City Slickers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three city guys pay a dude ranch to live out their cowboy fantasies, only to learn that real cowboys smell like manure and life’s secret is to find your ‘one thing’ before you become fertilizer yourself.

🍿 City Slickers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Midlife Crises in the City

Mitch Robbins, a radio ad salesman nearing 40, is feeling increasingly dissatisfied with his life. His friends, Phil and Ed, are also grappling with their own personal issues: Phil is stuck in a miserable marriage, and Ed is commitment-phobic. The film opens with the trio participating in adventurous, often disastrous, outings, highlighting their attempts to escape the monotony of their lives.

The Cattle Drive Adventure

For Mitch’s birthday, Phil and Ed gift him a two-week cattle drive in the Southwest, hoping the experience will reignite his passion for life. Reluctantly, Mitch agrees, and the three friends embark on a journey into the Wild West. They join a diverse group of city dwellers seeking adventure, led by the gruff and enigmatic cowboy, Curly.

Lessons on the Open Range

The cattle drive proves to be challenging and transformative. The city slickers struggle to adapt to the rugged lifestyle, facing unpredictable weather, demanding work, and personal conflicts. Mitch forms a complex relationship with Curly, who imparts wisdom about life and the importance of finding one’s “one thing.”

Loss and Responsibility

Tragedy strikes when Curly unexpectedly dies, leaving the group without their experienced leader. The remaining cowboys prove to be reckless and irresponsible, leading to further chaos. Mitch, Phil, and Ed must step up and take responsibility for the herd, navigating treacherous terrain and facing their own limitations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal): A middle-aged radio ads salesman experiencing a mid-life crisis who seeks meaning on a cattle drive.
• Curly (Jack Palance): The tough, enigmatic trail boss who imparts wisdom to Mitch about finding the ‘one thing’ in life.
• Phil Berquist (Daniel Stern): One of Mitch’s best friends, stuck in an unhappy marriage and seeking an escape from his mundane life.
• Ed Furillo (Bruno Kirby): Mitch’s other best friend, a commitment-phobic womanizer who is pressured to settle down.
• Barbara Robbins (Patricia Wettig): Mitch’s supportive wife who encourages him to find himself on the cattle drive.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Curly: “Do you know what the secret of life is? This. (holds up one finger) One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and the rest don’t mean sh*t.” – Curly imparts this cryptic, yet profound, advice to Mitch, leaving him to ponder its meaning throughout the journey.
• Mitch: “I’m nearing the end of my rope here, Barbara. I need a vacation, I need a purpose, I need… I need a cattle drive!” – Mitch explains to his wife why he has to go on the cattle drive and try to fix his mid-life crisis.
• Curly: “Mornin’, Curly. Kill anyone today?” – Demonstrates the fear and respect Curly commands, encapsulating his intimidating persona.
• Phil: “If hate was people, I’d be China.” – Phil utters this line expressing his unhappiness in his marriage and describing his wife.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $124,033,791
• Worldwide Gross: $179,033,791

💥 City Slickers Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved City Slickers! The film is a perfect blend of humor and heart, and I found myself laughing and tearing up throughout. Mitch’s journey of self-discovery was incredibly relatable, and I was cheering him on every step of the way. The scene where he helps deliver the calf and names it Norman had me in tears of joy. It’s a feel-good movie that I’ll definitely be watching again and again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Billy Crystal”
  • “Those who enjoy western comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in mid-life crisis stories”
  • “People looking for heartwarming and funny movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some language”
  • “Mild comedic violence”
  • “Themes of midlife crisis and marital issues”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A winning blend of comedy and heart, City Slickers delivers genuine laughs while exploring the anxieties of middle age. Billy Crystal shines as the lead, supported by a stellar cast. The film’s exploration of friendship and self-discovery resonates deeply, making it a truly memorable cinematic experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “City Slickers isn’t just funny; it’s insightful. The film touches on universal themes of aging, regret, and the search for meaning. Jack Palance’s Oscar-winning performance as Curly adds a layer of gravitas to the comedic proceedings. A well-crafted, emotionally resonant film that will leave you pondering your own ‘one thing.’

Audience Reactions

Jack Palance’s performance as Curly was iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s blend of humor and heartfelt moments, making it a feel-good movie with surprising depth.

The scenes where the boys had to cross the river were both thrilling and hilarious.: Many viewers appreciated the friendships on display and how relatable each of the characters were. Every viewer understood each of the main characters plights in life.

Overall Consensus: City Slickers is a beloved comedy that resonates with audiences due to its relatable characters, humor, and exploration of mid-life crises.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1992
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture)- 1992

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Billy Crystal’s story about his best day, going to a Yankees game with his father, is a true story from his childhood.”
• “Jack Palance won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Curly, despite having a relatively limited amount of screen time.”
• “The opening credits feature a cartoon of a cowboy practicing with a lasso, setting the film’s comedic tone right from the start.”
• “Filming took place at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, providing a stunning backdrop for the cattle drive.”
• “The German version of the movie was initially cut by approximately four minutes.”

🖥️ How to Watch City Slickers?

City Slickers is available for streaming rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable or satellite availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed City Slickers, you might like these similar films:

• The Bucket List (2007): Similar theme of men confronting their mortality and embarking on an adventure to fulfill life goals.
• Wild Hogs (2007): A group of suburban men go on a motorcycle trip to find adventure and escape their mundane lives.
• Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987): Highlights the dynamic of mismatched travel companions on an eventful journey.
• A Walk in the Woods (2015): Two old friends hike the Appalachian Trail to reconnect and find meaning in their lives.

🛒 City Slickers Related Products

• City Slickers: Collector’s Edition [Blu-ray]: Features behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and director’s commentary. A must-have for fans looking for a deeper dive into the film’s production and legacy.
• Cowboy Hat – Felt Western Hat for Men: Step into the Wild West with this high-quality felt cowboy hat, designed for comfort and style. Perfect for cosplay, costume parties, or adding a touch of cowboy flair to your everyday look.
• LEGO Western Cowboy Minifigure: Bring home a part of the Western spirit with this Cowboy Minifigure. Designed with detailed accessories and gear, this set allows builders to create their very own Western adventures. Perfect for expanding a LEGO town or adding to a collection.
• Horseback Riding Simulator: Experience the thrill of horseback riding from the comfort of your home. This simulator offers realistic controls, stunning graphics, and various Western landscapes to explore. A perfect blend of entertainment and exercise for horse lovers.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Young at Heart” – performed by Jimmy Durante
• “Main Title (City Slickers)” – performed by Marc Shaiman

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jack Palance Wins Supporting Actor: 1992 Oscars

Remember Jack Palance in City Slickers? He won an Oscar for it! Check out his acceptance speech; it’s a classic and shows how much the movie resonated with audiences.

Oscar Winner Jack Palance Does One-Armed Push Ups at the Oscars

Did you know Jack Palance did one-armed push-ups at the Oscars after winning for City Slickers? It’s a short, hilarious clip that proves he was a total legend! You HAVE to see this!

City Slicker – The Life and Sad Ending® of Bruno Kirby

Ever wondered what happened to Bruno Kirby from City Slickers? This mini-bio explores his life and career. It is a interesting and sad story.

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