Aloha Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A disgraced military dude juggles a fiery, hyper-Hawaiian Air Force lady and his ex while trying to stop Bill Murray from putting nukes in space because…reasons.

🍿 Aloha: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Brian’s Return to Hawaii

Brian Gilcrest, a disgraced military contractor, returns to Hawaii, the site of his former triumphs, to oversee a traditional Hawaiian blessing for a new pedestrian gate at a space facility. Haunted by his past failures in Kabul and seeking redemption, he reconnects with his old flame, Tracy Woodside, now married with children. His mission is complicated by the presence of Captain Allison Ng, an Air Force liaison assigned to shadow him.

Navigating Romance and Cultural Tensions

As Brian navigates the cultural complexities of negotiating with the native Hawaiian community, led by King Bumpy Kanahele, he finds himself drawn to the idealistic Allison Ng. Their connection deepens as they work together, despite their differing views on the sacredness of the sky and the militarization of space. Meanwhile, Brian’s unresolved feelings for Tracy resurface, creating a complicated love triangle.

Unveiling Carson Welch’s Agenda

Brian discovers that his employer, billionaire Carson Welch, has a hidden agenda involving the launch of a weapons satellite, a revelation that puts him at odds with Allison’s deeply held beliefs. Torn between his loyalty to Welch and his growing affection for Allison, Brian must make a crucial decision that will impact not only his career but also the future of Hawaii’s sacred skies.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper): A troubled military contractor seeking redemption while navigating old flames and new love in Hawaii.
• Allison Ng (Emma Stone): An enthusiastic Air Force captain with Hawaiian heritage who is assigned to watch over Brian and finds herself falling for him.
• Tracy Woodside (Rachel McAdams): Brian’s ex-girlfriend and a conflicted mother who reconnects with him while dealing with her own marital issues.
• Carson Welch (Bill Murray): A billionaire with hidden agendas regarding space exploration who hires Brian.
• John ‘Woody’ Woodside (John Krasinski): Tracy’s mostly silent husband and an Air Force pilot who deals with his wife’s unresolved feelings for Brian.
• General Dixon (Alec Baldwin): An irritable General overseeing the military operations in Hawaii.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Allison Ng: “You sold your soul so many times nobody’s buying anymore.” – Allison confronts Brian about his past actions and compromises.
• Brian Gilcrest: “Wherever you’re flying to come back, since I’ll be waiting.” – Brian expresses his commitment to Allison.
• Allison Ng: “She says she also believes him to be a wreck.” – Allison gossips with her mom about Brian

💰Box Office

• Budget: $37,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,067,116
• Worldwide Gross: $26,250,020

💥 Aloha Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Aloha’ is a bit of a hot mess, but I have a soft spot for it. The Hawaii scenery is gorgeous and the soundtrack totally slaps! Emma Stone’s character is…interesting, to say the least, but Cooper and McAdams have killer chemistry. The silent conversations between Cooper and Krasinski had me in stitches! Sure, the plot goes off the rails, but sometimes you just need a movie that makes you feel something, even if it’s confusion. I give it a solid ‘meh’ with a side of ‘I’d watch it again when I’m bored’.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, or Rachel McAdams”
  • “Viewers interested in romantic dramas with a Hawaiian setting”
  • “Those who appreciate Cameron Crowe’s earlier work, despite mixed reviews”
  • “Audiences who like films exploring complex relationships and personal redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Some suggestive content”
  • “Themes of infidelity and moral compromise”
  • “Discussion of military conflict and its consequences”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Crowe’s signature musical interludes and quirky charm are present, but they can’t mask the messy plot and miscasting issues. It’s a beautiful mess, but a mess nonetheless. It’s an enjoyable watch for the scenery and performances of Cooper, Stone, and McAdams.
• Variety: “Despite strong performances, the film suffers from a lack of focus, resulting in a tonally uneven experience. It tries to be too many things at once, ultimately diluting the emotional impact. Ultimately, it is a mediocre rom-com.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A rambling, unfocused narrative undermines a talented cast. The film’s attempt to blend romance, comedy, and political commentary falls flat, leaving viewers with a confused and unsatisfying experience. A total waste of potential.

Audience Reactions

The soundtrack and Hawaiian scenery were beautiful and made me want to visit.: Many praised the beautiful Hawaiian scenery and appreciated the soundtrack.

The silent interactions between Cooper and Krasinski were hilarious and a highlight of the film.: The scene when Cooper and Krasinski’s characters ‘talk’ without words was widely praised as one of the film’s best moments.

Overall Consensus: Aloha is a movie with stunning scenery, a great cast, and a killer soundtrack, but the messy plot and some questionable casting choices leave it with a mixed reception. It is a good movie to put on in the background, but not an outright recommend.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Among the massive trove of leaked e-mails that were released in 2014 after Sony’s computer systems were hacked were some that revealed that Sony executives were extremely critical of this movie’s quality and pessimistic about its box-office prospects long before it was filmed or released.”
• “Cameron Crowe wrote the role of Allison Ng specifically for Emma Stone.”

🖥️ How to Watch Aloha?

Aloha is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast availability. It is not currently available on major subscription streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Aloha, you might like these similar films:

• Say Anything… (1989): Both films are directed by Cameron Crowe and feature a unique, optimistic take on romance with quirky characters and a great soundtrack.
• The Descendants (2011): Shares the Hawaiian setting and explores themes of family, identity, and connection to the land, though with a more dramatic tone.
• Elizabethtown (2005): Another Cameron Crowe film about a man returning to his roots and finding unexpected romance amidst personal turmoil.
• 50 First Dates (2004): Set in Hawaii, offering a light-hearted romantic comedy with beautiful scenery.

🛒 Aloha Related Products

• Aloha (Blu-ray): Own the movie on Blu-ray and relive the Hawaiian adventure anytime. Includes bonus features with behind-the-scenes footage.
• Hawaiian Lei Silk Flowers Garland: Bring the spirit of Aloha home! This vibrant lei is perfect for parties or adding a tropical touch to any outfit.
• Bradley Cooper Movie Posters: Decorate your wall with posters featuring Bradley Cooper from his iconic movies.
• Space Exploration Documentary: Learn more about space exploration with this captivating documentary. Features interviews with astronauts and stunning visuals of the cosmos.

🎧 Soundtrack

Aloha features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Factory Girl” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “Come Monday” – performed by Jimmy Buffett
• “Mele Pule Ho’ola No Hi’iaka” – performed by James Kapihe Paiea Kuluwaimaka

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Watch Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone in Adorable ‘Aloha’ Gag Reel

Want to see Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, and Alec Baldwin cracking up on set? This gag reel from ‘Aloha’ is pure gold – their laughter is totally contagious!

✨ Rate