Tough Guys Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two old bank robbers leave jail after 30 years and decide to rob the very same train again, because why not?

🍿 Tough Guys: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Release and Re-entry

In 1986, Harry Doyle (Burt Lancaster) and Archie Long (Kirk Douglas), two aging train robbers, are released from prison after serving 30 years for robbing the Gold Coast Flyer. They quickly realize that the world has changed drastically during their incarceration, leaving them feeling like fish out of water. They struggle to adapt to new technologies, social norms, and a general lack of respect from the younger generation.

Life on Parole

Under the watchful eye of their parole officer, Richie Evans (Dana Carvey), Harry and Archie attempt to reintegrate into society. Harry is placed in a retirement home, where he quickly clashes with the restrictive environment and subpar food. Archie takes on a series of odd jobs, including working at a yogurt shop and a restaurant, but struggles to cope with demanding customers and condescending bosses. Meanwhile, they are also being targeted by a near-sighted hitman, Leon B. Little (Eli Wallach), who has been waiting 30 years to fulfill a contract on them.

Back to Their Old Ways

Unable to adjust to their new lives and feeling increasingly marginalized, Harry and Archie decide that retirement doesn’t suit them. They contemplate returning to their old ways, leading them to reconnect with former associates, only to find that many of them are either crippled or crazy. Their frustration culminates in a decision to rob an armored car, but the heist goes awry, leaving them with only a truckload of quarters.

The Final Heist

Inspired by a news report about the Gold Coast Flyer’s final run, Archie proposes one last heist: robbing the train that landed them in prison in the first place. Harry initially rejects the plan, but eventually agrees. With the help of a reluctant Richie, they hijack the train, drawing the attention of the police, led by their old nemesis, Sergeant Deke Yablonski (Charles Durning), and the persistent hitman, Leon B. Little.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harry Doyle (Burt Lancaster): An aging ex-con who struggles to adjust to life outside of prison and finds himself yearning for the respect he once commanded.
• Archie Long (Kirk Douglas): A charismatic ex-con who seeks to recapture his youth and finds it difficult to adapt to the changing times after being released from prison.
• Deke Yablonski (Charles Durning): The embittered sergeant obsessed with bringing Harry and Archie back to prison.
• Leon B. Little (Eli Wallach): A near-sighted, persistent hitman determined to fulfill a decades-old contract on Harry and Archie.
• Richie Evans (Dana Carvey): The naive and idealistic parole officer assigned to Harry and Archie who finds himself caught between his duty and admiration for the ex-cons.
• Belle (Alexis Smith): Harry’s old flame, who offers him a sense of comfort and familiarity in a rapidly changing world.
• Skye (Darlanne Fluegel): A young aerobics instructor who shows Archie how times have changed.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Archie: “Peach, avocado, mocha, cherry… I don’t want to eat the suit, I just want to wear it.” – Archie expresses his confusion and distaste when trying to buy modern clothes.
• Harry: “Couldn’t take it anymore. People treating me like dirt ever since I got out of jail.” – Harry explains his motivation for going back to a life of crime.
• Leon B. Little: “I don’t welch on a contract.” – Little’s unwavering dedication to fulfilling a hit, even after 30 years, showcases his rigid code.
• Archie: “We’re playing by rules, what rules?” – Archie asks Mexican Federales before punching a groin.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,458,229
• Worldwide Gross: $21,458,229

💥 Tough Guys Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed “Tough Guys”! Seeing Lancaster and Douglas together again was a treat. The scene where Kirk tries on those ‘hot’ clothes? Hilarious! It made me feel nostalgic for classic buddy comedies and reminded me that some things, like great actors, never go out of style. The ending was a little predictable, but I didn’t even care. Definitely a feel-good movie night choice.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas”
  • “People who enjoy buddy comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in 1980s nostalgia”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild profanity”
  • “Some comedic violence”
  • “Brief suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While not a groundbreaking film, “Tough Guys” coasts on the charm of Lancaster and Douglas. The premise is simple, but the actors bring a certain weight to the material, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic Hollywood.
• The New York Times: “”Tough Guys” is a somewhat predictable comedy that benefits from the legendary status of its leads. Lancaster and Douglas handle the material with ease, but the script offers little more than light-hearted entertainment. A decent way to spend an evening.

Audience Reactions

The chemistry between Lancaster and Douglas is undeniable and makes the movie.: Most viewers praise the comedic timing and comfortable rapport between the two lead actors.

Eli Wallach steals every scene he’s in!: Many found Wallach’s portrayal of the nearsighted hitman to be a hilarious standout.

Overall Consensus: “Tough Guys” is a lighthearted and enjoyable comedy, primarily carried by the legendary pairing of Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas. While the plot may be predictable, their chemistry and comedic timing make it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic Hollywood.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Original Song – Motion Picture)- 1987

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Burt Lancaster had undergone a quadruple heart bypass operation two years before filming, making insurance for the film difficult to obtain.”
• “The movie features an early performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers as a local band in a nightclub scene.”
• “Many reviewers and fans consider Eli Wallach’s performance as the near-sighted hitman Leon B. Little to be a standout, often stealing scenes from the leads.”

🖥️ How to Watch Tough Guys?

Currently, ‘Tough Guys’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing details. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on subscription based streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Tough Guys, you might like these similar films:

• Going in Style (1979): Three elderly men decide to rob a bank after their pensions are cut off, similar to the ‘old guys still got it’ theme.
• The Sting (1973): Features a clever con and engaging chemistry between seasoned criminals, mirroring the dynamic between Lancaster and Douglas.
• Grumpy Old Men (1993): Focuses on the comedic rivalry and unlikely friendship between two older men.
• Stand Up Guys (2012): Follows aging gangsters getting back together for one last night of mayhem, exploring themes of loyalty and aging.

🛒 Tough Guys Related Products

• Kirk Douglas: An American Legend: A captivating biography offering an intimate look into the life and career of Kirk Douglas, featuring rare photos and exclusive interviews.
• Vintage Movie Poster ‘Tough Guys’: A high-quality reproduction of the original “Tough Guys” movie poster, perfect for collectors and movie buffs. Captures the essence of the 80s.
• Burt Lancaster: A Filmography: Discover the full breadth of Burt Lancaster’s career with this comprehensive digital guide, including film stills, behind-the-scenes stories, and critical analyses.
• Tough Guys T-Shirt: A classic t-shirt featuring the iconic “Tough Guys” movie poster. Made from comfortable, high-quality material.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To” – performed by Kenny Rogers

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Tough Guys 4449 Train Scene in Minecraft Animation

Wow, check out this incredible Minecraft animation of the train scene from ‘Tough Guys’! It’s amazing to see such a classic moment reimagined in a totally different way. You won’t believe how well they recreated it!

Tough Guys Burt Lancaster Kirk Douglas Bank Robbery Stopped

Want a quick dose of classic ‘Tough Guys’ action? This scene where Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas stop a bank robbery is hilarious and totally captures the movie’s spirit. Definitely worth a watch!

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