Ready to Rumble Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two septic tank workers think wrestling is real and help a washed-up wrestler reclaim his title from the evil boss who fires him, featuring a lot of groin kicks and outdated wrestling cameos.

🍿 Ready to Rumble: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Two Fans and Their Hero

Gordie Boggs and Sean Dawkins are two sewage workers and die-hard wrestling fans, particularly of WCW’s World Champion, Jimmy “The King” King. They view King as a hero, unaware that he’s a troubled individual struggling with his personal life and career. Their unwavering support sets the stage for their upcoming adventure.

The Betrayal and Ousting of Jimmy King

During a WCW Nitro event, Gordie and Sean witness their idol, Jimmy King, get unfairly stripped of his title by the villainous WCW owner, Titus Sinclair. Sinclair orchestrates a scheme with Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) to ensure King’s defeat and subsequent firing. This injustice devastates the two fans and inspires them to take action.

The Quest to Restore the King

Driven by their loyalty, Gordie and Sean embark on a journey to find Jimmy King and help him reclaim his title. They face numerous obstacles and discover the harsh realities behind the wrestling world. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters and learn valuable lessons about friendship and perseverance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gordie Boggs (David Arquette): One of the two dimwitted sewage worker wrestling fans who embarks on a quest to help his hero, Jimmy King, regain his title.
• Sean Dawkins (Scott Caan): The other dimwitted sewage worker and wrestling fan who accompanies Gordie on their mission to restore Jimmy King’s honor.
• Jimmy King (Oliver Platt): A washed-up, formerly famous wrestler who gets a second chance at glory thanks to Gordie and Sean’s unwavering support.
• Titus Sinclair (Joe Pantoliano): The unscrupulous WCW owner who orchestrates Jimmy King’s downfall and serves as the primary antagonist.
• Sasha (Rose McGowan): A Nitro Girl who initially feigns interest in Gordie as part of Sinclair’s scheme but is ultimately discarded.
• Sal Bandini (Martin Landau): An old-school wrestling trainer who helps Jimmy King prepare for his comeback match.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gordie Boggs: “We’re going back to basics. To find our heart.” – Gordie says this, expressing his naive and optimistic belief that Jimmy King can be redeemed and regain his championship.
• Gordie Boggs: “No, because you don’t have one.” – Gordie denies Sasha’s request to join, as the duo heads out on their mission to redeem King.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $24,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $12,394,327
• Worldwide Gross: $12,452,362

💥 Ready to Rumble Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I have to admit, I watched this movie as a kid because I was a huge wrestling fan. It’s definitely dumb, but it’s also kind of endearing? Oliver Platt is surprisingly good as the washed-up wrestler, and the cameos from all the WCW guys are fun for nostalgia. The ending triple cage match is ridiculous but hilarious. Don’t expect a masterpiece, but if you’re looking for a brainless comedy with wrestling, this might do the trick. I found myself strangely enjoying the stupidity. I really liked the scene where they train the wrestler to win back the title – that part was funny to me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of professional wrestling, especially WCW.”
  • “Those who enjoy silly, over-the-top comedies.”
  • “Fans of David Arquette, Oliver Platt, and Scott Caan.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Crude humor and language”
  • “Mild sexual content”
  • “Comic violence”
  • “Some potentially offensive stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A flimsy plot and reliance on juvenile humor make ‘Ready to Rumble’ a lightweight comedy. While some wrestling fans may find it amusing, others will be disappointed by the missed potential for a more insightful look at the world of professional wrestling.
• Los Angeles Times: “‘Ready to Rumble’ relies too heavily on slapstick and crude humor, overshadowing any potential for genuine comedic moments. The film fails to capture the spirit of professional wrestling, resulting in a predictable and uninspired viewing experience.
• The New York Times: “Despite a decent cast and some amusing moments, ‘Ready to Rumble’ falls short due to its lack of originality and reliance on tired comedic tropes. The film’s portrayal of wrestling fans is cartoonish, and the plot lacks depth.

Audience Reactions

Many enjoyed the over-the-top humor and comedic performances, especially Oliver Platt’s portrayal of Jimmy King.: Fans found it to be a fun, lighthearted movie perfect for a casual watch, even if they weren’t hardcore wrestling fans.

Viewers appreciated the nostalgic wrestling cameos and the film’s tribute to the sport.: The film was seen as a guilty pleasure, providing laughs and entertainment despite its flaws.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted, silly comedy that may appeal to wrestling fans seeking a nostalgic and entertaining experience, but it isn’t a cinematic masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Arquette donated his WCW earnings to the family of deceased wrestler Brian Pillman.”
• “The movie was filmed during a period when WCW was struggling to compete with the WWF (now WWE), and it was hoped the film would boost WCW’s popularity.”
• “The triple cage match at the end of the movie was used in WCW events to promote the film.”
• “WCW actually made David Arquette a WCW World Champion as a promotional stunt, a decision widely criticized for devaluing the championship.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ready to Rumble?

Ready to Rumble is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite on-demand options. Purchasing options may include digital downloads and physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays from retailers like Amazon and major electronics stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ready to Rumble, you might like these similar films:

• Nacho Libre (2006): Both are comedies that embrace the world of wrestling with humor and heart, focusing on underdogs pursuing their dreams.
• The Wrestler (2008): A more serious and critically acclaimed look at the life of a professional wrestler past his prime, dealing with themes of redemption and regret.
• Bodyslam (1987): Similar comedic tone as Ready to Rumble, also focusing on professional wrestling.
• Fighting with My Family (2019): Focuses on a family of wrestlers and their journey to the WWE, with a mix of humor and heart.

🛒 Ready to Rumble Related Products

• WCW Nitro: The Complete Series (DVD): Relive the excitement of WCW Monday Nitro with this complete series DVD set. Featuring legendary wrestlers and memorable storylines, this is a must-have for wrestling fans.
• Funko Pop! WWE: Goldberg: Add WWE legend Goldberg to your Funko Pop! collection. This stylized vinyl figure captures the intensity of one of wrestling’s biggest stars.
• WWE 2K24: Step into the ring with WWE 2K24! Play as your favorite WWE superstars and experience realistic wrestling action with stunning graphics and gameplay. Create your own storylines and rise to the top of the WWE universe.
• Diamond Dallas Page: Positively Unstoppable: Learn the secrets to a healthier and more fulfilling life with Diamond Dallas Page’s yoga program. DDPY combines yoga, dynamic resistance, and rehabilitation techniques to help you achieve your fitness goals.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Lohengrin (Prelude, Act III)” – performed by Richard Wagner
• “Running with the Devil” – performed by Van Halen

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ballbust scene from Ready to Rumble movie

Remember that crazy ‘Ready to Rumble’ movie? Check out this short clip, it’s the ‘ballbust’ scene and it’s as hilarious as it sounds! Definitely a cringe-worthy but funny moment.

A Diamond Upside Down is a PUSSY

This quote from the movie always cracks me up! It’s a super short clip, but trust me, it’s worth the watch for a quick laugh. You have to see how they deliver this line!

Scott Caan

Love Scott Caan? This fan-made video compiles some of his funniest moments from ‘Ready to Rumble’! It’s a fun tribute that really captures his comedic talent, you have to check this out.

✨ Rate