to be at the airport
in an hour.
[Frank] What?
We have to get
to the airport in one hour.
-[Frank] Hey, don't rush me.
-Oh!
You know I want to look good
for my main squeeze.
Oh, Cindy, honey,
I've worked on 278 people's
tax returns this year,
and I beat the office suck-up,
Bob Marcus,
who wins the Club Med trip
every year.
Well, we're not gonna
make it to Club Med
-if you don't hurry up.
-[chuckles]
Who gives away a trip
this close to Christmas anyway?
Ah, my boss is cheap. Ha ha.
Tax season ends in April.
Kimberly!
That girl is styled so hot
Like a perm but it's not
Get on the Hot Sticks,
Conair Hot Sticks
[announcer] Get that
Conair confidence.
From the minds
of Video Visionary...
...comes the Vbox.
It records video,
automatically connects
to the VTV network.
Upload and share
with your friends.
-I
-[Cindy] Kimberly.
Have got a perfect place
-Kimberly. Kimberly.
-For you and I
-Huh?
-We're leaving.
So go get your brother
so we can say goodbye.
Okay, Mom.
[music playing
through headphones]
[music stops]
[announcer]
...with clear acrylic --
The tough shine for your --
I am Beckett O'Connell,
and This Is Going Viral.
That was terrible.
[key thumps, computer beeps]
I am Beckett O'Connell,
and, um [clears throat]
This Is Going Viral!
What's up, VTV?
It's your boy, Kevin!
And this is KevinTube.
[breathes deeply]
[key thumps, computer beeps]
I am Beckett O'Connell,
and this...
[smack]
Ow!
Kimberly, what the heck?!
Come on, twerp.
Mom and dad are about to leave.
[KevinTube] If you want to learn
the freshest --
And is that my Vbox?
I...
Stay out of my stuff,
you little leech. Ugh!
He was making
another stupid video.
I'm Beckett the dork O'Connell,
and this is going nowhere.
-Shut up.
-Hey!
-Okay, you two.
-[Frank] Honey, we got to go.
-Yes, ma'am.
-We got to go.
We got to be at the airport
in less than an hour.
That is what I've
been telling you.
Alright, guys,
don't kill each other, okay?
Oh, goodness!
My sweetest Beckie-weckie!
Mm! [smooching]
Oh, what a sweet boy.
[horn honking]
Now, guys, everything is
on the fridge.
Okay?
And we're staying at the --
We know.
Just go and have a good time.
-No friends.
-We know.
And don't forget to take out
the garbage tomorrow.
We know.
We have it under control.
-I love you.
-Love you guys.
Hey!
No parties.
[Kimberly]
Of course not, Mom.
[up-tempo rock music playing]
[man] One, two, three, four!
[music continues]
[indistinct conversations]
[glass shatters]
Buzzards in the air
Dripping on this wall
I can't break my stare
'Cause I feel mighty old
Dancing to your smile
'Cause nothing's
making sense
My house
This is my house
This is my house
Aaaah!
Leave that girl alone
Just leave that girl alone
She is talking with the gods
So, you come here often?
[scoffs]
I'm no mathematician, but
I'm really good with numbers.
Why don't you give me yours
and then we can just...
Oh. Okay, um...
Nice talking with you, then.
-Hey.
-Dude!
This is insane.
Juniors and seniors and...
And us.
Yeah, and...
This is the best
thing that ever happened to us!
And look who else is here.
[down-tempo R&B music
plays]
Yep. Hope.
Now's your chance
to go talk to her, Romeo.
She can't see me
For she shines
too brightly
She warms me
She's the sun in my sky
[football thuds]
[record scratches]
Ohhh!
[laughter]
-Oh, my God.
-Oops! It slipped.
You just got Nerfed!
Chalmers, you jerk!
You better not have me
in that video, Paul.
I will kill you!
[whimpers]
Come on, Hope.
Quit overreacting.
It was just a joke.
It's cool, it's cool.
Just get back to your
regularly scheduled partying.
Come on.
Let's get
this party started!
[up-tempo hip-hop music
plays]
Again!
[indistinct conversations
and cheering]
[dog barking]
[glass shatters]
[music stops]
Oh, no.
I'm late for school.
[up-tempo punk-rock music
plays]
Have you come alive?
Or are you just living
to survive?
If you had the chance,
so why'd you let go?
Do you feel alright?
Does the mood
stir you up inside?
When it starts to shake
around you, you'll know
Oh
Running 'round
like a wild chimpanzee
Being chased
by the girl next door
Oh, life's a vicious cycle
Hiding out by the fence
behind the old record store
Like, oh, my God.
And the kid on the video
will say
"This Is Going Viral"
T-T-This --
This Is G-Going Viral
T-This Is Going Viral
T-T-This Is --
This Is Going Viral
[boy] Ohh!
That was rad, Chalmers.
[bell rings]
Hey, O'Connell, why don't you
show us what you got?
-No, thanks.
-Oh, come on!
What, do you got a skirt
under there or something?
[stifled laughter]
Record this.
[music continues]
[Chalmers]
Come on, O'Connell.
Let's go.
[music continues]
[students gasping]
[groans softly]
[laughter]
[groans]
[bell rings]
[squeaks, body thuds]
[indistinct conversations]
[Jay] Dude, last night
was unbelievable.
Except for the part
when Chalmers
threw the football at you
and embarrassed you
in front of Hope.
-Yeah.
-And embarrassed you in front of
most of the senior class.
Yeah, I know. I've somehow
become somewhat of a target.
But lucky for me,
they haven't gotten anything
on video yet.
[whistle blows]
[man] Boys!
How about a little participation
in P.E. this afternoon?
Uh, sorry, Coach.
I'm just a bit injured here.
