The 51st State Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kilt-wearing chemist tries to sell super-drugs in Liverpool while evading Meat Loaf and accidentally inventing British slang.

🍿 The 51st State: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Elmo’s Master Plan

Elmo McElroy, a skilled chemist, develops a powerful new drug named POS 51. He plans to sell it for a fortune in Liverpool, England, ditching his ruthless boss, The Lizard. He blows up The Lizard’s warehouse, confident he’s made a clean getaway with the formula.

Arrival in Liverpool

Upon arriving in Liverpool, Elmo connects with Felix DeSouza, a local fixer tasked with arranging a deal. However, their meeting is ambushed by Dakota Parker, a hitwoman hired by The Lizard. A chaotic shootout ensues, leaving Elmo and Felix as the only survivors, forcing them to team up.

Navigating the Underworld

Elmo and Felix navigate Liverpool’s criminal underworld, encountering various eccentric characters, including the flamboyant gangster Iki. They face constant threats from Dakota and crooked police officers. The pair struggle to secure a buyer while evading capture and double-crosses.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elmo McElroy (Samuel L. Jackson): A streetwise American chemist who travels to Liverpool to sell his powerful new drug formula.
• Felix DeSouza (Robert Carlyle): A Liverpudlian gangster who becomes Elmo’s unlikely partner and escort in the drug deal.
• Dakota Parker (Emily Mortimer): A skilled and sexy hitwoman initially hired to kill Elmo, but later allies with him.
• The Lizard (Meat Loaf): A ruthless American drug lord and Elmo’s former employer who seeks revenge and the drug formula.
• Iki (Jake Abraham): An eccentric Liverpool crime boss who becomes interested in buying Elmo’s new drug.
• Virgil Kane (Nigel Whitmey): A corrupt L.A. Highway Patrol officer involved in the illicit drug trade and attempts to double-cross the other players.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elmo: “You’re gonna kiss the sun and taste the motherfuckin’ rainbow.” – Elmo describes the powerful effects of his new drug, POS 51, highlighting its intense and euphoric high.
• Elmo: “Elevator music, n!gga in a kilt, and a woman with a nickel plated nine.” – Elmo wryly comments on the absurdity of his situation.
• Felix: “Do you know what ‘bollocks’ means?” – Felix tries to explain British slang to Elmo, highlighting the cultural differences and leading to comedic misunderstandings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,204,007
• Worldwide Gross: $12,881,605

💥 The 51st State Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie years ago and just being blown away by how much fun it was. Samuel L. Jackson in a kilt? Genius! The whole vibe of an American fish-out-of-water in Liverpool, mixed with over-the-top action and dark humor, really worked for me. I especially loved the scenes with Robert Carlyle; their chemistry was fantastic. The plot might be a bit silly, but it’s the kind of movie you can just switch your brain off and enjoy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy British gangster films”
  • “Samuel L. Jackson fans”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted, over-the-top movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Suggestive scenes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Formula 51 delivers energetic direction with flamboyant performances. It is difficult not to enjoy. While it lacks depth and the plot may have been done a thousand times before, it’s a lively, refreshing and ultimately entertaining two hours of celluloid.
• Empire Magazine: “Jackson is effortlessly cool. The film’s script has wit, humor, blood and gore. This one is a Brit claiming back the movie genre and doing it well.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Formula 51 aims for a blend of crime, action, and comedy but suffers from a weak and derivative storyline.

Audience Reactions

Samuel L. Jackson in a kilt is iconic and hilarious.: The chemistry between Jackson and Carlyle is the highlight for most viewers.

The movie never takes itself too seriously, offering great comic value.: Fast-paced, action and very entertaining.

Overall Consensus: Formula 51 is a divisive movie; some find it a fun, action-packed comedy, while others see it as a derivative and poorly written film. Jackson and Carlyle are praised, and the chemistry is the movie highlight.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Writer Stel Pavlou was working as an assistant in a liquor store when he penned his screenplay. It was sent, on speculation, to Tim Roth, as Pavlou knew that Roth insisted on reading all independent scripts sent his way.”
• “Samuel L. Jackson served as an executive producer for the film, showcasing his belief in the project and the script’s potential.”

🖥️ How to Watch The 51st State?

The 51st State is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as it may be included with subscriptions on platforms like Paramount+ or Hulu via add-ons. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon or at your local video store.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The 51st State, you might like these similar films:

• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998): Features a similar blend of crime, comedy, and quirky characters in a British setting.
• Snatch (2000): Another Guy Ritchie film with a similar style, fast-paced editing, and ensemble cast of criminals and eccentric characters.
• Pulp Fiction (1994): Known for its non-linear storytelling, dark humor, and iconic dialogue, much like The 51st State tries to emulate.
• Layer Cake (2004): A British crime thriller that deals with drug trafficking and double-crossing, providing a more serious take on similar themes.

🛒 The 51st State Related Products

• The Samuel L. Jackson Collection [Blu-ray]: A collection of Samuel L. Jackson movies, including some of his most iconic roles. Perfect for any fan.
• Scottish Kilt Outfit: A traditional Scottish kilt outfit, complete with sporran and accessories. Embrace the Scottish aesthetic inspired by Samuel L. Jackson’s character.
• Grand Theft Auto: The Liverpool Job: Based in Liverpool, with missions inspired by the movie’s themes.
• Formula 51 Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. Celebrate Elmo McElroy and Formula 51!

🎧 Soundtrack

The 51st State features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Them Changes” – performed by Buddy Miles

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

if canada became the 51st state #shorts #comedy #funny

Ever wondered what would happen if Canada became part of the US? This hilarious short gives you a taste of the chaos! Honestly, it’s so relatable, you’ll be laughing in seconds.

Asking Canadians About Becoming the 51st State

Want to know what Canadians REALLY think about joining the US? This video asks the tough questions and gets some surprisingly honest answers. It’s super interesting to see their different views on the whole thing!

Lie Witness News – Canada is America’s 51st State

Jimmy Kimmel’s ‘Lie Witness News’ tackles Canada as the 51st state, and the responses are priceless! You won’t believe what people say – it’s comedy gold, trust me!

✨ Rate