Speechless Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two insomniac speechwriters fall in love, realize they work for opposing political candidates, and suddenly New Mexico is the most dramatic place on Earth because love and politics are totally the same thing, right?

🍿 Speechless: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Encounter and Attraction

Julia Mann and Kevin Vallick meet in a Las Cruces, New Mexico hotel gift shop. Both are insomniacs and writers, leading to an immediate attraction. They spend the evening together, bonding over their shared interests and witty banter, unaware of their professional connection.

Professional Conflict Revealed

The attraction takes a sharp turn when Julia and Kevin discover they are speechwriters for opposing Senate candidates. Julia works for Democrat Lloyd Wannamaker, while Kevin is employed by Republican Ray Garvin. This revelation creates tension and complicates their budding romance.

Complications and Challenges

Their relationship is further strained by external factors. Julia’s ex-fiancé, war correspondent Robert ‘Baghdad Bob’ Freed, attempts to win her back. Kevin’s complex relationship with his demanding boss, Annette, adds another layer of complexity. Political impropriety and professional misunderstandings threaten to derail both their careers and their relationship.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kevin Vallick (Michael Keaton): A Republican speechwriter who falls for his rival, Julia, despite their opposing political views.
• Julia Mann (Geena Davis): A Democratic speechwriter who finds herself falling for Kevin, the writer for the opposing candidate.
• Bob Freed (Christopher Reeve): Julia’s ex-fiancé and a war correspondent who tries to win her back.
• Annette (Bonnie Bedelia): The cutthroat political operative who hired Kevin to work on the Republican campaign.
• Lloyd Wannamaker (Mitchell Ryan): The Democratic candidate for whom Julia works as a speechwriter.
• Ray Garvin (Ray Baker): The Republican candidate whose campaign employs Kevin as a speechwriter.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Julia: “You know, you’re really cute when you’re smarmy.” – Julia says this to Kevin, teasing him as their attraction grows, showcasing their playful banter.
• Kevin: “Prove it.” – Kevin challenges Julia to prove her feelings for him, adding a touch of humor to their romantic tension.
• Bob Freed: “I’m Baghdad Bob. I can handle anything.” – Bob, Julia’s ex-fiancé, states this, highlighting his confident and somewhat arrogant personality as a war correspondent.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $38,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $20,667,959
• Worldwide Gross: $20,667,959

💥 Speechless Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching “Speechless” as a kid and thinking it was so clever! Geena Davis and Michael Keaton were hilarious together, even though the plot was a bit far-fetched. I loved how they made fun of politics without being too serious. The scene where they find out about each other at the school is comedy gold! It’s a feel-good movie that always puts a smile on my face, even if it’s not a cinematic masterpiece.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 90s romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers looking for light-hearted political satire”
  • “Those who enjoy films starring Michael Keaton and Geena Davis”
  • “People who appreciate the ‘opposites attract’ trope”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive dialogue”
  • “Implied sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Speechless has some charming moments, but ultimately fails to capitalize on its potential due to a predictable plot and lack of genuine spark between the leads. The political satire feels toothless.
• IMDB: “Speechless is a competent romantic comedy, light on its feet with amusing banter, but lacks depth. Davis and Keaton have adequate chemistry, but the political backdrop feels more like set dressing than a crucial element of the story. Watchable for a lighthearted evening.
• Empire Magazine: “A pleasant, if unremarkable, rom-com elevated by the performances of Keaton and Davis. The political satire is gentle, but the film’s charm lies in its light-hearted approach to the battle of ideologies. A solid choice for a cozy night in.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Michael Keaton and Geena Davis kept me laughing.: Many appreciated the light-hearted and funny performances of the two lead actors.

I loved the unique premise of the speechwriters falling in love.: Viewers enjoyed the film’s original concept and the way it played with political stereotypes.

Overall Consensus: Speechless is a light and enjoyable romantic comedy with a fun premise and good performances by its leads, but it lacks depth and meaningful political commentary.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bonnie Bedelia turned down a role in ‘Die Hard: With a Vengeance’ (1995) to appear in this film.”
• “The film features Christopher Reeve and Michael Keaton, both known for playing iconic DC superheroes (Superman and Batman, respectively).”
• “Filming took place in Las Vegas, New Mexico, offering a backdrop of the American Southwest.”

🖥️ How to Watch Speechless?

As of October 2024, ‘Speechless’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current availability and pricing options. Unfortunately, it’s not typically included with standard subscriptions like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Speechless, you might like these similar films:

• The American President (1995): Similar theme of romance blossoming amidst the world of politics and policy.
• Dave (1993): Involves political satire and romantic entanglements within the White House setting.
• Adam’s Rib (1949): Classic film featuring a married couple on opposite sides of a court case, highlighting the clash of personal and professional lives.
• Long Shot (2019): A more modern take on the political rom-com, where a speechwriter falls for a presidential candidate.

🛒 Speechless Related Products

• Speechless [Blu-ray]: Relive the laughter with the Blu-ray edition of Speechless. Enjoy enhanced picture quality and crisp sound as you watch Michael Keaton and Geena Davis navigate love and politics.
• Funny Political T-Shirt: Show your love for satire with a ‘Speechless’-inspired shirt! Perfect for anyone with a sense of humor, these high-quality tees are super comfortable.
• New Mexico Souvenir Gift Set: A collection of New Mexico-themed items including local snacks, art prints, and a miniature hot air balloon, all inspired by the film’s setting.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Bank of Love” – performed by James Armstrong
• “No Se Tu” – performed by Armando Manzanero

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Speechless God of “Princess Mononoke” || Video Essay

Ever wondered why the Spirit of the Forest doesn’t speak in Princess Mononoke? This video dives deep into the symbolism behind it, and honestly, it completely changed how I saw the movie!

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