Original subtitles

I guess you wouldn't know it from what I wear, but my name is Alex.

I live in the metropolis of West Appleton.

It's a nice town, and I've got great friends here.

Alisa, Delia, and me, coming out of Nancy's old -fashioned diner.

There's Ken, the music guru.

He loves all kinds of tunes, as long as they're at least 50 years old.

This is the very stylish Alisa, queen of the poodle skirt and bobby socks.

But don't let those clothes fool you. She's a great bowler.

Last but not least is Delia.

She makes up in brains what she lacks in bowling bronze.

After breakfast, we head down to my dad's bowling alley.

I've got the keys to the joint. So in the morning, we crank up those swinging

tunes and roll a few frames to start our day.

Sweet, huh?

I love the smell of rental shoes in the morning.

This is the way the world should be all the time.

But then there's school.

You know, the one with the winning smile?

This is his world.

The world of serious athletics.

The world I'll never understand.

And you gotta figure it's always gonna be that way. The biggest thing in Todd's

charmed life right now is a big hunk of metal called the Mighty Apple Trophy.

Which is only interesting to me because it slightly resembles a bowling ball.

If Macklemore can lead the Mighty West Appletonians to victory in basketball,

will tie up the fight for the Mighty Apple.

Dad, I'll be disowned.

But I'll sneak away early. We'll be waiting for them. Hey, it's the strange

dudes. Yes, the strange dudes. Hey, you coming to the game, strange dudes?

Why would you want us to take up seats when there are so many people who

really want to go?

Where are your school spirits?

Oh, mine's in a box in my locker. Where's yours?

Wouldn't you like to know? Come on, guys, don't waste your breath.

Too cool for us?

Huh? Maybe I should warp you into basketball to show you a thing or two,

Excuse me.

You, me, one game of force.

You're kidding, right? I record my jumpers at 48 degrees, launch with 14

of force. I bake most of my shots off the backboard using the simple formula

tangent X times cosine Y, where X and Y relate to the height and angle of my

initial shot.

Using the backboard through the matrix, of course.

And if you accept my challenge, Mr. Smart Mouth, you would lose to a little

girl. Am I right?

You're right.

Come on, Leo. It's not worth your time. Come on. I could beat her. I know. I

could, you know. I know.

Juliet, have you ever shot a basketball?

Wouldn't you like to know?

East and West were involved.

strikes, not spares. Ten in a row is enough.

Fair enough. I'll press the reset button.

Dad, the reset button's broken again.

Oh, what, again?

There's no money in the repair fund, Alex.

Better work your magic back there.

You think we get no crowds because the alley's falling apart?

Or is the alley falling apart because we get no crowds?

I don't know, pal.

I'm wide open on ideas to get the folks in here, but until that happens...

Your mechanical genius is what we need.

Hey, Cool Cats, what's happening?

Oh, hey.

I thought for a second we might have had a paying customer.

Are you kidding, Mr. T?

Everybody says a game.

Oh. Would you put this in? It helps me bowl.

Swinging Hepcats.

All right, who are you kids?

Where do you come from?

Time for one last shot.

Now, you've got to think that Todd Macklemore is going to get the ball, but

East has got to be thinking that, too. All right, now, they're going to get me

triple -team, Todd, so we should think about somebody else. Give me the ball.

I'll be open, though. Give me the ball.

Hello, Mayor Macklemore.

Oh, Mayor, I am Margaret.

Yeah, looks like the mighty apple's coming home to me in East Appleton.

Yeah, well, don't be so sure.

I'll pick it off to Mr. Perrin for a second and look at the scoreboard.

It's a silly trophy, Dad.

Oh, yeah, I know, but I mean, it has meaning.

I mean, it proves that we can all strive for what we want, right?

Huh? I mean, it proves that we can all unite for a common good.

Well, anything that makes a big shot out of a kid like Todd McElmore is not a

good thing at all. I know. I just don't know why everyone cares so much about

it. Talk to my dad, and you'll understand.

He played for that trophy.

He reminds me about it every day, twice a day, whether I need to hear it or not.

The Mighty Apple is ugly.

Okay, guys, one more game. Winner pays.

But you always win, and your dad doesn't charge you.

Nice arrangement, huh?

We'll check the charter for the tiebreaker tomorrow, Mayor, but the

ours.

He knows something. I can tell.

Hey, now that was a fantastic finish, huh?

Sweet Lou wants to interview you tomorrow, and I've set up a meeting with

Appleton News again.

It'll be just like when you won the baseball championship with that Homer.

Maybe I'll call around and see if we can get some regional coverage.

Whatever, but let's go home and beach.

Oh, I am so proud of you.

Thanks, Mom.

Last ball in the 10th frame, and Alex Thompson needs a strike to win the U .S.

Bowling Open.

Good release.

Steady and true.

See? I can make the big shot, too.

Maybe you'll turn pro one day.

Nah, not interested. Thanks.

Come on, champ.

Let's go home.

I got my love of bowling from my dad.

But sometimes love and money don't go hand in hand.

