Condorman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cartoonist with zero experience becomes a gadget-wielding superhero to help a Soviet spy defect, battling Russians with devices that look like they came from a cereal box.

🍿 Condorman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Woody Wilkins

Woody Wilkins, an American comic book writer and illustrator living in Paris, is obsessed with realism. He insists on personally testing the stunts and gadgets he designs for his superhero, Condorman. This leads to a comical attempt to fly off the Eiffel Tower, which ends with a crash landing in the Seine.

A Simple Mission Turns Complicated

Woody’s friend, CIA file clerk Harry Oslo, asks him to perform a simple paper swap in Istanbul. There, Woody meets Natalia Rambova, a beautiful Russian woman who is actually a KGB spy. Posing as Condorman, Woody protects her from assassins and completes the exchange.

Natalia’s Defection and Woody’s Transformation

Impressed by Woody and disillusioned with her boss, Krokov, Natalia decides to defect and requests Condorman’s assistance. Woody agrees, but only if the CIA provides him with gadgets based on his designs. This sets the stage for Woody to truly become Condorman.

Chases and Discoveries

Woody meets Natalia in Yugoslavia and protects her from Krokov’s henchmen, led by the ruthless Morovich. Their journey takes them through Italy and Switzerland, where Natalia discovers Woody’s true identity as a comic book artist when children recognize her from his drawings.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Woody Wilkins (Michael Crawford): An eccentric comic book artist who becomes the real-life Condorman to help a Soviet spy defect.
• Natalia Rambova (Barbara Carrera): A beautiful KGB spy who decides to defect to the West with the help of Condorman.
• Krokov (Oliver Reed): The ruthless KGB boss and Natalia’s former lover who tries to stop her defection.
• Harry Oslo (James Hampton): Woody’s friend and CIA file clerk who involves him in the initial paper swap operation.
• Morovich (Jean-Pierre Kalfon): Krokov’s deadly, one-eyed henchman who relentlessly pursues Woody and Natalia.
• Russ Devlin (Dana Elcar): Harry’s boss in the CIA who agrees to provide Woody with gadgets based on his designs.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Woody Wilkins: “I’ll have one of those. A double.” – Woody orders a potent drink to impress Natalia, escalating it to a double despite the waiter’s surprise.
• Woody Wilkins: “Okay. Make it a triple.” – Upping his order further when the waiter expresses shock at a double Istanbul Express.
• Woody Wilkins: “But I’m Condorman!” – Woody tries to emphasize that he is not just a comic book writer and artist.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $14,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,783,718
• Worldwide Gross: $10,783,718

💥 Condorman Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being completely blown away by the Condorman suit and the gadgets! The car chase scene was my favorite, I thought it was so cool how the car turns into a hovercraft! It’s definitely cheesy, but I still get a kick out of it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Disney live-action films”
  • “Those who enjoy spy movie spoofs”
  • “Families looking for a fun and lighthearted adventure”
  • “Viewers interested in 1980s cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild cartoon violence”
  • “Some scenes may be considered cheesy by modern standards”

Professional Reviews

• Timeout: “Condorman is a lighthearted, family-friendly spy adventure with some genuinely fun moments, though the special effects and humor are definitely products of their time. Crawford’s earnest performance adds to the charm.
• Empire: “The film’s reliance on cheesy special effects and over-the-top acting can be grating, but there’s a certain nostalgic appeal for those who grew up with it. The locations are beautiful.
• Variety: “Condorman has some fun and charm, but is not enough to keep this over-the-top Disney film afloat. Crawford, Reed and Carrera’s roles and star power is not enough.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top gadgets and car chase scenes still provide some nostalgic fun.: Viewers appreciate the film for its lightheartedness and campy charm.

Michael Crawford’s performance is endearingly goofy.: Some find the film funny and perfect for family entertainment

Overall Consensus: Condorman is a fun if cheesy, nostalgic movie with a lighthearted story and memorable moments.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Michael Crawford nearly drowned during the scene where Condorman falls into the Seine River, requiring rescue by lifeguards.”
• “The special effects, particularly the flying sequences, were considered subpar even for the time, with visible wires often detracting from the realism.”
• “Director Charles Jarrott was known for period dramas; Condorman was a significant departure, reflecting Disney’s attempt to broaden their live-action offerings.”

🖥️ How to Watch Condorman?

Condorman is currently available for digital purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these streaming services for rental options as well. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Apple Dumpling Gang (1975): Similar lighthearted Disney live-action adventure with comedic elements and unlikely heroes.
• Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977): Shares the European setting and comedic action sequences with a focus on inventive gadgets.
• The Great Muppet Caper (1981): Features a similar blend of comedy, adventure, and European locales within a family-friendly framework.
• Spy Kids (2001): Modern equivalent with a focus on family-friendly spy adventure and imaginative gadgets.

🛒 Condorman Related Products

• Condorman: The Complete Collection (Blu-ray): Limited edition Blu-ray set with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and deleted scenes. A must-have for any serious Condorman fan!
• Condorman Comic Book Collection: Full-color, high-quality reproduction of the original Condorman comic books that inspired Woody Wilkins’ creation. Includes exclusive artwork and commentary.
• Condorman T-Shirt: Officially licensed Condorman t-shirt featuring the iconic Condorman logo and vintage artwork. Available in various sizes and colors.
• Condorman Board Game: A strategic board game where players take on the roles of Condorman and his allies to thwart the evil Krokov’s plans. Includes detailed miniatures and challenging scenarios.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Condorman Main Title” – performed by Henry Mancini
• “Natalia” – performed by Henry Mancini

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CONDORMAN Clip – “Car Chase” (1981)

Remember that crazy car chase in Condorman? This clip is a super fun way to relive that over-the-top action!

The Rise and Legacy of Disney’s Forgotten FIRST Super Hero: Condorman

Ever wonder where Condorman fits in Disney’s superhero history? This video dives into why it’s so unique and surprisingly ahead of its time… despite being so campy.

Droid Bishop – The Ghost and The Highway (Synthwave / Outrun) [Music Video]

Want a cool, retro vibe to go with your Condorman nostalgia? This fan-made synthwave music video perfectly captures the film’s 80s charm.

✨ Rate