Going Viral (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[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 k*ll 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 k*ll 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 ba*ls

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 t*rture 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.

k*ll Stephanie.

[laser whirring]

[expl*si*n]

[Ben] Run, girly!

Run faster!

[explosions]

[Stephanie] Aah!

[Ben] Johnny 5,

what are you doing?

[Stephanie]

He's sh**ting at me!

[laser whirs, expl*si*n]

Aah!

[Ben] Oh, he almost got

the farmer on that one.

[Johnny 5] No disassemble

Johnny 5.

Bad humans.

[laser whirring, expl*si*n]

[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.