Guarding Tess Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Secret Service agent gets stuck babysitting a former First Lady who’s basically a professional troll, then they become besties after a near-death experience involving dirt.

🍿 Guarding Tess: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Doug’s Frustration

Doug Chesnic, a Secret Service agent, is eager to complete his assignment guarding Tess Carlisle, the demanding widow of a former U.S. President. He anticipates returning to more challenging and rewarding duties. However, Tess intervenes and requests that Doug remain her permanent protector, much to his dismay.

Tess’s Whims and Demands

Tess is portrayed as a difficult and eccentric woman who constantly makes unusual demands on her security detail. These include running errands and catering to her whims, causing significant frustration for Doug and his team. She uses her influence with the current President to ensure her requests are met, further exacerbating Doug’s situation.

A Developing Bond

Despite their initial animosity, a subtle bond begins to form between Doug and Tess. He begins to understand her loneliness and vulnerability, while she gradually acknowledges his dedication and professionalism. This slowly eases their strained relationship, leading to moments of understanding and even affection.

Kidnapping and Rescue

While on an outing, Tess is kidnapped by her seemingly harmless driver, Earl, and his accomplices. This event throws Doug and his team into a frantic search, revealing the true extent of their care for her. Doug’s determination to rescue Tess underscores the unexpected bond they have developed.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tess Carlisle (Shirley MacLaine): The cantankerous and demanding former First Lady who forms an unlikely bond with her Secret Service agent.
• Doug Chesnic (Nicolas Cage): The frustrated Secret Service agent assigned to protect Tess, initially disliking her but gradually developing a sense of duty and affection.
• Earl (Austin Pendleton): Tess’s neurotic chauffeur, involved in the kidnapping plot.
• Barry Carlisle (Edward Albert): Tess’s neglectful son, primarily interested in exploiting her name for business gain.
• Frederick (Richard Griffiths): Tess’s caring and loyal nurse, providing her with medical assistance and companionship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tess Carlisle: “Doug, you treat me like an invalid!” – Expresses Tess’s frustration with Doug’s overprotective nature, showcasing her desire for independence.
• Doug Chesnic: “Ma’am, with all due respect, sometimes you act like an idiot.” – Doug’s exasperated response to Tess’s recklessness, highlighting their contentious but ultimately caring relationship.
• Doug Chesnic: “It’s the worst job in the Secret Service.” – Doug’s initial sentiment towards guarding Tess, illustrating the challenges and frustrations of his assignment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $27,058,304
• Worldwide Gross: $27,058,304

💥 Guarding Tess Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Guarding Tess’! It’s one of those movies you can watch again and again. Shirley MacLaine is hilarious as the grumpy Tess, and Nicolas Cage is so good at playing the exasperated Doug. The scene where she keeps calling the President just to annoy Doug is comedy gold! I teared up a bit at the end, though. It was touching to see how their relationship evolved. I would recommend this movie to anyone who wants a good laugh and a few heartwarming moments.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven stories”
  • “Viewers who enjoy dramedies with a blend of humor and heart”
  • “Those interested in films about unlikely friendships”
  • “Fans of Shirley MacLaine and Nicolas Cage”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements involving illness and kidnapping”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “MacLaine shines as the difficult but ultimately endearing Tess, while Cage delivers a restrained performance that perfectly complements her. The film deftly balances humor and heart, making for a surprisingly satisfying viewing experience. It loses a bit of steam toward the end, but the overall journey is worth taking.
• RogerEbert.com: “While the premise is interesting, the execution falls a bit short. The film relies too heavily on the ‘odd couple’ dynamic, and the shift in tone towards the end feels forced. However, MacLaine and Cage bring a certain charm to their roles that makes the film watchable.
• The New York Times: “Shirley MacLaine is in top form. Nicholas Cage plays off of her perfectly. It is one of those movies with lots of subtle humor.

Audience Reactions

Shirley MacLaine and Nicolas Cage’s on-screen chemistry made the movie hilarious and heartwarming.: The performances of the lead actors, especially their comedic timing and character development, were universally praised.

The unexpected twist in the plot added suspense and emotional depth to an already engaging story.: Viewers appreciated the film’s ability to blend humor and drama seamlessly, creating a balanced and memorable experience.

Overall Consensus: A charming dramedy with strong performances from MacLaine and Cage, offering a blend of humor and heart that resonates with audiences.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Awards (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 1995

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Hugh Wilson, known for directing comedies like ‘Police Academy’, took a more character-driven approach with ‘Guarding Tess’, focusing on the evolving relationship between the two leads.”
• “Several scenes were filmed on location in Maryland, standing in for rural Ohio where the story is set.”
• “The film’s blend of comedy and drama provided Nicolas Cage an opportunity to showcase a more understated and nuanced performance compared to some of his more eccentric roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch Guarding Tess?

Guarding Tess is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for television airings. It is not typically included in subscription services like Netflix or Hulu, but availability may change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Guarding Tess, you might like these similar films:

• Driving Miss Daisy (1989): Explores a similar dynamic between an older, independent woman and her driver, focusing on their evolving relationship despite initial friction.
• In the Line of Fire (1993): Features a Secret Service agent protecting a president, with the agent facing personal and professional challenges, sharing the theme of protection and duty.
• Scent of a Woman (1992): Revolves around an unlikely bond between a young caretaker and a blind, cantankerous retired military officer, highlighting personal growth and unexpected friendships.

🛒 Guarding Tess Related Products

• Nicolas Cage Pillow Case Cover: This decorative pillow case features Nicolas Cage. Add a touch of Cage to your home decor!
• Shirley MacLaine: My Lucky Stars: Explore the life and career of Shirley MacLaine in this captivating biography. Dive deep into her experiences and insights on acting, spirituality, and Hollywood.
• Secret Service Agent Costume for Adults: Dress up as a Secret Service agent to catch attention. Includes dark suit, dark glasses, fake earpiece

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Madamina Il Catologo e Questro” – performed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Guarding Tess (1994) – Am I Secret Service or A Caddy? Scene | Movieclips

Ever wonder what it’s like to guard a former First Lady who loves to make your life difficult? This scene perfectly captures the hilarious struggle between Doug and Tess, making you feel the pain while laughing at the absurdity!

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