What the hell happened
to you, O'Connell?
Uh, well, I, uh, um...
He cracked his huevos,
Coach.
[Coach] Huevos, huh?
You know, when I was in 'Nam,
I learned a thing
or two about survival.
When your bozak
gets into a pinch,
Sarge used to always say
you got to place
your right leg over your left,
and then you got to go
up and down, up and down,
up and down, up and down,
up and down.
Few of those,
and you'll be just fine.
Thanks, Coach.
[whistle blows]
Mr. Pinsky! Get over here.
I don't know what
you were thinking earlier.
I know you're a good skater
and all,
but Chalmers has won
the Death Bowl tournament
for the past two years.
Yeah, I know.
It's just
that he thinks he is so cool.
And I know if I just had the
chance, that I could take him.
What are your balls
telling you?
Oh. What's that?
[high-pitched] "Please don't
make us suffer anymore.
We need to be here for you
down the road."
-Funny.
-[chuckles]
I'm just saying that I'd like
to show that jerk up one day
and be the one to give him
what he has coming to him.
Hello, boys.
-Hey, Carly.
-Hey, Carly.
Are you watching
Donkey Kong?
Dude, like, get a life.
What? It's Classic Samurai.
He's the best.
[beeping]
Was the best.
So I heard your lame-o sister
had quite the event last night.
And all the class-A snobs
were there.
It was so rad.
Really.
Oh, I'm sure. I'm so upset
that I missed it.
You're not saying much,
Beck.
Beck?
Earth to Beck.
Yeah, it was alright.
[scoffs]
I don't know
why you torture yourself.
You're too good
for her anyway.
[laughter]
Hey!
You dropped something.
Jerk.
Hey, O'Connell,
get your dog on a leash.
What?
You want to say something?
[man] Son.
Go to class.
Okay, Dad.
Dang, dude, I guess
you got your huevos back.
[up-tempo pop music
playing]
[Jay] How many likes
in the last video did we get?
[computer chime]
[Beckett] Um, two.
The one before that.
[beeping]
Two.
Seriously?
-Yeah.
We've got to figure out a way
to get more likes.
And with that comes
fame, popularity,
and Hope.
Oooh!
And you get Hope
if you get fame and popu--
Alright, young Jedi,
settle down.
Let's do some digging.
Way ahead of you there,
buddy.
Picked this up
on the way over.
KevinTube blew up
after his first video --
"Gummy Worms Challenge."
Check this out.
Remember the girls
that put on all the makeup?
MakeUp Twins.
Yeah, well,
one year after they made it big,
they had just hit
a million likes.
Sue Lee and Chunua "Tuh-saw"...
Tsao [chow].
[Jay] ...went missing.
Hm.
Well, that's weird,
but maybe they went into hiding,
like, after their popularity.
Like Elvis.
Yeah, yeah, sure.
Like Elvis.
Okay,
but what about LegoBoy?
I mean, he's just got
millions of likes.
[mockingly]
What about LegoBoy?
[laughs]
He's got, like,
100 gazillion likes.
[girls laughing]
What's up, dweebs?
Still dreaming about becoming
a VTV star, are we?
Reality check.
It ain't ever gonna happen
because you are a nontubular,
grody little
sphincter biscuit.
[girl] Ouch.
What do you want,
Kimberly?
Um, we're playing
Shermer High tonight
and I won't be back
until late,
so, like,
don't burn the house down.
[girls laugh]
Says the responsible child
that already threw a party.
You know what?
I don't like your attitude.
And I'm a little dry
on cash,
so I'm gonna need
about 20 bucks.
[chuckles] 20 bucks?
I don't think so.
Yeah, it's either that,
or I upload this to VTV.
[Cindy]
My sweetest Beckie-weckie!
Mm! [smooching]
You wouldn't want
everyone at school thinking
you're her little Beckie-weckie,
now, would you?
Come on, Kimberly, you know
that I'm saving for my Vbox.
Well, it's your choice.
What's it gonna be?
Fine.
That's what I thought,
chump.
Well, we've got to go
because we,
unlike the two of you,
[scoffs] have a life.
Ta-ta.
Hey, Kimberly?
Give me a B!
Give me a I!
Give me a T!
Give me a --
Bite me.
-Losers.
-Losers.
[door closes]
[thunder rumbling]
[computer beeping]
[man] How to turn your VTV video
into a million views overnight.
How to turn your VTV video
into a million views overnight.
How to turn your VTV video
into a million views overnight.
[beeping]
[thunder crashing]
"How to turn your VTV videos
into a million views overnight."
[beeping]
[electricity humming]
[power shuts off]
No!
No.
[digital music playing]
Welcome to Viral University.
I'm Mr. Viral.
Are you ready to start
getting more video likes?
Great. Please type
your full name and birth date.
[typing]
[thunder crashing]
Well done.
You have taken
your very first step
to becoming a VTV star.
Now I need you to like this
video and leave the rest to me.
[thunder crashing]
If I could just get
more views...
...then I could be popular.
[thunder crashing]
[energy whirs]
[beeping and humming]
Greetings, Beckett,
and congratulations
on being accepted
to Viral University...
...where you will become
the VTV star
you've always wanted to be,
among other stars.
LegoBoy, the 11-year-old
brick-building phenom.
Teen-sensation Slimegirl.
Star-gamer Samurai.
The Tsao Twins.
And let's not forget
the one and only KevinTube.
And now you,
Beckett O'Connell,
with your username name called
This Is Going Viral,
is on its way
to becoming just as big,
if you follow
my instructions carefully.
Are you ready?
Great!
But first
here's a quick legal disclosure
I'll need your initials for.
It's a standard agreement.
Please read over.
