Used Cars Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A used car salesman buries his boss to get rich, only to fall in love with the daughter and start a car-mageddon to save the dealership from the evil twin across the street; it’s basically “Romeo and Juliet” with more explosions.

🍿 Used Cars: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Rival Car Dealerships

Rudy Russo, a slick and ambitious used car salesman at New Deal Used Cars in Mesa, Arizona, dreams of becoming a State Senator. His boss, Luke Fuchs, runs a struggling dealership across the street from his ruthless twin brother, Roy L. Fuchs, who owns a much more successful car lot. Roy L. is desperate to acquire Luke’s land, as a new freeway exit is planned that will greatly increase its value.

Luke’s Untimely Demise and the Cover-Up

Roy L. orchestrates an ‘accident’ that gives Luke a fatal heart attack. To avoid losing the dealership, Rudy, along with his superstitious colleague Jeff and their excitable mechanic Jim, bury Luke in an old Edsel on the lot. They concoct a story that Luke has gone to Florida, leading to a series of increasingly outrageous advertising stunts to drum up business and keep Roy L. at bay.

Barbara’s Arrival and Rudy’s Dilemma

Luke’s estranged daughter, Barbara, arrives, seeking to reconnect with her father. Rudy finds himself attracted to her but must continue the charade about Luke’s whereabouts. As Rudy falls for Barbara, he juggles his political aspirations with the increasingly complex situation at the car lot and his growing feelings for her.

The Broadcast Hijackings and Roy L.’s Discovery

Rudy’s team pulls off audacious stunts, including hijacking a football game and President Carter’s address to the nation, to air bizarre and often inappropriate commercials. Roy L. eventually discovers Luke’s burial site, leading to a confrontation. Rudy, in a desperate attempt, burns Luke’s body in a staged accident, further complicating the situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rudy Russo (Kurt Russell): A slick and ambitious used car salesman who dreams of running for State Senate and will do anything to achieve his goals.
• Roy L. Fuchs (Jack Warden): The unscrupulous owner of a successful used car lot who will stop at nothing to acquire his brother’s property.
• Luke Fuchs (Jack Warden): The kind-hearted owner of the struggling New Deal used car lot and twin brother to Roy.
• Jeff (Gerrit Graham): A superstitious and eccentric salesman at New Deal who participates in Rudy’s harebrained schemes.
• Barbara Fuchs (Deborah Harmon): Luke’s estranged daughter who unexpectedly inherits the New Deal used car lot and becomes entangled in the rivalry.
• Jim the Mechanic (Frank McRae): The excitable and foul-mouthed mechanic at New Deal who assists Rudy in his schemes.
• Sam Slaton (Joe Flaherty): Roy’s shady lawyer who helps with his schemes to take over his brother’s car lot.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rudy Russo: “Trust me.” – Rudy’s frequent, often insincere, reassurance encapsulates his character’s deceptive nature.
• Jeff: “It’s too f***in’ high!” – Jeff’s superstitious outburst during the pirated football commercial becomes a recurring catchphrase.
• Rudy Russo: “Fifty dollars never killed anybody.” – Rudy’s justification for exploiting customers highlights the film’s cynical humor.
• Jeff: “We blew the s*** out of that overpriced m—–f—-, just like we blow the s*** out of all high prices.” – Jeff’s line during the pirated Jimmy Carter broadcast commercial, encapsulating the movie’s crass and outrageous style.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,715,321
• Worldwide Gross: $11,715,321

💥 Used Cars Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw “Used Cars” as a teenager and it totally blew my mind. The sheer audacity of the humor, the crazy characters, and Kurt Russell’s charismatic performance made it an instant favorite. The hijacked TV commercials are legendary, and the final car chase is pure cinematic chaos. I find myself quoting lines from this movie all the time. It’s a hilarious ride from start to finish!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Kurt Russell”
  • “Lovers of dark comedies and satire”
  • “Those interested in 1980s comedies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate films with strong anti-establishment themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Crude humor”
  • “Depiction of unethical behavior”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Zemeckis delivers a high-energy comedy with Kurt Russell shining as the ethically challenged Rudy Russo. The film’s satirical take on American consumerism is both hilarious and thought-provoking, making it a cult classic worth revisiting.
• The New York Times: “While the film has its moments of inspired lunacy, particularly the hijacked TV broadcasts, it ultimately struggles to balance its crude humor with genuine heart. Russell’s performance is engaging, but the overall experience feels uneven.
• RogerEbert.com: “A wild and unrestrained comedy that skewers the used car industry with gleeful abandon. Kurt Russell is perfect as the morally flexible Rudy Russo, and the film’s over-the-top antics are consistently entertaining.

Audience Reactions

The outrageous TV commercials are iconic and still funny after all these years!: Viewers consistently praise Kurt Russell’s comedic timing and the film’s overall sense of anarchy.

Jack Warden’s dual performance as the battling Fuchs brothers is brilliant and hilarious.: The cast’s chemistry and commitment to the over-the-top characters are a major highlight.

Overall Consensus: “Used Cars” is a cult classic comedy praised for its outrageous humor, strong performances, and satirical take on American culture.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Robert Zemeckis has stated that ‘Used Cars’ is his most anarchic film.”
• “The film was shot in just 28 days, a remarkably short time for a major production.”
• “Kurt Russell has cited ‘Used Cars’ as one of his favorite roles, enjoying the freedom to improvise and be irreverent.”
• “The film’s humor pushes boundaries, a key reason it earned an R rating, Zemeckis’ only film with that distinction.”

🖥️ How to Watch Used Cars?

As of October 2024, Used Cars may be available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred streaming or rental service for availability in your region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available through online retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Used Cars, you might like these similar films:

• Airplane! (1980): Another outrageous comedy from 1980 that relies on absurd situations and irreverent humor.
• Suckers (2001): A more modern, equally cynical look at the world of car sales.
• National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983): Shares a similar tone of irreverent, dark comedy with a focus on outrageous situations.
• The Blues Brothers (1980): Wild car chases and outlandish antics make The Blues Brothers a spiritual companion to Used Cars.

🛒 Used Cars Related Products

• Used Cars [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of “Used Cars” featuring director’s commentary, outtakes, and behind-the-scenes footage, perfect for collectors and fans.
• Used Cars Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster, capturing the film’s iconic imagery and perfect for decorating a home theater or office.
• Used Cars: New Deal Motors T-Shirt: Officially licensed t-shirt featuring the “New Deal Motors” logo, a subtle yet recognizable reference to the movie for die-hard fans.
• Vintage Used Car Salesman Costume Kit: Includes a short tie, polka-dot shirt, and comb over wig. Dress up like Kurt Russel’s character, Rudy Russo, from “Used Cars”, ready to sell!

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Used Cars” – performed by Bobby Bare
• “The Star-Spangled Banner” – performed by Instrumental
• “Various incidental background scores” – performed by Patrick Williams

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

used cars – high prices

Remember that hilarious ‘high prices’ scene from Used Cars? This clip captures the film’s offbeat humor perfectly. It’s a must-watch for any fan!

✨ Rate