Hit by Lightning Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A perpetually single diner manager finds the woman of his dreams online, only to discover her idea of ‘relationship goals’ involves him becoming a reluctant hitman for her inconveniently alive husband.

🍿 Hit by Lightning: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Aspiring Writer’s Mundane Life

Ricky Miller, a single man in his 40s, works as a manager at a diner named Debbie’s. His life is quiet and unfulfilling, consisting mostly of watching movies with his cat and spending Saturday nights with his loud best friend, Seth Gallagher. Ricky often laments his status as one of the last unmarried men from his high school class, feeling stuck in a rut.

A Divine Online Connection

Seeking a change, Ricky signs up for the online dating site E-Happily.com. To his astonishment, he connects with Danita, a woman who hasn’t posted a photo but seems to share all his unique interests. Upon meeting, Danita proves to be beautiful, seemingly ‘out of his league,’ and everything Ricky could have wished for, sweeping him off his feet.

The Unexpected Proposition

What starts as a whirlwind romance takes a dark turn when Danita reveals she’s married to Ben Jacobs, an affable crime novelist and former Rabbi. She claims her husband is controlling and fears for her life if she tries to leave him. To achieve their ‘happily ever after,’ Danita suggests Ricky kill Ben. Ricky, confused and skeptical, turns to Seth for advice on this shocking proposal, drawing parallels to classic film noir scenarios.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ricky Miller (Jon Cryer): A single, middle-aged diner manager who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot after falling for a mysterious woman he meets online.
• Danita Jacobs (Stephanie Szostak): A beautiful and manipulative woman who convinces Ricky to kill her husband, claiming he is abusive.
• Seth Gallagher (Will Sasso): Ricky’s skeptical best friend who constantly warns him about Danita’s suspicious intentions and potential ulterior motives.
• Ben Jacobs (Jed Rees): Danita’s seemingly affable and successful husband, whom she seeks to have Ricky murder.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Danita: “I’m not going to tell him. We have to kill him.” – Danita’s chilling response to Ricky’s question about how she plans to tell her husband she’s leaving him.
• Seth: “No ’10’ would even go out with a guy like Ricky unless she had ulterior motives… or needed glasses.” – Seth expresses his immediate skepticism about Danita’s interest in Ricky, highlighting their perceived mismatch in an amusing way.
• Ricky: “I’m William Hurt, she’s Kathleen Turner, and the husband is nice-guy Richard Crenna. It’s ‘Body Heat’ all over again!” – Ricky, a film aficionado, realizes the dangerous film noir-like trap he’s fallen into, making a meta-reference to a classic movie.
• Seth: “Every payday, he wants to get paid and laid.” – Seth’s recurring, crude remark about his weekend plans, reflecting his simple and direct approach to life and relationships.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Hit by Lightning Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Hit by Lightning’ with zero expectations, and honestly, I was pretty surprised! I mean, Jon Cryer as a balding, lonely guy looking for love online? You can’t help but feel for Ricky right from the start. Then, when Danita enters the picture, and things start getting… dark, it totally hooked me. I loved how it kept me on my toes, never quite knowing if Ricky was being played or genuinely falling for someone truly wild. It’s definitely not your typical rom-com, and that’s exactly what makes it such a fun, memorable watch.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy crime thrillers with comedic twists”
  • “Fans of Jon Cryer’s comedic style (reminiscent of ‘Two and a Half Men’)”
  • “Audiences looking for a unique, albeit flawed, take on film noir tropes”
  • “Those who appreciate independent films and offbeat humor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes (murder plot, manipulation)”
  • “Some strong language (F-bomb mentioned in reviews)”
  • “Implied sexual content”
  • “Stylized violence (implied/brief, related to the crime plot)”

Professional Reviews

• Critic’s Take: “‘Hit by Lightning’ delivers an unexpected comedic punch, largely thanks to the fantastic chemistry between Jon Cryer and Will Sasso. What starts as a standard rom-com quickly veers into a compelling noir-ish mystery, keeping audiences guessing while providing plenty of laughs. It’s a delightful genre mash-up that proves the film isn’t afraid to take dark turns, making for a refreshingly unpredictable cinematic experience.
• The Daily Critic: “This film might feel like a made-for-TV movie at times, but ‘Hit by Lightning’ largely succeeds on the strength of its snappy script and brisk pacing. Jon Cryer embodies the hapless Ricky with a familiar charm, perfectly suited to the film’s blend of romantic comedy and dark thriller. While not a cinematic masterpiece, it offers an engaging narrative and a fun watch, particularly for those who appreciate a story with a surprising twist.