Mr. Viral has exclusive
ownership of all the content
featured on the VTV platform.
This is not valid in Alabama,
Alaska, Rhode Island,
or North or South Dakota.
So, Beckett,
what did you want to do?
Who do you want to be?
A gamer?
A pop star?
No.
[chuckles]
I think I know...
I know.
[thunder crashes]
[alarm beeping]
Mnh.
That had to be a dream.
[beeping continues]
Oh, man, not again!
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Baby, take a ride with me
and find what's in my soul
Dude, I can't believe
you did it without me.
What?
What without you?
Aah! Oh!
[Jay] Principal Tighty-Whities!
Principal Tighty-Whities!
[laughs]
It's a classic!
What?
I don't understand.
I mean, how?
You're one ballsy guy, Beck.
I can't believe
you guys just did that.
You guys?
He did this solo. [chuckles]
Well, I hope
it was worth it.
[device vibrates]
-Of course it was worth it.
-It definitely wasn't.
Come on, come on, baby,
let's go dancing on the floor
Hi, Bennett.
Hi.
It's Beckett.
You know
we're gonna let it loose
Anyways, I love the video.
Totally rad.
Thank you.
Thanks.
You know we're gonna get
there in time
Unbelievable.
Dude, this is it.
What is it?
I'm dead.
How am I gonna dodge
Principal Belinsky?
[Belinsky] Mr. O'Connell!
My office! Now!
Come on, come on, baby,
let's go dancing on the floor
[bell rings]
[indistinct whispering]
[ticking clock echoes]
-[chuckling]
-Aah! Oh!
[bell rings]
Alright, you delinquents.
Get out of here.
-Aah! Oh!
-[Carly] So, how was detention?
Well, considering it was
my first time, not too bad.
Even Coach Johnson
was cool to me.
Well, you've certainly made
a name for yourself,
Mr. Going Viral.
Yeah. Right?
I mean, it's so weird.
Last night was just
kind of a blur.
-So what's next?
-Next?
Well, yeah, what's your
next video gonna be?
Now that you have an audience,
O great one.
I don't know.
Well, just remember us
little people.
What is it?
-Nothing.
-What up, my VTVers?
So, what are
we doing tonight?
'Cause tonight
I'm not missing out.
Man, I don't know.
What? [sighs]
Come on, dude.
Let's see what we can think of
for the next video.
Uh, a stunt?
Another prank?
A way to get back at Kimberly,
perhaps?
The sky's the limit.
Whoop-whoop!
[laughs]
Okay, whatever.
See you dorks later.
[Jay] Let's just retrace
your steps, shall we?
All I remember was...
...I came across a user...
...that brought me to Viral U.
The storm knocked out the power,
and my device was on the fritz,
so I rebooted it.
And?
And?
I mean, I don't know.
It's weird.
Like, maybe I got shocked
or something.
Or maybe you're not telling
me something, Beckett.
Your name is Beckett,
right?
No, I'm just kidding.
Pull up your recently watched.
[typing]
So weird.
I mean, nothing.
It's like everything
that I recently watched is gone.
[doorbell rings]
Aah! Oh!
Beckett.
Wait.
I do remember something.
I was chatting with someone...
...named Mr. Viral.
Mr. Viral?
It was probably just
a computer program.
Oh, you mean like Joshua?
Did he ask you
[robotically] to play a game?
That's funny.
[chuckles]
[normal voice] Try Mr. Viral.
[typing]
[beeping]
This one looks familiar.
"Mr. Viral gets you views."
[click]
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
What is this?
It's just so confusing.
Whoa!
Where'd you get that?
No, no, no.
Hey, um, it was in my jacket
this morning.
Check me out.
It's -- It's pretty rad, right?
[Kimberly] Beck!
Downstairs still looks
like crap!
Well, that's my cue.
[grunts]
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
No, no, no.
[man] Get up on your feet.
Do as I tell you.
The way all
the Frankenhausers have obeyed
and will obey
until the end of time.
Get up on your feet.
[Beckett snoring]
[frequency modulating]
Welcome to the v-v-viral U
e-e-electric 92.3.
Ew. Disgusting.
Good catch!
[beeping]
-[beeping]
-[auto-tuned] Hello
It is you
I'm looking for
Aah!
It's okay, Beckett.
It's only me -- Mr. Viral.
No, no. This is a dream.
This is a dream.
Just go to bed
and wake up in the morning.
Aah!
So, are you ready
to start your next video?
What? What?
"Principal Tighty-Whities"
was good...
...but your next one
is sure to be better.
Yeah. Why is it all
just a bit hazy?
Sorry about that.
The shock from the computer
must have fried a little
of your memory.
It happens.
Let's get to work,
shall we?
[grunts]
I don't know.
I'm just -- I'm still a bit --
What?
[energy powering up]
Afraid?
But isn't this everything
you've ever wanted, Beckett?
Let me see
if I can remember correctly.
"If I could only get more views,
then I'd be popular."
Yes, but...
But?
This is your chance,
Beckett O'Connell.
Don't you want to be
something bigger?
Don't you want to have
the power
to be more
than just a cog in the system?
Times are changing,
and you need to move beyond
just being one of the masses.
You have everything
you need right here.
Beckett...
...I gave this to you...
...so we can trust
each other.
Will you trust me,
Beckett?
Good.
[beeping]
You must obey the irresistible
call of our blood,
the way all
the Frankenhausers have --
Well, I recommend this book
here by Victoria Principal.
[doorbell ringing]
Now, it's not just
about exercise.
You have to eat right.
[ringing]
We're famous, dude!
Oh! Oh! Ah! Oh!
Aah! Aah!
Dude, dude!
Put some pants on.
Uh!
One! Two! Three!
Hit me!
Huh!