I would be really sad if we had to close the place.

Nobody seems to want a bowl anymore.

Hey, what's up?

Come on, it was nothing, it was nothing.

Thank you, thank you.

Hey, Todd, you were so great last night.

We've been talking about you all day.

Yeah?

So, are you coming to my party?

Wouldn't miss it. We'll be there. No doubt, man.

Great. See you there? Definitely.

Ah, Mr. Morris.

So, what's going to happen to the Mighty Apples since we ended up tied?

We're not going to be tied for long.

Are they finally going to throw out the girls' cross -country score?

Slimy East Appleton people.

They called.

They spoke.

And what did they say?

Bowling.

We'll sue the East. We'll sue them.

It's only a trophy, Jeff.

After all the Todd's hard work this year, we're going to lose to Mighty

because of bowling?

I can't allow it. You saw the charter.

Both schools have bowling clubs, and bowling is the only tiebreaker listed

we both have teams. We have no choice.

All right, we'll hold tryouts. We'll load the team with talent. No tryouts.

have to field our team based on who signed up for bowling club at the

of the year. On the plus side, we won the coin toss, and we get home alley

advantage. Anyway.

Maybe the team will be good.

Oh, yeah, right. Think of our alley. Think of Kevin Thompson for Pete's sake,

and then ask yourself, what type of losers are members of the bowling club?

Why does it matter who else signed up for bowling club?

We're the only ones who ever show up.

That club list is here somewhere.

You guys don't think we can beat the East?

Is that what's going on? We never said that. We simply wish to explore and find

out all the options.

Mr. Morris, we're good.

Oh, hurrah, hurrah, and ye.

There's a fifth bowler.

Todd McElmore's on the list.

Golden Boy's in a bowling club?

I'm in bowling...

You signed up at the beginning of the year, Todd.

Have you forgotten?

I'm in bowling club? This is fantastic and good news.

Maybe we can beat East Appleton after all, huh?

I'm in bowling club?

Flip made me sign you up, man. He made me. It was Leo's idea, honest.

This is great news, Alex. This is not great news.

Your mom and her dad think it is.

You know, Grandpa might be out of the hospital in time for them both to make

back for the match.

Plus, it could be big things for the alley here.

But I like bowling because it isn't the next big thing.

Never has been and never will be.

When I was your age, bowling was the thing to do.

It's only cool to you now, my friend, because it was cool to us then.

I guess so.

If it's good for the alley, then fine.

Sweet Lou back on the air here at WWAP with Todd McLemore. Todd, it appears you

have no time to rest on your laurels. The Mighty Apple is going to go to the

town whose school bowls best.

I thought our school had victories in basketball, baseball, tennis, football,

and track. I don't see why bowling will be any different.

Okay, spoken like a true competitor.

But let me ask you, can you bowl?

Do you bowl?

Have you bowled?

Come on, sweet Lou, everyone bowls. I can do this. Trust me.

Good job, Alex.

Another one?

You've got to be kidding me.

Alex is pretty good there, Jeff.

I think your son can keep up.

Oh, we Macklemores have a long history of rising to the challenge.

Unlike some people I know, Mr.

Oops, I dropped the ball.

It was a bad throw.

Do you know what they're talking about?

I don't.

Every time my dad and the mayor get together, I get a weird vibe.

Like something major happened to the two in the past.

But you can't ask them what happened.

They never want to talk about it.

Oh, well, anyway.

Come on, Todd. Show us what you got.

I guess our principal is easily impressed.

Yeah. Hey, you guys bowl strikes every time?

No, we're not that good.

I didn't think so.

Ten frames with all strikes is a perfect game.

It's pretty rare, like hitting three homers in a baseball game.

That's it?

By the time we're done, I guarantee you, I'll have bowled a 100.

Woo!

Hey, don't laugh at me. You know I'm going to be that good.

A perfect game is a 300, Slick, not 100.

That's like hitting a single.

But you just said... Look, a strike score is 10 plus the next two balls you

roll, so you could score 30 points, see? Think baseball, three strikes. A spare

is 10 plus the next ball you roll. So if I said, hey, you got a spare ball,

strike three, spare two, that's how come 100 is nothing too special.

Got it?

Whatever.

I just need some practice.

Wow! I think it's going well.

No style.

I think he was nervous. Just give him a chance.

Yeah, like he'll give us one.

Hey, hey, hey, my favorite customer.

Hey, Nancy, can you get the usual?

I'm way ahead of you.

Come on, eat up. You're going to need your strength to win the mighty apple.

Well, I thought the golden boy on the matter.

That's what everybody else is saying.

Yeah, well, some people say that, and some people say the moon's made of

It doesn't make it true.

Moon's not made of cheese?

Yeah, well, it just goes to show you can learn something new from everyone.

Hey, get out of here, lady.

Hey, Todd.

You know that house, kid?

What's with those clothes?

I heard he found them at the back of a bowling alley.

Yeah? Well, I hear he's a great bowler. Is that true?

Hey, bowling's not so hard, okay? Just leave it alone.

