Bird on a Wire Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lady lawyer runs into her supposedly dead ex-fiance, who is now a gas station attendant with a new identity and a whole lot of trouble, and they end up running from bad guys and lions.

🍿 Bird on a Wire: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Reunion and Revelation

Marianne Graves, a successful lawyer, encounters a gas station attendant named Billy Ray, who looks identical to her former fiancé, Rick Jarmin, presumed dead for fifteen years. Rick, now living under witness protection, attempts to deny his identity. This chance encounter quickly spirals into danger as Rick’s past catches up to him.

On the Run

Rick is forced to reveal his true identity to Marianne after an attempt on his life. They find themselves framed for murder and on the run from both the authorities and the criminals he testified against. Their journey takes them across the country, forcing them to rely on each other for survival.

Confrontation and Climax

The chase culminates at a zoo, where Rick once worked during another stint in witness protection. A chaotic confrontation ensues, involving the pursuing criminals and the zoo’s animal inhabitants. This setting adds a unique element of danger and absurdity to the film’s climax.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rick Jarmin (Mel Gibson): A former informant in the witness protection program, Rick is forced to confront his past when his identity is compromised.
• Marianne Graves (Goldie Hawn): Rick’s former fiancee, Marianne is a lawyer who rediscovers Rick and becomes entangled in his dangerous situation.
• Eugene Sorenson (David Carradine): A vengeful and dangerous ex-DEA agent, Sorenson seeks retribution against Rick for his testimony.
• Albert Diggs (Bill Duke): Sorenson’s ruthless accomplice, Diggs aids in the pursuit of Rick with deadly determination.
• Joe Weyburn (Stephen Tobolowsky): A corrupt FBI agent, Weyburn betrays Rick and aids Sorenson in locating him.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rick Jarmin: “I haven’t had a girlfriend for 5 years.” – Rick explains his lonely existence in the witness protection program to Marianne.
• Marianne Graves: “Since when did you start wearing underpants?” – Marianne asks Rick about his change in habits, highlighting their past relationship.
• Rick Jarmin: “Mr. Wiggly’s been on bread and water for 5 long years.” – Rick makes a suggestive comment to Marianne after she asks why he hasn’t had a girlfriend in so long.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $70,978,012
• Worldwide Gross: $138,697,012

💥 Bird on a Wire Reviews

Personal Review

I watched this movie for the first time as a kid, and I remember being completely entertained by the action and the funny banter between Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn. The whole witness protection thing felt intriguing, and the zoo scene was just wild! Now, rewatching it as an adult, I can see some of the flaws, but I still enjoy it as a fun, nostalgic ride. It’s not high art, but it’s a solid 80s/90s action-comedy that delivers on its promise of entertainment. That opening gas station explosion was awesome!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn”
  • “Those who enjoy action-comedy movies”
  • “Viewers looking for lighthearted entertainment”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Some language”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Bird on a Wire squanders the considerable talents of Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn in a predictable and surprisingly charmless action-comedy.
• Roger Ebert: “The movie is pleasant enough, with a few good laughs and some exciting action sequences, but it never really takes off. It’s like a lightweight version of ‘Lethal Weapon,’ with Goldie Hawn replacing Danny Glover.
• Variety: “Pic is a high-gloss, high-concept programmer that never manages to lift itself above the ordinary. Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn are certainly appealing together, but the script gives them little to work with.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn makes the movie worth watching.: Many viewers appreciated the comedic timing and the on-screen dynamic of the two leads.

The zoo scene is a memorable and chaotic climax.: The action-packed finale in the zoo, with animals adding to the mayhem, was a highlight for many.

Overall Consensus: Bird on a Wire is a light-hearted action-comedy that relies on the star power of Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn for its appeal. While critics found it formulaic, many viewers enjoyed its humor and action sequences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Goldie Hawn performed many of her own stunts in the film, encouraged by Mel Gibson, showcasing her dedication to the role.”
• “The film’s title, ‘Bird on a Wire,’ is taken from the Leonard Cohen song of the same name, which is featured on the soundtrack.”

🖥️ How to Watch Bird on a Wire?

Bird on a Wire is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region, so confirm before attempting to stream or purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Bird on a Wire, you might like these similar films:

• The 39 Steps (1935): Shares the theme of an innocent person on the run, caught up in a web of intrigue and mistaken identity.
• Midnight Run (1988): Features a similar blend of action and comedy with characters on the run from both criminals and law enforcement.
• Romancing the Stone (1984): Combines adventure, romance, and comedy in a similar vein, with the leads thrown into dangerous situations.
• Knight and Day (2010): A modern action-comedy where an ordinary woman gets caught up in a globe-trotting adventure with a secret agent.

🛒 Bird on a Wire Related Products

• Bird on a Wire [Blu-ray]: Experience the action and comedy of ‘Bird on a Wire’ in high definition. A must-have for fans of Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn, the Blu-ray edition offers enhanced picture and sound quality for an immersive viewing experience.
• Mel Gibson: An Action Icon Collection (Mad Max, Lethal Weapon): Own a piece of action movie history with this collection of Mel Gibson’s most iconic roles, including the ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchises. A great gift for any action movie enthusiast.
• Goldie Hawn: Classic Comedies (Private Benjamin, Death Becomes Her): Enjoy a selection of Goldie Hawn’s most beloved comedies, showcasing her signature comedic talent and charm. Perfect for a nostalgic movie night or a gift for comedy fans.
• Witness Protection Thriller Book Collection: Delve into a series of thrilling novels centered around the theme of witness protection, offering suspenseful storylines and intriguing characters. A must-read for fans of the genre.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Bird On A Wire” – performed by The Neville Brothers
• “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – performed by Randy Crawford

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hans Zimmer SoundTrack (Bird On A Wire /1990)

Did you know Hans Zimmer did the soundtrack for Bird on a Wire? This track is so good; it perfectly captures the adventurous and romantic feel of the movie! Give it a listen; you won’t regret it.

✨ Rate