Get Shorty Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cool mobster goes to Hollywood to collect money, but gets distracted by the shiny lights and decides to become a movie producer instead, because why not?

🍿 Get Shorty: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Chili Palmer Arrives in Hollywood

Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark, travels to Hollywood to collect a debt from Harry Zimm, a B-movie producer. He quickly discovers that the movie business isn’t much different from his usual line of work, filled with shady characters and financial scams. Palmer’s smooth demeanor and unique approach to problem-solving catch the eye of Zimm and his actress girlfriend, Karen Flores.

Getting Involved in ‘Mr. Lovejoy’

Palmer becomes intrigued by a script called ‘Mr. Lovejoy,’ which he believes has potential. He decides to use his connections and street smarts to produce the film, navigating the complex world of Hollywood financing and casting. This puts him at odds with a drug dealer named Bo Catlett, who has also invested in Zimm’s projects and expects a return.

Dealing with Complications

As Palmer works to get ‘Mr. Lovejoy’ off the ground, he faces numerous challenges. These include Catlett’s threats, a visit from his own boss, Ray ‘Bones’ Barboni, who comes to collect the original debt, and the eccentricities of actor Martin Weir, who they want for the lead role. Palmer skillfully manages these obstacles, often using his mobster tactics in unconventional ways.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chili Palmer (John Travolta): A cool and collected Miami loan shark who discovers a knack for producing movies in Hollywood.
• Harry Zimm (Gene Hackman): A low-budget Hollywood producer who gets entangled with Chili and his mob connections.
• Karen Flores (Rene Russo): A scream-queen actress and Harry’s girlfriend who becomes romantically involved with Chili and partners with him.
• Ray ‘Bones’ Barboni (Dennis Farina): A violent and foul-mouthed mobster and Chili’s rival who comes to Hollywood seeking money and revenge.
• Bo Catlett (Delroy Lindo): A drug-dealing financier and wannabe movie producer who funds Harry’s films.
• Martin Weir (Danny DeVito): A short, egotistical, and famous actor who is pursued by Chili and Harry for their film project.
• Bear (James Gandolfini): Bo Catlett’s bodyguard and former stuntman who eventually switches sides and works with Chili.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chili Palmer: “Look at me.” – Chili’s way of demanding attention, which becomes his signature and is repeated by other characters.
• Harry Zimm: “I once asked this literary agent what kind of writing paid the best, he said, ‘Ransom notes.’” – Zimm’s cynical take on Hollywood and the pursuit of money in the film industry.
• Chili Palmer: “The limo’s here, pal. Go get it.” – Chili coolly dismisses Bo Catlett after turning the tables on him.
• Ray ‘Bones’ Barboni: “I want us to be friends, and both you and I know that friends…don’t hit each other.” – Said to a woman immediately after punching her, showcasing Bones’ twisted logic.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,250,000
• Domestic Gross: $72,101,622
• Worldwide Gross: $115,101,622

💥 Get Shorty Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Get Shorty’! The way Chili Palmer strolls into Hollywood and just owns the place is hilarious. Travolta’s performance is so cool, and the whole movie has this laid-back vibe that makes it super rewatchable. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where he’s giving the movie producer advice – pure genius! It’s one of those films where the dialogue is just as entertaining as the plot.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy satire of Hollywood culture”
  • “Elmore Leonard fans”
  • “Fans of John Travolta, Gene Hackman, and Dennis Farina”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Sonnenfeld delivers a slick and stylish adaptation of Leonard’s novel, with Travolta perfectly cast as the effortlessly cool Chili Palmer. A sharp satire of Hollywood and the criminal underworld, the movie entertains from start to finish.
• The New York Times: “A witty and engaging crime comedy that skewers the movie industry with a knowing wink. The ensemble cast shines, with Hackman and DeVito providing memorable performances alongside Travolta’s smooth and charismatic lead.
• Los Angeles Times: “Get Shorty is one of the best Elmore Leonard adaptations, this satire works because its characters are believable and its dialogue crackles with wit and intelligence. Travolta embodies Chili Palmer with a swagger that is equal parts charming and menacing.

Audience Reactions

John Travolta’s performance as Chili Palmer is iconic and effortlessly cool.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s witty dialogue, sharp satire, and stellar cast performances.

The movie’s seamless blend of crime and comedy keeps the audience engaged and entertained.: Many appreciate the unique storyline that satirizes the Hollywood movie business and criminal underworld.

Overall Consensus: A highly entertaining and clever crime comedy that successfully blends sharp satire with a stellar cast, making it a memorable and rewatchable film.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 1996
2. Golden Globe (Best Actor – Musical or Comedy (John Travolta))- 1996

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Elmore Leonard considered ‘Get Shorty’ the best adaptation of his novels into a film.”
• “Many of the film’s scenes were shot on location in Los Angeles, adding authenticity to the Hollywood setting.”
• “The real Chili Palmer, a friend of Elmore Leonard, makes a cameo appearance as one of Ray ‘Bones’ Barboni’s associates at the beginning of the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Get Shorty?

Get Shorty is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, where it’s often available for rent or purchase. Additionally, it’s frequently offered on Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased from major retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Get Shorty, you might like these similar films:

• Out of Sight (1998): Another Elmore Leonard adaptation with a smooth criminal protagonist and witty dialogue.
• The Player (1992): A dark comedy that satirizes the Hollywood movie-making process.
• Pulp Fiction (1994): Features a similar blend of crime, dark humor, and memorable characters, and helped revive Travolta’s career.
• Jackie Brown (1997): Another Elmore Leonard adaptation that features crime and humor.
• Be Cool (2005): The sequel to Get Shorty.

🛒 Get Shorty Related Products

• Get Shorty [Blu-ray]: Experience ‘Get Shorty’ in high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Enjoy enhanced picture and sound quality for a truly immersive viewing experience, perfect for collectors and fans of the film.
• Get Shorty: A Novel by Elmore Leonard: Delve deeper into the world of Chili Palmer with the original novel by Elmore Leonard. This book offers a more comprehensive look at the characters and story that inspired the movie, making it a must-have for fans.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Get Shorty – Chili Palmer Figure: Add a touch of cool to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of Chili Palmer. This vinyl figure captures the character’s iconic look and is perfect for displaying your love for ‘Get Shorty’.
• Elmore Leonard’s Chili Palmer Collection [3 Novels]: Dive into the complete adventures of Chili Palmer with this collection including Get Shorty and Be Cool novels. This is a special collection for diehard fans of the character.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “A Woman, A Lover, A Friend” – performed by Booker T. & the M.G.’s
• “Wimoweh” – performed by Hugh Masekela

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

GET SHORTY (1995) – the best of Dennis Farina as Ray ‘Bones’ Barboni

If you enjoyed Dennis Farina’s portrayal of Ray ‘Bones’ Barboni in Get Shorty, you’ll love this compilation that brings together his best scenes. Prepare to be entertained by his memorable delivery and on-screen presence.

When Your Career Is All Over the Place – John Travolta

Curious about John Travolta’s rollercoaster career? This video takes a fascinating look at his journey, from his early successes to his struggles and eventual resurgence. Get Shorty fans will appreciate the insights into his role in the film.

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