What are you going to do? You going to quit?

Quit?

No way.

If we lose this, nothing else matters.

I'm going to teach those guys how to bowl in triumph.

But it'll still be bowling.

Hey, I'm going to work on that. But I promise you, I'm going to win us the

apples. Oh, of course.

So the mighty apple's fate is up to us.

You've got to admit, it's pretty funny.

No kidding.

Maybe this will make people care for bowling and save the alley.

Yeah, I hope so. I mean...

Sometimes I think the only reason your dad keeps it open is because you, me,

Ken, and Delia love bowling so much.

Don't let him fool you. He loves it, too.

He's got me and Mom to think about.

And he's going to sell the alley, unless, you know.

Man, I'm already nervous. I mean, we're bowling for the Mighty Apple.

Mighty Apple, shmighty apple.

How can it not be fun if we're bowling together?

Yeah, it's true. I mean, we'll probably be talking about it forever.

We'll be legends.

At least to each other, anyway.

Well, Todd, how's the bowling team?

Better now that I'm on it. Well, Todd, everything's going to change next year

when our schools combine with East Appleton.

Whoever wins the Mighty Apple this year will keep it forever.

Yeah, I know.

We're already cleared a place out for it in City Hall. It's our legacy.

What do you want me to say, Dad?

Whoever lets you down?

No, son, you don't.

Yeah, Mayor Hamburger.

Jeff McLemore here.

Yeah. You want to make this bowling match a little more interesting?

Well, if you win, we'll give you 40 gallons of our best apple cider.

Yeah, the pride of West Appleton.

And if we win, you give us 40 East Appleton apple pies.

Deal?

Great. I can taste those pies already.

Uh -huh. Bye.

The apple is coming for the win.

bowling thing going.

Okay.

I hear Alex is a really good bowler.

Maybe the two of you could win at the Apple?

Maybe, but I'll tell you what, my teammates don't care about the Apple.

They don't care about winning.

That's because they've never been winners. Got that right.

I'm sure you'll see.

Missed it by that much.

Great torque, though.

I think you're doing better.

Soon you'll learn you don't have to throw the ball so hard.

It took me a long time to learn that.

I just need practice. I told you that.

Well, maybe you'll see that the ball follows your thumb.

If it's pointing straight after you let go of the ball, the ball is going

straight. Whatever.

She was trying to teach you, you know.

Duh, you think I'm an idiot?

Nah, you're the golden boy.

Smart, talented, and perfect.

Uh, gifted, too. You forgot gifted.

Actually, the way I hear it, you're Mark McGuire, John Elway, and Michael Jordan

all rolled into one.

You forgot Tiger Woods and Wayne Gretzky. But you're no guppy troop.

Guppy troop?

He's in the Professional Bowlers Hall of Fame.

Anyway, the way I hear it...

You're the best bowler in the town. The town, the county, and the entire

country.

Yeah, I heard that one, too.

Is that true?

Not yet.

But then again, I bet it took Guffy a little time to learn to swim.

You know what I hear?

I hear you're just this strange kid who's obsessed with bowling, hates all

sports, and dresses like you found you. Like I found my clothes in the back of

the bowling alley.

Yeah, I heard that one, too.

Is it true?

Look, I love bowling. I don't like many other sports, and it's a lie that I

found my clothes in the back of the bowling alley.

That's a lie?

Yeah. I found my clothes in a catalog that I found at the back of the bowling

alley.

Whatever.

What's with that music?

That's good music.

Haven't you ever heard of Backsheet Boys, Savage Garden, Aerosmith? Haven't

ever heard of Keeley Smith, Lili Pima, Sergio Mendez?

So why are we having practice here?

Come here, just take a look.

Oh, I'm real impressed.

Computer bowling? Why?

Strength plus finesse beats sheer speed every time.

You know, you could learn something from that. It's a computer, guys. It's not

real.

Hello, people.

Don't you know that we have less than four weeks to be ready to beat East

Appleton? You're saying we need work, or you're saying you need work?

Well, I'll be ready. I'm just worried about you guys. You guys need an

check. We need one?

Yeah, you gotta want to win. I'm not seeing that. It can give your team the

advantage. You know, I always thought that bowling well gives your team the

advantage.

He's a funny guy.

Yeah.

Attitude matters.

Now I'm sure the East is doing everything they can to get an edge. An

Slick? This is bowling.

What can they do?

I'm watching you bowl, and I think I can help you.

It's up to you if you want to listen.

Really? What's in it for you?

Are you joking?

I thought you might want to win.

I don't know, maybe if you get excited, other people will too, and my dad can

save his house.

Look, teach me how to bowl, and I'll bring you a lunch party tonight.

Look, I don't need pity or party invites.

If you want me to help you bowl, just ask.

We're teammates, right?

Forget about it, man. I thought you might have fun.

Hey, Todd.

Alex, right?

You're coming to my party, right?

Uh -huh.

Alex?

Thanks, Lauren.

I'd love to.

Great. So, um, I'll see you guys there?

Mm -hmm.

