Gortimer, narrating: I've lived my whole life on Normal Street.
There's a lake at one end
and a forest of shady trees at the other.
But what lies in between
is anything but normal.
The first day of school is a fresh start,
a chance to redefine yourself.
Do you try a different look?
Start a new trend?
Or just follow one?
Do you try to stand out...
or look for ways to blend in?
Or just stick with what works,
or at least what used to work?
[bell rings]
Eighth grade.
Last year you were just a bunch of kids.
If you behaved immaturely, teachers would say,
"Oh, what do you expect from a seventh grader?"
Things are different this year.
Most of you are teenagers.
We expect more from you.
I expect more from you.
I'm Mr. Renshaw.
And welcome to eighth grade honors social studies.
Man, I'm going to miss seventh grade.
Seems like your hoodie misses fifth grade.
My lucky hoodie. This is a classic.
Gortimer Gibbons.
- Here. - [rip]
Renshaw: Erica Finley.
It's the end of an era.
Don't worry. You'll be able to fix it.
You only have had this locker
for an hour and a half.
You know my motto.
Ninjas are everywhere?
When in doubt, tacos?
Be ready for anything.
For example, I have 500 water balloons
- just for Waterloo. - Hmm.
I can't wait. This water balloon fight
is going to go down in history.
I'm going to be like wh--
Come on.
Well, if we want this water balloon fight
to be truly historic,
we're going to need a force multiplier.
Something that makes the other kids wet themselves
with their own balloons.
Then we need bigger splashes,
longer range, uh, catapult--
you know, the one with the swingy thingy thing at the bottom.
That's a trebuchet, which would be perfect.
We could lob balloons all the way across the field.
Medieval. I like it.
But wouldn't we run out of ammo too fast?
One problem at a time.
First we need to figure out
if we can actually build it.
My place after school. We'll talk blueprints.
Looks like I've got other plans.
Mm. What about this? It's cute.
Mom, I can pick out my own clothes.
I'm practically an adult.
Oh. Well, pardon me, Mr. Gibbon.
I should respect your age and wisdom.
Well, come get me
when you need my credit card.
I'd recognize Best Hair in the senior class anywhere.
Adam?
Claire.
Adam Hernandez?
Wow. I can't believe this.
I thought you moved back to the city.
I did, but I'm back.
My mom needed a little bit of help,
so I told my firm I was taking a hiatus.
How about you? Work, husband, kids?
Well, two out of three.
- I'm a book editor-- - Uh-huh.
...and that's one of my kids over there.
Well, hello, there.
Wow. This escalated quickly.
I thought we were going casual.
Well, I'm expanding my comfort zone.
Can we get it?
It's dry clean only.
Is it worth the hassle?
Definitely.
[sigh]
Girl: Hi, Gortimer.
So you look different.
Thanks.
Not what I was expecting,
but it's very...
- impressive. - You think so?
Hey. Whoa. Whoa. Slow down.
Sorry, sir.
[chuckle]
You look like a weatherman.
He looks important.
I don't know.
Sophisticated?
Okay. Yeah, sure.
I can live with that.
- [bell rings] - Good morning, citizens.
I hope you've all done the reading
because we're starting right in--
I swear if Miss Hendricks has taken my chalk again,
I'm going to--
I'll be right back.
I need someone to take attendance.
Gortimer, you're in charge.
Uh, me?
Yeah.
You have a certain air of authority.
Use it.
[chatter]
Ahem.
Whoa.
I like where this is going.
Who wants to get rich?
[cash register rings]
I just won $2.00.
Well, I think the responsible thing to do
is invest it.
In more lottery tickets.
[door bell jingles]
Whoa.
Mayor Lee, welcome to Union Bakery. What can I get you?
I woke with one word on my mind: blueberries.
Uh, we have blueberry scones, blueberry muffins,
blueberry-colored coffee mugs.
One of each. I'll decide on the road.
I've never seen the mayor in person before.
She's so mayoral.
What's next on the agenda?
Planning the 37th annual Normal Harvest Festival.
Uh, so boring, so predictable.
What did we do last year?
36th annual.
We need to come up with something different,
something unexpected.
38th annual?
Okay. You're killing me, Casey.
You know that, right?
What about a historical theme?
Honor Normal Street's founders.
Hmm. Pirates and pumpkins don't mix.
Except on Halloween.
How about an Abnormal Harvest Festival?
Well, you could get the farmers
to bring all the weird-looking pumpkins.
We can bob for potatoes and have carnival games
where you win a prize if you miss the target.
Not bad.
See, that's what I need:
out-of-the-box thinking.
Check out this guy, Casey. Look at that jacket.
First rule of politics: Always dress the part.
Henrietta Lee, mayor.
Gortimer Gibbon, citizen.
Gortimer Gibbon?
I love that.
Solid name recognition.
Vote Gortimer.
No mistaking that for anyone else.
Always use your name to your advantage.
How did the mayor handle the recent crisis?
Competent-lee, efficient-lee.
With great Lee-dership?
Eh.
Hmm.
You know, I could always use a sharp mind on my team.
How'd you like to come work for me
as an intern in my office?
