Crackers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A quirky group of San Francisco misfits, including the guy who already works there, plot the most hilariously inept pawn shop heist ever, proving some crack-brained schemes are just begging to crumble.

🍿 Crackers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unlikely Heist Team Forms

The film introduces Weslake (Donald Sutherland), a down-on-his-luck man reduced to minding the counter at Garvey’s (Jack Warden) San Francisco pawn shop. Garvey is a crusty, penny-pinching owner, making him a less-than-popular figure among his clientele. Among Garvey’s disgruntled customers are a colorful array of misfits and petty criminals, including the aspiring musician Dillard (Sean Penn), the perpetually hungry Turtle (Wallace Shawn), and local pimp Boardwalk (Larry Riley). These individuals, driven by unemployment and desperation, begin to hatch a scheme to rob Garvey’s shop.

Weslake Becomes the Mastermind

Weslake stumbles upon the fledgling robbery plot by the group. Instead of reporting their intentions to Garvey, he sees an opportunity to better his own situation. With a mix of cunning and self-interest, Weslake insinuates himself into the group and ultimately takes on the role of the heist’s mastermind, planning to lead them to Garvey’s suspected hidden stash. As the elaborate planning process unfolds, the personal lives and eccentricities of the crew members begin to intertwine and complicate the criminal enterprise. Romantic subplots emerge, adding layers of comedic chaos to the already bumbling team.

Love and Larceny

Amidst the preparations for the pawn shop heist, several unexpected romantic entanglements develop. Dillard, Sean Penn’s character, finds himself drawn to Maria (Tasia Valenza), the sister of his thieving partner, Ramon (Trinidad Silva), despite Ramon’s strong disapproval. Simultaneously, Boardwalk, played by Larry Riley, assigned to case a local apartment as part of the scheme, meets and becomes involved with Jasmine (Charlayne Woodard), a maid. These burgeoning relationships add comedic friction and unexpected diversions to the crew’s single-minded goal of robbery.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Weslake (Donald Sutherland): The down-and-out pawn shop employee who stumbles upon a robbery scheme and then masterminds it himself.
• Garvey (Jack Warden): The crusty and greedy owner of the San Francisco pawn shop that becomes the target of a planned heist.
• Dillard (Sean Penn): A disgruntled misfit and wannabe musician who becomes a member of the diverse crew planning the pawn shop robbery.
• Turtle (Wallace Shawn): A perpetually hungry pauper and friend of Weslake who joins the unconventional group attempting the heist.
• Boardwalk (Larry Riley): A local pimp who becomes part of the motley crew assembled to rob Garvey’s pawn shop.
• Ramon (Trinidad Silva): Dillard’s thieving partner who is protective of his sister and also gets involved in the robbery scheme.
• Maxine (Christine Baranski): A meter maid who has a romantic connection with Weslake and is an eccentric member of their social circle.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Weslake: “It’s not just a robbery, it’s a statement.” – Weslake, as the self-appointed mastermind, attempts to elevate the simple pawn shop heist into a meaningful act for the down-and-out crew.
• Garvey: “Business is business, kid. I didn’t get rich by being sentimental.” – Garvey, the crusty pawn shop owner, explains his tough and unsympathetic approach to his clientele, highlighting his penny-pinching nature.
• Turtle: “Is there any food left?” – Turtle, known for his insatiable appetite, frequently asks about food, reinforcing his most prominent comedic characteristic.
• Dillard: “This harmonica’s got more soul than any of ’em.” – Dillard, the aspiring musician, confidently declares the worth of his harmonica, despite his bumbling criminal endeavors.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $129,268
• Worldwide Gross: $129,268

💥 Crackers Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched ‘Crackers,’ and honestly, I was expecting a train wreck given its low rating, but I was pleasantly surprised! It’s such a quirky, charming little heist comedy. I loved the dynamic between Donald Sutherland’s Weslake, who fancies himself a mastermind, and the absolutely chaotic crew he rounds up. Wallace Shawn as Turtle, always eating, was a pure delight; every time he popped up with food, I cracked up. Sean Penn’s early role, trying on that accent, was also hilarious in its own way. The actual heist sequence is where it really shines, with one mishap after another. It’s less about slick professionalism and more about lovable incompetence, which is what makes it so endearing. I found myself genuinely rooting for these down-on-their-luck characters, even as they bungled their way through the plan. It’s got this laid-back, almost indie feel to it, and while not every joke lands, the overall vibe is just so much fun. If you’re looking for a low-stakes, feel-good caper with a fantastic ensemble, give this a shot!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of quirky ensemble comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in ‘bumbling thief’ heist narratives”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven comedies with a comedic take on social themes like unemployment and capitalism”
  • “Fans of Donald Sutherland, Sean Penn, and Wallace Shawn in early career roles”
  • “People looking for a lighthearted, offbeat 80s film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crime/Theft themes (central to the plot)”
  • “Some suggestive humor”
  • “Mild language (implied by ‘Certificate 15’)”
  • “Depiction of poverty and desperation”

