Grumpier Old Men Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two old dudes who are supposed to be grumpy get even grumpier when a lady opens a restaurant where they like to buy worms, but then one of them falls in love with her, because old people falling in love is hilarious, I guess.

🍿 Grumpier Old Men: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Rivalry Continues

Six months after John and Ariel’s wedding, Max and John’s playful rivalry persists in Wabasha County. Grandpa Gustafson remains his irreverent self, still chasing women and enjoying his vices. The legendary ‘Catfish Hunter’ still eludes capture, adding to the ongoing saga of this quirky town.

New Romance Arrives

The old bait shop is bought by Maria Ragetti, who plans to turn it into an Italian restaurant. This infuriates Max and John, who try to sabotage her plans. However, Max finds himself falling for the fiery Maria, adding a new layer to their already complicated lives.

Wedding Preparations

Meanwhile, Max’s son Jacob and John’s daughter Melanie are planning their wedding, further intertwining the lives of the two families. John and Max offer their own unique, and often conflicting, ideas for the ceremony, which adds stress to the couple and themselves.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Max Goldman (Walter Matthau): A grumpy old man who reignites his rivalry with John while unexpectedly falling for the new Italian restaurant owner.
• John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon): A grumpy old man married to Ariel, who joins Max in trying to prevent the bait shop from becoming an Italian restaurant.
• Maria Sophia Coletta Ragetti (Sophia Loren): The beautiful and determined Italian woman who buys the bait shop and plans to turn it into a restaurant, attracting Max’s attention.
• Ariel Gustafson (Ann-Margret): John’s wife, who provides a moderating influence amid the chaos and feuding.
• Grandpa Gustafson (Burgess Meredith): John’s lecherous and unconventional father, who provides comic relief and chases after women.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Grandpa Gustafson: “Last Thursday, I turned 95 years old. And I never exercised a day in my life. Every morning, I wake up and I smoke a cigarette. And then I eat five strips of bacon. And for lunch, I eat a bacon sandwich. And for a midday snack?” – Grandpa Gustafson explains his lifestyle choices to his son, defending his unhealthy habits with longevity.
• Max: “Holy moly.” – Max says this repeatedly after being kissed by Maria.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $71,518,503
• Worldwide Gross: $71,518,503

💥 Grumpier Old Men Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed “Grumpier Old Men”. It was like visiting old friends. Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau have such great chemistry. Sophia Loren was stunning. The scene at the wedding when Grandpa shows up was hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud throughout the entire movie. It is a feel-good movie that I would watch again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon’s comedic pairings.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted romantic comedies.”
  • “Audiences looking for a feel-good movie about aging and friendship.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language and suggestive humor.”
  • “Brief depiction of death (Grandpa Gustafson).”
  • “Some scenes may contain stereotypical portrayals.”

Professional Reviews

• Chicago Sun-Times: “Lemmon and Matthau’s chemistry is undeniable, and Sophia Loren adds a delightful spark. It’s a lighthearted film, relying on familiar tropes but executed with charm and wit. You might not remember it forever, but you’ll certainly enjoy it while you’re watching.
• Variety: “This sequel doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, but the cast makes it watchable. Loren is a delightful addition, and the bickering between Lemmon and Matthau is as entertaining as ever. It’s a pleasant, if predictable, comedy.

Audience Reactions

The interactions between Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau make this movie a classic!: Viewers appreciated the comedic chemistry between Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, along with the lighthearted plot and the addition of Sophia Loren.

Grandpa Gustafson is the best character. He steals every scene!: Burgess Meredith receives high praise for his role as Grandpa Gustafson, being one of the funniest parts of the film.

Overall Consensus: “Grumpier Old Men” offers more of the same from the original, with its biggest draw being the comedic duo of Lemmon and Matthau and the addition of Sophia Loren. It’s a light and predictable but enjoyable comedy that appeals to fans of the first film.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was Burgess Meredith’s last film role. He suffered from Alzheimer’s disease during filming and needed coaching for his scenes.”
• “The film reunites Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, continuing their successful on-screen partnership known from ‘The Odd Couple’ and other comedies.”
• “Sophia Loren’s character was written to provide a romantic interest for Max, adding a new dynamic to the ongoing rivalry with John.”

🖥️ How to Watch Grumpier Old Men?

Grumpier Old Men is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Grumpier Old Men, you might like these similar films:

• Grumpy Old Men (1993): The original film that sets up the characters, setting, and central rivalry, providing essential context for the sequel.
• The Odd Couple (1968): Another classic comedy starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, showcasing their comedic chemistry in a story about mismatched roommates.
• Going in Style (2017): A modern comedy about a group of older men who decide to rob a bank, featuring similar themes of aging and friendship.
• Space Cowboys (2000): Four former astronauts are sent into space to repair an old Soviet satellite. It focuses on aging and camaraderie.

🛒 Grumpier Old Men Related Products

• Grumpy Old Men / Grumpier Old Men Double Feature [Blu-ray]: Enjoy both movies together in high-definition, offering hours of comedic entertainment with Lemmon and Matthau’s signature bickering.
• Grumpy Old Men: The Official Movie Novelization: Relive the humor of the first and second films with this novelization.
• Fishing Bobber – Catfish Hunter Tribute: A unique fishing bobber inspired by the legendary catfish in the movie, perfect for display or actual fishing.
• Official Grumpy Old Men T-shirt – Still Yelling. Still Fighting: Show your love for the classic comedy with this comfortable tee.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “(I’ll Be Glad When You’re Dead) You Rascal You” – performed by Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan
• “Dream a Little Dream of Me” – performed by Burgess Meredith (as Grandpa Gustafson)

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kevin Pollack Funny Grumpy Old Men Story #shorts

Ever wonder what it was like when Sophia Loren joined the ‘Grumpier Old Men’ cast? Kevin Pollack tells a hilarious story about her first table read that you won’t want to miss – it’s pure gold!

Grumpier Old Men Outtakes

Want to see Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau at their silliest? These outtakes from ‘Grumpier Old Men’ are absolutely hilarious and show the fun they had on set!

Kevin Pollak Shares His Favorite Walter Matthau & Jack Lemmon Stories | The Rich Eisen Show

Kevin Pollak has some amazing stories about working with legends Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. Trust me, these behind-the-scenes insights are absolute must-hears for any fan!

Did you know for GRUMPY OLD MEN…

Think you know everything about ‘Grumpy Old Men’? This video reveals some surprising behind-the-scenes facts that will make you appreciate the movie even more!

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