An intern?
Uh, I-- I don't know.
I'm not really sure politics is my thing.
Your thing? Okay, listen to me, Gortimer.
Some people are born great.
Some people achieve greatness.
Some people have greatness thrust upon them.
Do you want greatness thrust upon you?
Well, does that hurt?
Tomorrow in my office after school
if you're ready.
Well, that was weird.
Weirdly awesome.
Our ammo problems, they're solved.
- Hmm? - Waterloo.
If you do this, you'll have an in with the mayor.
And?
And you could get us our own fire hydrant.
Forget R-rated movies and lottery tickets.
That's kid stuff.
You'll have the keys to the kingdom.
I will, won't I?
The mayor asked that you wait here.
Whatever you do, don't touch the desk.
Nobody touches the desk.
Ah. Gibbon.
You made it. Good.
Have a seat.
Try it out.
[giggle]
Love that jacket. Hmm.
So what's next up on the agenda for today?
Proposal to dismantle Normal Skate Park
and put in a parking lot.
We can always use more parking spaces.
Put in some meters, make some money for the city.
I say we do it. Gibbon, thoughts.
Uh, um...
Well, kids like the skate park.
Fifth rule of politics: kids don't vote.
Yeah, but their parents do.
Well, a mom doesn't blame the mayor
if she can't find parking,
but when her kids complain
that you shut down the skate park,
that's something she'll remember.
Well.
You may be on to something.
What if we don't shut it down?
What if we clean it up,
make it more of a destination?
But, ma'am, that's not in the budget.
So we'll get sponsors,
sell advertising to local businesses.
It's a win-win.
Kids get to keep their skate park,
and the city still gets a revenue boost.
Good work, Gortimer. Let's go.
I knew I saw something in you.
We're going to relocate
all the animals in this section of the park
to a petting zoo or a zoo or something like that
so we can expand the skate park over here.
That way, teens and kids can enjoy this part of the skate park--
[power screwdriver runs]
From Union Bakery
to Mr. Zip's Pizza now celebrating
the opening of its second location,
you are all truly the life blood of Normal Street.
Tuesday's not going to work.
The mayor's double-booked as it is.
No, no. Tell His Honor
that he can get ten minutes on the phone Friday, but--
Look at this.
You're knocking me out of my own headline.
Which makes me look bad,
which ironically makes me look good
because I'm confident enough to let myself look bad.
- So thank you. - Y-You're welcome?
I'm glad to have you on the team.
If ever there's anything you need,
don't hesitate to ask.
Actually, there's just one thing.
You know Waterloo is coming up,
and my friends and I were hoping
to gain access to a fire hydrant to--
More ammo. I get it. No problem.
Consider it done.
Hmm.
All done.
Too bad Gortimer missed all this.
Gortimer. Gortimer.
Oh, you must mean the mayor's right-hand man.
I haven't seen him lately.
Well, he better be there for Waterloo.
It's when the actual carnage is going down.
It'll be a bloodbath.
It'll be a water bath.
That's just a normal bath.
Let's take it out and test it.
Yep. Should have seen that coming.
I'm honored to be here
for the grand re-opening of a Normal Street institution
where kids can come and skate safe-lee
and free-lee,
and you can trust me: Mayor Lee.
And now please enjoy a demonstration
from our wonderful staff
at the Normal Street Skate School.
Hey, you made it. So what do you guys think?
Pretty cool, right? We've been working on it all week.
Yeah. You know what we've been working on all week?
The trebuchet.
Which was your idea in the first place.
I know, guys. I'm sorry. I've just been so busy.
The mayor needs me.
Is that why you're still wearing that blazer?
You dress for the job you want,
not the job you have.
You never had a job or wanted one.
What happened to the Gortimer
who just liked hanging out with his friends
and having fun?
Well, I'm still that guy.
Yesterday at lunch,
all you talked about was stop signs.
That's not true. We also talked about...
speed bumps.
Yeah. Classic Gortimer.
If you go back to normal, you know where to find us.
Guys, wait.
Mayor Lee: Let's hit it, Gibbon.
We're already running behind.
Hi, honey.
How was your day?
My coffee was fine, thank you.
Are you still doing homework?
Uh, no. It's the Q3 NoSPot.
Hmm?
The third quarter
Normal Street Pothole Assessment.
Sounds riveting.
May I ask why?
Because we are going over it tomorrow,
and I need to be prepared.
Third rule of politics, Mom:
Know what's happening on your street.
Look, um...
I know that you're not a kid anymore,
but you don't have to be a grownup, either.
Hey, I think it's awesome that you got this job,
but just, you know, save some time for some fun.
Got it. Thanks.
Folding pothole repairs into water main upgrades.
It's a master stroke. It'll save us thousands.
You're doing a terrific job.
I think it's time that you got some recognition.
City Hall meeting tomorrow.
I'm giving you a commendation.
Wow. I-- I'm honored.
Do you really think I deserve it?
Rule number 6: Never turn down an award.
But there is something
that I need to talk to you about first.
It's this Waterloo business.
Oh. Right. The fire hydrant.