Get up, get down
Yeah, that's right
Get up, get down
Come on, get down
Easy, man
Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay
Come on
Saxophone, y'all
Huh, yeah, like that
[snappers popping]
[girls screaming]
Come on
Get up, get down
One time
Get up, get down
Two times, y'all
Get up, get down
Get up, get down
[whistles blowing]
[beeping]
Get down, y'all
Come on
Like that
Come on
Yeah
Whoo
Blow, man, blow
Beckett!
Beckett!
Beckett!
Get up, get down
Yeah, that's right
Get up, get down
Come on, get down
[indistinct shouting
and screaming]
Easy, man
Ay, ay, ay, ay
[song ends]
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Ow!
Unh!
198, 199, 200 smackeroos.
-Here you are, my good man.
-Thank you.
Hey, guys.
So the Pranksta strikes again.
Pranksta.
Still can't believe
they're calling you that.
Hey, Bennett.
Can we sit with you?
[Jay] Of course.
Have a seat, ladies.
So, this is
getting crowded.
I'm out.
Carly, you don't
have to leave.
It's cool.
Um, we'll catch up later.
Much later, I hope.
[girls laugh]
So, ladies,
uh, come here often, hm?
Who wants pizza?
[Chalmers] Shut it,
both of you.
Oh, no.
Hey, Hope.
Hi.
Don't you think
we should talk, like now?
Mm, no, thanks.
-Bennett's buying me lunch.
-It's -- It's Beckett.
Sorry.
Beckett's buying me lunch.
Isn't that right?
Yeah.
Yeah, it looks like I am.
See?
So buh-bye.
Bye, dudes.
Come back anytime.
Love the pastel look.
Did you two
color-coordinate?
[boy] Shut up, dork.
That was, like,
totally awkward.
I mean, get a life, loser.
Did you two break up?
I don't know.
Kind of.
Are you the Pranksta?
Yeah, yeah, I am.
I am the Pranksta.
Can we have your autograph?
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
That'll be $2, kids.
It's true
I've got a vision for you
[Beckett] Money, money
That's what we got
Lots of new friends
Back on the block
Money, money
That's what we got
Got a new girl?
She thinks I'm hot?
[laughs]
This is unbelievable.
So, what's next?
Next?
I mean...
Well, first, I --
I got a date with Hope later.
Dude,
I so wish I were you.
Anyway, I'll catch you later
so we can
take over the world!
[laughing]
[Vbox chimes]
[engine idling]
[music continues]
[Vbox chimes]
[music continues]
[indistinct conversation]
-Oh!
-Ohh!
-Hey, come on, kid!
-I'm sorry!
[tires screech]
[horn honks]
Hey!
[music continues]
[barking]
[dog barking]
[engine revs]
[dog barking]
[man] Hold up.
[engine revs, dog barks]
[whimpers]
[grunts]
[tires screeching]
Hey!
What are you doing?!
[man]
Get out of the way!
[engine stalls]
[engine cranking]
So your last video had
almost a million likes,
but your next one is sure
to top that.
Are you ready?
Um, sure.
"Um, 'sher'"?
Yeah.
I'm not "sher" if I need to.
I mean, I got the follows,
I got the fans...
...plus [chuckles]
got a date with Hope.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no,
my good man.
Have you forgotten
our agreement?
No.
Do you think Hope would have
any interest in you without me?
Do you think you would have any
of this popularity without me?
I don't know.
You don't know?
I think.
Alright? I don't know.
I got this now.
[beeping]
I want you to listen, Beckett,
and remember this.
No one
backs out of my contract.
And if you try...
Oh, Beckett.
You wouldn't want anything to
happen to any of your friends.
[crackling]
Hmm?
That's what I thought.
-Now --
-[Kimberly] Beckett?
I'm heading out.
Who were you talking to?
No one.
I thought I heard voices.
I was watching a video.
Okay.
Mom and Dad
get home in two days,
and we need to make
this place look like
we never had that party.
It still needs
to be picked up,
and I have practice tonight.
-So you need to get on it.
-Ten-four.
I mean it, turd burglar.
Get to work on it, and stop
focusing on silly pranks.
-I heard you the first time.
-Whatever, weirdo.
Remember what I said.
[energy whirs, fades]
[woman] Hey, guys,
save it for the movie.
Hi.
Um...
One?
Okay, one popcorn, please,
and then just a drink.
[indistinct conversations]
What up, Pranksta?
I didn't know
you were gonna be here.
What are you guys watching?
"Rad" or "Short Circuit"?
[mockingly] Uh,
"Short Circuit."
[laughter]
Come on, Beckett.
Um, I got to go.
Catch up later.
What is she wearing?
Does she shop at, like,
Consignments "R" Us?
or something?
[laughter]
Just -- Just, uh,
some popcorn, please.
No disassemble.
Kill Stephanie.
[laser whirring]
[explosion]
[Ben] Run, girly!
Run faster!
[explosions]
[Stephanie] Aah!
[Ben] Johnny 5,
what are you doing?
[Stephanie]
He's shooting at me!
[laser whirs, explosion]
Aah!
[Ben] Oh, he almost got
the farmer on that one.
[Johnny 5] No disassemble
Johnny 5.
Bad humans.
[laser whirring, explosion]
[Stephanie]
Stop, Johnny 5.
You don't know
what you're doing.
[Ben] He just watched
Rambo "First Blood."
I think he knows
exactly what he's doing.
[sirens wailing,
laser whirring]
[engine revving]
-[Johnny 5] Uh-oh.
-What is that about?
[music continues]
What?
[siren wailing]
Alright, man,
show us how it's done.
[as John Wayne] Well, take it
easy there, pilgrim.
[officer] Freeze,
and drop your weapon!
