Miami Blues Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Ex-con goes to Miami, becomes a cop by stealing everything from a real cop, and then dates a prostitute who makes really questionable pork chops.

🍿 Miami Blues: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Miami and Initial Crimes

Frederick J. Frenger Jr., fresh out of prison, arrives in Miami and immediately establishes his criminal tendencies. He steals luggage and breaks the finger of a Hare Krishna follower at the airport, leading to unintended fatal consequences. This sets the stage for his interactions with law enforcement and further descent into chaos.

Meeting Susie and Domestic Life

Junior meets Susie Waggoner, a college student and part-time prostitute. He takes a liking to her, and they quickly begin a relationship, establishing a semblance of domestic life. Susie is unaware of Junior’s criminal activities, dreaming of a normal life with a house and family.

Confrontation with Sgt. Moseley

Sgt. Hoke Moseley, investigating the death at the airport, tracks down Junior and Susie. Moseley’s visit escalates tensions, leading Junior to assault him and steal his badge, gun, and dentures. This act empowers Junior to impersonate a cop and intensify his crime spree.

Impersonating a Cop and Crime Spree

Junior uses Moseley’s stolen identity to commit various crimes, exploiting his newfound authority. He steals from criminals and ordinary citizens alike, creating confusion and mayhem. Meanwhile, Moseley recovers from his injuries and begins his determined pursuit of Junior.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frederick J. Frenger Jr. (Alec Baldwin): A recently released, psychopathic ex-con who arrives in Miami and impulsively resumes his criminal behavior.
• Sgt. Hoke Moseley (Fred Ward): A world-weary and somewhat hapless police sergeant whose investigation into Frenger’s crimes becomes increasingly personal.
• Susie Waggoner (Jennifer Jason Leigh): A naive and sweet-natured prostitute who falls for Frenger and dreams of a conventional life.
• Sgt. Bill Henderson (Charles Napier): Hoke Moseley’s partner and fellow sergeant who assists in the investigation of Frederick Frenger Jr..
• Blink Willie (Obba Babatundé): A blind informant who provides Sgt. Moseley with information related to Frederick Frenger Jr..

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frederick J. Frenger Jr.: “Trouble.” – Junior’s reply when the Hare Krishna at the airport asks for his name foreshadows the chaos he will bring.
• Sergeant Frank Lackley: “He got your gun… your badge… and your teeth? You are a disgrace to the police force.” – Lackley’s sarcastic remark highlights Moseley’s humiliation after being robbed by Junior.
• Susie Waggoner: “…And you save your money… and buy a nice little house, with a white picket fence, and live happily ever after.” – Susie describes her simple dreams, contrasting with Junior’s criminal lifestyle.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7 million
• Domestic Gross: $9.89 million
• Worldwide Gross: $9.89 million

💥 Miami Blues Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie for the first time and being completely blown away by how weird and funny it was! Alec Baldwin is amazing as Junior, and Jennifer Jason Leigh totally nails the ditzy girlfriend role. The scene where Junior steals the cop’s teeth is classic! It’s a movie that stays with you because it’s just so different and has a style of it’s own. Fred Ward also shines in the role and I found his character to be very funny. The film has a gritty realism that makes you feel like you’re right there in Miami. The story is compelling and there are no dull moments.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime films with a dark sense of humor”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who appreciate offbeat and unconventional cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Miami Blues is a darkly comic crime caper that revels in its quirkiness. Alec Baldwin delivers a magnetic performance as the unhinged Junior, while Fred Ward’s portrayal of the beleaguered Moseley adds a layer of pathos. A stylish and engaging neo-noir.
• Rolling Stone: “A twisted and darkly funny film, Miami Blues showcases Alec Baldwin at his best. The film’s offbeat humor and unpredictable plot make it a memorable crime story, elevated by Jennifer Jason Leigh’s superb performance as Susie.

Audience Reactions

Alec Baldwin’s performance as the unpredictable Junior is unforgettable.: The dark humor and offbeat storyline made it a cult classic.

Fred Ward’s portrayal of Sgt. Moseley added depth and humor to the film.: The unique characters and their interactions were highly entertaining.

Overall Consensus: Miami Blues is a quirky and darkly humorous crime film with memorable performances and an unpredictable plot that has garnered a cult following.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Gene Hackman was considered for the role of Hoke Moseley, while Fred Ward initially wanted to play Frederick J. Frenger Jr.”
• “The film is based on a novel by Charles Willeford, a writer Quentin Tarantino admires, and prefigures Tarantino’s fresh mix of crime and comedy.”
• “Jonathan Demme, known for ‘Something Wild’ and ‘Married To The Mob’, co-produced the movie.”

🖥️ How to Watch Miami Blues?

Miami Blues is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability. While it is not typically included with subscription services, keep an eye out for deals or promotions on these platforms to catch it at a reduced price.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Miami Blues, you might like these similar films:

• Something Wild (1986): Shares a similar blend of crime, dark comedy, and quirky characters.
• Married to the Mob (1988): Another Jonathan Demme production with similar offbeat humor and crime themes.
• Get Shorty (1995): Crime comedy with memorable characters adapted from an Elmore Leonard novel.
• Bad Lieutenant (1992): Features a corrupt cop and explores themes of morality and lawlessness, albeit in a darker tone.

🛒 Miami Blues Related Products

• Miami Blues (Blu-ray): Experience Miami Blues in high definition with enhanced picture and sound quality. Relive the dark humor and intense performances in this cult classic.
• Miami Blues: The Charles Willeford Novel: Read the original novel that inspired the movie. Delve deeper into the characters and the story’s twisted world.
• Miami Blues Movie Poster: Own a high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for decorating your home theater or adding to your collection.
• Replica Hoke Moseley Detective Badge: Become the detective with this high-quality replica, featuring realistic details from the movie. A perfect piece of cosplay for fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Spirit in the Sky” – performed by Norman Greenbaum
• “I Can See Clearly Now” – performed by Johnny Nash

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Deftones – My Own Summer (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster]

Remember that awesome song from the movie? It’s Deftones ‘My Own Summer’ and the music video is even cooler! Seriously, it’s a total throwback and perfectly captures the film’s vibe. You gotta check it out!

✨ Rate