Professional Reviews

• The Cinephile Chronicle: “Louis Malle takes a surprising detour with ‘Crackers,’ delivering a comedic heist film far removed from his usual fare. While it attempts to capture the chaotic charm of its Italian predecessor, the film often struggles to find its comedic rhythm. The stellar cast, including Sutherland and Penn, occasionally elevates the material, but the humor sometimes feels forced. It’s a curious watch for Malle completists, offering glimpses of potential that never quite coalesce into a truly cohesive or uproarious experience.
• Screen Insights: “‘Crackers’ gathers an impressive ensemble, with Donald Sutherland leading a band of misfits through a convoluted pawn shop robbery. While the concept has a certain appeal, the execution can be uneven. Sean Penn and Wallace Shawn deliver some memorable moments, but the film often meanders, losing pace where it should be building tension or laughter. It’s a lighthearted caper that aims for farce but sometimes settles for mere pleasantness, leaving you wishing for more comedic bite from its talented players.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected charm of its bumbling ensemble cast.: Viewers frequently praised the chemistry among the eccentric characters and the film’s unique, laid-back comedic tone.

The surprisingly endearing and relatable portrayal of everyday struggles.: Many appreciated the film’s heart and how it subtly touched on themes of unemployment and friendship amidst the comedic chaos.

Overall Consensus: A quirky, understated heist comedy that, despite its mixed critical reception, has developed a cult following for its charming ensemble cast and lighthearted take on desperation.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This film is a remake of the classic Italian heist comedy “Big Deal on Madonna Street” (1958), and was later remade again as “Welcome to Collinwood” (2002).”
• “Director Louis Malle, known for his more serious and critically acclaimed films like “My Dinner with Andre” and “Atlantic City,” initially felt he was the wrong choice to direct a comedy, but eventually came to enjoy the experience.”
• “Sean Penn’s attempt at a Southern accent for his character, Dillard, was widely noted by critics and viewers as being unconvincing and often mocked.”
• “Wallace Shawn, who plays Turtle, would go on to collaborate with director Louis Malle again on two of his most acclaimed films, “My Dinner with Andre” and “Vanya on 42nd Street.””
• “The film’s soundtrack, featuring pop and dance music from the early 80s, was heavily criticized by many reviewers for being dated and detracting from the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Crackers?

While ‘Crackers’ (1984) might not be widely available on major streaming subscriptions, you can often find it for rent or purchase. Check platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube for digital options. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray may also be available from online retailers or second-hand stores for those who prefer collecting.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958): This is the original Italian film that ‘Crackers’ is a direct remake of, sharing the exact same premise of a bumbling, amateur heist.
• Welcome to Collinwood (2002): Another American remake of ‘Big Deal on Madonna Street,’ offering a more modern take on the same ‘lovable losers attempting a heist’ theme.
• A Fish Called Wanda (1988): A highly acclaimed and hilarious British heist comedy featuring a diverse group of bumbling, eccentric criminals whose plan goes spectacularly wrong.
• Logan Lucky (2017): A contemporary film about a down-on-their-luck family of amateur criminals attempting an elaborate heist, known for its quirky characters and comedic tone.
• Bottle Rocket (1996): Wes Anderson’s debut film, focusing on a group of young, aspiring, yet comically inept criminals navigating their friendships and amateur heists.

🛒 Crackers Related Products

• Crackers (1984) – Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience Louis Malle’s unique heist comedy like never before with this newly remastered Blu-ray. Features behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and a retrospective documentary on the film’s cult status and its place in Malle’s filmography.
• Crackers (1984) Vintage Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical release poster for ‘Crackers.’ Perfect for framing, featuring the iconic cast and vibrant 80s aesthetic.
• Garvey’s Pawn Shop – San Francisco Heist T-Shirt: Show your love for the quirky 80s heist film with this unique t-shirt featuring a distressed logo inspired by Garvey’s Pawn Shop from ‘Crackers.’ Made from soft, comfortable cotton.
• The Great San Francisco Heist: A Digital Comic & Strategy Guide (Inspired by Crackers): Explore the intricate (and often comical) world of low-stakes heists with this digital comic, featuring character archetypes inspired by ‘Crackers.’ Includes a bonus ‘strategy guide’ mini-game where you plan your own improbable caper.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “We Got More Than We Need” – performed by Michael McDonald

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Happy Diwali😂😂 #comedy #realfools #surajroxfunnyvibeo #vikramfunnyvideo #Diwali

Ever wondered how to truly celebrate Diwali with a laugh? This viral short is packed with hilarious moments that have entertained millions – you won’t believe the funny antics in this one!

When Me Playing With Crackers in My Home | Chimkandi | Chimkandi New Video | Atif Fc | #shorts

We’ve all been there, right? This side-splitting short captures the hilarious chaos of playing with crackers at home. Trust me, it’s a quick laugh you’ll want to share!

Different type of fireworks testing ‌| fireworks testing 2021 | Some New Crackers Testing Diwali 21

Curious about the coolest new fireworks and how they perform? This video offers an in-depth look at various crackers in action, and honestly, some of these tests are incredibly satisfying to watch!

✨ Rate