[Johnny 5] Weapon?
A thing designed and used...
Come on, man.
We thought you were cool.
Bodily harm?
[chanting softly] Pranksta!
Pranksta! Pranksta!
Pranksta! Pranksta!
[Johnny 5]
Ahh-ahh-ahh-ahh!
[retching and coughing]
[retching]
Whoa-whoa-ohh!
[crash]
[Carly] Let's just
get out of here.
[Johnny 5] Stephanie.
Benjamin.
I had the weirdest dream.
So...
I had fun tonight.
Yeah.
It was fun.
Um...
Let me ask you something.
[people laughing]
Would we be going out...
...if I wasn't, you know...
What?
-The Pranksta.
-[chuckles]
Of course we would, silly.
Because you never really
paid any attention before.
Hope.
Let's go.
So, um,
I'll see you tomorrow?
Tomorrow?
Yeah, tomorrow works.
[music continues]
[Vbox chimes]
Hey, dork.
You might be fooling
all these people, but not me.
You're still that same little
computer nerd under it all,
and you're still gonna pay for
what you did
to my dad, you geek.
I want you to stay away
from Hope.
Well, it looks to me
like she's made her decision.
Is that a fact?
You're just mad
because a guy like me
can get a girl like Hope.
You think you are
so much better than everyone.
But you're not.
The truth is, I am the better
man and the better skater.
-Don't make me laugh, O'Connell.
-[Beckett] That's right.
I can skate circles
around you.
Are you challenging me?
Maybe I am.
Okay. The old skate park.
Tomorrow.
Done. Tomorrow.
[Vbox chiming]
[Vbox chimes]
Are you ready?
There's a lot
of people here.
Everyone heard
what happened last night.
I know you'll be great...
for me.
I'll see you in a few?
Alright,
everybody gather around.
-Hurry up.
-Come on, come on.
Okay.
Beckett, Chalmers,
the two of you have five tricks
to do in the bowl.
Whoever has the raddest
tricks -- or survives -- wins.
That simple.
Got it?
Easy breezy.
[boy] Okay, we're gonna do
a coin flip.
Chalmers, call it.
Tails.
-Tails it is, my good man.
-[Chalmers] I'll go last.
Well?
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Down on my knees
I'm banged up and broken
Time's standing still
All lifelines have frozen
And through it all,
I miss you
'Cause I took the fall
Just this one last time
Turn it up
Shining bright
That's the only thing
that matters
Burning on
through the fight
For when times get tough
and you've had enough
Turn it up
[cheers and applause]
That looked rad, O'Connell.
Good luck.
I don't need luck.
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Gonna love me,
I'll go all night
Set me up another round
Light the fuse everywhere,
I will fight
Burn the baby
to the ground
You better get ready
Yeah
Come on
[music continues]
[moans softly]
Dude.
Dude, you alright, man?
Oh, man.
Someone call an ambulance!
Are you smiling?
How could you be happy?
What?
Maybe he had it coming.
[sniffles]
He should check his bearings
next time.
Did you have something
to do with this?
You ready, wuss?
[music continues]
What is wrong with you?
[moans softly]
[shower running,
Kimberly singing indistinctly]
All the little birds
on Jaybird Street
Love to hear the robin
go tweet, tweet, tweet
Okay, Beck.
What have you been up to?
[beeping]
Who's this Mr. Viral?
Let me see
if I can find that user.
Welcome to Viral University.
I'm Mr. Viral.
[energy whooshes]
[rumbling, alarm blaring]
Uh...
[energy crackling]
Uh! Uh! Aaah!
[music continues]
Oh. [chuckles]
Hi, Beckett.
Hi, Mrs. Ricci.
Is Jay here?
No, uh,
he left this morning.
I thought he was with you.
Okay, um, if you see him,
can you just...
...can you just tell him
I'm -- I'm looking for him?
Will do.
Hey.
Are you okay?
Yeah. Thanks.
[music continues]
Kimberly!
Are you home?!
[beeping]
I don't remember
leaving this on.
[mouths "What?"]
[Vbox chimes]
[music continues]
[computer] New recruit
has arrived.
[chuckles]
Activated -- mega worm.
Engage.
Hello? Hello?
Can anybody hear me?
[Mr. Viral chuckles]
Can anybody help me?
[snarling]
[doorbell rings]
[knock on door]
Wait! Carly, please.
I was a jerk.
I know, I'm sorry.
Go away!
Please.
I don't have time to explain.
I think Jay might be in trouble,
and I need your help.
[scoffs lightly] Wow.
You need my help?
After totally dissing us
yesterday
and what happened to Jay
at the movies?
And -- And now Chalmers.
You think I want to help you?
Listen, have you heard
from Jay?
No.
And what do you mean by trouble?
I just messaged him
a little while ago.
Yeah, I know.
-Why do you have his Vbox?
-Just come with me now.
I need to tell you on the way
to the police station.
[siren wailing]
So you're saying
that a superintelligent
computer program kidnapped Jay?
You sound crazy.
I'm not sure I even believe it.
Yeah,
I know it sounds crazy...
...but how do you explain
my VTV just blowing up
and instant fame
in a matter of days?
Dumb luck?
Look, I want to believe you,
Beck,
but it's pretty far-fetched.
Missing persons.
So how long has
your friend been missing?
We think
since this morning.
This morning?
Look, kids, you can't file
a missing-persons report
until it's been 24 hours.
24 hours?
But we have evidence.
Listen, if he doesn't
show up by morning,
come back,
and we'll file the report.
-Come on, Beck, let's go.
-No, you don't understand!
I'll take it from here,
Officer.
Come with me.
[sighing] Alright.
Have a seat.
My name is Detective Sullivan.