Where should I tell my friends to set up?
Here's the thing.
It's not going to happen.
I know I told you you could,
but then Casey reminded me that it's a public safety issue
and that every year we get grief about the mess:
little bits of balloon, puddles of water,
the smell of wet kids.
What do wet kids smell like?
Not good. It's politics.
People complain, you got to listen.
But I promised my friends.
Leadership means making decisions
some people won't like,
but you can't let that hold you back.
You were born for politics, Gortimer.
You have a real future in it.
You think so?
♪ You're a kid who wants it all ♪
♪So make sure you're on the ball ♪
♪ 'cause there's meetings and there's greetings ♪
♪But it's all a part of leading ♪
♪When you get to City Hall ♪
Yeah. I like the sound of that.
Oh, we're just getting started.
♪ You want to build a brand-new mall ♪
♪With your political wherewithal ♪
♪Well, there's budgets, and there's planning ♪
♪ But no time for big grandstanding ♪
♪'cause you're running City Hall ♪
You really think I could?
There's no stopping you. The sky's the limit.
♪ Better straighten up that jacket ♪
♪ Get your fans to make a racket ♪
♪ 'cause your name is on the ticket ♪
♪ And the voter's gonna pick it ♪
♪It's a rocket ascent ♪
♪ You're the next President ♪
♪♪["Stars and Stripes Forever"]
♪But it starts at City Hall ♪
So what do you think?
I like it.
I thought you would.
Now see to it that Waterloo doesn't happen,
no matter what.
I'll take care of it.
Good man, Gibbon.
So this is our best vantage point,
but if we set up here,
we can use the hill to cover our flank.
The best offense is a good offense.
[footsteps]
He's back.
So glad you're here.
Let me bring you up to speed on the battle plans.
She means the victory plans.
Okay, so here's our first rally point,
- and we mass the arm-- - I've got some bad news.
Bad like tomorrow is Cabbage Day in the cafeteria
or bad like you got bit by a werewolf?
Bad like no Waterloo.
No.
You have to come. We're a team.
I don't just mean me. I mean everybody.
The whole thing, it's canceled.
What are you talking about?
Well, the mayor thought it would be best--
Mayor again? She's all you ever talk about.
You never hang out with us anymore.
Because I'm busy.
I'm doing the best I can, but things have changed.
No. You've changed.
Ever since you put on that blazer--
Don't.
Ahem.
I know you don't understand,
but what I'm doing now is really important.
Waterloo isn't.
So call it off.
Are you following me?
Or you're just a sucker for City Council meetings?
Oh, no. I just love relaxing
listening to debates on zoning restrictions.
Hmm. Yes.
- Hi. - Hi.
Actually, I'm here for my mom.
Apparently, the street light in front of her house
is too bright.
Oh. Yeah.
What about you?
Oh, uh, my, uh, my son is getting an award.
He's the Citizen of the Month.
I had no idea. Good for him.
- Yeah. - Good for him.
Care to join me? I brought a picnic.
Oh. Sure.
[gavel pounds]
Welcome, friends and citizens.
Thank you. Thank you all so much for coming.
But before we get started,
I have a special commendation that I'd like to present.
You may have noticed
that things have been changing
for the better around here on Normal Street,
and I'm proud to say that that's due
to the hard work of one very special young man.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you
Normal's own Gortimer Gibbon.
[applause]
Gortimer, I hereby name you
Normal's Citizen of the Month,
sponsored by Yogurtyert.
Yogurtyert:
a delicious treat for Normal Street.
[applause]
Would you like to say a few words, Gortimer?
[running footsteps]
Waterloo. It's starting.
You told me you took care of this.
I thought I did.
Guys, I thought we talked about this.
You talked. We didn't.
Because you don't understand.
There's a lot going on here. It's very complicated.
It's not complicated.
It's simple. It's just about having fun.
The old Gortimer knew that.
I mean, the young Gortimer.
I mean, the Gortimer that's our friend.
Mayor: Remember what we talked about.
You have a bright future ahead of you.
Don't let Waterloo be your Waterloo.
Shut this down.
It's time to be a grownup, Gortimer.
♪♪ [military drumbeat]
All right, um...
everyone, listen up.
I know you've all looked forward to this day
for a long time.
And here you are,
with water in your balloons,
war in your hearts.
But there'll come a day when you realize
that you have to put childhood behind you.
That day...
may come a year from now...
next week.
It might even be tomorrow.
But it's not today!
[cheering]
Cry havoc and let slip the balloons of war!
[cheering]
- Guys, look. - Guys.
Great. I could use some backup.
More than you know.
What did I expect from a 13-year-old?
Hmm.
[sigh] So what happened to the blazer?
Dry clean only?
Um...
I guess you'll want this back.
You can keep it.
You did what you had to do.
Last rule of politics: Know when to get out.
So we're good.
Oh, no, not yet.
But we will be.
Gortimer: Clothes can change the way you look,
the way people treat you,
even the way you see yourself.
But no matter how much
you change what's on the outside,
you shouldn't let it change what's on the inside.
After all, for the people that matter,
that's the only part that counts. pan>