For Love or Money Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A super-charming concierge needs millions to build his dream hotel but falls for his sugar daddy’s mistress and faces a moral crisis that involves traffic jams and questionable financial ethics.

🍿 For Love or Money: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Doug’s Dream

Doug Ireland, portrayed by Michael J. Fox, is a resourceful and ambitious concierge at a luxury hotel in New York City. He dreams of owning his own hotel and has been diligently saving his tips to secure an option on a property on Roosevelt Island. Doug’s ultimate goal is to leave behind his cramped one-room apartment and become a successful hotelier, embodying the American dream.

The Billionaire and the Mistress

Doug’s path to realizing his dream intersects with Christian Hanover, a wealthy and influential businessman. Hanover agrees to consider investing in Doug’s hotel venture. However, Doug is surprised to discover that Hanover’s mistress is Andy Hart, a perfume saleswoman at the hotel and the woman Doug is attracted to. This discovery creates a complex situation as Doug finds himself torn between his ambition and his feelings for Andy, who believes Hanover will leave his wife for her.

Complications and Moral Dilemmas

As Doug navigates the situation, he faces increasing complications. He is audited by the IRS, and Hanover asks him to “take care” of Andy, leading Doug to spend more time with her. Doug also lies to Andy about Christian’s whereabouts in order to maintain the illusion that Christian will keep his promise to leave his wife. Doug begins to question his own moral compass. The more time he spends with Andy, the more he questions what is really important.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Doug Ireland (Michael J. Fox): A resourceful and ambitious concierge who dreams of opening his own hotel, but must choose between his career aspirations and his love for Andy.
• Andy Hart (Gabrielle Anwar): A perfume saleswoman and aspiring singer, caught between her desire for wealth and her growing feelings for Doug.
• Christian Hanover (Anthony Higgins): A wealthy and manipulative businessman who promises Doug financial backing, but complicates matters with his affair with Andy.
• Harry Wegman (Michael Tucker): A kind-hearted hotel guest whose marriage is revitalized by Doug, and who later becomes a key figure in Doug’s dream.
• Ed Drinkwater (Bob Balaban): An IRS agent investigating Doug, who becomes entangled in Christian’s schemes.
• Milton Glickman (Fyvush Finkel): An elderly bellhop at the Bradbury Hotel, who supports Doug’s dream by sharing his hotel plans with Wegman.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Doug Ireland: “I don’t scurry. I take the subway like any other animal.” – Doug says this line, displaying his pride and down-to-earth nature, when someone suggests he’s always rushing around.
• Doug Ireland: “How’d this Donahue get in here?” – Doug says this in reference to Harry Wegman at the ‘ticket trade’ scene.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,146,270
• Worldwide Gross: $11,146,270

💥 For Love or Money Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and just being swept away by Michael J. Fox’s charm. The subway scene where he shows Gabrielle Anwar his dream was so good and really got me. Even though the story’s a bit predictable now, it still has that feel-good quality. The part where he stops her going to the Hamptons had me on the edge of my seat. If you’re looking for a lighthearted escape, ‘The Concierge’ is a classic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Michael J. Fox”
  • “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted romantic comedies”
  • “People who like movies set in New York City”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mild language”
  • “Some suggestive situations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Though it doesn’t break new ground, ‘The Concierge’ benefits from Fox’s charismatic performance and Sonnenfeld’s light touch. Anwar shines as the love interest, and the film provides a pleasant escape with its witty banter and romantic dilemmas.
• The New York Times: “A frothy, predictable rom-com elevated by Michael J. Fox’s energetic performance. While the plot is standard fare, Fox’s charm and the supporting cast’s quirks make it an enjoyable, if forgettable, viewing experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “Barry Sonnenfeld directs this lighthearted romantic comedy with a stylish flair, but the film hinges on Michael J. Fox’s appeal. He manages to bring warmth and sincerity to a character navigating tricky moral situations, making ‘The Concierge’ a worthwhile watch for fans.

Audience Reactions

Michael J. Fox’s performance is amazing and so heartfelt.: Viewers praised Michael J. Fox’s charm and likability, highlighting his ability to elevate a fairly simple storyline.

The chemistry between Fox and Anwar is very good.: Many enjoyed the on-screen chemistry between Michael J. Fox and Gabrielle Anwar, citing it as a key factor in the film’s appeal.

I really enjoyed it.: Many people liked it very much as it was a good film overall.

Overall Consensus: A charming romantic comedy with a predictable plot, elevated by Michael J. Fox’s performance and a feel-good atmosphere.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The original title for this film was ‘The Concierge’, but the studio changed it because they feared many people wouldn’t know what a concierge is.”
• “Director Barry Sonnenfeld had previously worked as a cinematographer for the Coen Brothers, known for their quirky and distinctive style, before transitioning to directing comedies.”
• “Isaac Mizrahi makes a cameo appearance as Julian Russell, a fashion designer, adding a touch of real-world fashion flair to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch For Love or Money?

As of October 2024, “The Concierge” (also known as “For Love or Money”) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability as options may change over time.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed For Love or Money, you might like these similar films:

• The Secret of My Success (1987): Features Michael J. Fox in a similar role as an ambitious young man climbing the corporate ladder in New York City.
• Pretty Woman (1990): Explores themes of social class, romance, and personal transformation within a luxurious setting.
• Maid in Manhattan (2002): A modern romantic comedy where a hotel maid and a senatorial candidate discover each other.

🛒 For Love or Money Related Products

• Michael J. Fox: A Biography: An inside look into the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, with exclusive interviews.
• New York Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces): Featuring a detailed aerial view of Manhattan and Queens.
• The Concierge Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the original theatrical poster, capturing the essence of the film.
• Luxury Hotel Concierge Service Experience (Gift Card): An unforgettable opportunity to experience a luxury hotel’s offerings.

🎧 Soundtrack

For Love or Money features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dominique” – performed by Soeur Sourire
• “I Get a Kick Out of You” – performed by Frank Sinatra
• “Night and Day” – performed by Cole Porter

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Man Adopts Billionaire Working Habits to Leave His 9-5 Job, Become Super Rich & Surprise His Girl

Need a quick refresher on the movie’s story? This recap breaks down all the major plot points and character motivations. Honestly, it’s a great way to understand the film’s choices!

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