Gloria Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A gangster’s moll fresh out of jail kidnaps a kid with a crucial floppy disk and then they run from other gangsters in a bizarre attempt at childcare.

🍿 Gloria: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Gloria’s Release and Reunion

Gloria, played by Sharon Stone, is released from prison after serving three years for her boyfriend, Kevin. Upon returning to New York City, she expects to receive money she was promised for taking the fall. However, she quickly realizes that Kevin has no intention of keeping his word.

Nicky and the Incriminating Disk

At Kevin’s apartment, Gloria encounters Nicky, a young boy whose family has been murdered by Kevin’s associates because his father possessed a computer disk containing incriminating information. Nicky is now a target, and Gloria’s conscience compels her to protect him.

On the Run

Gloria decides to take Nicky under her wing, inadvertently becoming his protector. They go on the run from Kevin and his mob, who are desperate to retrieve the disk. As they evade danger, a bond forms between the unlikely pair. Gloria begins to develop maternal feelings for Nicky, and he starts to see her as a mother figure.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gloria (Sharon Stone): A streetwise ex-moll who reluctantly protects a young boy after his family is murdered.
• Nicky (Jean-Luke Figueroa): A seven-year-old orphan who becomes Gloria’s unlikely ward after his family is killed.
• Kevin (Jeremy Northam): Gloria’s gangster ex-boyfriend who sets the events in motion with his violent actions.
• Ruby (George C. Scott): A powerful mob boss and Kevin’s superior, representing the larger criminal organization.
• Diane (Cathy Moriarty): Gloria’s sister.
• Sean (Mike Starr): A menacing mob enforcer under Kevin’s command, responsible for the family’s murder.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gloria: “I’m trying to teach you a philosophy of life here.” – Gloria tells Nicky this after explaining her less-than-wholesome worldview.
• Kevin: “Sean, if you were any dumber, I’d have to water you.” – Kevin says this line to demonstrate his lack of respect for one of his cronies.
• Nicky: “I like sleeping with you.” – Nicky says this to Gloria after they spent a night together, highlighting their growing bond.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,197,729
• Worldwide Gross: $4,197,729

💥 Gloria Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Gloria’ to be a mixed bag. Sharon Stone is captivating, but the storyline felt generic and lacked depth. The bond between Gloria and Nicky felt forced, and the ending was anticlimactic. It’s a decent action movie but doesn’t leave a lasting impression. It also felt like Sharon Stone was always trying to be sexy and she just looked too old for it in this movie, it felt a bit weird.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sharon Stone”
  • “Viewers interested in crime dramas with a maternal angle”
  • “People looking for a suspenseful thriller set in New York City”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong Language”
  • “Brief Nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Gloria is a glossy but ultimately hollow remake. Stone tries hard, but the script lacks depth, and the chemistry with her young co-star feels forced. It’s a passable thriller, but lacks the grit and emotional resonance of the original.
• Roger Ebert: “The plot is predictable, and the characters lack originality. Stone delivers a decent performance, but the film fails to generate genuine suspense or emotional connection. Lumet’s direction is competent but uninspired, resulting in a forgettable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

Sharon Stone’s performance as a tough yet vulnerable woman was praised.: Viewers liked the action sequences and suspenseful moments, keeping them engaged.

Some viewers found the storyline predictable and lacking originality.: The chemistry between Stone and Figueroa was not convincing for many.

Overall Consensus: Gloria is a passable action-thriller with a strong lead performance by Sharon Stone, but is ultimately let down by a predictable plot and lack of genuine chemistry between the main characters.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is a remake of the 1980 film ‘Gloria’ directed by John Cassavetes and starring Gena Rowlands.”
• “The film was a box office bomb, grossing only $4.1 million against a $30 million budget.”
• “Sharon Stone received a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Actress for her performance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gloria?

Gloria (1999) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. You may also find physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Gloria (1980): The original film directed by John Cassavetes, offering a more gritty and realistic portrayal of the story.
• Leon: The Professional (1994): Features a similar dynamic of a hardened individual protecting a young child from dangerous criminals.
• True Romance (1993): A crime thriller with elements of romance and a strong female lead caught in dangerous situations.
• Man on Fire (2004): A bodyguard takes on a mission to protect a young girl from ruthless criminals.

🛒 Gloria Related Products

• Gloria (1980) [Blu-ray]: Experience John Cassavetes’ original crime drama starring Gena Rowlands. The Criterion Collection Blu-ray offers a pristine transfer and insightful bonus features.
• Sharon Stone: Beauty of an Icon: A retrospective book with photos and essays celebrating the career of Sharon Stone, with insight into her most memorable roles.
• New York City Movie Poster: A high-quality print featuring classic New York City scenes from films, including some that may resemble locations in ‘Gloria’.
• Mafia III: Definitive Edition: An action-adventure game set in 1968 New Bordeaux, offering a gritty crime drama experience similar to the themes in ‘Gloria’. Build your own criminal empire and navigate the dangerous underworld.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Pegaso” – performed by The Latin Brothers

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Paths of Glory — What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 90)

Ever wonder what makes a war movie truly great? This video breaks down Kubrick’s ‘Paths of Glory’, and trust me, understanding its genius will totally change how you see movies about tough choices and even tougher situations!

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