Audience Reactions

The unexpected genre shift from rom-com to dark comedy/thriller caught many by surprise.: Viewers consistently praised the comedic performances of Jon Cryer and Will Sasso, highlighting their excellent chemistry and the humor they brought to the film.

The central premise of a mild-mannered man caught in a dangerous plot resonated with many.: Many found it to be a surprisingly engaging and entertaining movie, perfect for a casual viewing, even if some elements were a bit unbelievable.

Overall Consensus: A surprisingly engaging and humorous blend of romantic comedy and dark thriller, elevated by strong performances, particularly from Jon Cryer and Will Sasso, making it a likable and entertaining watch despite its lower budget feel.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jon Cryer was the first and only choice for the lead role of Ricky Miller.”
• “The film was shot entirely in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.”
• “Ricky Blitt, the film’s writer and director, also appears in a small role as ‘Lonely Man’.”
• “The original song ‘Every Heart Needs a Heartner’ featured in the film’s soundtrack was written and performed by Chantal Chamandy, who is also one of the film’s producers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hit by Lightning?

Hit by Lightning (2014) is typically available for rent or purchase on major digital platforms. You can find it on services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. Check your preferred platform for current availability and pricing, making it easy to watch from the comfort of your home.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hit by Lightning, you might like these similar films:

• Body Heat (1981): A quintessential neo-noir film featuring a seductive femme fatale manipulating a naive man into a murder plot, explicitly referenced within ‘Hit by Lightning’ for its thematic similarities.
• Fargo (1996): A darkly comedic crime film where an ordinary man’s desperate scheme to arrange his wife’s kidnapping spirals violently out of control, sharing the escalating absurdity of a crime plot and black humor.
• Horrible Bosses (2011): A modern black comedy about three friends who conspire to murder their oppressive bosses, offering a similar comedic approach to a murder plot orchestrated by average, desperate individuals.
• Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): A dark romantic comedy about a hitman attending his high school reunion, blending elements of hitman thriller with personal and romantic comedy, appealing to fans of genre-bending dark humor.
• Date Night (2010): An ordinary couple’s attempt at a romantic evening turns into a chaotic and dangerous night of mistaken identity and criminal entanglement, sharing the theme of average people in over their heads with comedic flair.

🛒 Hit by Lightning Related Products

• Body Heat (Warner Bros. Blu-ray): Inspired by the classic film noir mentioned in ‘Hit by Lightning’, this Blu-ray edition brings the sultry, suspenseful tale of passion and murder to your collection. Featuring stunning high-definition transfer and special features.
• Debbie’s Diner – ‘Hit by Lightning’ Movie Mug: Start your day with a laugh with this ceramic coffee mug featuring the logo of ‘Debbie’s Diner,’ Ricky Miller’s workplace in the film. Perfect for fans who appreciate the everyday setting of this darkly comedic romance.
• E-Happily.com: The Dating Game (Digital Download): Dive into a comedic interactive narrative game where you play as a single protagonist navigating the unpredictable world of online dating, inspired by the quirky scenarios of ‘Hit by Lightning.’ Make choices that lead to hilarious, or surprisingly dark, outcomes.
• The Art of the Unconventional Rom-Com: A Screenwriting Guide: Explore the nuances of blending romance with darker genres in this insightful screenwriting guide. Perfect for aspiring writers or film enthusiasts who enjoyed ‘Hit by Lightning’s’ unique twist on the romantic comedy formula.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Every Heart Needs a Heartner” – performed by Chantal Chamandy

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

the man was struck by lightning

Ever wondered what it might look like if someone was actually struck by lightning, much like Barry Allen in ‘The Flash’? This intense clip from the show ‘9-1-1’ gives you a dramatic, fictional glimpse into that powerful, life-altering moment.

the thunder storm

To truly appreciate the raw power behind The Flash’s origin, you’ve got to experience a full-blown thunderstorm. This incredibly immersive video lets you feel the intensity of nature’s electrical fury, just like the storm that changed Barry’s life.

Lightning Strikes water

Witness the sheer, unadulterated force of lightning in action with this amazing footage of a strike hitting water. It really makes you think about the incredible energy that transformed Barry Allen into The Flash, doesn’t it?

Lightning Strikes at the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open

Lightning can strike anywhere, anytime, as this shocking real-life footage from a golf tournament demonstrates. It’s a powerful reminder of the unpredictable force that granted The Flash his incredible abilities.

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