Armed and Dangerous Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A disgraced cop and an incompetent lawyer become rent-a-cops and accidentally foil a massive union heist, involving cross-dressing, rocket launchers, and a very enthusiastic trucker.

🍿 Armed and Dangerous: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Framed and Jobless

Officer Frank Dooley, a dedicated LAPD veteran, finds himself framed for theft by corrupt colleagues he caught in the act. Simultaneously, inept lawyer Norman Kane botches a case defending a dangerous criminal, leading a judge to strongly advise him to seek a different career path. These two men, through unfortunate circumstances, are both forced to seek alternative employment.

Security Guard Training

Dooley and Kane cross paths at Guard Dog Security, a low-rent firm. They endure a farcical security guard licensing course, becoming partners under supervisor Maggie Cavanaugh. Assigned to night duty, they soon discover that their security firm is involved in shady dealings.

Uncovering the Conspiracy

After a robbery occurs during their watch, Dooley and Kane become suspicious of the company and the union. Their investigation leads them down a rabbit hole of corruption, involving union president Michael Carlino and a plot to embezzle funds.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Dooley (John Candy): A wrongly fired cop who becomes a security guard and uncovers corruption.
• Norman Kane (Eugene Levy): A useless defense lawyer turned security guard who teams up with Dooley to fight crime.
• Maggie Cavanaugh (Meg Ryan): A security company instructor who aids Frank and Norman in their investigation.
• Michael Carlino (Robert Loggia): The corrupt union president and gangster orchestrating the criminal activities.
• Captain Clarence O’Connell (Kenneth McMillan): The gruff captain of Guard Dog Security who is initially complicit in Carlino’s scheme.
• Clyde Klepper (Jonathan Banks): A union representative and enforcer working for Carlino.
• Anthony Lazarus (Brion James): A union representative and enforcer working for Carlino.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maggie Cavanaugh: “As you can see, it’s really quite simple. Just remember, when you pull the trigger, the bullets come out going very, very fast. So make sure to keep the weapon pointed away from you. Now that’s about it, you are now ARMED guards, God help us all.” – Maggie jokingly explains gun safety to Dooley, Kane, and their fellow soon-to-be security guards.
• Norman Kane: “Oh! Well, then I move for a mistrial.” – Said by Norman Kane to the Judge who is expressing his opinion that Kane is one of the worst lawyers he has ever seen.
• Frank Dooley: “It’s a 50 caliber, only legal in 2 states and this isn’t one of them.” – Dooley explains the legality of the gun he’s carrying to Cowboy, the trucker.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,945,534
• Worldwide Gross: $15,945,534

💥 Armed and Dangerous Reviews

Personal Review

I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘Armed and Dangerous.’ Sure, it’s goofy and the plot is all over the place, but Candy and Levy’s chemistry is undeniable. The scene where they go undercover in drag is comedy gold, and the random appearance of the trucker at the end always cracks me up. It’s not high art, but it’s a fun, lighthearted movie that always puts a smile on my face. The action might be cheesy, but that’s part of its charm. Whenever I need a good laugh, I pop this one in.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Candy and Eugene Levy”
  • “Viewers who enjoy lighthearted 80s action comedies”
  • “Those seeking a simple, undemanding movie for entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence”
  • “Suggestive humor”
  • “Some language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While Candy and Levy bring their comedic talents, ‘Armed and Dangerous’ lacks the sharp writing and consistent laughs needed for a truly successful action-comedy. The film feels disjointed, relying too heavily on slapstick and predictable tropes to resonate with audiences. The storyline is weak and fails to give the actors enough to work with, resulting in a forgettable experience.
• The New York Times: “Despite the presence of John Candy and Eugene Levy, ‘Armed and Dangerous’ never quite finds its footing. The movie’s attempt to blend action and comedy falls flat, with neither element particularly well-executed. The film’s reliance on tired stereotypes and predictable plot points leaves viewers wanting more from the talented cast.

Audience Reactions

The unlikely duo of Candy and Levy create hilarious situations and deliver a fun, comedic movie.: Most viewers appreciated the chemistry between John Candy and Eugene Levy, finding their interactions and comedic timing to be the highlight of the film.

Overall Consensus: A mildly amusing 80’s comedy with flashes of brilliance but ultimately weighed down by a weak plot and inconsistent humor. The strength of the cast makes it watchable but not necessarily memorable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Harold Ramis was initially involved as a screenwriter and executive producer, but he was so dissatisfied with the final product that he requested his name be removed from the credits, though only his producer credit was.”
• “John Carpenter was initially considered to direct the movie but was later replaced.”
• “The film features several actors known for playing villains, such as Brion James (Blade Runner), Jonathan Banks (Breaking Bad), and Robert Loggia (Scarface).”

🖥️ How to Watch Armed and Dangerous?

Armed and Dangerous is available for purchase or rental on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu to stream, rent, or buy the film. Availability may vary depending on your region. Some cable providers also offer on-demand viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Armed and Dangerous, you might like these similar films:

• Police Academy (1984): Shares a similar comedic tone and focuses on a group of misfits joining law enforcement, albeit in a more exaggerated and slapstick manner.
• Fletch (1985): Features a comedic protagonist uncovering a criminal conspiracy while working undercover, sharing a similar blend of humor and crime-solving.
• Dragnet (1987): A comedic take on classic detective stories, with a similar buddy-cop dynamic and over-the-top action.
• The Other Guys (2010): Modern buddy-cop comedy with mismatched partners and absurd situations, similar to the dynamic between Candy and Levy.

🛒 Armed and Dangerous Related Products

• John Candy: The Definitive Collection: A comprehensive digital collection featuring John Candy’s most iconic films, including ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles,’ ‘Uncle Buck’, and other comedy classics. Enjoy hours of laughter with one of the greatest comedic actors of all time.
• Eugene Levy’s Accidental Comedy: A Retrospective: From SCTV to American Pie, this retrospective explores Eugene Levy’s incredible career in comedy. Featuring interviews, clips, and behind-the-scenes footage, this is a must-have for fans of the legendary actor.
• SCTV Volume 1: Experience the sketch comedy that launched the careers of John Candy and Eugene Levy. This collection features classic episodes from the influential Canadian television series, showcasing their unique brand of humor and improvisation.
• 80s Action Movie Soundtrack Collection: Relive the iconic sounds of 1980s action cinema with this collection featuring synth-heavy scores and unforgettable theme songs. Perfect for setting the mood for your next movie night or workout session.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Candy’s Theme” – performed by Bill Meyers (Composed by Maurice White and Bill Meyers)

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tiny Lister Great John Candy Story #shorts @TheHannibalTV

Ever wonder what John Candy was like off-screen? Tiny Lister shares a heartwarming story about Candy’s generosity on the set of ‘Armed and Dangerous’ that will totally change how you see him. Seriously, get ready to feel all the feels!

The Best of John Candy in Films (Supercut)

Love John Candy? This supercut is a must-watch, packing all his funniest moments from various films, including ‘Armed and Dangerous’, into one hilarious compilation. I swear, you’ll be cracking up the whole time!

✨ Rate