So you want to win the bowl?

Oh, you're just loving this, aren't you?

Fine. Let's try it.

Step one.

It's you.

Dork. Dirk.

Same thing.

Why do you guys dress so weird? We don't dress weird.

You guys dress weird.

Whatever. I'm not wearing that.

You failed lesson one.

I don't care. Can we bowl, please?

Tomorrow. There's a big party tonight.

I'm so glad you're here.

Hi, Alex.

We're going to whip these Appletons with us, aren't we?

Well, of course we are.

Todd's on the case.

I hope he helps us win the Apple Pot.

He sure doesn't fit the part.

Well, who knows? Maybe he'll do Alex some good hanging with us.

Appleton look like a bunch of losers, aren't you?

Uh, no question.

You're all right!

Good to have Bubba on your side.

Todd says the money apple's up to the two of you.

If you both do well, you're going to be heroes.

Todd would know. He already is a hero.

You want to dance, Todd? I'll dance.

Nah, maybe later.

Do you want to dance, Alex?

Oh, I...

I don't really know how to dance to this. I'll dance.

Whoa, look at the time. I gotta go.

Come on, it's 8 .30.

Next time, okay?

Thanks for inviting me to your party, Lauren.

Friends of Todd's are always welcome.

Uh, you know, late errands and stuff.

Okay, that's not exactly true.

I went to Lauren's party.

Cheerleader, Todd's friend.

Oh, my gosh, wait a second. So you and the golden boy were at the same party.

Did you know any of the other people there?

Not really, unless you can't flip on Leo's real people.

I'm not going to lose you to that whole crowd, am I?

Don't sweat it. It was just one party.

Hey, what you got there?

$220? That's fantastic.

Thanks. I was going to pin it to your front door.

Sorry I missed it.

Hey, I promise I'll be there when you bowl $300.

Deal.

All right.

Like that matters.

You're right. I don't know what I'm saying.

Keep doing it your way.

Well, actually, if you keep doing it your way, you're going to end up with

mediocre scores and a bad bowling back.

Keep at it, though.

You're natural.

Thanks.

Way to boost his ego, Dad.

Thought you were on my side.

Alex, I am on your side.

And Todd's on your side, too.

You got to remember, you're fighting for the mighty apple.

Hello, Dropsy. Watching Todd prepare to bring the apple back to West Aspen,

something you certainly never accomplished.

Right back at you there, arrow boy.

Hello, gang.

Todd.

We just set the rules with the East.

It's a four -on -four match, one game per person. Add up the score, and the

highest total score wins.

You can also add a substitute player on the bench for the current player at any

time. And like a pitch hitter, subs in for good.

This is a miracle.

I don't have to bowl.

No way. The day before the game, we should all bowl. Four highest scores

play. Hey, she doesn't want to bowl.

For once, I agree with Todd.

Yeah.

Smart kid.

I also spoke with Mayor Hanberger of the East, and we made a new little wager.

You're betting on us?

When East Appleton loses, they will have to proclaim it West Appleton Day and

hold a parade in our honor.

And what if we lose?

What type of attitude is that?

Wait, wait, wait.

Wait a minute here.

Isn't it enough just to win the Apple? I mean, do we need to put more pressure

on these kids?

Look, when you've got someone like Todd to lead you to victory, you've got to

take advantage of it. It's a golden opportunity.

I have no idea.

Todd? Who knows?

Well, I got homework to do. What are you guys going to do? I'm going to go see

East Appleton's bowling team.

Why? What they do doesn't affect what we do.

There's no offense and defense in bowling.

But don't you want to know if we can beat them?

What good will it do to know in advance?

Hey, maybe we can relax because maybe they stink.

East Appleton suggested bowling. We know they don't stink.

Whatever.

Look, I'm going home to get my bike.

Join me if you guys want to be smart.

See you guys.

Hey, Todd, wait up. Alex?

It's bigger, that's all.

Yeah, pretty impressive.

Yeah, well at least the big apple means a character.

Character?

That's what you want to call it.

They've got the Nagurski twins who walked all over us from football.

Barron McKay started the basketball team. And Katie Tanner from the tennis

We're in so much trouble.

Oh, nicely done.

You're really coming along.

Some of us still need a little work.

Whipsaw McGraw.

Who's Whipsaw McGraw?

PBA Tour Pro, two -time U .S. Open champion.

Wait, I thought that was tennis.

Now remember, consistency is the key.

Practice your approach over and over, and you'll be ready for the big match. I

promise you.

Thanks for coming, Whipsaw.

Sure thing, cousin.

I'm just glad I had a few days off from the tour.

I'll see you later.

We don't stand a chance.

They were all right. All right.

They're like machines. They're perfect.

Don't give up on the Mighty Apple just yet.

They won't pull strikes every time.

Wash them with me. You'll see.

Not seen enough.

So.

Well, what do we have here?

Hi, I was just leaving. I don't like spies.

You like spies, Baron?

Spying? You didn't think I was... Hey, there you...