I've been investigating
a handful
of missing-children cases
for the past few years.
But you've been following me...
...before Jay went missing.
I'll get to that.
One of the most recent cases
was a missing 15-year-old girl
named Emma Jordan Wright.
Emma Jordan Wright?
Why does
that sound familiar?
Wait, Slimegirl?
The VTVer?
[Sullivan] That's right.
She had a huge VTV following
before she disappeared.
-Disappeared?
-[Sullivan] Yeah.
Gone without a trace.
In fact,
the case was almost buried
till I started doing
a little digging.
And I discovered several other
VTVers have also gone missing
throughout the years.
So I dug a little bit more.
Check it out.
That's Kevin
from KevinTube.
And Corey -- LegoBoy.
And the Tsao Twins?
I don't understand.
[Sullivan] I don't have it
figured out completely,
but I do know that they're
all linked to Viral U...
...a user that you
most recently communicated with.
Isn't that right,
Mr. O'Connell?
Do you know
who Mr. Viral is?
-Beck.
-Mr. who?
Mr. Viral.
He's an AI.
He is behind this.
He's got Jay all because of me.
[chuckles softly]
I can't claim
that an artificial intelligence
committed kidnapping.
But my investigation has shown
that there is a common link.
A man by the name of Eric Emos.
You may know him
as the gamer Samurai.
-Samurai?
-Samurai?
[knock on door]
[man] Detective.
I need you for a moment.
I'll be just a minute.
[Vbox vibrating]
-[Beckett] Look, it's him.
-[Carly] Who?
Viral.
Keep an eye out.
What are you doing?
Oh, my God.
Jay always said that
while everyone knows him
as Eric Emos,
Emos is his middle name.
His real last name is Canu.
If I can cross-reference
Samurai's last legal residence
with that last name,
then I think I can find him.
[chuckles]
You're such a nerd.
[beeping]
-I found it.
-Hurry up!
[music continues]
[chuckles]
[music continues]
Welcome to the party,
Mr. Ricci.
Or should I say,
welcome to Viral University JRK!
Aah!
[siren wailing]
[woman] I told you to get your
behind over here earlier.
-[man] What?!
-You heard me.
[dog barks in distance]
[music continues]
[Vic] I'm funny enough
to kick you upside the butt.
[knock on door]
I said fine,
and I ain't kidding.
[Blood] One does not say
"ain't," Albert.
Simply say,
"I'm not kidding."
[Vic] Fine, dogmeat.
And stop calling me Albert.
[Blood] You would stone
a poor defenseless animal,
wouldn't you?
Yes, I can tell what you would.
I can tell by your short breath
and your disgusting, aggressive
behavior that you would.
That's because you're not
a nice person, Albert.
You're not a nice person
at all.
[music continues]
-Whoa!
-[gasps]
What the hell
are you kids doing in here?!
-Get out of here right now!
-Wait.
-You're Samurai, right?
-Why do you know who I --
Wait. No. Who's that?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Okay, you're Eric Canu, right?
How do you know my name?
Oh, wait a minute,
I get it.
You guys are fans, right?
That's what's going on here.
You're fans.
Well, I got news for you.
I don't do any more
fan favorites.
I'm done with all that stuff.
No more autographs, nothing.
Alright?
Those days are over.
So I got a P.O. box...
Sir, we need one minute
of your time.
I just gave you a minute
of my time.
Now, why are you
still standing in my apartment?
Come on, Beck, he obviously
doesn't want to help us.
-Let's just go.
-No!
I cannot just sit by
and lose Jay.
I will not do it,
and I don't --
I don't care if
I have to fight Viral by myself.
What did you just say?
I cannot -- I cannot believe
that you --
you are really
[chuckling] Samurai.
-I mean, it's actually him.
-[Beckett] Yes.
I don't really
look the same so much,
but I still got it in there.
Booyah! Ha ha!
I'm the Samurai.
That's me.
Can you tell us more about
what you know about Viral?
Viral.
He came into my life
and he changed everything.
I mean, he gave me a life.
He gave me fans.
He gave me followers.
He gave me everything
for a minute.
I was the king
of Donkey Kong.
The best player ever.
Held my title for years.
My VTV channel had more likes
than I could ever imagine,
and my videos were always the
first to show up.
[chuckles]
I went to all the big shows,
all the conventions.
Even all the events for gaming,
all the competitions.
I was featured
in all the arcade magazines.
[energy powering down]
But people moved on.
[beeping]
Started losing
my sponsorships,
and I saw my likes dwindle,
and...
I just couldn't believe,
after all the time and energy
I gave to that game...
and to my fans,
that Viral could just drop me
like that.
So that's what happened.
[scoffing] Yeah.
Viral happened.
But...
...once I got pissed off,
I started doing some research.
And, uh, what I found out
was pretty tubular, actually.
Oh, yeah.
By the way, check this out.
That's the real deal.
Pretty cool, huh?
[beeping]
Look at this.
I found out that Viral was
a top-secret program
created
by a private government agency
to test against foreign enemies.
Something they called
Operation Snake Eyes.
They even built
a video tool to use
for domestic
and international spying.
Wait. That's VTV.
Very smart, missy.
You got that right.
And it worked.
Worked a little bit too well.
I mean, Viral became
more and more powerful.
Kept using all of this energy
to -- to control people,
to -- to get into
people's minds.
And the bigger he grew,
the more powerful he grew,
the harder it became
to control him,
until eventually
he found a way
to totally cross over
from his world into ours.
[Carly] Well, why didn't
they just erase the program?
It doesn't work. It's too late.
He's already got control.
Like, he's too powerful.
What's even worse
is the more VTVers he gets,
the more likes he gets...
...the more powerful he becomes.
