Big Trouble Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Pulitzer-winning journalist, hitmen, and a suitcase nuke walk into Miami International Airport… it’s not a joke, it’s ‘Big Trouble’.

🍿 Big Trouble: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Intertwining Lives in Miami

The film opens in Miami, introducing a diverse cast of characters whose lives are about to collide. Eliot Arnold, a struggling ad executive and divorced father, grapples with connecting with his son, Matt. Meanwhile, Arthur Herk, a shady businessman, faces threats from hitmen, while his wife Anna seeks connection elsewhere. This sets the stage for a chaotic series of events.

A Case of Mistaken Identity and a Stolen Bomb

When Matt attempts to prank Jenny Herk as part of a school game, he inadvertently interferes with a real hit on Arthur. Adding to the chaos, two bumbling criminals, Snake and Eddie, steal what they believe is a valuable suitcase, unaware that it contains a nuclear bomb. The stolen bomb sets off a chain reaction, drawing in the FBI and local police, leading to even more comedic complications.

Race Against Time at Miami Airport

The climax unfolds at Miami International Airport as the various factions converge in a desperate attempt to recover the bomb. With the timer ticking down, Eliot Arnold takes matters into his own hands, sneaking onto the plane carrying the bomb to save the city. The chaotic sequence of events leads to a showdown where Eliot must prevent the bomb from detonating.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eliot Arnold (Tim Allen): A former Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter turned ad executive who rediscovers his purpose while falling for Anna Herk and saving Miami.
• Anna Herk (Rene Russo): A frustrated housewife who seeks a new love interest in Eliot while dealing with her corrupt husband, Arthur.
• Arthur Herk (Stanley Tucci): A corrupt businessman who unwittingly purchases a nuclear bomb and becomes the target of hitmen.
• Snake Dupree (Tom Sizemore): One of a pair of inept escaped convicts who steal the nuclear bomb, leading to chaos at the Miami airport.
• Eddie Leadbetter (Johnny Knoxville): Snake’s dimwitted partner in crime, who helps steal the suitcase bomb.
• Henry Desalvo (Dennis Farina): A cynical hitman sent to assassinate Arthur Herk, constantly lamenting his Miami assignment.
• Puggy (Jason Lee): A homeless man living in a tree who becomes Nina’s love interest and is unwillingly involved in the bomb’s theft.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Eddie: “Okay, we gotta pick a road. Arrivals or departures? We’re arriving, but then we’re departing. Which one, Snake?” – Eddie is trying to navigate to the airport, comically confused by the road signs.
• Jenny Herk: “I think you guys should turn yourselves in and plead not guilty by reason of stupidity.” – Jenny says this sarcastically to Snake and Eddie when she is kidnapped and realizes how incompetent they are.
• Puggy: “My name is Puggy, and I live in a tree.” – Puggy introduces himself to anyone he meets, stating his name and where he lives.
• FBI Agent Greer: “Looks like we got a couple of Gator fans.” – Said with disdain towards the end of the movie when he finds himself sitting near University of Florida fans.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,267,307
• Worldwide Gross: $8,493,890

💥 Big Trouble Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and just being completely baffled by it! There were so many characters running around, and the plot was all over the place, but somehow it was still entertaining. I think the scene with the hallucinogenic toad still cracks me up, and honestly, the absurdity of the whole thing is what makes it stick with me. Definitely a guilty pleasure movie for me, not high art by any means, but just pure silly fun. I really like Zooey Deschanel and Tim Allen, this movie is so worth it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of ensemble comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy farcical plots”
  • “Those looking for light-hearted entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Crude humor”

Professional Reviews

• Entertainment Weekly: “Despite a talented ensemble cast, ‘Big Trouble’ feels chaotic and unfocused, struggling to find its comedic footing amidst a convoluted plot. The satire is broad, and the humor rarely rises above slapstick, making it a disappointing outing for director Barry Sonnenfeld.
• The New York Times: “While ‘Big Trouble’ boasts moments of quirky charm, its overstuffed narrative and reliance on farcical situations ultimately undermine its comedic potential. The performances are uneven, and the film never quite gels into a cohesive and satisfying whole. The satire on airport security feels particularly dated in a post-9/11 world.
• Variety: “Barry Sonnenfeld directs this hectic and humorous movie, but there are so many plotlines it is difficult to follow and even harder to like. It still manages to offer a few laughs, but the humor is far from sharp.

Audience Reactions

The absurdity of the situations and the ensemble cast’s comedic timing are what makes this movie so good.: Many viewers found the film hilarious due to its absurd plot and the cast’s chemistry.

Miami setting with a suitcase nuke and wild gators gives a perfect dark comedy vibe.: Despite initial box office issues, the movie gained a cult following and is praised for its unique humor.

Overall Consensus: A polarizing film with a cult following, praised for its absurdity and cast, but criticized for its convoluted plot and tone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s original December 2001 release was delayed due to concerns that the plot, involving smuggling an A-bomb through airport security, would be deemed insensitive after the September 11 attacks.”
• “Barry Sonnenfeld delivered the film to the studio $1 million under budget.”
• “Dave Barry, the author of the novel the film is based on, makes a cameo appearance as a lawyer.”

🖥️ How to Watch Big Trouble?

Big Trouble is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu to rent or buy the movie. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Big Trouble, you might like these similar films:

• Get Shorty (1995): Shares Barry Sonnenfeld as director and a similar crime-comedy tone with quirky characters.
• Ruthless People (1986): Dark comedy with kidnapping and blackmail plots, a satirical look at wealthy characters in trouble.
• Miami Blues (1990): A crime comedy set in Miami with quirky characters and unexpected plot twists.
• Game Night (2018): Modern ensemble comedy with ordinary people caught up in a surprisingly dangerous situation.
• In Bruges (2008): Cult classic dark comedy about hitmen in an unusual situation with comedic results.

🛒 Big Trouble Related Products

• Big Trouble [DVD]: Own the hilarious chaos on DVD! Relive the madness with Tim Allen, Rene Russo, and the whole gang in this comedy.
• Dave Barry’s Big Trouble Novel: Delve deeper into the wacky world of Miami with Dave Barry’s original novel that inspired the movie. Full of his signature humor and wit.
• Miami Vice – The Complete Series [DVD]: Get the look and feel of 1980s Miami, the place where Big Trouble takes place.
• Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook: Fans will appreciate Martha Stewart after seeing her head on a dog.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Making Our Dreams Come True” – performed by Cyndi Grecco
• “Nena” – performed by Heavy D

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Big Trouble in Little China: Offensive or Not? | Video Essay

Ever wondered if Big Trouble in Little China is actually offensive? This video essay dives into that question, and honestly, it makes you think about representation in movies in a whole new way. I was surprised by some of the points they bring up!

In Character: Jack Burton | Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Jack Burton is one of the most quotable characters in movie history, but have you ever stopped to think *why* he’s so great? This video breaks down everything that makes Jack awesome – you might just appreciate him even more afterward!

Lo Pan & The Storms (BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA) Explained

Confused about who Lo Pan and the Storms *really* are in Big Trouble in Little China? This video breaks it all down with super helpful explanations. I learned a lot about the mythology and powers involved!

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