Maverick Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A charming gambler needs money for a poker tournament, so he cons his way through a series of silly situations, only to discover his dad is also a con artist, and then they both get conned by Jodie Foster.

🍿 Maverick: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Gathering Funds for the Tournament

Bret Maverick, a charming gambler played by Mel Gibson, needs $25,000 to enter a high-stakes poker tournament on a riverboat. He is $3,000 short and spends the film trying to collect debts and win money through various schemes. He prefers using his wit and deception over violence, a defining trait of the character.

Encounters with Annabelle and Zane

Maverick crosses paths with Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster), a con artist and gambler with a convincing Southern accent, and Marshal Zane Cooper (James Garner), a lawman with a mysterious agenda. The trio becomes entangled in a series of misadventures as Maverick tries to reach the tournament, often finding themselves at odds and reluctantly helping each other.

Navigating Deceptions and Dangers

Throughout his journey, Maverick faces numerous obstacles, including encounters with bandits, hostile Indians (although he’s friendly with some), and a dangerous rival gambler named Angel (Alfred Molina). He uses his cunning and card skills to navigate these challenges, often turning the tables on those who try to cheat or harm him. Each situation reveals more about Maverick’s character and his approach to life.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bret Maverick (Mel Gibson): A charming and skillful gambler who needs to raise money to enter a high-stakes poker tournament.
• Annabelle Bransford (Jodie Foster): A cunning and alluring con artist who often finds herself entangled with Maverick.
• Marshal Zane Cooper (James Garner): A seemingly upright lawman with a hidden agenda and a surprising connection to Maverick.
• Angel (Alfred Molina): A ruthless and persistent antagonist determined to stop Maverick from reaching the poker tournament.
• Commodore Duvall (James Coburn): The wealthy and influential host of the poker tournament, who has his own nefarious plans.
• Joseph (Graham Greene): A Native American chief and friend of Maverick’s, who occasionally helps him out of tricky situations.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maverick: “My pa always told me, ‘Never draw to an inside straight.’” – Maverick often refers to his father’s advice, highlighting his strategic approach to gambling and life.
• Maverick: “I’m Bret Maverick, and poker’s my game.” – A classic introduction, establishing Maverick’s identity and expertise.
• Annabelle Bransford: “Most gentlemen enjoy my southern hospitality.” – Annabelle’s humorous attempt to use her charm to get what she wants, often with a fake Southern accent.
• Marshal Zane Cooper: “Seems to me like you’re missing a few cards there, son.” – Cooper’s dry wit and observant nature during a poker game, hinting at his hidden agenda.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $101,631,272
• Worldwide Gross: $183,031,272

💥 Maverick Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love Maverick! It’s one of those movies I can watch over and over. Mel Gibson is perfectly cast, and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. The scene with Danny Glover doing the ‘Lethal Weapon’ bit cracked me up! Plus, the scenery is gorgeous, and it’s just a fun, feel-good movie that never gets old. The humor feels fresh even after all these years and I really enjoy the chemistry between all the main characters.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mel Gibson’s comedic roles”
  • “Viewers who enjoy western comedies”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining movie”
  • “People familiar with the original Maverick TV show”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence and gunplay”
  • “Some suggestive humor”
  • “Gambling themes”

Professional Reviews

• Entertainment Weekly: “Maverick is a rollicking good time, with Mel Gibson perfectly cast as the charming rogue. While the plot gets a bit convoluted, the chemistry between Gibson and Foster is undeniable, making for an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, Western comedy.
• The New York Times: “Despite the star power of Gibson, Foster, and Garner, Maverick struggles to find its footing. The humor is often broad, and the plot meanders. However, Garner’s presence adds a nostalgic touch that many will appreciate.
• Variety: “Richard Donner delivers a crowd-pleasing Western comedy with Maverick. The film is visually stunning, thanks to Vilmos Zsigmond’s cinematography, and the cast clearly enjoys the lighthearted tone.

Audience Reactions

Mel Gibson’s charm and comedic timing were spot-on.: Viewers consistently praised Gibson’s performance and the film’s lighthearted tone.

The cameos and inside jokes were a delightful surprise.: Many appreciated the numerous cameos, especially Danny Glover’s nod to Lethal Weapon.

Overall Consensus: Maverick is generally well-received as a fun, lighthearted Western comedy, though some critics find the plot convoluted.

Awards

1. Academy Awards (Best Costume Design)- 1995

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1950s television series of the same name starring James Garner, who also appears in the movie as Marshal Zane Cooper.”
• “Danny Glover makes a cameo appearance, referencing his ‘Lethal Weapon’ films with Mel Gibson.”
• “Linda Hunt was originally cast in a role, but her scenes were cut during post-production.”
• “Filming locations included the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Yosemite National Park in California.”

🖥️ How to Watch Maverick?

Maverick (1994) is available to rent or buy on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region. You can also purchase the film on Blu-ray or DVD from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): A classic Western with a comedic bent, focusing on charismatic outlaws and their adventures.
• The Sting (1973): Features intricate con schemes and clever plotting with a lighthearted tone, similar to the deceptive strategies in ‘Maverick’.
• The Quick and the Dead (1995): Another Western released around the same time, with action and a focus on a unique competition (a quick-draw duel).
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): A modern heist movie with an ensemble cast, intricate planning, and a stylish, lighthearted tone, reminiscent of ‘Maverick’s’ con games.
• Blazing Saddles (1974): Mel Brooks’s irreverent parody of Westerns, full of slapstick and breaking the fourth wall, appeals to fans of ‘Maverick’s’ comedic take on the genre.

🛒 Maverick Related Products

• Maverick (Blu-ray): Own the classic Western comedy on stunning Blu-ray. Enjoy the enhanced picture and sound quality for a truly immersive viewing experience. Relive the laughs and adventures with Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, and James Garner.
• Maverick Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality print of the Maverick movie poster. A perfect piece of memorabilia for any fan of the film.
• Maverick: The Complete Series DVD: Relive the original Maverick TV series starring James Garner. Own the complete series on DVD for a nostalgic trip back to the classic Western.
• Playing Cards – Western Theme: High-quality Western-themed playing cards, perfect for poker nights with friends. Add a touch of Maverick to your game nights with this unique deck.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Ride Gambler Ride” – performed by Randy Newman
• “Amazing Grace” – performed by Various Country Artists

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tom Cruise Terrifies James in ‘Top Gun’ Fighter Jet!

Prepare for an adrenaline rush as Tom Cruise takes James Corden on the adventure of a lifetime in a real fighter jet, showcasing the intense aerial maneuvers and giving us a thrilling glimpse into the world of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.

Behind the Scenes Top Gun: Maverick Moment Was Peak Tom Cruise

Get ready to go behind the scenes with this fascinating clip, where we witness Tom Cruise in action, demonstrating his passion for filmmaking and the incredible dedication he brings to his craft.

Tom Cruise was Monica Barbaro’s Top Instructor

Join Tom Cruise and Monica Barbaro for a candid conversation about their experiences on the set of ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ They reveal the camaraderie they built, the challenges they faced, and the impact Tom Cruise had as their on-screen mentor.

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