We hear you're Mr. Boland now. I told you not to come here. Where's your sense

of sportsmanship, man?

But I came here with you.

That a fact, Macklemore?

Me, hanging with this guy?

Guess again, boys.

You gonna take care of him?

Well, don't you worry about it. I'll make sure this punk doesn't bother you

again.

What are you doing?

This was all your idea.

Oh, you're right. You're a horrible actor, then.

Me?

Look who's talking. Unless you were acting when you thought we'd lose to the

East. Well, then I guess you were pretty good, too, then.

Oh, get over it.

They were pretty good, weren't they?

Look.

Meet me at the alley tomorrow morning.

I'll teach you how to bowl.

With style.

Then you won't be too scared of them. Me?

You were the scared one. You asked, you thought I was mad.

Hey, Todd.

Man, it's early.

What am I doing here? Gotta move, gotta jive.

What the heck does that mean? It's what we're doing today, Todd.

Yep. Time to get in the zone.

Hey!

Delia isn't using her lane today.

Why don't you come over and join us?

Alright, let's get going. I know the drill.

No, Slick. You know form, but you don't know style.

That's what you're going to learn.

Delia, hit it.

Knock, knock, knock them down.

Let's go to town.

Mark spills the air.

Hey, we got time to spend.

Gonna set them up just the way we like. Cause it heats up when the alley cat

strikes.

Right down the middle.

Right down the middle.

Right down the middle.

Right down the middle. Set them up just the way we like. Cause it heats up when

the alley cat strikes.

Well, if you want people to come bowling, you've got to make it more fun

they get hooked.

This was fun.

Sell it. There's nothing to sell. Sure there is. Make it a party.

Dancing, food, a light show, cool tunes, and bowling.

Once a week. Make the alley the place to be.

We do it soon while everyone's got bowling on their minds.

Now you're thinking, every week a big party.

It won't work.

Trust me, the place doesn't even fill up on league nights.

It'll work, I guarantee it.

Yeah, Alex, maybe we can save the alley.

I don't know, maybe.

Now, what do we call it?

Lane dance?

Alley bash?

The bowling ball?

Yeah.

Nice.

Todd, we don't exactly have money to buy supplies or anything.

So why exactly are we going shopping?

We're not exactly going shopping.

We're... Just let me handle it.

But shouldn't you be practicing anyway? I'm getting better. You said so.

Yeah. You're coming along.

Todd!

Alex! The whole town is counting on you two.

Are you ready?

Hey.

We are so ready, sir.

Attaboy!

The match is in two weeks.

You said you were worried about the East.

Yeah, yeah, but you gotta want to win, man. And you gotta show it. That's how

leaders work.

You shouldn't be worried.

You got a gift, man. All you have to do is try and use it. Yeah.

I guess I can do that.

Now you're talking like a guy I like. Come on.

Now watch and learn.

Good afternoon, Miss Johnson.

Well, hello, Todd.

Getting ready to travel to the East? Absolutely.

And the thing is, I got this project in mind.

What? I've got no cash.

I thought maybe you could help.

Help you, Todd?

It's going to be my pleasure.

Hey, guys.

Hey, Dad. What do you got?

What is all this?

This is town spirit.

We got paint, chili sugar, and a whole lot of lights.

People just gave it to us. They gave it to you?

Well, great.

And I'll get Sweet Lou to mention them all on the air. He owes me. Plus, I plan

on getting a sound system and maybe some lasers.

Because if I'm with my friends, this place has got to rock.

Come on, we have more to do. Give me a sec.

All right, I'll see you outside.

Thanks. You're welcome.

I don't know, Dad.

It's going to change the place.

It won't be real bowling anymore.

Alex, we talked about this, right?

I mean, this place has got to change.

Sit down.

You know what I did today?

I got my real estate license.

Yeah.

But I had to start drafting up a listing on this place. You know how that made

me feel?

Bad.

But I don't know. All this stuff you guys are doing here, maybe it'll help.

But we're trying to change the alley into something totally different.

It won't be our own special place anymore.

No, no. It'll always be your own special place.

But, Alex, we have to take care of the business side. I mean, that's just the

way life is.

Anyway, maybe you'll find out that, you know, different isn't necessarily bad.

It's just, you know, it's just different.

You know, seeing you and Todd together makes me kind of flash back to when I

your age.

Why?

Well, because Jeff McLemore and I used to be best friends.

No way. You and the mayor?

Yeah, me and the mayor.

And we fought for the mighty apple.

I got to tell you something.

There was nothing that we would love more than to see our kids bring it back

here to the West.

But that was a long time ago.

We got to focus on saving this place, right?

Because I want to keep it bad.

So here's the plan.

You go on out there with your buddies, and like Todd said, you make this place

rock.

You got it, Dad.

Come on, Todd. Let's get to work.

Man, once no one comes.

Don't come.

You know, your dad and my dad used to be like best friends.

Get out of here. You're lying.

I'm not.

Forget about it.

We need to get some fire sprinters.

Like we got the thing.

Exactly.

Of course I'll be there. All right. I'll see you there.

