The Contract Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dad takes his son camping to bond, but instead they end up babysitting Morgan Freeman while his work buddies try to kill them all.

🍿 The Contract: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Father-Son Bonding Gone Wrong

Ray Keene, a widowed ex-cop and high school gym teacher, attempts to reconnect with his teenage son, Chris, by taking him on a hiking trip. Chris resents his father, blaming him for his mother’s death. Their peaceful retreat is shattered when they stumble upon a U.S. Marshal and his prisoner, the notorious assassin Frank Carden, injured after an ambush.

The Chase Begins

After the Marshal dies, Ray feels compelled to bring Carden to justice, ignoring Carden’s warnings and offers. Ray’s decision puts him and his son directly in the path of Carden’s ruthless team, who are determined to free their boss. A tense cat-and-mouse game ensues as they navigate the wilderness, pursued by highly skilled mercenaries.

Alliances and Betrayals

As the chase intensifies, Ray and Chris encounter other hikers, including Sandra, who becomes an unexpected ally. Ray uses his skills to evade Carden’s team, but their determination proves relentless. Carden’s past and motivations are slowly revealed, hinting at a larger conspiracy at play. Carden even ends up saving Chris at one point, slightly changing the dynamic of the movie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ray Keene (John Cusack): A widowed ex-cop and teacher who attempts to bond with his son while trying to bring an assassin to justice.
• Carden (Morgan Freeman): A professional assassin being transported by authorities when an accident puts him in the path of Ray and his son.
• Chris (Jamie Anderson): Ray’s teenage son, struggling with the loss of his mother, who is forced to confront danger alongside his father.
• Miles (Alice Krige): Carden’s handler, an FBI higher-up who becomes entangled in the efforts to eliminate loose ends.
• Davis (Corey Johnson): A member of Carden’s team and a new recruit, tasked with killing Carden.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Carden: “Obstacles to progress…have to be eliminated.” – Carden explains his job as an assassin, framing his actions as necessary for societal advancement.
• Ray: “I’m taking you in.” – Ray’s declaration of intent to bring Carden to justice, setting the main conflict in motion.
• Turner: “Bobby Fischer would be proud of that move.” – Said right before being checkmated in the game.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $530,920
• Worldwide Gross: $5,549,200

💥 The Contract Reviews

Personal Review

I was excited to see Cusack and Freeman together, but honestly, “The Contract” left me a bit disappointed. The whole ‘estranged dad bonding with his son while fighting off assassins’ thing felt pretty generic. There were a few cool moments, like the helicopter crash, but overall it didn’t really grab me. I think I wanted more from the story, and the ending was just…meh. I probably wouldn’t watch it again, honestly.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Cusack and Morgan Freeman”
  • “Viewers who enjoy action thrillers with moral ambiguities”
  • “Those looking for a suspenseful, but not overly complex, movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Gunfire”
  • “Some language”
  • “Brief female nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”The Contract” delivers competent but uninspired thrills, lacking the suspense and originality to truly stand out. Freeman and Cusack offer watchable performances, but the predictable plot and generic action sequences ultimately undermine their efforts. A passable rental for undemanding action fans.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite the presence of Freeman and Cusack, “The Contract” fails to generate excitement. The film suffers from a pedestrian script, unconvincing action, and a lack of genuine character development. Even the scenic wilderness setting can’t elevate this dull thriller.
• IGN: “The Contract” is a serviceable thriller that benefits from its cast but is weighed down by its familiar plot and lackluster execution. While Morgan Freeman brings gravitas to his role, the film doesn’t offer anything new or exciting to the genre. A forgettable watch, even for fans of Cusack and Freeman.

Audience Reactions

Freeman and Cusack’s performances were the only reason to keep watching.: Many viewers appreciated the scenery but criticized the predictable plot.

The movie had potential, but the writing and directing let it down.: Some viewers felt the action was unrealistic and the characters lacked depth.

Overall Consensus: “The Contract” is a passable thriller with good actors but lacks originality and compelling storytelling, leading to a forgettable viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bruce Beresford wrote extensively about this film in his memoir, noting the troubled production and script issues.”
• “Filming took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, to resemble the Pacific Northwest setting.”
• “The film’s budget was an estimated $25 million, but it only grossed around $5.5 million worldwide.”
• “The script had been lying on a shelf for a long time, waiting for top actors to get involved.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Contract?

The Contract is available for streaming on various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found at major retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Contract, you might like these similar films:

• 3:10 to Yuma (2007): Both movies feature a protagonist tasked with delivering a dangerous criminal to justice, facing numerous obstacles and moral dilemmas along the way.
• The Fugitive (1993): Features a man on the run while being pursued, with elements of crime and thriller.
• Shooter (2007): Deals with themes of government conspiracy, assassination, and a skilled marksman being hunted.

🛒 The Contract Related Products

• Survival Kit: Ideal for camping, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Includes essential tools for survival in the wilderness. Compact and durable.
• Tactical Flashlight: High-powered, durable tactical flashlight with multiple modes. Perfect for navigating through the wilderness at night or in low-light conditions. A must have for fans of The Contract.
• Swiss Army Knife: Multi-tool including Knife, Can Opener, Screwdriver, Scissors and more. From camping to hiking to home repairs, it’s a tool that will assist you in many areas of your life.
• The Contract (DVD): Own the movie that had fans divided. Watch John Cusack and Morgan Freeman in this action-packed thriller.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “You Thought” – performed by Red Letter

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

🤨 FAQ

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