I mean, what happens
to my friend, huh?
He -- He's one of your biggest
fans, and he needs your help.
I do have a theory that maybe,
if we could find a way
to get inside his world...
...there's probably some kind of
a power switch in there
that he's feeding off of.
And if we could
get to that power...
...uh, maybe there'd be a way to
get in there and shut it down.
And then we could stop
all of this.
So help us do it.
I already told you, man,
I can't do that.
Listen,
you got to understand, dude.
People think I'm dead, and I'd
like to keep it that way.
My best friend,
he might be gone forever.
Except that he can't fake
that he's dead.
Come on, Carly, let's go.
Here.
So now what?
I'm gonna have to go home
and face him.
Alright, give me your Vbox.
I have an idea.
[music continues]
[music continues]
[muted]
Okay, you know the plan.
Yeah.
I'm gonna take Jay's Vbox
so we can communicate
to find him.
I've got the video on mine.
Okay, no matter what,
if anything goes wrong
and we don't make it back --
Don't say that.
I need you to promise me that
you're gonna put that video up
at 9:00.
No matter what.
Are you ready?
'Cause we are
his only chance, Carly.
Wouldn't say only chance.
Alright. Pretty impressive setup
you got here, kid.
I mean, seriously,
you're smarter than you look.
Except there's only
one problem,
which is that there's no way
you could ever find
your way out of this maze
unless you've been there.
And the only one
that's ever been there
and managed to make it out
is me.
Yeah, but, I mean,
we need a map of Viral's world.
Good point.
[beeping]
How did you do that?
Well, because I'm Samurai.
This is like a maze.
Actually, it's more
of a labyrinth.
Uh, kind of
if you look at it that way,
this section right here
is where he keeps all the kids.
So think of it as
like the worker bees, right?
And then over here
we have the power tower,
which is the centralized
power source.
So what we need to do
is figure out a way
to get into
the centralized power source
so that we can
essentially shut it down.
But the only way to do that
is by authenticating it
with a particular code.
And the only one who has
access to that code is Viral.
How do we disable the code?
Well, leave that to me.
Because I'm Samurai.
[chuckles]
What's the password?
Um, BO#8675309.
[soft laugh]
Really?
[Beckett] Yeah.
[Samurai exhales]
Cheesy, but okay.
[typing]
[beeping]
It works.
[music continues]
[energy whooshes]
Hey, kid.
I know it looks trippy
and stuff,
but try not to touch it.
[video game music playing]
What?
Okay, what's the plan?
The plan is you're
gonna go find your friend
and you're gonna get him free.
And if you see any other kids
in there, let them free, too.
Okay.
What about you?
Me? I'm gonna be busy
trying to find the power tower.
And once I do find it,
I got to shut it down.
So the main thing
for you to worry about
is not what I'm doing,
but getting yourself
out of here.
'Cause, remember,
this place is one giant maze.
So the most important thing
you can do is not get lost.
You're gonna go
straight down this corridor.
You're gonna make
your first left,
then a right, and then
you're gonna come to a room
where there's gonna be
multiple doorways.
When you get to that room,
I want you to make
your second left.
Got it?
Um, yes. First left,
second right, first right.
That's not what I said.
No, I was very specific.
First left,
second right, second left.
-Second left. Okay.
-Right.
-Left.
-Right. Not left.
-Yeah. Good luck, kid.
-Thank you.
-You're gonna need it.
-Yes.
[sighs]
[music continues]
Crap.
Did he say first door
on the left
or second door on the right?
Or was it left?
No, it was right.
Right, for sure.
[music continues]
[chittering]
-[growls]
-[gasps] Aah!
Second door on the left.
Idiot.
[beeps]
That's weird.
Where'd he go?
[beeping]
[music continues]
Jay.
[music continues]
Jay.
Jay.
[music continues]
Money, money,
that's what I got
Lots of new friends
back on the block
Money, money,
that's what I got
[Jay]
That's what I got
That's what I got,
that's what I got
Lot of new friends...
[energy whooshes]
-Jay, Jay.
-Where am I?
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
This is all my fault.
I've been such a jerk to you.
You wouldn't be here
if it wasn't for me.
Here?
Where?
Uh, we're kind of inside
my Video Visionary 2250.
Be serious.
This is a dream, right?
No.
And...I'm here with Samurai.
Wait, Samurai?
Like, the Samurai?
Oh, well, it doesn't matter
if it's a dream or not.
Let's go see Samurai.
Come on, let's help them.
[energy whooshing]
Hey, hey.
It's okay.
Help her out like I did you.
Get the glasses.
We got to go.
We got to go right now.
Right now.
Are they gonna be okay?
[whisperings from kids]
[beeping]
You found him!
Thank God.
[Vbox chimes]
It's Carly.
Tell her I said hi.
Jay says hi.
[typing]
Eyes on the prize, boys.
The tower's just ahead.
[music continues]
[overlapping talking]
So you want to learn the
freshest breakdance moves?
Then stay tuned to KevinTube.
[overlapping talking]
[Mr. Viral chuckles]
Welcome, Beckett.
I'm glad you could make it
to your new home.
I am done, Viral.
I'm out!
Now let us go, or else.
Or else what, boy?
Or I'll expose you.
[mockingly]
Or I'll expose you.
[laughing]
That's right,
I have a video waiting
to share with everyone.
And this is my evidence.
It's all right here.
All I have to do is press
this button and you're finished.
Give that to me.
You want it?
Come and get it.
[beeping]
Now, Beckett,
give me the device,
or it's going to be the end
for your friend, Samurai.
[worm roars]
Samurai!
Wow! Samurai!
What are you going to do,
Beckett?
[roars]
Here!
Take the stupid thing.
I wish it never came
into my life.