Come bowling next Friday.

Flip, you know you want to do this, man. Yeah, man. I'm all ready. There you go.

All right.

Hey, come bowling next Friday. Come on, man.

Bowling? Hey, you're going bowling next Friday, right, Bubba?

There'll be food. Food? Yeah.

All right. Hey, Bubba, help us with the word. No one's going to want to miss it.

All right. All right.

Hey, come bowling next Friday. Bowling.

Awesome combination.

Try the split.

It rigged to set up only the 7 -10 split.

Two pins?

Easy.

Now, Alex, watch and learn.

Easy, huh? Try again.

Harder than it looks.

Yeah, but in a match I'll make it. I thrive on the pressure. So I've heard.

The reset's broken again.

Be back in a minute. Take a break.

Again?

Ah,

nice for you to join us.

You spend the next four years straight in here, and you'll practice as much as

we have.

Then we'll talk.

Man, Alex is the only one of you guys who has the right attitude.

The rest of you don't care at all. Where do you come off telling us how we feel?

You think you know everything about us. You think you know everything about

everything. I know how to win. And I know how to bowl.

It's not enough.

Well, then let me tell you something else.

My entire life, my father has wanted me to play sports.

You could be a star, he tells me. You've got the talent, he says. But you know

what? I have fun bowling.

And I don't like other sports.

Now all of a sudden, bowling means everything to our town.

And you think I don't care?

Think again, golden boy.

That's more like it.

You got to know that it's okay to aim high, and it's okay to show it. Show it

like you do?

I'll pass.

Fighting like cats and dogs is not going to make the next ten days real

pleasant. Am I right?

You're right, say the cool cats.

You're right, says the hot dog.

All right, then.

One more game.

Three low scores, but a high score dinner.

But you always get the high score, and I'm mighty hungry.

We're not invisible anymore.

We got the mighty Apple Globe.

Come on, let's go.

Hey, Todd.

Good news.

Your dad's got you and Alex on with Sweet Lou tonight. Sweet Lou?

Excellent. We told Sweet Lou you're the captain of the team.

Just so you know.

Todd,

that's not fair. We should vote on our own captain.

Well, Sweet Lou's expecting me.

Look, why don't you guys vote on a co -captain?

It's you, Alex. As long as you promise to come by the diner tonight and tell us

all about it. I promise.

If you guys promise to listen.

Dad.

Hey, do you guys think you'll call me, oh, captain, my captain?

In your dreams.

Good afternoon. This is Sweet Lou back on WWAP.

Joining me in the studio today, I have the captain of the bowling team, Todd

McLemore, and his co -captain, Alex Thompson.

Now let me ask you guys the one question that all of West Appleton wants to have

answered. It's a simple one.

Will you win?

Alex. Well, this is going to be the best bowling match West Appleton's ever

seen. And our team's awfully good. Trust me. Hey, and if you don't trust him,

then trust me. You know, I won't steer you wrong.

All right.

Let's go to the phones.

You're on the air.

Now I'll walk you guys home.

Good night, Nancy.

Good night.

I promise.

Of course, you promised last night.

I'm sorry.

Knuckly, please drop it.

Guys, come on. I hate to do this, but I've got to get you all to work now.

on. Let's turn this place into Bowling Bowl Hall.

This is so cool, Dad. Look what we've done.

So this is what the place looked like in the glory days.

Well, yeah, there was not as many fancy lights and more customers, but, yeah,

buddy, this place used to be something to see.

At least if we got a sale, we'll go out looking good, huh?

Maybe it'll work.

Well, either way, the place has been good to us, Alex.

You grew up here, and I got to watch, and that makes me a pretty lucky guy.

Either way, though, splits or strikes?

We're going to be okay.

I got to tell you something, though.

I really hope this works.

I got to go get changed.

Hey, tonight, don't worry about the alley, all right? Just be one of the

be one of the gang, and just have fun, okay?

All right, Dad. I'll be back in a minute.

Huh?

What do you think?

It's going to be cool, Mr. King.

We're even going to play for our own games.

You know what? I'm going to let you. We'll be targets for the bat games now.

good move.

This music is going to chase people away.

Swing music, that's the mood.

Yeah, the mood of misery, maybe. Hey, Mr. T, yo, put this in. I guarantee you.

Cha -ching. Cha -ching? Uh -huh. All right.

it if we win, but I still don't have to like them.

Say, Mr. T, this is one successful night. I bet you people come back here

the time now.

Hey, good night, Alex.

Yeah, I'll see you at practice.

Hey, Todd, thanks for your help.

No problem. Good night.

Dad, did you see Alicia and them leave?

Yeah, they left about an hour ago. Why?

No reason.

Just wondering, that's all.

Man, I hate this Mighty Apple stuff.

Really?

I thought you were kind of liking it a little bit.

I don't know. It just makes everything so different.

Well, it can make some things different, but it doesn't have to make you

different.

You should try bowling without the chain.

Now you're teaching me how to bowl? No, I'm teaching you how not to bowl. Alex,

why don't you try the... Try the left spin. Yeah, no deal. I didn't suddenly

stupid.

