Empire State Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A security guard tells his loud-mouthed friend about his work’s terrible security, and then they accidentally become the biggest robbers in U.S. history while The Rock looks mildly annoyed.

🍿 Empire State: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Chris’s Failed Dreams and New Job

Chris Potamitis dreams of becoming a police officer, but a past run-in with his friend Eddie results in a drug charge that prevents him from entering the police academy. Disappointed, Chris takes a job as a security guard at the Empire State Armored Truck Company. He soon discovers the company’s security is surprisingly lax.

The Heist Plan

Chris tells Eddie about the weak security at Empire State, unwittingly planting the seed for a heist. Eddie, a small-time crook, convinces Chris to help him rob the company. They plan to steal the abundant amounts of cash being stored there, setting the stage for the largest cash heist in U.S. History.

Detective Ransome on the Case

As Chris and Eddie prepare for their elaborate scheme, NYPD Detective James Ransome begins investigating a series of related crimes. Ransome, a seasoned veteran, becomes suspicious of Chris and Eddie, putting him hot on their trail. They must outwit the detective while also dealing with local crime lords who want a piece of their action.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chris Potamitis (Liam Hemsworth): A young man who fails to get into the police academy and becomes involved in a heist at the armored truck company where he works.
• Eddie (Michael Angarano): Chris’s impulsive and reckless best friend who instigates the plan to rob the Empire State Armored Truck Company.
• Det. James Ransome (Dwayne Johnson): The determined NYPD detective who investigates the Empire State robbery and pursues Chris and Eddie.
• Tommy (Paul Ben-Victor): Chris’s father who faces hardship and provides a moral compass for his son.
• Nancy Michaelides (Emma Roberts): Chris’s waitress girlfriend who serves as a confidante.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Det. James Ransome: “Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. Two questions for you, Eddie: where’s Chris and where’s the money?” – The detective interrogates Eddie, pressing him for the whereabouts of Chris and the stolen money.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,212,500

💥 Empire State Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘Empire State’ expecting an exciting heist movie, but it turned out to be pretty average. The story had potential, especially knowing it was based on real events, but it didn’t quite deliver the thrills I was hoping for. I found myself more interested in the setting than the plot itself. The 1980s New York vibe was cool. The biggest disappointment was Dwayne Johnson; he barely had any screen time! Overall, it was a decent watch, but nothing special.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in true crime stories”
  • “Those who enjoy 80s-set films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Despite a talented cast and a fascinating true story, ‘Empire State’ lacks the tension and thrills needed for a compelling crime drama. Dwayne Johnson is underutilized, and the narrative feels rushed and underdeveloped.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Empire State’ delivers a passable recreation of 1980s New York, the film’s characters are thinly written, and the plot meanders. Liam Hemsworth and Michael Angarano offer decent performances, but the movie never truly ignites.
• New York Times: “‘Empire State’ has a decent cast in search of a plot and a decent plot in search of better acting. The pace is slow and there are some realism concerns. The story is inspired by true story but very loosely. There are better ways to spend 94 minutes.

Audience Reactions

The 80s setting and style were appreciated by viewers.: Many found the movie watchable but ultimately forgettable, with a decent cast but uninspired execution.

Some reviewers felt Liam Hemsworth was miscast: The character devolves, the plot is not overly exciting, and the shoot out is lackluster. I am not telling you not to watch the film, but I would advise you set your expectations low.

Overall Consensus: Empire State is a passable crime drama with a good cast, but fails to fully capitalize on its true-story origins, resulting in a forgettable film.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the real-life 1982 Sentry Armored Car Company robbery, which was the largest cash robbery in U.S. history at the time.”
• “Chris Potamitis, the real security guard involved in the heist, served as a co-producer on the film.”
• “To maintain authenticity, the filmmakers shot in various locations in New York, aiming to recreate the atmosphere of the 1980s.”
• “Some of the end-credit scenes include a real-life interview clip of the actual Chris Potamitis, discussing the missing million dollars from the heist.”

🖥️ How to Watch Empire State?

As of October 2024, “Empire State” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Empire State, you might like these similar films:

• Inside Man (2006): Another heist movie set in New York City, focusing on the intricate planning and execution of a robbery.
• The Town (2010): Features a group of childhood friends involved in a bank robbery, highlighting the complications of loyalty and crime.
• American Animals (2018): Based on a true story of a heist gone wrong, blending documentary elements with a fictional narrative.

🛒 Empire State Related Products

• 1980s Retro T-Shirt: Relive the 80s with this stylish vintage t-shirt, perfect for fans of the movie’s setting and style. Features a retro design and comfortable fit.
• Empire State: The True Story of the Largest Cash Robbery in American History (Book): Dive deeper into the real-life events that inspired the movie with this comprehensive account of the Empire State robbery. A must-read for true crime enthusiasts.
• The Rock: An Autobiography: Get to know Dwayne Johnson better through his autobiography. A fantastic read for those who enjoyed his role in the movie. His personal stories, and insights.
• Vintage Casio Digital Watch: Own a piece of 80s nostalgia with this classic digital watch, similar to the one worn by Dwayne Johnson’s character. A perfect collector’s item for movie enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” – performed by Tavares

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Empire Of The Sun – We Are The People (Official Music Video)

Remember that awesome song from the movie? Turns out it has a cool music video! Check it out and get those nostalgic vibes going; I always loved the visuals for this one.

What Happens When You Drop A Penny Off The Empire State Building? #MYTHS #DEBUNKED

Ever wondered if dropping a penny from the Empire State Building could actually hurt someone? This video debunks that myth, and you might be surprised by what’s actually more dangerous. It’s a fun factoid connected to a prominent landmark in the movie!

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