North Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kid sues his parents for being lame, then globe-trots to find better ones while a sinister child tycoon tries to stop him; turns out it was all a weird dream after a department store nap.

🍿 North: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to North’s Discontent

Eleven-year-old North, played by Elijah Wood, is a talented child feeling neglected by his parents. They are absorbed in their careers and often ignore him, leading North to feel unappreciated. This discontent sparks a drastic decision: to legally divorce his parents.

The Legal Divorce and Global Search

With the help of lawyer Arthur Belt and friend Winchell, North successfully divorces his parents. A judge grants him a deadline: find new, suitable parents by Labor Day or face being sent to an orphanage. This sets North on a journey around the world, exploring different family dynamics and cultural environments in search of the perfect parents.

Exploring Potential Parents

North’s travels take him to Texas, Alaska, and Hawaii, each offering unique and often stereotypical versions of family life. He encounters cowboy parents, Eskimo families, and Hawaiian couples, none of whom quite fit what he’s looking for. Throughout his journey, Bruce Willis appears as a narrator and guardian angel, offering guidance in various comical disguises.

Winchell’s Hidden Agenda

Unbeknownst to North, Winchell has ulterior motives. He’s exploiting North’s story to gain power and influence, manipulating events behind the scenes. This subplot adds a layer of intrigue as Winchell’s actions threaten North’s chances of finding a happy ending and returning to his original parents.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• North (Elijah Wood): An 11-year-old boy who sues his parents for neglect and travels the world in search of new ones.
• Narrator (Bruce Willis): A guide who appears in various guises, offering North advice during his quest.
• North’s Dad (Jason Alexander): North’s father, who is seen as neglectful due to his focus on his career and marital problems.
• North’s Mom (Julia Louis-Dreyfus): North’s mother, who, alongside her husband, is perceived as not giving North enough attention.
• Winchell (Jussie Smollett): North’s friend who exploits North’s situation for his own ambitious purposes.
• Arthur Belt (Jon Lovitz): An ambulance-chasing lawyer who helps North divorce his parents but is secretly aligned with Winchell.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Narrator (Bruce Willis): “Time to flow!” – Bruce Willis as the Narrator says this when North is starting a new experience during his journey.
• North: “I’m not common!” – North says this to the Easter Bunny when he first proposes the idea of North divorcing his parents.
• Joey Fingers: “A bird in the hand is always greener than the grass under the other guy’s bushes. It’s a metaphor used by gardeners and landscaping people in general.” – Joey Fingers says this in court during North’s trial.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,182,747
• Worldwide Gross: $7,182,747

💥 North Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘North’ as a kid and being completely baffled. The premise was so bizarre, and the humor felt off. Seeing Bruce Willis in a bunny suit was definitely a ‘what is happening?’ moment. Rewatching it now, it’s even weirder, but there’s a certain train-wreck fascination to it. The whole experience felt so surreal and confusing that I wonder if it was an avant-garde comedy ahead of its time, even though many people claim it to be the worst film ever.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Elijah Wood”
  • “Viewers interested in quirky comedies”
  • “Those seeking a lighthearted family film with a message”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild suggestive humor”
  • “Stereotypical depictions of different cultures”
  • “Brief language”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Though boasting a stellar cast, ‘North’ suffers from a weak storyline and uneven humor. Reiner’s direction feels uninspired, resulting in a film that neither entertains nor engages effectively.
• New York Times: “A strange, meandering film that struggles with its tone. ‘North’ tries for satire but often falls flat, leaving the audience wondering what exactly Reiner was aiming for.
• Variety: “The film is a confusing mix of family-friendly content and mature humor, resulting in a movie that struggles to find its audience. A misfire, lacking clarity and charm.

Audience Reactions

Elijah Wood’s performance was charming and engaging.: Some viewers found the film enjoyable as a lighthearted family movie.

Bruce Willis’ bizarre appearances provided comedic relief.: Many appreciated the star-studded cast, despite the film’s shortcomings.

Overall Consensus: Despite a talented cast and an accomplished director, ‘North’ is widely considered a critical failure, criticized for its weak plot, uneven tone, and bizarre humor. Some viewers appreciate its oddness, but it remains a divisive film.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Roger Ebert famously hated this movie, calling it one of the worst he had ever seen. Alan Zweibel, the writer, recounted an encounter with Ebert where he jokingly told him how much he hated a sweater he was wearing.”
• “Many famous actors made cameos in the film, including Dan Aykroyd, Reba McEntire, and Scarlett Johansson in one of her earliest roles.”

🖥️ How to Watch North?

As of today, ‘North’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms. Check services like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video to see if it’s available for streaming, rental, or purchase. Physical copies (DVDs) are also available online through retailers like Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Irreconcilable Differences (1984): Another film where a child sues their parents, although the circumstances and tone are different.
• Richie Rich (1994): Released in the same year, this film also features a child actor in the main role experiencing an unusual childhood, albeit with more focus on comedy and adventure.
• Matilda (1996): Matilda also features a child who is unappreciated by their parents and is also a fantasy movie.

🛒 North Related Products

• Elijah Wood Autographed Photo: A rare autographed photo of Elijah Wood from his early acting days. A great addition for any Elijah Wood fan.
• Funko Pop! Bruce Willis as Korben Dallas (The Fifth Element): While not specifically ‘North’, this Funko Pop showcases Bruce Willis and could be a fun reminder of the film’s bunny suit scene.
• Texas Flag 3×5 Outdoor: A durable Texas state flag, perfect for fans of the Texas-themed segment.
• Rob Reiner: A Few Good Men Blu-Ray: While NOT North. See a fantastic movie from the Director, Rob Reiner’s best.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “If I Were a Rich Man” – performed by Elijah Wood
• “North Main Title” – performed by Marc Shaiman
• “Happy Trails” – performed by Dale Evans, Roy Rogers

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Norm of the North – Movie Review

Ever wonder if ‘Norm of the North’ is worth your time? Chris Stuckmann gives a pretty blunt review here – you might be surprised by his take!

✨ Rate