Hoorah! Yes!

I'm the man.

If I can't do it, no one can.

Uh -huh.

Uh -huh.

217. Now this is bowling.

I hate to admit it, but I'm impressed.

I never thought you could do that.

You want another treat?

Me neither.

Hey, but you always said that... Shh.

We're crying out loud.

Hey, team, ready to whip the wolf pack?

Yeah, you betcha.

Okay, bowlers, listen up.

Now, it's time for us to show that the time you've spent here has been time we

took the time to notice.

Of course, we want you to win.

But most of all, we want you to represent us Wildcats well.

Don't be silly. We want you to win.

So, here you go.

Your new uniforms.

Doesn't it make you proud to wear the school colors, huh?

Ew, these uniforms are ugly.

Fashion emergency.

Nothing that says West Appleton Wildcats can be ugly, young lady.

And hey, now we're a team for sure.

Well, I'm psyched.

Bring on these.

You tell him, son.

Keep those balls rolling.

Hey, Dad, you back there?

Hey, pal. These uniforms stink.

Well, hold it up. Let me see.

Yeah, it's nothing special, is it?

Tell it to me again.

Your dad said what?

If we win the new school, it'll be called West Appleton Junior High.

And if we lose, it'll be called East Appleton Junior High.

Wait, so now it's the Mighty Apple and the school?

Look, don't whip out on me, guys.

We were so close. We're so good.

Oh, that was it.

That was the final straw.

My old friends hate me. My new friends aren't my friends at all.

Oh, this just isn't any fun anymore.

Look at this.

They bet a school on us and they give us a piece of junk.

All they care about is winning.

They don't understand bowling and they don't understand us.

Alex, no one understands us.

This is bogus. I'm so out of here.

What do you mean?

What do you think I mean? I quit.

No way. You can't quit. You can't leave me now.

Watch me. Alex, you can't quit now. We're too far into this thing. The team

needs you.

We are not having a good day. What a loser. Not a loser. This isn't the real

Alex. Of course.

You must know that, now that you're his best bud.

At least there's still four of us.

Four?

Me? Bull?

Delia.

Just trying to lighten the mood.

Did you talk to him? I tried. He's not listening.

So, uh, where's that Thompson kid?

Uh, Alex isn't feeling well.

Well, son, you still ready to lead the team to victory?

Actually, sir, we're going to let Todd bowl for all of us. That way he can lead

and follow.

Well, Todd's been through the fires before.

He's a leader.

Natural born.

He's kept us all together, that's for sure. Never speared any of us wrong.

I rest my case.

I'm so nervous.

Don't be.

You're all good. You were all really good.

But these uniforms are a fashion defect.

Look, we have fun. We do the best we can. That's all we can do.

She doesn't seem like it's enough.

Sometimes it isn't enough.

This is so unlike Alex.

Vince doesn't like himself for a while now.

I miss him.

Nancy, I'm getting another soda.

Go right ahead.

Can I join you?

Where's your fan club?

I left them at the TARDIS King rally my dad is hosting.

Are you looking for sympathy?

You don't like to lose, do you?

I can't lose. It's not allowed.

Look, I just came here because I wanted to.

You know.

No, I don't know.

Lisa, you can bowl the worst game of your life tomorrow.

A five, maybe, or a ten.

But at the end of the day, your friends wouldn't care.

And that is just so cool.

I want to win, you know. We all do.

It's nice having people look at us.

Actually at us, not past us. People always look at you after this.

Win or lose.

No. People will always look at you and blame us for the loss or say we were

carried by you to a win.

Look, forget about the game.

What I'm saying is that eventually people will see you because you're there

you're real.

That's all that counts.

Maybe.

Definitely. Trust me on this one.

You should go talk to Alex.

I don't think he wants to talk to me.

Well, you should try anyway.

Yeah.

You know, I got something for you. But you're right. I should go talk to Alex

first.

Golden Boy is human?

All right.

I'm sorry everything got so messed up, you know?

That's all I can say.

You're right.

Probably wasn't even your fault.

You know, I never thought I'd actually like you.

I never thought I liked bowling.

All I thought about was winning.

I always wanted to win, too.

We all did, really. We just didn't care the same way you did.

I know that now, dummy. That's what I'm saying.

You're not me. You're not the same as me.

No.

You know what the big difference is?

Hair color?

Yeah.

I play every sport I can, but I'm not there because I have fun.

I'm there because that's what I do, and I'm good at it.

Sure, sometimes it's a blast, but that's not why I'm there.

Bowling was fun.

Bowling still is fun, Alex.

Tomorrow, let's forget about the big states.

Let's just go out there and bowl.

If we win, great. And if not, well, we'll have fun and we'll try.

But I want you there.

If I chase you away, I'm not going to have any fun at all. And I really want

have fun.

Look.

It's yours whether or not you play.

Tex, you look like a Tex.

It's our new uniforms.

And I think I'm going to be Dirk.

Just promise me something.