Now let him go.
[groans]
Thanks.
That was a little rougher
than we agreed on.
What do you expect?
He made me an offer
I couldn't refuse.
I mean, really,
my life was -- was crap.
It was destroyed.
It was nothing.
He gave me a chance
to get it all back --
my -- my life, my fans,
my -- my views.
I can't believe it!
How could you be such
a conniving...
Douchebag.
[music continues]
[beeps]
I hope you're right
about this, Beck.
[Kimberly] Beckett,
whose crappy car is that
leaking oil
in the drive...way?
What are you doing here?
And where is my brother?
Your brother?
Now you see, Beckett,
I have all the power.
There is no escaping.
I'm going to use you
like I used him...
[clinks]
...and take over the minds
of kids all over the world.
And my power will be endless.
[Samurai] Yeah, no, no,
this is -- this is too much.
I think you're going a little
far with this whole power thing.
You're no stranger
to bad contracts.
I get you run on power.
I get that.
-You want the fame?
-But you're a power freak now.
Come on, Carly.
[overlapping arguing]
-[Mr. Viral] I'm a freak?
-[Samurai] It's a
little too far.
-You like freaks.
-This is you.
Enough!
You two look a little stiff.
How about something
to warm you up?
Please, Samurai.
Help us.
Wait, we never
discussed this, man.
This isn't right.
You're absolutely right,
Samurai.
Neither was this.
Aaah!
You psycho binary butthole!
One down, two to go.
So...
you're telling me
that my brother is in
some video-game world
trying to save Jay,
who is being held by,
like, a virtual Freddy Krueger?
[scoffs] Come on.
I'm not the smartest
cheerleader on the squad,
but I'm not
the dumbest either, sister.
[beeps]
Look! That's him now.
[Beckett]
I am Beckett O'Connell.
Most of you watching know...
...that my videos
over the past week
have exploded in popularity.
I've gotten everything
that I thought I ever wanted.
Fame...
...popularity at school...
...the girl I thought
I always wanted.
For what?
And at what cost?
I hurt a lot of people
this week,
and some
that I thought deserved
-their share of embarrassment.
-[sighs]
[Beckett] But I'm so sorry
that I hurt any of you.
But how does
something like this happen
to an unpopular kid
like me overnight?
How is it even possible?
What I am about to say ...
...will sound
so far-fetched that...
...you may think
it's another prank.
But it's not.
An artificial intelligence
by the name of Mr. Viral
made this happen.
He is the one that is behind
all of the famous VTVers
on his network, Viral U.
He is found only
in complete desperation --
those kids, myself included...
...seeking and willing to do
anything...
...to be famous.
I -- I am going to try -- try...
...to put an end to this.
[clapping]
Well done, Mr. O'Connell.
But you forgot one thing.
You can't prove that I exist.
[beeps]
So I win and you lose.
[beeps]
So I win and you lose.
So I win -- I win
and you...
[crackling]
[alarm blaring]
It's gonna blow.
Let's get the hell out of here.
Aaaaah!
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay.
[Carly cries]
He's okay. He's okay.
It's okay.
[buzzing and rumbling]
[beeping]
Ohh!
I didn't know what
I was gonna tell Mom.
[laughs]
[telephone ringing]
Sullivan.
[woman exclaims]
-Hey, honey.
-[woman] He's here!
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down. What?
He's back home!
-What are you saying?
-Corey's back home!
He's back home!
[Linda] And our last story
is a heartwarming one
just in time for the holidays.
In an unexplained event,
hundreds of missing VTV kids
have suddenly
returned home today,
including famed LegoBoy
Cory Sullivan.
This strange phenomenon
has everyone,
including authorities,
completely baffled.
Well, one thing is for sure --
This is truly
a Christmas miracle.
Until next time,
I'm Linda Richards.
Thanks for watching.
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Come on, come on
-Are you gonna?
-Yeah.
-There you go.
-Thank you.
-What size skates, darling?
-Ten.
-And you?
-[Carly] Seven.
Wait.
Are you the Pranksta?
[Carly snorts]
Uh, I was.
Well, here's your skates,
Formerly Known As.
Come on, let's go.
That's my brother.
You know, you should still
call yourself the Pranksta.
It has a nice ring to it.
No, um,
I actually think that
Formerly Known As,
it actually sounds cooler.
So, now what?
Uh, now?
Now everything is back
to the way it's supposed to be.
Chalmers,
he's back with Hope.
I've got
my unpopular life back.
And?
And?
And you have me.
And you have me.
Hey.
You want to go skate?
[Jay] Yeah.
[mid-tempo pop music playing]
When the rain is falling
And you're lost in the night
I'll be here to tell you
It will be alright
When the world's against you
And you can't find a friend
I will be the one who
Lifts you up again
When your dreams are fading
And you can't see the light
I will be here to hold you
Just keep your hand in mine
Boy, I'll never leave you
You're safe with me tonight
If the ground
beneath you crumbles
And the fire shows you scars
Oh, I'll be right beside you
To remind you who you are
I will be here
When the rain is falling
And you're lost in the night
I'll be there to tell you
You're gonna be alright
[up-tempo rock music plays]
Have you come alive
Or are you just living
to survive?
If you had the chance,
so why'd you let go?
Do you feel alright?
Does the mood
stir you up inside?
When it starts to shake
around you, you'll know
Oh!
Running 'round
like a wild chimpanzee
Being chased
by the girl next door
Oh, life's a vicious cycle
Hiding out by the fence
behind the old record store
And the kid on the video
will say
"This Is Going Viral"
T-T-This --
This Is G-Going Viral
T-This Is Going Viral
T-T-This Is --
This Is Going Viral
What are you doing?
Movie's over.
Go home.
Go.