The next time you bowl, whenever it is, just have fun again.

Good night, Dirk.

Good night, Tex.

Hey.

I thought I heard voices.

No, it's just me.

Just got off the phone with Mom.

She and Grandpa are coming back tomorrow night.

They said they miss you.

And I miss bowling.

You know, the way it used to be.

You know, Jeff McLemore and I used to play second base and shortstop on the

school baseball team.

Bottom of the ninth against East Appleton.

We mess up a double play.

He says that I dropped the ball, and I say that he made a bad throw, but we

the game.

Later on in the year, we lose the apple.

And we decided it was because of that missed double play.

It became a huge thing between us. We stopped having fun together, and we

stopped being friends.

We claimed that the mighty apple changed us.

Of course, it wasn't really the Apple. It was just us.

Letting that happen was the stupidest thing either one of us has ever done.

You lock up when you come in?

Yeah.

My eyes are back.

Oh, my God. It's good to see you.

How are you feeling?

Great.

He's coming.

Can you tell? He's not coming. Yes, he's coming. Well, you better hurry.

Oh, Amber.

The school is ours.

You dream.

The Appalachian School belonged to the East.

We'll see.

the pride of West Appleton.

And now, on behalf of my colleague, Mayor Hamburger, we welcome you to the

event in the history of the Mighty Apple.

Winner, take all.

Man, there's a lot of people in there.

Ain't it great?

And now, for the last time ever, Mayor Hamburger and I... will unveil the

apple.

It's a beauty.

And tonight we'll know where it resides for all.

Without any further ado, let's bring out our teams.

Representing East Appleton, our pride and joy, the Bowling Wolf Pack!

Bowling? In a bowling alley? Look at all those cameras.

Why would anyone want to take a picture? picture of this.

sub on the bench.

But there is always that chance.

Anyways, add up the total of the four games, and that's your total. The team

with the highest total...

Working on a strike. You can top 30 in a heartbeat.

All you need is a strike or a spare. Not a problem. Exactly.

It's all gone.

the best game of your life under this pressure, Todd. I can't make this shot,

and we're going to lose.

No, we're not.

I can make this shot.

You can make this shot.

Yep.

Todd, they want you.

You can make this shot.

Oh, yeah.

Then we're going to take that substitution.

Referee, leap out of your chairs, folks. We are seeing history.

Todd.

It's okay, Dad.

You get back in there.

No, Dad.

I'm ordering you, son.

You're our best hope to win.

Why? Because you want me to be?

It doesn't work that way, Dad. Sometimes I'm not the best.

And you gotta let that be okay.

I want you to go back over there and cheer for our team, Dad.

Not just for me.

Come on, Delia, you've got this cold.

Come on, Del. Come on, let's go.

It's moving.

Have mercy. That ball is moving.

I am having an apoplexy here, folks. If there's a doctor out there listening,

come on down here and help me.

You'll be here before the ball hits the pins.

You have done this before, haven't you?

Wouldn't you like to know?

Almost there.

Hold everything.

Now remember, I'm the one who cares about the fun of bowling.

I'm not into competition.

But did I care if Delia made that spare, thereby winning the mighty apple for

West Appleton?

Did I care?

Did I ever?

Well, what do you know?

You did it! You did it! We did it, Dad!

Listen, I'm sorry.

I always thought you liked all the attention.

I forgot about all the pressure.

You know what I learned, Dad? I learned that sports can be fun. Not just an

intense gotta -win game.

I mean, I still want to win, but I really like us having fun business.

I know.

I'm sorry. It should always be fun.

It's just that you're so special, and I want the best for you so badly.

So proud of you.

Thanks, Dad.

I'm proud of all of you.

The Apple is ours.

The school is ours.

The West lives on.

Hey, Jack, it's not about ego.

I mean, you didn't play, we did. So we should get to decide what's what.

You don't want the school to be West Appleton Junior High?

You really think someone should lose their identity over something as fun as

bowling?

I don't.

Well, man.

You won.

No, uh, the team won.

Same thing.

And, um, well, we're not going to name the school.

You're not?

Yes, we are.

You are?

Yeah.

We're going to name it Appleton Central.

I love it.

I like it.

It rocks!

What's this place need?

A little fun.

A little music. And a lot of style.

Knock, knock, knock them down.

Baby, let's go to town.

Two bucks fills the air.

Hey, we got time to spend.

We're gonna set them up just the way we like, cause the joint eats up when the

alley cat strikes.

Right down the middle.

Right down the middle.

Right down the middle.

Right down the middle. Set them up just the way we like, cause the joint eats up

when the alley cat strikes.

Now admit it.

You didn't see it coming either.

Just like me and everyone else in West Appleton.

You thought the golden boy and the retro kid would always be worlds apart.

This just goes to show you, you can always find some common ground.

If you look hard enough.

Okay, maybe not on the dance floor.

But hey, there's always bowling.

Sometimes worlds do collide.

So, if you have a beef with someone completely different from you, I say

it. Settle it in the alley.

Right down the middle Right down the middle